I'm so happy I made it to this night. For so long I've walked among the resistance--at times hardly hardly more angry than hopeless--& it didn't even seem that things needed to be so bad--nor had they always been--yet the days & months & years did not cease them--soon even the rotten leaders were mauling each other, shitting blame all around--I don't suppose any of this was unique--humans greed for power & yet rarely keep their ideals & decency when it's been won--
Will this new leader be different? Perhaps. If his desire to do good remains more powerful than his weaknesses--if he keeps to the high road he tries to walk--if he is terribly lucky. If he keeps his heart lined with hope & his thoughts close to the single fate the greatest to the least of us takes a hand in authoring. If his mistakes are few, acknowledged, kept as lessons & reminders. If he remains humble before the world's many mysteries, even as he inspires many to suckle their juice for knowledge & pleasure. If, finally, those who made them their leader feel, most of their hours, that his gestures onward are toward what each of them can reach, & better likely reach as a strange & various whole. I wish him the good fortune we each of us deserves.
Peace,
Raymond
I'm so happy and excited. Obama did it, and I hope he can deliver the change he has promised. I have such hope for things to be better. What an amazing race and I'm so glad it's finally done. *Happy Dance*
Peace,
ObOdAoUr
:smoke:3
I hope the hangover that comes from electing someone via a process you dont understand to an office you understand less on the basis of speeches and other marketing methods works out better this time than it normally does. Also I hope now that the interwebs calms down a tad and returns to topic somewhat. The gaming blogs have been the worst for election spam as it happens but (/me eyes cenacle) they are not alone :x
Here is some art from one of my pals (//http://www.buddhafart.com/) at the Maybe Logic Academy - when mass stupidity leads to nice pop art how can even I remain grumpy? :D
(//http://www.buddhafart.com/08/OBAMA.jpg)
Fuck your mass stupidity.
Obama won.
lw
Indeed he did. Mass stupidity?? Tell us how to do it better please or stfu.
I didn't even stay up to follow the results. I already knew what would happen. I was braced for there being little to no news in the paper in the morning. They had to use most of the space to gloat. I'm glad just so that canacle doesn't have to jump off a bridge or go into a deep funk for months. It was so obvious he would win it lost any sense of uncertainty.
Now he gets to clean up after shrub's mess. The busted stock market, the busted housing market, the busted job market, the busted financial market, the busted... I think you get the idea. We are bankrupt, in deep debt and the rest of the world is headed the same way. But Obama will save us.
QuoteI hope the hangover that comes from electing someone via a process you dont understand to an office you understand less on the basis of speeches and other marketing methods works out better this time than it normally does.
I wish I could have said it like that :P
Booshpig
I think maybe its you two brits lacking in undertanding. it certainly seemed that way when we spoke of the voting process.
But really I would like you to enlighten us colonists as to how our country works.
And just let me add this: give the man a chance!!!
You know, I just got laid off again, this morning, twice in the course of six months. But last night I was happy. Happy because millions of people chose hope over cynicism and fear. So I came into my work today feeling good, and even now, freshly laid off, an hour ago, from a small company, the owner practically in tears that he had to tell me and another person the news, I still feel good.
I've seen how the world changes based upon belief, hope, despair. I've seen kind acts that would break any heart, and cruelty to make one think humans are really a pox on the planet. I see how I and each of us every day chooses to act by ideal or by self-preservation. I see again and again how a generous act, a generous heart, a gesture of hope or kindness, can affect and ripple in ways unknowable. I've also seen how fear drives a soul into a dark place, no matter the daylight, no matter the loving people that might be around.
I know that Obama has had his dark nights, his struggling hours. Even recently when he lost his grandmother. I know he comes from a father-less home, from a home where buying groceries involved food stamps, not a point of pride for anyone (my family was there too years ago). Further, I've heard his story of rising up from these circumstances to attend Harvard, become a community organizer, then seek elected office. I've read his words, mulled his thoughts. He does not come from privilege and family fortune as others elected to high office in the US often do.
He does not take office as savior that's not what is needed. What is needed, simply, is hope and hard work. The persistence of a heart and mind allowing for success to happen, and having at it every single day.
Say that hundreds of millions of people were fooled, were bamboozled into thinking this election means something, their vote counts, the result will affect their lives every single day hereon. Say it. I won't stop you. If that is what your life has led you to believe, then so be it. You live with a burden I do not. You live with a paranoia about the nature of humanity that I do not feel. For I believe humans make choices, every single day, little ones that add up to habits, habits that sum to a set of perspectives about how life works. I know the evil, the selfishness possible, as you have been saying over and over, but I also know that the hope, the generosity, the curiosity, the desire to make a good world and not leave anyone out, is there, is part of the human equation. I know this. I knew this before Obama began running, before he won, before I lost another job to a shitty economy that another man destroyed in his willful ignorance.
I know I will be OK because I have hope and I am going to work fucking hard to get back on my feet, again. I believe more today than yesterday that we as a race, as part of a world, will be OK, because millions and millions of us chose hope, and that choice is powerful. The world is a little bit better today.
So, you can let go a bit of how you feel, allow for some of this hope too, or you can keep your thoughts close, and every time something doesn't work out, you can cry out that you were right. It's up to you. Nothing anyone has said here convinces me that having hope, working hard from the best one has to offer, and getting a little good luck along the way, is wrong. My finite life, my set of choices, the good ones and the stupid ones, my conclusion about things at this point.
I intend never to be someone who fully believes that his fellow human beings are without the possibility of redemption, that we as a race are lost to making the world better. Even if you don't agree, wish me well in this intent.
Sorry about your job Ray.
Great post, I totally agree. I mean if you doubt the wisdom of millions does that mean you no longer believe in democracy? Can you have it both ways? And how would you have liked the election to go?
I say give the man his chance, he certainly earned it.
And you fellas do have big balls accusing us of not understanding how our country works. Not sure where you get off with that.
Cen/Bassman...I appreciate the heart y'all speak from. Keep in mind that in the wake of this election, we're going to be hearing ALOT of untenable and desperate arguments. There's a whole generation of kids (American and otherwise) who have been bred and fed on despair and cynicism. I've been struggling with this sort of anti-social attitude on chann. for quite a long time now: it's a sort of post-modern wasteland, these kids have no soul, nothing matters. But the truth of the matter is we just witnessed the most successful political campaign in human history, we just went from Bush Co. to electing a highly progressive colored man who has the respect of basically the entire globe. Bottom line, these kids just don't have the balls to really and truly care, they're entirely self-absorbed; they're pissed off because all of their whining and complaining and cynical post-modern bullshit is being exposed as a big ol' stinking pile of shit and lies. In fact, during the campaign itself they were whining about how it's all rigged, how it doesn't matter, and I laid a bet down on the table: not one of them could put their money where their mouth was.
'name caller,' whatever, at least JRL has the balls to stand up for something GOOD for a change. I mean, some of these people don't even vote: they basically NEED problems to bitch about because if they bothered DOING something about it, they wouldn't have anything to whine about. It's a deep apathy and impotence of the soul, these kids just can't seem to get it up.
Personally, having almost ended up in jail because of my opposition to the war in Iraq, having family members come home irreversibly injured, 8 years of Bush Co and what has happened to our economy, what has happened in Iraq: fuck the haters man, fuck 'em! What we witnessed last night was a new generation in politics and human governance, the cynical post-modern wasteland and it's residents just simply don't matter. So keep the faith y'all, there ARE people who still care.
from the heart,
Azure
Sorry to hear about the job situation, cen. That really sucks. But you will find something. We are all pulling for you.
Here are Ron Paul's comments on Obama. I don't agree totally with Ron and I think some of his policies are unworkable. But just as an outside opinion, here is how he sees it.
http://www.infowars.net/articles/novemb ... 08Paul.htm (http://www.infowars.net/articles/november2008/051108Paul.htm)
Ron Paul Warns Of Great Shift Toward Global Government Under Obama
Congressman says president elect was chosen long ago to take care of the corporate elite
Steve Watson
Infowars.net
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008
StumbleUpon
Texas Congressman and 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul has warned that the euphoria surrounding the election of Barack Obama combined with the overwhelming fear of major international crises could facilitate a cataclysmic shift toward a new world order.
Appearing live on the Alex Jones show earlier today, the Congressman spoke of a feeling of dread surrounding the change of guard both in the White House and on Capitol Hill:
"I do feel it but I don't think it's brand new, I didn't wake up with it, I've had it for a while, I don't think the election was a surprise, but the rhetoric is getting pretty strong and they are getting very bold." he commented.
Speaking on the stage management of the election, and calling it a "huge distraction" from real issues, the Congressman outlined how both candidates were pre-positioned by the elite interests with the knowledge that either would satisfactorily serve their agenda:
"I think McCain was obviously a back up candidate in case something happened where Obama didn't win, they'd have been satisfied with McCain, but they have been positioning Obama for a long long time."
"This started even before he announced he was running. Anybody who would have gotten that much favorable coverage for so long, you know that the plans are laid for him to be the individual that's going to be taking care of the corporate elite." the Congressman continued.
Paul also warned that Democrats gains within the House and the Senate make for a particularly worrying situation of absolute power, similar to that held by the Republican party eight years ago.
"Just as a Republican Congress wouldn't say boo to a Republican Congress, you know that the Democratic Congress is NEVER going to stand up."
"I think it is very dangerous and the first year is going to be the most dangerous year." Paul stated. "Just think of Bush's first year, he also had the 9/11 thing that he could use to scare everybody to death. And Obama will use the financial crisis, which will get worse, and there will be more military skirmishes around the world." Paul asserted.
The Congressman also warned that many Republican representatives may go along with Obama just to win favor with the electorate and be seen to follow popular opinion
Quote from: "Stonehenge"Sorry to hear about the job situation, cen. That really sucks. But you will find something. We are all pulling for you.
Thanks, Stoney, that means a lot to me. This thread shows me two things: that we each come to the table with a different set of opinions. And that this community is OUR table. I'm still in shock. I guess now my personal fate is ever more tied to how Obama approaches this mess.
He needs to pretty much take over now. He's getting his staff picks made, getting Cabinet selections ready. If ever we needed his brand of bi-partisanship to make the government work, it's now and in the coming months. He promised to listen to those who disagree, like Ron Paul, and they have to think in a new way, disagreeing but still working together.
These are hard times, I knew that before I got laid off. We're in this together. I know this now more than ever.
Peace,
Raymond
I've traveled extensively in the UK. And you couldn't get me to move there for all the bland food and pasty drunkards in the world. God save the queen? hahahahahahaha! God, pull the stick out of their collective arses that turns each clammy day into a riverdance performance.
Btw, only half of this conversation would be going on in English if we hadn't stepped in and saved their snow white arses way back when. SO take your taxation without representation and put it in your high tea, see?
This message is not intended for general British consumption. Rather it is meant for the brits who have taken the time above to make shit of the U$ election process. The rest of you brits... Carry on with the daily river dance already in progress.
lw
just think of how we'd all be sitting around the table dumb-founded if it were Palin and McCain smiling victory?
At least now, we've got some genuine enthusiasm. We've got a little more beat in our daily step. We're looking at a possibility of something different shaping the future.
Yes, politics stinks. (a 'duh' situation). But nothing compares to the stench of the last 2 rounds of Mr. Bush. Slicing away at credibility and viability. 8 years of that. One's head reels at the thought that those 8 years were allowed to happen while the everyday citizen was trying to keep a little hope in the heart.
So, now? A lot of people smell fresh air and a chance of more in the works.
Can that be anything but good?
(Cen, I'm so sorry about your lay-off. I know there'll be an opportunity round the bend. There's always a way to work it when you've got skills and talents)
LW, riverdance, is it? Well, kilt me a kick and a half. Guinness all round.
It was a nice hollywoodian twist to see Obama put on the stage as the 44th president of the usa.
It's nice to see the people being happy and celebrating. The usa needed that bit of joy. All around the world, the opressed and minorities can dream that indeed they do have a chance :lol: . Symbols can be a great help at desperate times. Look at Hitler, people loved the hope he gave to the nation.
As nice as this symbol is, i doubt anything will change. The president of the usa actually doesnt have that much power. Even if Obama seems to be an actual cool guy, i doubt he can do anything for real. Politics are for the masses, a nice TV puppet. The real power is in MONEY. We're going more polluted by the day, more lazy and brainwashed by the day.
But a nice symbol on tv looks good, its good to give people the dream that things will change, that things will get better. The symbol looks good, it is strong indeed, and thats already a nice change in itself. Change is always nice.
Keep the whell turning.
Dream on :smoke1
Sorry about the job scene Cen. Hang in there... When I woke up after the election, one of the guys in the camp smiled at me and ruefully stated that Obama had won. (He is a big time Repub)... I smiled and said "Yep, now we can be assured of a chicken in every pot, etc".... What we did to celebrate was go out and buy the 3 biggest T-Bone steaks we could find at the market...T-Bones grilling, tater tots and macaroni salad... It is with a real sense of hope that I look forward to the days ahead...
Good deal, Senor. Mange!
As for hope, it is a force that drives human behavior, including things like the stock market and job markets. Hope is no airy irrelevance. And there is a reason we had what was called a "depression" round the world back in the 1930s.
For all the sarcasm people bear about how far mass emotion goes, it can be proven that it does have affect.
Fuzz, King George II had enough power to send this country down the shitter.
quote from Gen. George Patton: I'd rather have a battalion of german soldiers in front of me than a battalion of french behind me. :cool2
lw
whew, what a powerful thread. All great comments all, thanks. You all brought tears to my eyes, an da cheeken skeen.
Cen, beautiful expressions, you nailed it.
Stoney, I am a Paul voter, and I agree with what you say.
But I hold to hope, cuz hope is in my heart, and I can't resist my heart!
I'm feeling a lot of love for this group of furry freaks right now... :geek:
Hi everyone!
I was all organised for the election results to roll in. I knew Barak should win but still wasn't certain, so it was very exciting. I cleared my slate for the afternoon and poured a G&T with a wedge of lime (the first from my tree). Rolled a doobie and watched the numbers grow once the early GOP strongholds had shown their inevitable colours.
When McCain conceded it was wonderful; knowing that the American people had spoken so clearly.
The founding fathers will be smiling down on you.
:cool2
We all know that tough economic times are ahead and I agree with cenny that it will require damn hard work. The inspiration for that can now be drawn from each other in America, a united effort to turn things around.
It's a time for questioning the status quo - and that *has* to be good. The American people were asked to choose and they chose wisely. It's really important to me coz our elections are tomorrow and the NZ people are likely to throw out our government of the last 9 years - a PM respected throughout the world for her intelligence and integrity- and replace them with the right wing, led by a financier with no experience.
I'm so happy that he wont have the GOP to cuddle up with.
For now ... PLANT A GARDEN!
JRL, what i meant is that i never think that one man in governement can do that much. its an entire adminitration that is behind one man. its a whole bunch of people making decisions. i whish for Obama to surround himself with the best advisers possible.
By hope, i mean, that people too easily think that one man will save the game. we can keep hope, yet we have to remain realistic with the huge amounts of problems ahead. have hope with feet well grounded in reality seems important.
It is the job of every citizen to live the changes they believe in, nothing can happen without the will of the many.
So, i hope that this new face in politics can bring positive changes, and that it can inspire the people to live up to their own desires of what they think is best.
There is a lot of work to do, baby steps, baby steps:)
Fuzz, I think we basically agree. But the president does set the tone, and like you said, one of the big ways is by who he appoints.
What excites me is the growing realization that our voices can be heard. I like so many others was driven to despare by the current regime.
Chief of staff = Rahm Emmanuel
Link here for some information, some interesting articles throughout the site but for Rahm Emmanuel check the 'real news' tv channel on the top left of page.
http://www.bestcyrano.org/THOMASPAINE/ (http://www.bestcyrano.org/THOMASPAINE/)
Boooshpig
Folks, the bottom line is Obama won. He is president of the U$A. None of us know what and how well he is gonna do. And I do know that we(the US) are in a novel place, one I haven't seen in my years. It will be nothing if not interesting.
"So where do I purchase my ticket
I just want to have a ringside seat
I wanna know about the NEW mother earth
I wanna hear and see everything
I wanna hear and see everything"
James Marshall Hendrix
it is up to every man to live up to the life they believe in.
change first comes in the self, then the outside changes.
we'll see what happens. i like this attitude JRL.
in Nepal, after 13 years of civil war against the maoists, when they finally got rid of their king, and voted for new party, thats what poeple say: "we will see". so many promesses on every side, lets see in reality.
lets see, and in the meantime, remember to do the changes you believe in today:)
all love.
I don't really get all the excitement and talk of "hope". It's just another president. He'll do good things and bad things just like every other president, but he's just the next in line in the same system.
For me, it would require changing the whole system to get me talking about "change" and "hope".