Comments on: The Final Day

By: Jo

Jo — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:19:56 +0000

OK, I'm a little late to the game because I went to Washington for the inauguration. It was amazing. Everyone was SO happy. Just wanted to join in and say how wonderful it feels to hear the words "President Obama."

By: SteveL.

SteveL. — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:56:22 +0000

Also, did anyone see the funny bit on the Daily Show where they ran video of FOX's "continuous" coverage of Bush boarding the helicopter, Bush boarding the 747, Bush landing in Midland. All during the Inauguration festivities. Probably taken out of context, but still some funny shit.

By: SteveL.

SteveL. — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:39:49 +0000

I probably wouldn't have booed Bush. I display my disregard for people that underperform by remaining silent.

Regardless, he's back in Tejas, and we shockingly have someone in the WH who doesn't function by acting(?) purposefully stoopid. Let's try that approach for a few years. Also, Barry's from Chicago:)

By: Nik

Nik — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:28:01 +0000

@FloridaErin: And John Taylor Gatto pretty much saw that coming in 1991.

http://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Schooling/dp/086571231X

By: Elisa

Elisa — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:11:58 +0000

*long before* not *long befor*. Stupid sticky keys!

By: Elisa

Elisa — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:10:42 +0000

I too live in Texas and Bush was messing up this state long befor he got to the White House…which is why I was so incredulous when he actually won the election.

I will forever continue to be puzzled by people who vote for someone because "he sounds like a regular guy, he sounds like me". No, NO, NO people! I want the MOST competent, most intelligent, most articulate man or woman running my country.

As a teacher, I don't preach politics to my students because the classroom is not the place for that. The only thing I told them is:

Listen, I don't care who you vote for as far as party lines. But at the very least, please make sure the person you're voting for is SMARTER than you.

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:06:23 +0000

@Tina and Jacq: No offense was meant and I apologize if any was taken. I did not state "all" countries wanted to be like America…I know they don't. Lest you think I'm coming at my statement from ignorance, I'm on my third overseas assignment and have spent time an a lot of different places and have made friends of many nationalities. I recognize that there is a clear delineation between the countries of, for instance, the European Union, and those nations which are ruled by the guy who just shot and killed the previous ruler. My comments were not aimed at "G8" types or their peers. I broad-brushed what obviously requires a more nuanced approach, but the original conversation was between me and a 10 and 8 year old. Baby steps… But I also keep remembering a quote from the late comedian, Richard Jeni, who said, "America: 20 million illegal aliens can't be wrong."

By: attica

attica — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:28:21 +0000

I stayed home from work to watch all the livelong day on teevee. I squealed often. I waved my hands in the air like I just di'nt care. I cried when CJ Roberts said "Congratulations, Mr. President." (And teared up just then typing it.) I kept having to remind myself that 'he's president NOW! W's done NOW!' I gasped with surprise and glee at the inclusion of 'non-believers' in the IA. I kvelled through all the exchanged glances between Barry and the missus, Barry and the kids. And all the ladies' coats were so nice! I even liked Re-re's giant sparkle-bow hat. (That bow had to make it all the way to the Washington Monument, yo. It's gotta be big.)

It was our inauguration too. Which means if we want to send off the outgoing guy with derisive singing and cheers, well, yes, we can. But I'm a NY sportsfan, who is used to booing the hometeam — but only when they suck.

And even this atheist was on board with responding to Rev. Lowery: Let all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:05:21 +0000

I was at the inauguration, very blessed with tickets seat on the Capitol lawn with a view of the podium. I could mention at length the feeling of pride from being there and the historic nature of the event. But really what overwhelmed me was with 1.4 or so million people just how nice everyone was. Strangers gave me handwarmers, we made friends with all the folks around us in line. When we realized our line had become broken and was sort of floundering my husband went back and helped our line buddies move to the correct places. A few people tried to unsuccessfully cram themselves onto overcrowded metro cars, but by and large it was incredible to see such a large group of people so well behaved. I don't think you can credit a president for that change in behavior, but I do think it's a sign of a change in the attitude the country may be taking. I least I hope so.

Oh and the 'na,na,na,nas' cheer started early. Our metro car was singing this the whole way in.

By: Jacq

Jacq — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:33:59 +0000

Dead right, Tina. The idea held by some Americans that the USA has the 'best' version of democracy is something that has long puzzled many of us living elsewhere in the Western world, particularly in light of the great stolen election of 2000!