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About Bad Astronomy
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Phil Plait, the creator of Bad Astronomy, is an astronomer, lecturer, and author. After ten years working on Hubble Space Telescope and six more working on astronomy education, he struck out on his own as a writer. He has written two books, dozens of magazine articles, and 12 bazillion blog articles. He is a skeptic, and fights misuses of science as well as praising the wonder of real science.
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November 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hurray for change!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Wow indeed!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Oh yeah baby! Now let’s get to work.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
We don’t have to move to Canada!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Exciting! We now have a hope for proper education in, and funding, for schools as well as more money for science and a well-screwed-on head in the White House.
Flying Spaghetti Monster Bless America.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Unofficial President-Elect.
W00T!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I’m an Aussie. I’ve been watching all day. I posted a message on my blog saying the same thing. I bet every blogger in the world is now posting about it with a similar response.
Thanks to those who voted for Obama from an Aussie who wished she could have.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
*happy dance*
The US is not as insane as originally thought.
Well Done guys!! The rest of the world just breathed a MASSIVE sigh of relief (as well as probably a lot of you in there as well)
November 4th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Congratulations to my American Bablogee friends, and all |Americans on making history on electing the first African American President. I think the world can stand with you, and say, “We are proud of you!”
November 4th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
never have I been this excited about a President-elect!
Awesomeness!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Maybe the republicans will learn, naw that would just be to much to hope for.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I know! I’ve been surfing all the international online papers to see how the rest of the world is declaring the news. It’s exhilarating!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Hey what happened?! i got bored and switched over to watch the simpsons and then they were suddenly saying obama had won?
What happened? what was the last things to tick over?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Congratulations to the United States for taking a big step in the right direction.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
As one Phil to another…
*hug*
November 4th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
YES!!!!
/me is SO HAPPY!!!
Feels great to have an inspiration leader who is not anti-science!!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Glad to see the first black president. Not so glad about everything else, but here’s wishing him luck!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Oh it looks like the Democrats have the senat as well.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
the voting looks close.
when I checked CNN, Obama has 333 electoral votes to McCain 155. Huge lead.
but they also showed Obama has 45,150,229 votes to McCain 42,122,509
Its the electoral votes that count, but it means a lot of people didnt vote vote for Obama.
going to be curious now that Obama gets in. Hopefully change does happen
November 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Now keep him and the Democrats from dismantling the Republic like the last one…
November 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
this is very fine
i am so happy that I cannot speak coherently.
more gin & tonics!!!!!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
WAY TO GO!!!!111
U.S.A!
U.S.A!
U.S.A!
Congratulations to Obama, to the american people and to the world
Too much awe…can’t hold back…tears of joy…
November 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
CNN just called the Colorado 5th, Phil.
A sad note on such a joyous night.
If you have the ability, tell Hal that he had the support of everyone I know in Virginia.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
For the first time in over 8 years, I’m proud to be an American. Not because we elected a democrat, and not because we’ve elected an African American (although these are both important and historic outcomes), but because we have selected the candidate who has demonstrated tremendous courage and capability in the face of an ugly and (IMHO) unfair campaign.
On an odd side-note, I was touched by John’s concession speech and felt that, if he had exposed such a decent and human face during his campaign, I would have given him more consideration.
Now, let’s get to work!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
The first thing I’d say to the President-Elect…good luck! With the support of a mostly democratic legislature, they should effect change. Let’s hope its more focused and smart.
Praise Bob, Obama is bringing back the slack to the U.S. We all need slack, savvy?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Big deal.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Palin isn’t going anywhere near white house that is big bullet dodged.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Jim
WORD WORD WORD WORD WORD WORD
Couldn’t agree with you more. I hope McCain will take this defeat as an opportunity to leave the Republican party (which I really believe has screwed him over)
Though I’ve got to say that the commentators saying this represents a victory of the far left make me want to facepalm.
*facepalm*
And I also doubt the democrats are going to dismantle the republic – there’s already some dissent between liberal democrats and blue dog democrats (fiscally liberal, socially conservative democrats). Furthermore, I doubt (and I hope) they don’t get that filibuster-proof majority in the senate. In short, while there will be a shift to the left in policy, the USA wont be turning socialist anytime soon.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
For some reason, watching FOX news is tolerable tonight.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Oh to all those who said who would laughing when McCain got in.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Ugly Campaign? The media loves Obama. Sure McWar hit him with lots of deplorable attacks, but we expect that from the GOP. But the media has given Obama a big pass.
Beware of single party control. Jimmy Carter, George W Bush… Clinton had a republican congress after 94, and the 90s turned out pretty good.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
On behalf of England I’d just like to say congrats guys! Amazing stuff.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
The man is going to need all the help he can get. We just handed him the biggest pile of doo in history. I expect Barack is up for the job. I’m not so certain about the rest of us. It’s gonna be a long, difficult trip back to some semblance of national reason. Now we get to see if our generations are as up to dealing with national distress as were the former. Perhaps, our great grand children will be able to look back and say to us, “Yoh! You people ROCKED!”
Tip of the Brew to Y’All.
Tomorrow, we go to work,,,
GAry 7
November 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I’ll miss Tina Fey’s impressions, but I think it’s a small price to pay for having our country regain its credibility on the world stage.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
DIN said:
“the voting looks close.
when I checked CNN, Obama has 333 electoral votes to McCain 155. Huge lead.
but they also showed Obama has 45,150,229 votes to McCain 42,122,509
Its the electoral votes that count, but it means a lot of people didnt vote vote for Obama.
going to be curious now that Obama gets in. Hopefully change does happen”
Just a reminder, Al Gore got MORE popular votes in 2000 than GWB. (Probably more legitimate ones in Florida, too.) Bush somehow interpreted that as a mandate.
There are always lots of people who didn’t vote for the winner.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I’m with Obama on civil freedom and partially on foreign policy. (My guess is he’s only opposed to Republican Wars, rather than a true non-interventionists, and other than Iraq, which is seperate from the military budget anyway, isn’t going to streamline military spending or start bring troops home from europe, japan, and the middle east.
And don’t get me started on his economics. How bout another unconstitutional “stimulus pakage”, or more corperate bailouts. That won’t result in hyperinflation and uncontrolled deficits right?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
What’s that phrase again? Ah, yes…WOOT!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
They interupted the hockey game to give us the results! Now I know the election was important.
Congratulations on voting for change. Your one up on us.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Congrats from Down Under!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
“I’m with Obama on civil freedom and partially on foreign policy. ”
Are you sure? His rhetoric against Iran and Pakistan is troubling. I also find his stances on civil liberties lacking. I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Congrats from up above!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Congratulations to you, people.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
One other thing its FRACKING over, woot.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Well,
I wanted to continue our policy of out kill, out rape, out steal, out rip off the poor, out make the rich richer; than every other maniac that ever came to power in the history of the world.
So I voted McCain and I’m disappointed…
Not so much.
A great day for America (Heck, I don’t even have to spell it Amerikkka anymore) and a great day for the world.
I remember when I looked forward to the future. I’m begging to think it would be safe to do that again.
One thing’s for sure, we’ll see…
rod
November 4th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
This is the first Democrat I’ve ever really supported. I hope he doesn’t disappoint.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
It’s Obama time!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Score one for Science.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I’m disappointed since I’m a McCain supporter. But Obama is the president now, so I’ll just deal with it.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
stopgap: exactly i agree. He’s opposed to war if they’re republican wars.
And while his position on gay marriage is silly, it’s better than mccain. If he abolishes the Patriot Act, Torture, and closes secret military prisons, thats not a bad thing. But he’ll still likely police and regulate the internet, and continue drug prohibition.
And of course, he doesn’t understand economics. And has no plans to reduce the size of federal goverment. http://perotcharts.com/category/challenges-charts/page/31/
November 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Remember Democrats now control everything, if something goes wrong they are the only ones to blame.
Also as someone who was really interested in becoming a Geologist at a Coal Mine, I hope Obama goes back on his views on coal.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
It is truly a new dawn in the world today.
A brave new world has suddenly arisen from the grime of the past 28 years of moderate and conservative policies.
I’m actually proud to be an American right now watching President-Elect Obama speak in Chicago. Simply Awesome feeling.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Texas was sooo close to going blue. Well, I did as much as I could.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
W O W?
What does World Of Warcraft have to do with this?
I heard those that roll Alliance trended McCain.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Thank you Obama. I have effectively lost my job. So has my step father. So has my roommate.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
With this electoral count, I just realized I have won about $150 worth of bets.
Woo hoo!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Yahoo, yeah…whatever…
How is he going to handle Iraq/Iran? Since he went an entire campaign without ever giving even a hint of his strategy, I wonder if things will be more dangerous for our service members.
I voted for him, but mainly because I despise not voting, and he was the lesser of two evils…lesser because I didn’t know his firm stance on half the issues!
Every year older I get I learn to not trust politicians even more. Our country is broken, and Presidents aren’t fixing it, they’re breaking it more every time. Congress is even worse…
November 4th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
YAYYYY!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you, from an ecstatic Canadian!!!
I don’t want to sound overly optimistic, as a skeptic I should always be keeping my guard up, but DAYMN!!! What a great day in history! I honestly never thought I’d live to see a US president who wasn’t an old, white man. How f***ing awesome!!!
Thank FSM!! RAmen!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
You know what I’d like to sit in on?
Obama’s first national security meeting.
Hoo boy! Welcome to the dark and dirty real world, buddy. Best of luck.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I hope most people voted for him on his policies, not his race or ability to speak and enthrall…
Don’t blame me for two subpar general election canidates. I voted for Ron Paul in the primaries.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
*sniff sniff* I’m so happy!
GO OBAMA!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Awesome!
It has to be said though…McCain’s speech was great. It’s a shame he let his handlers pull his strings during the whole campaign, people wouldn’t consider him such a bad choice. I have to say, I don’t think I had as much of a problem with him as most people here do…but I hated Palin. I’m glad she’s not going anywhere near the whitehouse.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
wOOt! Congratulations America! This is a strike against the hatred and bigotry that I hate! Congratulations!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Joel,
I understand what you’re saying, but…after 8 years of George Bush, having someone with the ability to speak in office is gonna be a great change of pace.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
MOMMA SAID BARACK YOU OUT!
Although yeah, I liked McCain’s speech. I got the impression a couple months ago that he didn’t really want to be president anymore, not after what he had to go through to get the Republican nomination. He should have run as a Democrat, lol.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I think the world can stand proud tonight. Obama’s speech moved me to tears!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Now what to do with Bush and Cheney once they leave the Whitehouse?
November 4th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
The best news of the night is me beating Fable II.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Congratulations USA. Welcome back.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Now if we could only get Phil to run for congress
November 4th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Hooray! Even from here in New Zealand we can feel the enormous pride you have in this wonderful result.
Congrats USA, we are happy for you!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
McCain’s concession was eloquent and realistic. He escaped from the campaign to let his humanity and courage show. It’s a shame he allowed himself to be led so far from what he showed tonight by his handlers. I wouldn’t have voted for a kinder, gentler McCain, but I wouldn’t have lost so much respect for him. I still find it hard to believe that he was swayed so completely from what I hope are his actual thoughts on human rights.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Joel,
You forgot to mention that there was single party rule under Herbert Hoover at the start of the Great Depression.
I’d also add that the current Bush, Carter, and Hoover were also the least experienced presidents we have had.
It will be interesting.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Are we going to start to act/talk/write like big people again now? Thank christ that bloody election is finally over.
Well played Obama. Now the real challange begins. Let’s hope you can live up to the hype.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Yes is winning on Prop 8 at the moment.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I didn’t vote for Obama. McCain is the person I wanted for President 8 years ago and the person I wanted this time around. I have huge concerns about Obama’s lack of experience and accomplishments and I don’t think he’s up to dealing with the likes of Hu Jintao, Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, etc.
That being said, Obama won the election and speaking as an American is OUR president-elect. I wish him well and hope he proves me wrong. Beyond my political philosophies I am first and foremost an American and I want him and all our elected officials to do right by us and by the whole planet.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
@Davidlpf:
Since Bush has taken steps to make sure he is not charged with war crimes… I’m afraid not much… I’d like to see Bush/Cheney brought before the world court in the Hague on crimes against humanity, but I think the best we can hope for is Cheney and Bush going on a hunting trip together….
November 4th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Quiet Desperation wrote:
“W O W?
What does World Of Warcraft have to do with this?
I heard those that roll Alliance trended McCain.”
Not in my guild.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Congrats to Obama on winning a hard fought campaign. While I am deeply disappointed in the result of this election, I can only hope that my concerns that came up during this campaign were unwarranted. If not, then I weep for this country.
It is only four years… it is only four years…
November 4th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Ryan Says: “Thank you Obama. I have effectively lost my job. So has my step father. So has my roommate.”
Sorry… Fortunately, because of Obama, my company can start hiring again. I’m sure we’ll hire more than three people, so I suppose it balances out, right?
November 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
@Jason Perry:
Don’t tell me you were overjoyed about the last eight years????
November 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
You’re hallucinating, Phil. Get some more sleep.
(don’t tell him guys)
November 4th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Weeeeeee! Hoooray for Obama!
Are you playing WOW too Phil? Lately it seems like PZ Meyers is playing the game too. Heh, I can see you too playing it together, of course without healers
November 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I wish I could be excited. I find him the tiniest bit less offensive than McCain but only because the thought of Palin a bullet away from the presidency chills my blood. I can’t stand either of em. Why did we have to accept one of these idiots?
November 4th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Obama supporters: “I’m so hopefull for change! Yes we can! Yes we can! Change is hoping for hope and change! Yes we can!”
November 4th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Congrats guys! We here in South Africa are very happy that sanity prevailed.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Cool!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
@Ryan
Why? Did you work for McCain?
November 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Time to e-mail all my foreign friends and say “See? See? We don’t always screw it up!”
November 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Although Obama may be inexperienced, that doesn’t necessarily lead to him being naive. Isn’t the president surrounded by experts to help him/her interpret and act on events? (no matter what you want to believe, I’m pretty sure the pres is not as singularly powerful as many of you seem to think).
At any rate, I’m a canadian and I have still been glued to my TV since lunch time (pacific coast, btw). A very exciting race, and I for one am thrilled with hte results!! BTW, it’s makes a great drinking game … drink a beer for every state declared for Obama and a water for every state declared for McCain. Hahahahaha!!!!
Anyway, way to go, USA!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Congratulations to Obama from a Finnish-Canadian! This election has been so overwhelmingly at the media forefront here in Vancouver (easily 100 times more visible than anything in Canadian politics), that it’s a relief to to finally close the deal and with such a dramatic outcome to boot. I recently voted in our elections but would SO much rather have voted for Obama.
It is going to be very refreshing to see a US president who can actually give a speech, and who radiates so much intelligence and charisma. He’s not going to fix things overnight, and he faces many questions where disasters could result either way, but nonetheless it’ll be interesting to see what he can make out of the present situation.
I just hope all the Palin-inspired extremists can accept he’s not an Al Qaida spy. I fear those people may yet do something horribly stupid.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Yes We Can
November 4th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
AJ said:
“Hey what happened?! i got bored and switched over to watch the simpsons and then they were suddenly saying obama had won?”
The Simpsons said that? Must be a new episode. :-p
November 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I am happy for you Americans.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Another victory:
Colorado Amendment 48:
Human Life from Moment of Conception .. projection = NO !!
And a loss:
California Proposition 8:
Ban on Gay Marriage … projection = yes. Sigh ….. Well, you can still come to Vancouver to get married.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
@Samio:
As a fellow Canadian, unfortunately I do think someone may try something stupid… hopefully his security remains tight… Hell, I’d take a bullet for him!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
I wouldn’t say I was overjoyed about the last eight years. Bush was very much a flawed president. I guess you can say I agreed with the ideals of the Bush Administration, but was deeply disappointed with much of the execution. Like Scott, I would have preferred that McCain had been president the last 8 years, I think we would be in a lot better place.
I just didn’t think that pulling a 180 was the best choice this country could have made. My hope is that he will moderate a bit and that the blue-dog democrats in congress will force Obama more to the right, but I fear that may be wishful thinking.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I’m thrilled beyond words that, for the first time in many years, an intelligent person will be president of USA.
I’m dismayed, though, by the incessant statements that Obama is “black” or “African-American”.
Obama is just as much white as he is black. Obama is just as much European-American as he is African-American. Quit trying to shove the man into a tiny box. He’s too big to fit into one single, easy-to-quantify compartment.
Obama is an American. Enough said.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
California bans gay marriage!!!??? Well, maybe 20 years from now you will be electing the first gay president… we can always hope…
November 4th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Dare to dream, Michael L, dare to dream!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
@Blizno:
Obama is a human being first and foremost!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I plogogize for the late post, but John Molson and Jack Daniels cam e over to say ….. hey from FL
November 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
@Miranda:
I’m sure the african american community felt that way 20-30 years ago…
November 4th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
# Logan Says:
November 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
“I am happy for you Americans.”
Thank you! I am happy to be an American once again!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Knurl, I hear you!! Jeff Grolsch was visiting here!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Hey Michael L, I’m totally on your side. I’m just saying it’s too bad 20-30 years has to go by!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
As A bi–sexual, I feel for my GLBT brothers and sisters… I hope that ALL discrimination would be ended today…. BUT, I realize the “fight”" may take a few more years… You know, I have not heard of one gay marriage here in Canada destroying straight marriage, or having any affect on the “family unit”. I do know lesbian and gay couuples that have children, and those kids have grown to be healthy and fine kids and teens. I think it`s more important that they grow up in a home where the parents love them..
November 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I`m just saddened that on a night of such hope… discrimination rears its ugly head… Even in such a place as progressive California bah…..
November 4th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Miranda, not much real lager here. But we will endevor to persevere!!. Oh how I miss living in Buffalo.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Truly…are we surprised?
November 5th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Hornet’s nest here.
Voted against gay marriage because of what their kids would, and do have to put up with.
Odd? No.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Now if we could only get Phil to run for congress
We all know there’s no way a non-electric universe candidate could get elected in this country.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Arizona prop 102: Ban on gay marriage – yes
Arkansas initiative 1: Ban on gay couples adopting children – yes
California prop 8: Ban on gay marriage – yes
Florida amendment 2: Ban on gay marriage – yes
USA made the right choice president-wise. But there’s still a long loooooong way out of the dark ages for America.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:23 am
erlando Says:
November 5th, 2008 at 12:19 am
“Arizona prop 102: Ban on gay marriage – yes
Arkansas initiative 1: Ban on gay couples adopting children – yes
California prop 8: Ban on gay marriage – yes
Florida amendment 2: Ban on gay marriage – yes
USA made the right choice president-wise. But there’s still a long loooooong way out of the dark ages for America.”
Way to bring me down, erlando.
Still, baby steps…baby steps…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Is sad that gay marriage did not pass
November 5th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Watching CNN Anderson cooper is soooooo swoon
Ok maybe not…… I`ve had like 11 Canadian Beers so far…
November 5th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Phil… is it ok to have a man-crush oon Anderson Cooper…..
November 5th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Michael L Says:
November 4th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
“As A bi–sexual, I feel for my GLBT brothers and sisters… I hope that ALL discrimination would be ended today…. BUT, I realize the “fight”” may take a few more years… You know, I have not heard of one gay marriage here in Canada destroying straight marriage, or having any affect on the “family unit”. I do know lesbian and gay couuples that have children, and those kids have grown to be healthy and fine kids and teens. I think it`s more important that they grow up in a home where the parents love them..”
Michael, the moral cowards who pretend to own morality forget that hetero marriage is crumbling, and has been for who knows how long, without any help from gay marriage. Hetero marriage struggles because it involves people. People are tricky beasts.
Gay marriage has not the slightest effect on hetero marriage but those searching for someone, anyone to blame for hetero marriage being less than Biblical-perfect find that gays are still permitted to be targets. It’s getting harder and harder for mainstream haters to find targets these days. Gays and atheists are still fair game.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Voted against gay marriage because of what their kids would, and do have to put up with.
I agree 100%, only I think that black people in rural Pennsylvania shouldn’t be able to marry because of what their children will have to put up with. And I was against Obama because I’m worried he might be assassinated. Also, let’s ban Christmas because Jewish kids feel left out. And I just realized how my beautiful curly locks must make bald people feel, so I’m shaving my head now.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Congratulations USA. Should make a nice change to get a human being as a president after the last eight years.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:56 am
I agree with some that Obama was merely the lesser of two evils. I really don’t think he’s the Golden Boy so many feel he is.
Also, I’m sure the white supremacist groups are seething! I fear that if Obama gets assassinated there will be nation-wide rioting and violence.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:57 am
What great news to wake up to here in London – well done America!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Michael L
I have not heard of one gay marriage here in Canada destroying straight marriage,
That argument is meaningless to people who believe straight people can be “recruited”. The gay lifestyle already so alluring to conservative Christians. Throw in the possibility of gay marriage, and it’s too much to resist.
“If they can get to Ted Haggard, they can get to any of us.”
Nobody actually said that, I just thought it looked better in quotes.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:24 am
November 5th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Great news, but a word of warning from the UK. Back in 1997, we voted decisively- a landslide- for change. What we got was 11 more years of the same. The work has only just begun to hold him to his promises.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:42 am
He is not a perfect man and he will not be a perfect president. Paraphrasing, those are Obama’s words. I can deal with his admission, because I think he will do his best as best he is able. I’m tired of people who govern with their gut and rely on prayer for answers. I am looking forward to a man who governs with thought and careful consideration of the facts. Above all, it has to be a positive change to have a president in the White House who listens and thinks before he speaks or acts, because that is something this country has needed for a very long time.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:02 am
he may not be the perfect president, but I think he will surround himself with better people than Bush did, which will should make a huge difference.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Hurray! Congratulations Barack Obama and the American people! Finally, someone intelligent and savvy in the Whitehouse.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Go Yanks! Well done indeed!
Your Brit friends utter a huge sigh of relief. No more nightmares about Pallin, (at least not for 4 years). It’s the right result in so many ways.
In all sincerity, thanks.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:20 am
The truly awful thing about the “Yes” vote on prop 8 is they will actually take away a pre-existing right. True, it has been available long but you don’t often have rights voted away.
Boo… hiss…
Oh, and Obama having to negotiate with Putin… that would be Medvedev. Dimitry Medvedev who is the current president of Russia.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Oops. Previous post should read True, it hasn’t been available long but you don’t often have rights voted away.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:43 am
About freakin’ time – I’ll be taking my son down to DC on Jan. 20th – this is one Inauguration I wouldn’t miss for the world.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Dear USA,
Well done, and thank you.
Sincerely,
The World
November 5th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Thanks fellow Americans.
The reason still rules.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:22 am
America, welcome to the 21st Century. (finally)
November 5th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Shane, since when Medvedev is more than Putin’s puppet? Anyone have some delusions about Russia “democracy”?
November 5th, 2008 at 4:35 am
You fellahs made the right choice, congrats! But gotta stay veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy careful. Politicians are no messiahs. They’re politicians, the complete opposite of messiahs.
I had spent all night reading comments on Fox News… Lots of rednecks and white supremacists were being heard. But now I’m REALLY giggling at them.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Yeah, pretty unbelieveable some of the stuff posted on the FoxNews Blogs – really exposes an unpleasant underbelly of American culture.
I really hope the Democrats don’t screw this up.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Finally North-Americans, finally… you guys are finally learning how to vote, now, you just need to learn how to make democracy. (direct vote, guys, read about it!!!)
November 5th, 2008 at 5:02 am
I for one welcome our new democratic commander in cief.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:08 am
I’d just like to say, from the bottom of my heart:
THANK YOU, AMERICA!!!
for making the world a better, safer place.
–
November 5th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Great job America!
November 5th, 2008 at 5:14 am
I guess this will be an experiment.
What happens when a person is elected President because of the color of his skin?
I hope people are ready for what is coming.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:17 am
I’m not sure he was elected for the color of his skin. At least, I HOPE he wasn’t. I hope the human race is moving away from colors. No, it looked more like they were fed up with the republicans as a whole.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Fantastic news! Congratulations from the UK, and well done America – you done good!
I was starting to have nightmares about Palin. Now I can sleep easy
November 5th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Hope for America realized in at least two important ways:
youth came out to vote in large numbers
many Americans voted intelligently rather than being biased by Rovian smear tactics
Congrats to all!
November 5th, 2008 at 5:40 am
According to the Second Law, whenever there is change, there is a net increase in entropy. Obama promises to increase entropy by re-distributing income to a more random state, uniform state. Equilibrium sounds nice, but remember that once you get there, no work can be performed. Socialism is not a good thing.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:50 am
“I just hope all the Palin-inspired extremists can accept he’s not an Al Qaida spy. I fear those people may yet do something horribly stupid.”
That is my worry as well – that some moron will get it in his/her head to harm Obama. Last night I prayed for Obama and for America…. something I never thought I’d ever do. The strangest thing about it is the fact that I am Canadian.
This is good news for the entire world. Obama won’t let us down because the American people have shown their ultimate trust and hope in him… in that they gave him accountability.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Congratulations!
Enjoy the moment. And may I point out that Obama has already said that any fulfillment of hopes depends on the people as well as him. “You are the people you have been waiting for” sounds vacuous but I think it can be rephrased as “nothing will happen unless you make it happen”.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Blizno:
“I’m thrilled beyond words that, for the first time in many years, an intelligent person will be president of USA.
I’m dismayed, though, by the incessant statements that Obama is ‘black’ or ‘African-American’.
Obama is just as much white as he is black. Obama is just as much European-American as he is African-American. Quit trying to shove the man into a tiny box. He’s too big to fit into one single, easy-to-quantify compartment.
Obama is an American. Enough said”
Exactly. The one thing that ticks me off about this whole election is that they keep calling him black. When I heard the announcement it was something like “Obama… the first black president!” and I did a double take and said “errrr… why are they talking about the color of his skin?” I’m sure if McCain had won they wouldn’t have been saying “McCain, the first president in R255 G225 B193 color!”
For crying out loud, Obama and all his hopes for this country belong to every American. Putting him in that little box will only detatch others from that message.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Time for change in the U.S.A. has finally come. The people have voted and have clearly showed they want change. Here’s hoping Obama can grab the bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Doesn’t anyone realize that it was a Democrat congress that got us into the economic mess we are in. They have been in charge the last 4 years. They pass the Laws.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Indeed the American people have spoken – clearly and loudly. The nature of Obama’s win in terms of momentum and change in direction is already being compared to Ronald Reagan. This is indeed huge.
As an African American, minister, and a registered Republican just slightly younger than our new President-Elect, I’m simultaneously speechless and proud of our country. I’m glad to say that I’m most proud of that I crossed party lines and voted for Obama because, although I don’t agree with everything is promotes, on balance of the issues I believe he is the best choice for our country right now. I’m proud to say that, at least I, did NOT vote for him because he is black.
But what this does means for Black America is hard to describe. What has been known here as “the last great racial barrier” has been soundly crushed. Some people think it happened last night. I believe otherwise. It happened in the dark of night a couple of years ago when nobody else was looking, and was just made official last night. Could the last great racial divide be next…?
Black America also now has a new role model to look up to. And he doesn’t wear his pants hanging down, he doesn’t wear lots of chains and dark sunglasses and a baseball cap turned sideways, he doesn’t denigrate women by calling them some of the ugliest names just for shock value or a misguided freedom of expression, he speaks clear American English, he went to school and stayed there, he has a wife and 2 daughters, and he doesn’t make excuses. I can’t begin to tell you how refreshing that is. What I’m going to tell my kids this morning to make them understand what has happened here is really hard. I think for now I’ll stick with my standard “get ready for school!!!”
Colorado is now controlled by Democrats, but if you know people from Colorado, we’re all fiercely independent. Democrats represent the smallest block of registered voters here. Independents are the largest. That says a lot. Indeed, if Democrats think this is a mandate, they are making the same mistake that Bush did. Americans have proved again and again we’re a lot smarter than that. I heard a former Clinton manager on TV last night say that, starting today, Barack Obama’s biggest problem will change from being John McCain to being Nancy Pelosi, Harry Ried, and Barny Frank. That may be almost prophetic.
I’m also extremely proud of John McCain today. His concession speech was a true class act. He showed the best of Republicans, and outclassed the “slash and burn” crud that came from both sides (and a bunch of commenters on this blog too).
Isn’t making history just totally cool…!
November 5th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Annette Said: “I’m dismayed, though, by the incessant statements that Obama is ‘black’ or ‘African-American’. Obama is just as much white as he is black. Obama is just as much European-American as he is African-American. Quit trying to shove the man into a tiny box. He’s too big to fit into one single, easy-to-quantify compartment.”
You do not understand the nature of Black America. Almost no native-born African American is 100% Black. I have white great-grandparents, and am 1/4 Native American. My wife is part Irish and could easily pass for Latino. Yet we are consider just as Black as any other Black American, including Obama.
My grandmother used to quote the old saying on this: “One drop makes you whole.”
You might disagree, but that is the reality of how we have always defined African American in this country. You’ll just have to deal with it.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:18 am
A sad day for America now that the media sweetheart has been elected. I expected it, but am depressed nonetheless. I’ll deal with it. McCain played to the far right in the campaign, but his record of service and bridge building with the other side speaks for itself. We defeated a good man. Better than the one who won. At least he is still in the senate.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Glad he won. He has a lot of work ahead of him, but I definitely hope he can do a very good job.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I wonder if the repubs will learn their lesson that whoring themselves out to a fundamentalist subset of their part was a bad idea?
November 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I think all of you are on crack. We have elected the worst person we could to the presidency. This man will destroy America and her values. You all just wait and see we will remain in Iraq. Oboma will have such an extreme view on gun control that you wont be able to buy a pellet gun let alone something to actually defend yourself in the event of someone trying to kill you. I hope all you left wing radical hippies are happy you have destroyed a nation.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I’m so glad that my country proved me right. Maybe we can stop being reviled by the rest of the world, and go back to being the role-model again, rather than the bully.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Congratulations from Slovenia.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I may be a mean-spirited skeptic, and it is a relief that McCain and Palin won’t get power, but I’ve seen all this trajectory before, and I’m just waiting to see how long the glowing hopes will turn inevitably to bitter disappointments. As the Who said; “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” Obama is a politician, and all they really care about is gaining money and power, with sadly no exceptions whatsoever in the entire history of the world. I’d like to be proven wrong for once.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:37 am
In my view, the really great thing about Obama is not that he is a democrat, or african-american, but that he is intelligent and articulate, and he is relying on the advice of intelligent, articulate advisors – not advisors that devise plans that match their ideology. That in itself will make a huge difference.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Rev. Chris – please see a couple posts above me because you have misquoted me. That was said by Blizno and I was simply quoting him myself. Regardless, people do not have to “just deal” with anything. You don’t bring down barriers by putting up new walls. We are all the same.
BTW, your attitude is part of the problem. Alienating people and putting labels and classifications on others is no way to end discrimination. Your grandma came from another time and her quotes should stay out of the future.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Well, we’ll see how well he does. I just hope that the people that voted for him don’t wake up like someone with a hangover and realize they went home with the ugliest person in the room.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:22 am
wow… this really sucks…
i mean, black guy? he wont hold up
November 5th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Metre : Every time someone abuses thermodynamics and especially if he does that with the entropy, god forces a kitten to thermal equilibrium
November 5th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I have one question/thought after sitting here reading every comment this morning. While I am encouraged at the enthusiasm everyone has for our great country now that we have a new president-elect and their hopes for the next 4 to 8 years, how many Americans have a line that they draw between right and wrong…or do we expect everything to be acceptable to everyone? I ask this without hate or bias and am simply needing to understand the world I live in. This seems to be a thread of diverse, intelligent Americans. I ask this in light of the comments regarding the current issues our new leader will be dealing with such as gay marriage laws, adoption laws, abortion laws…the garden of dissent within our country right now. How do we best come to compromises in these delicate issues?? Thanks guys~
November 5th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Gazz “Obama is a politician, and all they really care about is gaining money and power, with sadly no exceptions whatsoever in the entire history of the world. I’d like to be proven wrong for once.”
Howz about Gorbachev or Mandela ?
There you are, proven wrong not just for once, but twice in one sentence.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:52 am
IMO I don’t think any of the canidates were a good choice. I definitly dont think Obama was the right choice. I know people think what Im about to say is unpopular..yadda yadda, but cmon…in general terms, taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor and evening things out is basically socialism. Obama himself was a member of a party called The New Party which is a socialist party. Im not sure, but to me the tax structure he proposed will breed mediocracy. If I work hard and make alot of money…oh wait…Im gonna have to give that to someone who either doesnt work or doesnt care to work because they’ll be getting free money from the government. Even though I say I dont like this…I do agree that some of the programs that are in place to help people that dont have alot of money are a good idea, but in practice…creates higher taxes and lets people rely too much on the government and not on themselves. I think that the programs have alot to be worked on. Just my view on things…I have a few other views, but I havent done my research on both sides so Ill jsut keep my mouth shut on them, but one of them is…cough cough..illegals..cough cough…deff dont want my money going to them
November 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Whew! I can put my passport away again. I don’t have to move to Denmark!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Tuscanitunr – what is so wrong with socialism anyway? It seems to be working here in Canada. Do you hate your fellow man so much that you only want to think of yourself?
…Trust me, its nice being able to go to the hospital when you’re sick without worrying about how you won’t be able to eat for the next 6 months in order to afford it. It all comes out in the wash in the end – I used the free heathcare when I was a broke student paying no taxes… and I still get to use that same healthcare now that I’m an engineer paying a ton of taxes.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am
To Tuscanitunr:
You said that you won’t comment on your other views because you haven’t done your research. Well………….you should have done some research before you made the ridiculous comment you did make! And, you are right to preface your sentence about tax structure with “I’m not sure”. It is obvioius that you should have prefaced your enire entry with that statement!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:04 am
It’s with a sigh of relief that our American friends can get on with it, and “get it done”. And hopefully without apologising as has been the rule for years.
Congratulations. We knew you could do it.
We in Australia had a similar experience this time last year, and so far it hasn’t been too disappointing – though there have been some hang-ups. Can’t expect everything to change overnight.
Two questions: Why no coverage of Hillary? I did not see any, nor any mention in the channel-hopping I found necessary locally, as they deemed it important to still run ads and/or chat about what had already been shown, by having local studio guests. Was she not available back in New York for the US networks?
Secondly, did anyone else see the similarity with Tiger Woods? He came along and with consummate ease, conquered the world (of sport). And he is still going strong.
I’ve had a little homily for some time and I think Americans proved it to be true:
“If it is to be, it is up to me”.
Well, you have done well so far, but you will have to keep on with it now.
Yes you can.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:46 am
It stands to reason, seriously: REASON, that the President-elect is going to have to do things differently. One of the first and most important, probably THE most important thing he’s going to have to do is get some MONEY. He has several ways of getting money: canceling existing government programs, printing it, or RAISING TAXES and getting a more equitable share of the incomes of ALL citizens, among some options. Many middle-income Republicans and their low-income brethren still continue to harbor the fantasy that the rich (and the rest of us) can continue to evade our responsibility to pay for maintaining the nation’s armed forces, its infrastructure, the health care of its citizens (such as it is), its national treasures of parks and wild places – in short, the administration of everything needed to keep this nation in some reasonable state of functionality such that we don’t degenerate any further into chaos – by not paying taxes. Not just paying a small portion of our fair share, but not paying ANYTHING. This is the Reagan legacy, that smaller is better, no new taxes mantra the Republicans have been parroting for the last twenty years.
Reagan’s trickle-down economic theory DIDN’T WORK, hasn’t worked, will NEVER work. Socialism: bailing out the private banking industry with PUBLIC money – just what the hell is that? REDISTRIBUTING the money in this country: what have the Republican’s done to the tax structure to place the bulk of the tax burden on the shrinking middle class while allowing those in the top five percent of earners to both avoid paying taxes and to accumulate and concentrate the wealth of the nation in their ever-swelling coffers?
It is no surprise that women voted overwhelmingly for Senator Obama. Generally, they have the closest relationship with the daily household purse strings. It is they who have seen the economic ruin brought on by Bush’s escapades in deregulation, in the wars he’s begun, in the tax cuts for the rich he’s escorted through a congress which was controlled by his party. It is they who realize that a household cannot be maintained indefinitely when it is dependent solely on credit with no attempt made to pay off the mounting debt.
Some Republicans may continue to harbor the fantasies begun with the fraudulent, teflon-caked B movie actor who left both California and the nation in the deepest debts either of those entities had been in for decades at the end of his terms of offices; as for the rest of us, reality must finally set in. There is NO free lunch. The time to pay the piper has arrived.
Will. M
November 5th, 2008 at 11:54 am
There’s nothing new, about the same old changes.
I didn’t want either one, but my man lost the primary. That’s OK, I’m an independent, anyway.
I’d feel a lot better, if so many internationals weren’t so happy for us: they haven’t a clue.
I just hope to God that the Republic survives all this. My future is doomed for four more years. Please, God, only four years of Comrade Obama.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Danny: Still attempting to re-write history, I see. Democrats have only had a slight majority since 2006. 2008 minus 2006 = two years. Check the math. Besides, having one or two more votes in the senate doesn’t allow anyone to over ride the Presidents veto,. THAT takes a 2/3 majority, not a single vote majority.
GArden Watcher: Those “social issues” you refer to are not the main reason people voted for Barack. What part of “It’s the economy, silly,,,” didn’t you notice?
Tuscanitunr: Money for doing nothing? I expect you’ve never had to clean bathrooms for a living. I have and it’s a pretty smelly job that pays very little. I could certainly use a bit of help with medical or other expenses, but then I guess I’m just one of those who don’t WANT to work hard???
Enough of the right wing trolls already!
BArack has the Right Stuff. John McCain didn’t. That’s the judgement of the majority of the US population and we should note: there IS wisdom in the mass mentality. It just needs to be heard.
Gary 7
November 5th, 2008 at 11:59 am
But, no assassaination. Please, God, no more assassainations.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Not just Tiger Woods. How about Lewis Hamilton? Black father, white mother, first black Formula driver and now this year’s Formula 1 champion.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Congratulations to the democrats. To the victors go the spoils. I tried very hard to make the right choice for what was my country but I lost. The only good thing about losing, and it is very small,is that we can do everything in our power to disrupt what ever is good for the country and to block everything that will help the country just like the liberals have for the paast eight years. It is a small consolation prize but when “the fall is all you have left” it is everything.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Boy, some people really are paranoid about socialism = evil communism thing, huh?
November 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
To all those saying they are finally proud to be an American because Obama was elected – what a slap in the face to the men and women who have given their lives for YOUR freedoms no matter who is president! I was not an Obama supporter but I can wake up today and still be proud to be an American. Also, those of you who think he’s a moderate…THINK AGAIN!!! Be prepared for the most radical, liberal agenda you’ve ever seen. Also, be prepared for higher unemployment and/or higher prices on goods and services. When he raises taxes on corporations and small businesses, that’s exactly whats going to happen. Like it or not but companies will not take the hit on their profits, they will pass it along. Love the idea of government-run health care? Why not ask all those Canadians waiting 6+ months for crucial tests like MRIs, cancer screentings, etc how they like their health care. I guess that’s why hospitals on the US side of the border are filled with wealthy Canadians who can afford to get their tests done here. Just some very real possibilities to think about why you’re celebrating.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Yay for senatus populusque Americanum!!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
So, Don Snow, for whom did you vote?
November 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
As someone who isn’t represented particularly well by either major party (or their presidential nominees) I’m just glad it’s over. Best of luck to you, Mr. Obama!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
@stillloveamerica
Couldn’t possibly be because the U.S. might have doctors or medical technology that is not yet available in Canada? Or that is easier to obtain in the U.S.
At any rate, I’m assuming you have some verifiable stats to back up your claims that there are an abundance of Canadians waiting 6+ months for crucial tests, as well as verifiable stats on wealthy Canadians opting for U.S. hospitals for treatments that are also available in Canada?
All politics aside, I’m curious about the data you presumably have.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
For those interested, click on my name for a paper looking at health care waiting times in Canada. The paper mentions that wait times for emergency care is a myth. Wait lists are only for elective procedures, and the paper concludes that, although there are varying wait times for such elective procedures, quality data documenting wait times is hard to find.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Please base your opinion to be proud of the USA on the Constitution and our system of government rather than on a single politician that has yet to serve a single day as commander-in-chief.
In the meantime, pray for President-Elect Obama and be responsible to hold him to the promises he’s made to our nation.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
This is almost as good as the W O W signal!
Wait a sec…
November 5th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
# Quiet Desperation Says: “You know what I’d like to sit in on? Obama’s first national security meeting. Hoo boy! Welcome to the dark and dirty real world, buddy. Best of luck.”
The laughable naiveté is on your part to assume Obama isn’t smart enough to have more than an inkling of national security issues and problems. As opposed to 8 years of Bush who, after 9/11 didn’t know who was in charge of Pakistan, India, Syria or Lebanon, not to mention numerous other lapses, or McCain this year not being aware that Spain is an ally or recognizing the name of Spain’s Prime Minister.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
@Tuscanitunr
I don’t recall hearing anywhere in Obama’s tax plan that money would be given to people who don’t work. As I understand it, taxes would be cut for people who pay taxes. If you aren’t working, you aren’t paying taxes. Ergo, no handouts to people who aren’t working.
Can you point me to a specific reference in Obama’s tax plan that states the Federal government will be giving money to people who do not work?
Thank you.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
@stillloveamerica
To all those saying they are finally proud to be an American because Obama was elected – what a slap in the face to the men and women who have given their lives for YOUR freedoms no matter who is president!
How are these two things even related? I’m ashamed that my country invaded another country that was no threat to us and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousand of innocent people. Is that the type of thing that makes you proud? That being said, I’m also grateful to our men and women serving in Iraq. The real slap in the face is sending them over there without the proper equipment and asking them to kill and be killed for no good reason.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
# Rev. Chris Says:
November 5th, 2008 at 7:09 am
“You do not understand the nature of Black America….My grandmother used to quote the old saying on this: “One drop makes you whole.”
You might disagree, but that is the reality of how we have always defined African American in this country. You’ll just have to deal with it.”
You are saying that the ancient way is the only way. No, I don’t have to accept it. I can and will argue that the ancient foolishness is no longer good enough for our nation or our people.
The old ways are still here and still wounding us but we don’t have to endure them forever. We have been making slow progress for decades and will continue to make progress. It’s not happening fast enough but it is happening. Have hope, fellow American.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Todd W said: “Couldn’t possibly be because the U.S. might have doctors or medical technology that is not yet available in Canada? Or that is easier to obtain in the U.S.”
Exactly. I’m pretty sure the Canadians he is talking about are the ones going to the US to find probably the one University Hospital in the world that treats certain rare cancers and whatnot. I’ve never heard of rich Canadians crossing the borders for normal health care. I mean, aren’t the wait times just as long?
Not saying our method is perfect, but if I have to wait 4 hours in a waiting room in order to get a cast on a broken leg and then leave without a bill, I’m walking out of that place smiling. It is just such a sense of security that no matter how down and out you may find yourself, you’ll be taken care of (and not in the nanny state sort of way either).
November 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
The 6+ month wait for medical precedures in Canada are usually for elective procedures that can be done at anytime not ones that are need right away.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I have been completely elated all day long. Not only did Obama win, but he took VA, along with a handful of other usually Republican states! I feel hopeful and optimistic that the US can get out of the mess Bush and company got us in. It will take a while and it won’t be an easy road, but I for the first time in a long while I feel hopeful.
Thank you to everyone who got out and voted for Obama!
November 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
[...] I follow quite a few blogs, some are friends, some are famous, some are funny, some are wise, some are thoughtful, some are hopeful. [...]
November 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
“Todd W. Says:
For those interested, click on my name for a paper looking at health care waiting times in Canada. The paper mentions that wait times for emergency care is a myth. Wait lists are only for elective procedures, and the paper concludes that, although there are varying wait times for such elective procedures, quality data documenting wait times is hard to find.”
Sounds pretty much like here in the UK. Emergencies are dealt with right away, while waiting times may vary from hospital to hospital for elective procedures.
So if we have a national health service, does that make us communists?
November 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’ve had medical emergencies in both the US and England, and I’ll take England any time. In the US, the horrible pain I was experiencing was compounded by the fact that I had to worry about things like finding my insurance information, am I covered, and why are they making me fill out long forms while I’m dying (Don’t worry, I pulled through). In England, all I did was show up, a doctor looked at me, gave me some drugs, and I was on my way. Awesome!
As for non emergencies in the US, I’ll avoid going to the doctor as long as possible. It’s too much hassle. In England, you show up at a clinic and they ask for your name and address. That’s it. I thought they were joking the first time.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
crazy—but it’s true. OBAMA actually won this game.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I am so terrified of Obama for my children and family because of his associations with radical university educated killers who have plans to kill tens of millions of Americans in concentration camps. We are very afraid.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
… “I dream of a day when a man will not be judged by the color of his skin but by the strength of his character”…
11/4/08 is the most prolific, historic statement that was ever made by the well intended majority of the American people.
I’ve always been glad to be an American. Today, I am truly proud to be an American.
Michael Love, Greenbrier, Arkansas, USA!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Time to take your meds, Mary.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I’m not American,but I’m proud of America.Great job guys.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:35 am
“Crux Australis Says:
November 5th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
So, Don Snow, for whom did you vote?”
Greeting, Crux. I voted a split ticket: Sen. McCain and Governor Palin for President and vice president; then conservatives for Congress and judges’ posts (except for Criminal Court, where I voted for liberal judges) and a mix of Independents, Libertarians and Republicans and Democrats. I’m an independent.
I’m still trying to figure out if I’m a conservative with liberal tendencies or a liberal with conservative views.
I should not volunteer this next; however I do, so you know pretty much how I stand: imho both Republican and Democratic parties no longer serve the government of the people, for the people and by the people in these US of A.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:49 am
@ Tresmal -
While Mary takes her meds, shouldn’t you take off your rose-colored glasses?
To one questioning if socialism = evil communism. Not quite. All of you who claim the socialist way I considered blinded by socialism. Which is an economic theory of government. Which economic theory proposes to steal from the rich and give to the poor. I don’t want stolen goods. Let the rich be rich and the rest of us earn our keep. Also, Comrade President-Elect Obama likes to steal other people’s guns. Theft by any other name is still theft.
Just because government or the will of the people steal money or goods from one sector of society and redistribute them to another, does not make it OK. Theft remains theft and a nation of theives is so pathetic. Nothing to be proud of.
My, and other American citizens’ fair share is to vote; earn our keep; make a profit; fear God, and love our neighbor. What socialist governments do is deprive individuals from willingly giving what they choose to give. That’s how it works best. Imho. ie, socialism suffocates freedom of choice.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:51 am
@ Annette
Tuscanitunr – what is so wrong with socialism anyway? It seems to be working here in Canada. Do you hate your fellow man so much that you only want to think of yourself?
…Trust me, its nice being able to go to the hospital when you’re sick without worrying about how you won’t be able to eat for the next 6 months in order to afford it. It all comes out in the wash in the end – I used the free heathcare when I was a broke student paying no taxes… and I still get to use that same healthcare now that I’m an engineer paying a ton of taxes.
** no hate, and I dont make enough money to think of myself, but I’d like to think the American dream was still something to look forward to. Work hard…earn the money and get to play harder.**
#
@ Ranceco
To Tuscanitunr:
You said that you won’t comment on your other views because you haven’t done your research. Well………….you should have done some research before you made the ridiculous comment you did make! And, you are right to preface your sentence about tax structure with “I’m not sure”. It is obvioius that you should have prefaced your enire entry with that statement!
** Not sure of how its ridiculous, however lets see…something called wellfare??? Although after being called out on it…Obama put in a “work clause”. And as for my comment of not doing my research on subjects I feel strongly about…it was the way I was raised, and having to work quite a bit…stationed oversea’s at the moment…I dont have all that much time to actually sit down and compare each side and find relevant facts…instead of what mainstream media puts out. As a member of the military oversea’s…my vote isnt even going to be counted because they sent the absentee ballets to late. So if anything is ridiculous, it would be that someone who fights to defend the US doesnt even get a say in who my boss is
@ Todd W.
Facing criticism from John McCain that his tax plan constitutes “welfare,” Barack Obama recently added a work requirement to one of his proposals. “They started saying this was welfare,” said Obama adviser Austan Goolsbee. “So, just so they would absolutely not be able to say that, we decided that for the last two percent we’ll simply add a work requirement.”
Welfare – financial or other assistance to an individual or family from a city, state, or national government: Thousands of jobless people in this city would starve if it weren’t for welfare.
Now with above paragraph, yes I do somewhat agree with welfare and programs like it…but like I said before people will abuse it. Basically one of my biggest things is its my money and who is the government to tell me what to do with it and who it should go to? And if Im able to make so much, whats to stop me from using that money to support a cause or a program of MY choosing.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:00 am
@ Don Snow
I agree with some of the things you just said, about both parties not in it for the interest of the people. Also especially in todays complicated political and economic world…I dont think anyone can be 100 percent liberal or conservative…of course someone will prove me wrong…lol.
~excerpt from the the DOI
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
we all know that will never happen again. To be able to get rid of the current bloated government and put in place something that is alot more reliable……
November 6th, 2008 at 6:07 am
@ tuscanitunr
I have to agree, that as divided as the US of A may seem, an armed uprising is not likely.
I think we may yet have a very small opportunity to by law, resist and reform the present bipartisian bloated and over reaching giant of American government.
I remember thinking this morning, while I prepared and ate some whole wheat bread, butter and jam: I became truly grateful for our present economic crisis. It’s going to continue for another year, anyway. Hopefully the crisis and its consequences will limit the coming government’s budgets and ability to inflict further incursions on our rights and liberties, both individual and local governmental rights and liberties.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:59 am
@tuscanitunr
Okay, so the charge of free government handouts came from the opponent, who, of course, like all opponents, is not going to twist the truth and put spin on anything (and please note, I am not exempting Obama from this charge). So, to take away the power of such spin, the Obama campaign clearly spells out that it’s only people who are working who will benefit from the tax plan, something which, to someone with decent reasoning skills, should have been apparent without being spelled out.
The plan was to cut income tax for people. Where, in that policy goal, can “free government handouts” be read? If people are not working, they do not pay any type of income tax. If they are not paying any kind of income tax, then they will not benefit from a cut in the income tax rates.
At any rate, the argument is moot, now that the election is over.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Can we stop pretending Obama’s a terrorist loving communist now? The election is over. McCain never actually believed this crap. FOX news never believed it. They spread or tolerated it because they thought it might help them win an election.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
While it is nice to see that the USA is mature enough to elect an African-American president, I did not think that America was ready to embrace Socialism. Welcome to the United Socialist States of America.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Wow…the socialist meme is still going despite absolutely nothing to substantiate it. Amazing.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Well we wished for change. Be careful what you wish for:
http://www.transterrestrial.com/archives/2008/11/uh_oh_4.html
November 6th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
@ Todd W.
Yea it is moot, so now I guess America is going to have to sit back and see if this guy in office is really going to bring about “change” or is he just another politician playing to the crowd. Even though I dont agree with him, Im still interested to see what he’s about. Let’s face it…people can talk all they want about a specific plan, but until it’s implemented, there’s no way to know if it actually works.
BTW about socialism, the proof is in the pudding…this is what substantiates it –
so⋅cial⋅ism
/ˈsoʊʃəˌlɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [soh-shuh-liz-uhm] Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.
look at 1. ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. Obama said it himself…the rich have to pay their fair share…they get taxed high while the lower classes get taxed less. I also think that the business get a higher tax rate too, but from what I was reading it was way to complicated to understand it in the short amount of time I have on the net.
anyways…Im glad I found this blog…Ive read some interesting info on here that I did not know before, and no hard feelings (hopefully)going back and forth with people…I know religion and politics are everyone’s sore spot.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Sic transit gloria mundi!
November 6th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
May we all give President Elect Barack Obama the same support and respect as we gave the current President. Oh wait…
November 6th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
@tuscanitunr
Obama said it himself…the rich have to pay their fair share…they get taxed high while the lower classes get taxed less.
Asking the people who benefit the most from a system to pay the most to support it doesn’t come close to meeting the requirements of definition 1. Do you really think someone like Warren Buffet would support Obama if they thought there was the slightest possibility he planned to take control of his assets and give them to the masses?
November 6th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Regarding the comments about Socialism: Greed – it’s what is wrong with America. The wealthy are so concerned about having to pay more taxes than the middle class or the poor. Their wealth comes from the backs of the middle class. They want to be able to put THEIR money where they want to. Please explain to me why a coporate executive deserves to make a seven figure salary and earn a seven figure bonus while playing golf on company time, using company jets, buying personal items on company funds, and working far less than a 40 hour week? All this while cutting the jobs and benefits of the employees of the company are terminated or moved overseas where they can pay lower wages so they can make more money. As if paying their employees $20,000 or even $50,000 annually would even put a dent in their profits. We are not asking for handouts. We are asking that you pay us for the WORK we do to earn YOU money, as fairly as you pay yourselves for playing and taking care of your other rich, selfish, self-important friends!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Lee & other socialists:
You seem to suffer from some common misperceptions. The first is that well-to-do-people – those who earn over $250K a year – pay no taxes or don’t pay their fair share. Up until a few years ago, my wife and I both worked and earned under that magic $250K threshold. Then my wife decided to start her own business. She raised the capital, took the risks, and has worked very, very hard to make her business a success. As a result, our gross income has doubled to about $400K per year. Of that amount, we pay over $180K per year in taxes. While this still leaves us with more disposable income than we had before, it is a tremendous amount of money to give away. So I think I pay my fair share for national parks and other government funded programs. In fact, I pay a whole lot more than most and more than you. Yet you and everyone else benefit from my unequal share. I get no special priveledges. You get the same access to those parks as I do, even though you contribute much less to their upkeep than I do. You are very welcome. I will expect your thank you in the next post.
Second, what makes you think that you are entitled to some of my wife’s success? She is the one who took the risks and has worked hard to make her business a success. You have done nothing. You did not contribute capital, you did not take any risks, and you did not work to help her business succeed. Why do you think you or anyone else is entitled to a “re-distribution” of my wife’s income? It is just government welfare for the middle class, aka socialism.
Entrepreneurship is the engine that drives the American economy. Yet if the government redistributes the rewards, what is the incentive? If I can just sit on my duff and expect a free handout picked from someone else’s pocket, why should I work hard? And that is the problem with socialism and it’s big brother, communism. Communism did not fail as a political system, it failed as an economic system.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:23 am
@tuscanitunr
There seems to be some confusion about socialism as it applies to the government of a country. Having a tax system that favors one group (e.g., the working class) over another group (e.g., the wealthy), or one that keeps the burden even for everyone, is not socialism.
If Obama truly were a socialist, then he would be calling for the federal government to own, not just regulate, all production resources in the country. Government, rather than private, insurance. Government control of media, rather than private media companies. Government control of energy resources, rather than independent, private gas, electric, oil, etc. companies. Government control of financial institutions.
Saying that Obama is a socialist based on a turn of phrase or an image promoted by McCain’s campaign, an ignorance of what socialism really means in a government, and a misunderstanding of Obama’s tax plan is, well, wrong. I have yet to see anything from Obama that he wants to nationalize industry and resources in a manner that reeks of socialism.
And even if he were a socialist, would that make our system of governance socialist as well? Nope. Remember that we also have a legislative branch that, I would wager, is pretty overwhelmingly capitalist. So even if Obama were a socialist, your fears are unwarranted.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
@Metre
I pay a whole lot more than most and more than you.
If you have gained more from this system, you can pay more to protect it. That’s not socialism. And I thought it was your wife’s actions that made this happen. She really should re-evaluate your relationship. You’re obviously dead weight that doesn’t deserve to benefit from her success.
Yet you and everyone else benefit from my unequal share. I get no special priveledges.
You can’t see how helping those that are less fortunate helps you? And what special privileges do you want? You get a bigger house, a nicer car, and better vacations. Do you want everyone to wear funny hats that indicate how much they pay in taxes? Those who pay the most get to move to the front of the line, and the lesser hatted must bow down to them as they pass.
You are very welcome. I will expect your thank you in the next post.
Oh great king Metre, I thank you for the generous gift you have bestowed upon the nation, even thought you only did it because you were forced to.
Entrepreneurship is the engine that drives the American economy. Yet if the government redistributes the rewards, what is the incentive?
I bet your wife regrets ever having gone down the path which led to her riches. There were absolutely no rewards. For the life of me, I can’t think of a single reason why anyone would want to make more money.
If I can just sit on my duff and expect a free handout picked from someone else’s pocket, why should I work hard?
Wait a minute, I work really hard too, and I pay a lot in taxes as well. I didn’t realize the key to success was being lazy and making less money. I’m going to have to re-think my life.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jose – Thank you. You obviously understood the point I was trying to make.
@Metre – I have to say I wonder what YOU do for a living. Overpaid executive perhaps? Where did your wife get the capital? Risks? – I hear that alot from people in your situation. What risks? Oh, you mean the possiblily that the precious capital might be lost. I’m sure if it is you will file for bankruptcy so the debt doesn’t have to be paid by you anyway. Does your wife employ anyone? If so, how well are they paid? They don’t contribute to the success of her business? As far as your taxes paying for my handouts – I pay taxes as well, and I take no handouts. Would you like me to pay $180k on my $40k salary? You do the math. I pay more taxes than people who make less than I do. It’s based on a percentage. Why should that percentage miraculously stop increasing when I reach a level of compensation that allows me to have “disposable” income? In regards to the National Parks I’m enjoying, I have never been to one, I can’t afford to get there. You know travel costs money, mine has to pay to keep a roof over my families head, food in their stomachs, and heat so they don’t freeze to death in the winter. So much for disposable income. I am a dedicated and hardworking employee. I work for a privately owned small company. The owner promises us a bonus every year if we make enough profit, but we don’t make enough profit. The owner had to build a wine cellar with company funds and is currently spending $6k pf the company profits a month stocking it and taking his wife out to expensive dinners on the company every Friday and
Saturday. By the way, I am typing this on my lunch hour at home because I don’t believe in using company time for personal business, my boss was in his office ordering more wine when I left. Where were you when you typed your statement?
November 7th, 2008 at 10:52 am
@Metre
FYI – if I and my co-workers were paid higher salaries, and the owner took a little less, we could and would contribute more taxes while the owners would have to contribute less! Paying me for my hard work and dedication is not a handout. Taking a six or seven figure salary while barely contributing more that someone making a low five figure salary is just being GREEDY, risks or not.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:23 am
The best thing that could happen to U.S. has happened -
now lets work
of course for many — the work means ‘blabbering mouth’ and ‘ill / negative writings’
such negative people will never change … even when U.S. changes for good –
these people suffers from severe complex.