Tonight after a brief break in the NBC reporting at 11:00 pm EST when I saw the banner proclaiming Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States - I thought, "Oh my God! What are they doing showing that!?" The electoral votes were only posted as 207 just moments before. I expected to hear about another state or two....NOT the 306 votes that came in during that break! I was watching with my 90 year old mother - we both were stunned that such a huge jump in votes came in in those few minutes. We thought the announcement was a mistake!

I am jubilant - ecstatic - and so glad to be an American alive at this historic moment in my beloved country's history. The past 7 years have been so demoralizing and outrageous and draining and hopeless. To say outloud, "I feel glad to be alive." because of a political event is amazing to me. I never knew it could take such a thing to feel real joy.

My real name means HOPE and I like so say that I always have hope as long as I don't abandon myself. Now I can rejoice in a resurgence of Hope for a better, saner, more fair, democratic America. I also feel an urge to become more active in the future to the point of speaking my ideas and thoughts to the next administration. (This comes somewhat belatedly - I was a teenager with Nixon and Watergate and tuned out until 2004.) I suspect that I may be listened to now. Again, I Hope so.

I am wondering this:

What more chicanery can the Bush regime enact in their last couple of months?

P.S. The little pin I wore today at the polls:

WAR...what is it good for?

by Hope Hofmann (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 17 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 1:54:30 AM

  (0+)

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments [10 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:03:28 AM

  (0+)

Mom organized the 10th Anniversary Dinner of the UN Association here in LA, and has been a lifelong crusader for social justice.  A 16 year survivor of breast cancer, and a 9 survivor of a near fatal traffic wreck ( she's tap dancing again, after being in a wheelchair for all of 2000) she shouted with me, after the first blowback of shock receded at 8 PM our time Tuesday.  We had just returned from the Spanish language Mass, where we had prayed intensely. 

We had gone the night before, too.  It was the Vigil Mass of Election Day, but Monday was also the memorial of St. Martin de Porres, the first saint from the Americas of African descent.  From Peru, he was born to a white father and black mother, in grinding poverty, but as a lay Dominican rose to a stature of great holiness, and is now considered a key patron of the Americas.  When my bus stopped over somewhere in the deep south, I think Savannah, GA, thirteen years ago, I walked up the street from the station and found myself at the doors of the church that bears his name.

It seemed the rightest moment ever to honor his memory, Monday, 7PM, the first Mass for Election Day, and when we walked out of Mass the following night, I opined to Ma, "I have a feeling we're going to have some amazing news as soon as we settle in, and turn the TV back on."

At the time, I was thinking it would be Keith Olbermann suggesting that the night would go Obama's way, but we hadn't but walked in the door, minutes before 8, when MSNBC cut into someone's mid-sentence to say, simultaneous with their cutting to the visual and sound of the huge crowd at Grant Park, Chicago roaring, "NBC has just announced that Obama has been elected President." 

As long as I retain my ability to remember, I will never forget the curious sound of the crowd's roar, or that moment, one of the purest and greatest kinds of music, purely people made, I have ever heard.  My personal souvenir from the night, having been a last minute invite to Jesse Jackson's Victory Party in SF after the Convention in 1984, was the sight of Jesse face Tuesday night, moments after Florida was called, with Justice starting to come down "like a mighty stream," beginning as the tears from his eyes........!

Obama was perhaps the first to note: "You didn't do this for me."  And yet, as Nicholas von Hoffman recently tagged him, "Destiny's tot" will nonetheless carry in his corporate briefcase the hopes and fears of billions. 

What we saw elected was not just a man, but how much more a powerful symbol of hope, in human guise.   

It is for that Jesse wept, and we with him.

I have no illuisions as to what degree his hands are now tied by so many restraints.  But we hope that he, and we, can continue the job of "loosing the ties that 'bind'." 

More power to Obama, or the very best in him. 

And our very best to him.

~~John Ervin

Native Intelligence Agency

Director of Natalities

by muservin (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 78 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 2:51:19 PM

  (0+)

People in the USA and all over want and demand radical and profound changes and not mere talk. Here is a short list

An honest investigation into the massmurder of 9/11 because the false flag fearmongering is at the root of Cheney's permanent agression upon humanity

Impeach the bastards : Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rice/Kissinger massmurderers warmmongers who have tarnished America's image so badly

Eliminate the Federal Reserve because this mafia organization is  the mother of all financial crises and wars ever since 1913

Abolish AIPAC because it is the instrument of a foreign nation manipulating US's government

Tax the rich and the wealthy  10% top earners.

Free health care for every American from craddle to death

Free education for everybody

Put an end to Oil addiction. Choose other non-polluting renewable sources of Energy.

He will judged upon performance. Talk is cheap.

by ramsheyi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 793 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 3:06:09 AM

  (0+)

A different middle management has been installed. Four years ago I would  have been ecstatic if Kerry had been elected and four years before that had Gore been elected. But I know a lot more now than then and my understanding of the 'system' does more than hint at the superficiality of the national election spectacle. Certainly, Obama is more appealing than any McCain-like figure. But will the juggernaut Empire change its course of world domination? I think not. Will Peter Dale Scott's 'deep government' suddenly disappear. Will the elites who implanted and control Obama wither away into dust? You're kidding, right?

Underneath the joyous excitement of the Obama victory lies yet the unfortunate reality that there will be, I certainly believe, no grand substantive change. That such a change, the real change that is necessary to restore the Republic and to restore not just a semblance of morality but real fairness and human concern worldwide... and eliminate the Empire's machinations and disease - that change will not occur. Not only because it will not be 'allowed' to occur. But because Obama is, indeed, a part and parcel of the controlling power.

Indeed, we shall see what this episode of the future brings. 

by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:01:07 AM

  (0+)

you have to be very angry,very depressed and possibly self-deluding. Sure there are still problems. But this is a step in the right direction. I'm meeting with senior editors today and am pretty sure we're going to resolve to NOT tolerate the usual drone of complaining. Things are different now. Think about how YOU can help, not just grouse about past weather. And this is not just for you Richard.

There will be reasons to criticize, but we have entered a time of hope. Sure, you're right that there are still plenty of bad guys out there. I challenge you change your narrative from angry complaining to coming up with solutions and good ideas, and to find the light. And if you can't find any light, your eyes are squeezed tightly closed.

by Rob Kall (953 articles, 4178 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 8:51:14 AM

  (0+)

censorship for OEN Rob?

by Jack Harrington (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 676 comments [70 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:50:18 AM

  (0+)

regulation is not sensorship- -it is time to change --we need to focus on positive changes and we cant be draged down by negative people---and lets all thank rob for helping obama, he seen the truth ,posted it and informed us all---thanks rob  and all oped brothers and sisters--ya-hoooooo!!!!!!!!

by TRADESMAN (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 335 comments [40 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 5:53:37 PM

  (0+)

we've had this conversation before. OEN routinely does what you might call censorship. We call it editing. The constitution provides you with free speech, the right to say what you want. It prevents the GOVERNMENT from abridging those rights. But it doesn't require publishers to allow you to make your statements within their domain, in print or online.

I've just written another article about the issue of grouchy old men who are very negative. I've lightened up a bit, but we ARE going to set some rules. I don't want to see the same handful of cranky negativity people posting the same basic angry complaints on article after article. That's called spamming and it is not tolerated. If you want to call that censorship, go ahead. I don't think  it is.

by Rob Kall (953 articles, 4178 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 9:06:47 AM

  (0+)

...with what you said in your Naomi Klein interview about requiering malls to allow free speech on their property? If you have a right to edit (& I agree that you do) then don't malls have a right to control what gets said on their premises?

by Darren Wolfe (15 articles, 401 quicklinks, 141 diaries, 1031 comments [84 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 3:48:47 PM

  (0+)

exists on many levels, not just an issue of government.

Churches censor. Corporations censor. Libraries censor, to mention just three.

Perhaps that which you see as negative by cranky old men, those cranky old men see as holding someones' feet to the fire.

I can appreciate some of what you are trying to do Rob, but there are, and always will be, folks who do not share your vision. Does that make them negative or wrong? Or does that make your restriction of speech just another power trip?

I tend to be a very positive person, until I perceive an injustice or wrong. Then I stand up. I have spoken against the Bush administration. I have spoken my perceptions and the reality of the Democratic behavior. Is that negative? Or only my speaking out against the Democrats, because many here also joined the chorus against Bush.

Where and how do you draw the line Rob? I have presented many ideas in my comments that were positive, or should be seriously considered. A national referendum, to perhaps restrain Congress from such things as this mess of a bailout. National recall of national level politicians and judges. Constitutional convention. Restoration of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the rule of law. Are these negative issues? Does speaking my mind on them make me negative?

Is it negative or wrong to point out the Emperors new clothes? Should we just sweep the egregious negative behavior of Democrats in Congress under the rug?

It is obviously your operation here and your call. Just remember that Bush surrounded himself with self serving yes men and look where it got us. Is that what you want for OEN? 

by Jack Harrington (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 676 comments [70 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 4:00:58 PM

  (0+)

Thought exercise:

"Would I take this as an insult? Can I make this point without indulging in a personal slap?"

Even in the give-and-take of honest disagreement, a tone of civility would help everyone focus on the point being urged rather than the offensive attitude being displayed.

Rob, I hear you.

by editnetwork (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 73 comments) on Friday, Nov 7, 2008 at 6:25:35 AM

  (0+)

Provide them a separate play pen, where they can hurl (er) stuff at each other out of our sight? A kind of virtual free speech zone? Asking them kindly to kindly desist or decamp?

I'd like to be a fly on the wall at that editorial meeting.

by editnetwork (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 73 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 6:32:40 AM

  (0+)

President Obama used the word in his acceptance speech.  I read it on line and chose not to listen to it via internet, because I am bunking on a couch of a person who doesn't have tv hookup and like the blogger who, for some sadness that is now a curmudgeonly world view of hopelessness and lovelessness, would have dampened any joy I would have expressed in hearing Obama speak, so I read.  And when I came to the word pettiness, and his request that we stop it, well, isn't that the bottom line to any kind of grassroots movement? 

  On my very best days in Iowa during the caucusing, rubbing shoulders with all the candidates, and feeling part of the bigger picture, in a respectful and integrity based way, I was humbled when I stood next to Obama that I felt petty in comparison to the spirit of something great in him, a largesse d'esprit, and my feeling was a reality check, a barometer on my own accord, not something he made me feel...but the mastery of self was so predominant in Obama, that I suddenly wondered if I had done enough for my community, for my neighbors, for the school kids.  Until these naysayers have stood and talked with Obama, his hand on their shoulder, looking straight into their eyes, not for one second distracted by the crowd, the timeframe, the next person in line...until that happens to you, you don't realise what you are called to.  At the Dem headquarters in Van Nuys I bought the button Be the Change...I am sure you have seen it, with Obama and Biden looking serious...we are the ones to step into our trailers parks and make sure the kids have school supplies so that they can move on in life...we are the changers to say hello to neighbors and not use color/age/gender/etc to build imaginary walls....we are the change without pettiness.  So Obama is just asking us that, so why wouldn't Rob Kall ask us the same thing in our writings?  When I was wearing my black arm band on moratorium day, back when a cruel war was raging, the phrase was; "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem", a devise that has inspired me time and again to step up the plate, make a phone call, and nowadays, send an email (of ideas that may/could/would possibly help/transform/inspire.  I don't see that that is censorship in asking us to not be petty.  Finally we have a President modeling light, and remember the flame of a candle burns vertically, not horizontally, (looking to the right of left constantly to see who says what).  Like Obama, who focused on me when we talked for a minute, there was no right or left, there was only now...what are we doing now....be the light, be the change, be not petty.

by karmacounselor (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 106 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 8:27:26 AM

  (0+)

and feel this way, give me your address and I'll send along a shovel, so you can bury yourself.

If you didn't see it, you owe it to yourself to do so.

P.S. I'm glad too, that I can now go a little slower on my Spanish lessons. 

by Daniel Geery (26 articles, 95 quicklinks, 126 diaries, 912 comments [27 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 9:38:45 AM

  (0+)

Well.  YOU're not cynical, are you. 

You are overlooking the important and monumental groundswell of the internet-ization of the American public.  That in itself (in a political venue and countless others) is transformational.  In large part, it is responsible for the remarkable galvanizing ability of the Obama campaign.  

Political shenanigans-as-usual, I believe, will increasingly be a thing of the past.  Too many people can poke around; transparency is inevitable; communication is instant and  widespread. The controlling cartels that you believe in, and believe to be impregnable, will have to resort of cyber-crime.  But we have lots and lots of exceedingly bright, exceedingly cyber-savvy young geeks who can enter all kinds of systems.....

...and will, for the Good, if we can continue to ignite, cherish, and nurture  the idealism that shone from so many faces in crowds of thousands, as they celebrated this unlikely victory for Obama, and for hope.

I have seen Science Fiction, and it is us.

by Wisewoman (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 47 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:37:44 PM

  (0+)

Don't be a "WET BLANKET", Richard!  Have you ever heard of "living in the moment"?  Come on!  Please let this moment last a little longer...before you dampen it.  I felt so good after reading Rob's article and you almost brought me down...."ALMOST but not quite plum!"  (wink) "Hope definately floats."

by O'Terry (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 19 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:42:01 PM

  (0+)

Unbridled enthusiasm is the joy of youth, the belief in righteousness, the certainty of success.  It is an intoxication to be briefly enjoyed but it has its dangers. 

Skepticism is a healthy attitude to be encouraged.  We should always try to retain some doubt and wait for real evidence.  Let us always never succumb to unbridled enthusiasm.

Cynicism is skepticism taken to a pathological and absolutely unhealthy extreme.  It is an an antithesis of skepticism as much as is unbridled enthusiasm.  Cynicism is a certainty of failure and an unwillingness to wait to see the evidence that something good might be in the making.  Cynicism is neither enjoyable nor healthy.  It is a degenerate outlook to be avoided.  

by PrMaine (13 articles, 13 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 510 comments [22 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:45:27 PM

  (0+)

"Middle Management" is the perfect place for positioning our ideas about the pResidency.  It is very important that people understand that crucial distinction.  The office is called "executive" with good reason: a president is merely the executor of his Boss's orders.  Until there is a fundamental change in the structure of the way we do things in our expansionist capitalist setup, a president will only be CEO, or perhaps CFO, of USA, Inc.

Although Obama may represent a tangier flavor than the dreary individuals who have  "occupied" the office before, it's still the same, and we're fooled again: "Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss."

(And, Thanks, Roger Daltrey, for such an incisive lyric.)

by muservin (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 78 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Nov 7, 2008 at 10:36:15 AM

  (0+)

You nail it when you use the "framing device" of "middle management."

 That's why they call it "The Executive Branch."

 The President is merely executor of the Powers that Be.  It would be great to find out who these people are. 

They know who they are, and so must we.

by muservin (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 78 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Nov 7, 2008 at 10:45:33 AM

  (0+)

because of Bush. But NOW WE ARE STAYING!! UP THEIRS!

by Mark Sashine (72 articles, 19 quicklinks, 269 diaries, 4101 comments [131 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:42:26 AM

  (0+)

:-)

 We were thinking the same thing. Now we're staying for the rebuilding efforts. Lots of hands are needed.

by Kathlyn Stone (46 articles, 227 quicklinks, 27 diaries, 690 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:47:33 AM

  (0+)

There is light. There is hope. Frankly, I want to some respite from the negativity-heads. Let's see what happens. It's time to envision what CAN be. We can react if things don't go as we like.

As far as AIPAC, I wish there was a poll that somehow looked at Jews who voted FOR Obama and how they feel about AIPAC.  78% of Jews voted FOR Obama-- the strongest demographic, after blacks. But I'd bet the ones who voted against Obama were the majority of the AIPAC supporters. That doesn't mean the Jews who voted for Obama don't suppot Israel. I'd guess that 98% of them DO. But they don't support the warlike extremism AIPAC supports.

by Rob Kall (953 articles, 4178 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 8:44:53 AM

  (0+)

diaspora  was vehemently pro- Bush and Pro-McCain. But the US Jews as you have mentioned are 78%  pro- Obama. What that means is  very interesting- the US Jews are more pro- American than pro- Israel. The US  Jews, 78% of them are true American patriots.  I  had lost all my friends in the Russian-Jewish world  through these 8 years but as I said- those are not Jews but Juwes. The real Jews are  American patriots. They respect other countries, Israel too but they are not the Zionsit property. Never will.

by Mark Sashine (72 articles, 19 quicklinks, 269 diaries, 4101 comments [131 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 9:11:03 AM

  (0+)

I wouldn't necessarily characterize Russian-Jews as less Jewish than their American counterparts.  They tend to identify primarily as "Jewish" (over "American" and "Russian"), even though their Jewishness is manifested culturally rather than religiously.  This community is also very invested in Israel, no less so than American Jews.  But I wouldn't read it's overwhelming tendency to vote Republican as having anything to do with Israel or with Jewishness.  Coming from a communist state, this community is ultra-sensitive to any policy or any person that even resembles socialism.  This fear and resentment of socialism or, as they might label it, justified concern, is the foundation of their political conservatism.  Democrat-Republican differences regarding Israel barely, if at all, enter the picture. This is all my own subjective opinion (we don't have polling data on this), but it's based on intimate knowledge of my own and my wife's extended family, as well as years of professional research with this community.

by Mikhail Lyubansky (15 articles, 11 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 10:20:09 AM

  (0+)

We differ here  but it is a very long conversation. My experience as a first- generation one ( my son is now 25)   you read in my essay Russian Deliberate Bushlove  and is in one statement- they pretend. I am so sorry, Mikhail but   the country they left was neither communist nor socialist and also I have to say absolutely that most of us did not really have hard life there, compared to say,  people in Sri-Lanka and even with the MAJORITY of the Russian citizens. Yes, there were personal problems and yes, there was   a state- supported antisemitism but it had a lot to do with  the  state-corporate structure of power and not with socialism. In fact , the  remnants of socialsim was what was good- education, universal healtcare, possibility to survive at hard times - and there was a plenty. No, Mike, the people en masse emigrated because of personal circumstances, sometimes due to  catastrophes or  horrible extremes that surely happened, sometimes  on  the basis of the dream for something better. Now, here they  ADOPTED a posture of 'specialists' in the misfortunes of socialism. Partially it is also due to the simple fact that they never saw other worlds, never could really compare and as such consider their misfortunes as something special. I am one of them, I do not separate and  I went through all of that. It took me a lot of time to stop feeling  inferior and angry and appreciate all the goodness in me which came from that part of my life, the one I left behind. As such I have a right and I unequivocally state that vehemency and berserk noise of the Russian -Jewish media is a PRETENSE, Hypocricy, deliberate  instigation of  madness and  have only one explanation- Cowardice and Intention to appease their Zionist masters  in many cases, thus irrational and totally unpatriotic.  I also state the whoever God wants to destroy He takes his mind away. When people who had been oppressed by the state insist on oppressing others, when they howl about Obama being ' an end of the world' they are either hypocrites or sick  and need help. Sorry for being so  blunt and as I said, it is a very long and separate conversation.

by Mark Sashine (72 articles, 19 quicklinks, 269 diaries, 4101 comments [131 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:14:29 PM

  (0+)

In the meantime, any thoughts about how to start addressing the deep-seated racism in our community?  I would write editorials but my writing in Russian is not up to par and I'm not sure that any of the papers would even print them.

by Mikhail Lyubansky (15 articles, 11 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:44:03 PM

  (0+)

Let’s be generous and give Obama the whole four years of his initial term to make significant progress on the following issues. Here are some questions about “change” that we are going to be keeping track of until 2012.

- Will Obama repeal Patriot Acts I and II as well as reversing Bush’s signing statement and acknowledging the repeal of the John Warner Defense Authorization Act?

- Will Obama support Dennis Kucinich’s efforts to bring war crimes charges against Bush, Cheney and others for deceiving the country into a war or will he protect them against such charges like Nancy Pelosi has done?

- Will Obama bring war crimes charges against Bush, Cheney and others for authorizing torture and will the torture of suspects under U.S. detention, a complete violation of both the Constitution and the Geneva Conventions, cease under an Obama administration?

- Will Obama withdraw American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan without sending them away again to bomb another broken-backed third world country in the name of a UN-supported “humanitarian” war?

- Will Obama end the warrantless secret surveillance and phone-taps of American citizens?

- Will Obama follow through on his rhetorical support for the second amendment or will he seek to ban guns as he did in Illinois?

- Will Obama cease his support for the Bush-administration backed banker bailouts, hated by the majority of Americans, and target the real cause of the problem - the Federal Reserve - or will he continue to give taxpayers’ money to banks who are merely hoarding it all for themselves?

- Will Obama seek to continue the militarization of America and preparations for martial law through Northcom and the secret government or will he dismantle the police state that has been constructed over the last eight years by the Bush administration?

There can be no excuses - either Obama will be proven to be a liar or he will, backed by Democratic control of Congress and the Senate, follow through on his mandate for “change”.

Those caught up in Obama fever who would have otherwise voted for Ron Paul should heed the warnings of Dr. No.

As the coming of the new messiah drew closer, Paul had some sobering reminders for a CNN audience last night, pointing out that Obama will not cut spending, government will get bigger and more intrusive, foreign policy will remain the same and unpopular financial bailouts will continue.

We hope we are wrong, but forgive us for our cynicism, because whatever has emerged from the two-party monopoly in the past has always proven to be the problem - not the solution.

read full article click here

DON'T BLAME ME I VOTED FOR MC KINNEY!!

by tiffane (4 articles, 2 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 47 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:29:41 AM

  (0+)

... including "The Big Bang," I do so Hope and Pray, i.e. "Keep Hope Alive," as Reverend Jackson also did put it, words much akin to This-Here, "Half Irish-Descended," GOOD Lad, named(forgve the Celtic "surname," herein!) "Barack, HUSSEIN, O'BAMA," ... whom, like his beloved Wife, and a TRULY, Good-HGearted First Lady, of Now, finally, again, a TRULY ELECTED(*still we must count every last vote Rob,in Missouri, etcetera, where by any honest VOTE COUNT, OBama won the Show-me State, ... and any honest vote count, nationally must grant barack Obama at least 60% of the People's VoteS(*"The People are coming, Randi," as Maxine Waters told Randi Rhodes, during those darkest days, just after Stolen "election" II, in November, 2004!) have to be HONESTLY tabulated for Obama, or the Republicans$' Massive VOTER SUPPRESSION and Attempted "Election's" THEFT that Greg Palast and Brad Friedman speak of, hath happened, again, Rob, as in 2000, '02, 2004 AND in *2006, as well!

 This Op-Ed-er makes some great and TRUE points, ... yet too, Libertarian "thinkers$" like Ron PAUL, and Milton Friedman, Ayn Rand, and Alan Greenspan, have long infuenced[going BACK to at least the mid 1970's and probably  long BEFORE!) thes$e RIGHTIS$T, often LIBERTICIDAL "Pro-Libertarians$" Bastards$, like Ron Reagan, from at leas$t January, 1981 A.D., and all the CRAPOLA that this country, formerly known as "America," hath had HEAPED upon the People's$ Unwilling throats$, like some cruel YOKE upon some poor TORTURED, and OLD, Farm Animal's Head and Neck, whom s$uch DEREGULATED, unfettered, Murderous CRUELTY that Ron PAUL would allow the "American" Oil Companies$ in Alaska, and EVERYWHERE, is$ JUST what made S$ARAH PALIN Support Ron PAUL, earlier on in this whole MAD, and LIES$-addicted, "Election" process!

 Still will try to keep positive about Barack and Michele Obama, two truly DESERVINGLY Elected, Leaders, of hopefully, the newly "Reborn Again, AMERICA,"  and that kind of SECULAR American PEOPLE's(of ALL Faiths, including devout and indeed, PEACEFUL, MUSLIM, People, Our fellow CITIZENS, Our fellow, ... Humanity!) "Re-Birth" is something that will NEVER require S$arah' palin's$ False "GODS$," nor, honestly, Ron Paul's for that greedily-cynical matter, and why hath NOT your "Cons$titutionalis$t" "Hero" Ron Paul hath never signed on as co-sponser to any of Rep. Denny KUCINICH's highly PATRIOTIC, 35 Articles of the needed IMPEACHMENT Process?

 Is "Cons$titutionalist," Mr. Paul simply being his usual, HYPOCRITICALLY-CRUEL "thinking" $Self, or is HE too, simply afraid of the NAPOLEONIC, "Inbred Blue Blood" in his, KING GW's$ Completely NON-Elected, PEOPLE'S$ "White Hous$e"!?

 Ban me if yee wish, for such remarks, Dr. Robby MacKall, me-lad.

 For I shan't be surprised, if you did so. I long ago wroted that we should NEVER treat Obama as our "new God or Jesus," etcetera, that WE THE PEOPLE, have to get this country back from the S$till-powerful Republican-Led Fas$cists$, and their NEO CON-Artists$, DLC Phony "Democrats$," ... and "Free Markets$" Uber Alles$[!], espousing Liberticidal "Libertarians$"[*hence we NOW have over $518 TRILLION Dollars$ in thesetotally Unregulated Deriviatives$ and "Securities$" that the-then "Libertarian-Minded" GW Bus$H, forbade the S.E.C., from regulating, at ALL, G-damned it, for 7-8 years$!] close KIN, in the languages of HATRED, but NOT of truly, truth-seeking, critical Thought, ... will still be very powerful, and criminally S$o, in this incoming Obama Administration; how much will Obama COLLABORATE with them all, is my real  question, for I do not  believe this barack Lad to be a true "recrudescence" of FDR, or Even JFK, and I shall pray for each and every day, in his, hopefull 8 years in Office that HE, Obama shall not Die in Office, from Illness, as did, God protect HIM, FDR, nor BLOODILY, Murderously, from some Coward{s$] shooting from Behing the GRASSY KNOLL, on THAT "November 22nd," of 1963 A.D., the first day that I ever saw my beloved, TOUGH, Boston Irish Street "Kid," and World War Two, HERO Father, ever CRY, openly.

 Best Barks, nonetheless, to "the RIDENT One, named Rob," and to all a good MORNING of True Re-Birth, particularly if yee be my Beloved, Fellow, Tolerant, and always-THINKING, American Citizenry, from Brian and Casper O'Moore!

by Brian O'Moore (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 49 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 2:00:05 PM

  (0+)

We all wanted Change from these past eight years of Bush.  The Obama Presidency like others have noted, will bring only cosmetic differences.  Obama received four times the amount of money from the militeary-industrial complex as McCain. They are both total One World Order. Look for spreading wars, more loss of personal freedoms, a new currency, and a million man homeland security force to spy on and keep the population from total rebellion. The changes that are coming down the pike may have us saying the Bush years were the good old days. Hope I'm wrong!

by ronheri (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 257 comments [45 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:43:36 AM

  (0+)

tiffane:

 Thanks for the reminder.  The euphoria for a change from the path the US was on is great, but let's see if anything REALLY changes.  And doesn't just substitute a leftist autocracy for a rightist one.   

by kibitzer2 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 49 comments) on Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 at 5:11:20 PM

  (0+)

the celebration is premature. He has not begun naming his Cabinet, has not proposed any actual laws or changes in the law to present Congress, in fact he has not even been inaugurated, and several Senate and House seats are still undecided.

I am glad you have hope. I just see the record of the Democrats in opposition and have to wonder just how many spots the leopard will change while in power. 

We will see, but I for one am not holding my breath. 

by Jack Harrington (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 676 comments [70 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:48:55 AM

  (0+)

then breathe slowly, it ain't gonna be easy my friend.  The world awaits and expects big things which will not happen quickly if ever.  Being on the pricipiece of a deep world-wide recession, possibly even depression does not give Obama much wiggle room, no matter how smart he is.  He will have to be a real uniter and bring the smartest, most innovative minds to the table to have much chance of doing anything close to what folks will expect of him.  His vision for unity is good and he sounds wonderful, but only time will tell.  If he fails, racism will likely rear it's ugly head beyond what either of us can imagine.  But it is a time for celebration and prayers for a brighter future.

poeticsense

by Patrick Michael (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:51:51 AM

  (0+)

Amen to that, brother.

by Jay Farrington (13 articles, 2 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 236 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:58:46 AM

  (0+)

We're taking our country BACK!!! Praise GOD!

by Zena Princess (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 89 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:05:45 PM

  (0+)

Proffering Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff is not a very promising sign of Light. It is an potentially ill omen for the Middle East and puts an AIPAC man in a strategic position to work their agenda. My warm fuzzy feeling after Obama's speech last night is fading fast.

If Obama also, like Bush, tethers himself to extreme Right-wing Israeli interests, then he might as well sow dragon seeds right now and just watch them grow into specters of death and war. If Obama does not become a neutral player and facilitator in the Middle East and work with all sides, then he will be walking the opposite path from Light. He too will be plunging into darkness. This is a moment in history when we really, really need a leader who will embrace what the Buddha has taught: Hatred can never vanquish hatred. Only love can vanguish hatred. If Obama gets this core truth wrong, kiss off any hope of transforming the world into something better.

by Mac McKinney (53 articles, 114 quicklinks, 241 diaries, 1414 comments [31 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:07:17 PM

  (0+)

He isnt a policy guy. He is an enforcer of the President's policies and makes sure the cabinet is focused on them. He also makes sure no one does anything that hurts the prestige of the President.

by Steven Leser (255 articles, 58 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 2147 comments [63 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 5:15:59 PM

  (0+)

For most people this election has opened new vistas of possibility, and recalled many old vistas that seemed foreclosed by the government of the last eight years. All of us have new hopes, though we don't all share the same vision. A few of us are skeptical, not wishing to have hopes dashed.

For those of us that write, the challenge is to model clear thinking, and to persuade rather than rant. We must give shape to the new possibilities with our words and logic, and document what needs to be changed in ways that create unity of purpose.

Surely the campaign that just ended demonstrates how much more productive hopeful people are, and how destructive and cruel fearful people can be.  We voted for hope and optimism.  Now let's live it and write about it with insight, talent and passion.

by Richmond Shreve (30 articles, 70 quicklinks, 17 diaries, 157 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:25:49 PM

  (0+)

Rob,

I liked the way you described the feeling of America's Victory last night. How could anyone who saw the hope in the faces of people all over the world on the TV screen, not realize the impact of what took place. Sure Obama will make some mistakes, and there will be those who will never give him credit when he is right. It will take us all pulling together, and sometimes pulling those who would rather stay behind forward with us. It won't be easy.

In addition, there are still so many things that could happen between now and January 20th. This administration, I am afraid, will not go away without at least one more try at destoying our country. But on this Historic day, we need to look ahead at the possibilities that have been given to us. We should not let the people who choose to be negative detract from the hope that we feel. I believe this feeling of hope is possibly the same hope our Founding Fathers felt when they were at last free from the chains that bound them. God has blessed  America. May he contiue to do so is my prayer.

by Fish Farmer (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 12:39:22 PM

  (0+)

I hate to rain on this parade, but all that's happened is that another sleazy politician has fooled people into voting for him. Even if he were a good man, & I don't think he is, he'd have a hard time fixing the mess were in. But since he's just another empire builder he'll bungle everything. Read about it at Obixon.

Then join us at:

Impeach Obama Now!

by Darren Wolfe (15 articles, 401 quicklinks, 141 diaries, 1031 comments [84 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 2:57:45 PM

  (0+)

What, you haven't done anything yet?

Well, Obama hasnt taken office yet either. Convicting him, which is what an impeachment is, goes against anything in which any American should believe.

by Steven Leser (255 articles, 58 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 2147 comments [63 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 4:55:08 PM

  (0+)

At this point Impeach Obama Now! is tongue in cheek. In a few years it will be looked at as prophetic.

by Darren Wolfe (15 articles, 401 quicklinks, 141 diaries, 1031 comments [84 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 3:43:59 PM

  (0+)

Darren Wolfe,

Nice catching you red-handed on this spot. Where have been? We missed so much your nonsense and trash. Let's scrutinize your absurdity posted here.  I don't need your garbage of an answer, my questions are irrefutable facts.

'Sleazy politician...who fooled people' I would reserve this for Bush. Didn't he steal two elections shamelessly, first through court appointment, the second time through rigging voting machines?

'Epire Builder' would aptly apply to someone who wages wars of agression on foreign nations and builds military bases and steals the oil for the benefit of his cronies. Sounds like Bush, no?

'the mess you are in' was something deliberately set up by Bush's buddy Mr Ben Bernake of the Federal Reserve. It was intentional meant to ruin the populace by stealing their tax money and giving it to the rich. Fixing the mess requires removing the entire cohort of gangsters grouped around a chief bandit called George Bush. Let us hope Obama will honor his oath and will impeach and tar and feather these criminals that you are paid to defend here.

By the way, aren't you the nasty guy who was sent here to smear Noble Prize winner Krugman? You ought to be the fellow sent here to throw dirt at the honest politician Chavez, Right? I recognize you. Trolls stink, and you smell troll sh*t.

by ramsheyi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 793 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 5:04:36 PM

  (0+)

You're NUTS!  Get back in your cage!

by O'Terry (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 19 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 8:13:17 PM

  (0+)

I am overwhelmed and elated with great joy, not only for myself but for all of us everywhere on earth. The shroud of darkness has finally been lifted and a bright beacon of hope is shining brightly in its place! 

by Michael Shaw (12 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 439 comments [16 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 3:54:31 PM

  (0+)

Last night was the vindication of those who have worked for hope and for change. Last night was the door opening, an invitation for us all to walk together into the future in unity.

It is not going to be a smooth or easy journey. Each of us is going to have to resolve to work hard, fight if necessary against those who would thwart beneficial progress; and NEVER forget that YES WE CAN DO IT.

I have lived through 72 yrs., around the world and here at home in America; the first hand education through interaction with other peoples who have differing spriritual, ethnic paths, has always left me open to listen first with an open mind before making decisions.  The journey has been often frustrating, especially over the past 8 yrs., BUT I have never lost faith in the common goodness of people.  Last night my faith was made manifest.

Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Each of us must now venture to usher in the changes this country needs so bady.  Each of us must now support a man who has called to each of us to be better to ourselves, our neighbors -- here and abroad, and to ensure that the coming generations will live in a safer, more prosperous world.  A world where dreams can be fulfilled if we are willing to work to make them so.

by Wazi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 5:24:42 PM

  (0+)

What a great article, Rob!  ...and Amen!!!

by O'Terry (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 19 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:44:14 PM

  (0+)

by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 7:56:39 PM

  (0+)

I feel like I've left the trench and now I'm in no man's land.  As usual, when it comes to the Democrats, I am expecting another betrayal.  I'll come around when I see some Republicans arrested and tried.

by John Hanks (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1762 comments [39 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 8:04:07 PM

  (0+)

....how about a few words of praise for McCain's concession speech?  I thought it was very gracious, much more than I would have expected given some of the earlier name-calling.  Not only did he not blame anyone except himself, he also offered his assistance in working for the good of the country that both himself and Obama served.   

I'm not a Republican nor an American but I know that lasting change won't come about without finding common ground between 'red' and 'blue'. 

by lwarman (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 98 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 8:43:45 PM

  (0+)

by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 9:15:07 PM

  (0+)

Interesting read...thanks for posting it (though a link would have also sufficed).  I agree that he does serve as a sort of Rorschach (am working on a piece about this) and that there is much about him we don't know.  Indeed, there are many unknowns and it's good (vital!) that we have critical voices.  But even if Obama winds up being a Centrist executive, it is still a victory to move away from Republican rule...and many people here just want a few days to enjoy it. 

by Mikhail Lyubansky (15 articles, 11 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:07:26 AM

  (0+)

How is it that I could tell that Obama's "honeymoon period" with the far left would be much shorter than his honeymoon with the far right? I was waiting for comments like yours to pepper OEN comment sections from Wednesday morning on.

Very predicable. Why don't you wait a few months before you tell us all how awful Obama is as a president? 

by John R Moffett (89 articles, 18 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 697 comments [14 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 4:23:37 AM

  (0+)

Hate to disillusion you but.. I am not a leftist. 

Being critical of Obama's actual expressed views on a vast array of issues (as noted in the above article) and utilizing that data to determine that he is not somebody whose views I find acceptable does not make me a 'leftist' .... except possibly in Bizarro world. 

And I hazard that you don''t have many months..... let's see, you have about until the 21st or 22nd of January ... at least according to Colin Powell.

What I find interesting, but not particularly remarkable, is that so many would prefer to live in their illusory, pollyanna world (perhaps because their relief in ridding themselves of BushCo) and neglect, in their 'joy' to even begin to look realistically at the brave new world they've been tossed into. I chastise myself for not having predicted what should have been, to me, the obvious outcome a two years' worth of electoral distraction and emotional manipulation (given my profession). Perhaps I should have taken more courses in sociology or consulted with my Sociology professor nephew. It is remarkable, however, to note how easily vast swaths of the American populace have been so masterfully manipulated.

So yeh, John, go back to sleep and wait your many months. 

by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 6:00:15 AM

  (0+)

We're not out of the woods yet. There is a lot then can happen before Jan. 20. To see military planes on alert around nuclear plants, buzzing around, hasn't occured since 9-11 in such ferocity. There was real fear. There still is a real concern.

How many really bad people have been profiting from killing and harming, for how long? It is a business and they want the money to continue to flow. Those that have done wrong will continue to harm and kill, not to get prosecuted, and to continue to profit. 

Bush, Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Rumsfeld, and others have to know that there is a calm before the storm. There is a major push out there just waiting for Jan. 20. Many want Bush to spent the rest of his life in prison for all the fraud, lying, killing, and harming perpetrated out of his office.

No matter what happens, let's stand together and not let them pull any crap. [my blog]

by Steven G. Erickson (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 57 diaries, 218 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:28:50 PM

  (0+)

I voted for Obama instead of throwing my vote away on a third-party candidate. Does that give me the right to complain here? If not, why not? My vote was more against McCain than for Obama, and I voted for McCain in 2000 and 2004 as a write-in. That shows just how far McCain and I have diverged over the last four years, and I didn't change, he did. That said, I'm really not interested in participating in a pro-Obama circle jerk for the next 4 years, so ban me if you wish.

Yes, it's nice to see the first black president. Yes, it's nice to see a straight up election for a change. Yes, it's nice to see that post-9/11 fearmongering had no effect on the populace for once. But I'm feeling a little buyer's remorse about Obama after seeing he wants to appoint Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff (who represents the worst of the Clinton years) and listening to Catherine Austin Fitts talk about Obama's economic advisors on Coast to Coast AM last night (I won't elaborate right now. Google her it you want to learn more). 

I want to see where Obama really stands on the offshoring of US jobs and free trade agreements that have hollowed out our manufacturing sector before I get too excited. I want to see whether he really lowers taxes for the middle class. I want to see an energy policy that does more than just tax coal-burning power plants out of existence and doubles or triples the price of electricity. I want to see if he has the guts to slap tariffs on goods made in Communist China. I want to see if he can really deal with the Iranians without being walked all over. I want to see an end to the Patriot and Military Commissions Acts.

In other words, Obama has as lot to live up to. If you are so busy being enraptured about change or the idea of having a Democrat in the White House that you do not allow criticism of him, then count me out. You can ban me or I will ban myself. Right now it's easy to get caught up in the irrational exuberance and excitement of the moment. But that will fade over time when we get to see the real Obama instead of the popular myth that he is right now.

by Sam Adams (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 90 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:02:10 AM

  (0+)

The only thing Rob was asked was to have one day of the positive. You've got 364 more days to be as negative and cynical as you want to be.

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments [10 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:26:05 AM

  (0+)

Rob stated:

“I'm meeting with senior editors today and am pretty sure we're going to resolve to NOT tolerate the usual drone of complaining. Things are different now. Think about how YOU can help, not just grouse about past weather. And this is not just for you Richard.”

Obviously that is not a statement referring to just one day of myopic enthusiasm.

by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 5:18:27 AM

  (0+)

 ... regarding G.W. Bush, from at-about July 1999, through 2000, about his being totally corrupt and unqualified to be President, then even the Fascist machinations of Katherine Harris and her associates$ in Florida 2000, could not have taken the rightful election of Al Gore away from, that good man, as well, ... then so much could have been, so profoundly, and "world-changingly"(* don't believe that's a true term, "world-changingly," but it doth "fit," somehow!) DIFFERENT, from what it now is.

 But perhaps, for now at least, that's living too much in the past, i.e., the CrimeS of the twice "Elected" Bus$h Presidency need to be prosecuted, but we need to go forward(and *PROTECT Barack and his GOOD, All-American Family, and Administration, in the process!), and let us, in the "General," National Good sense of the phrase, of a plaque that I have read, please, let us not "Let Yesterday, use up all of Today".

(*That said, Denny KUCINICH, is still right about his 35 Articles of the NEEDED Impeachment process; I've read from some sources that GW Bus$h can STILL be "Impeached," or at least, prosecuted, long after he leaves office on January 20, 2009, A.D.)

by Brian O'Moore (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 49 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:10:40 AM

  (0+)

Great job Richard

No way they can blindfold us with a glittering façade. It is a show for fools. We will keep wondering and asking questions. Wary, skeptical, watchful and alert

We have to wonder aloud when a democratic candidate with so many liabilities ( color, name, Muslim background, inexperience) waltzes right through every obstacle witout breaking a sweat and succeeds

We have to wonder aloud when the corporate-far-right-owned MSM, headed by the New York Yimes, throws its unconditional support behind a democratic candidate while the same media was in accord in two previous presidential elections in demeaning and distorting everything said by a democratic candidate

We have to wonder aloud when Obama stoops in front of the AIPAC offering to be their attack dog  tearing to pieces any innocent bystander who happens to be disliked by the Masters

We have to wonder aloud when Obama endorses a bailout which is nothing but a plain and obvious public rip-off

We have to wonder aloud at his promises to straighten up the economy in a country where the only industry left intact is the military and war industry

We have to wonder aloud when a candidate refuses to address and to investigate the most horrendous crime in US's history, 9/11, with its ensuing illegal wars

We have to wonder aloud when Collin Powell, a far-right blood-soaked war criminal crosses lines to endorse a naive inexperienced candidate

We will wonder aloud 4 years from now if Obama has actually done something positive for the ordinary people and  is still alive unimpeached and untarnished by a sex scandal or other trivia 

As long the Federal Reserve mafia remains intact hope is not an option

by ramsheyi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 793 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 5:49:05 AM

  (0+)

Barak Obama's landslide victory reminds me of Muhammad Ali's great fights, when the entire world watched the perpetual underdog attempt to kill his opponent, yet sensed in him a man of peace.  When he won, the world arose in joyous celebration, internalizing his power, and believing that they too could take on superior powers and prevail.  For many a white youth, Ali was their first African American hero, crashing through the glass ceiling with the power of his punches, as their parents hoped desperately for his defeat. 

If nothing else, Barak Obama's victory has given black Americans that final vestige of American citizenship which they have thus far lacked.  As Whoopi Goldberg put it, "I've always felt like I was an American, but now I feel like I can put my suitcase down."  This feeling will forever bond American blacks to this land and to the American people at large, and America will always be a better place because of it.  

Obama may make many mistakes.  He may not be a savior.  It seems impossible that he could live up to the expectations that he, himself, has created.  But by his mere victory, he has changed the tale of America, and he has created a mass movement that he can use for good or for ill.  The least that can be said is that he is unlikely to start WWIII, which is more than could be said for his opponent.  

by W.M.L. (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 537 comments [52 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 2:37:31 PM

  (0+)

  Will Dennis Kucinich be the new Attorney general?. I don't think so Is emanuael a known entity. I think the facts are in fact the facts, no? What Richard wrote out are Obama's positions. His positions seem horizontal to me. Should we see what he does? ofcourse. Should we walk around in a trance because he won? With all this blubbering slovenly sentimental cases I think Richard may be just fine to counterbalance some meshuganah sappy emotions. I think it is disgusting to attack Richard for not diving into this messiah crapola. Is he gonna be better than Bush,? you betcha. Is he gonna be the same as Clinton? We shall see. We need to respect eachother. The pseudo psychological criticsm of Richard is nothing more than name calling. I thought name calling was not acceptable.

by robert braunstein (60 articles, 0 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 194 comments [40 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 5:57:59 PM

  (0+)

-- both Rob's essay and your reply.

This one I'll keep open on my browser for some time to come, refreshing it each day to see what new comments have been added.

You've inspired me to post something I finally found words for on Wednesday evening:

____________

Re: WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO! - and that gaping, ringing feeling

. . the feeling of all possibilities palpably open (as perhaps they've always been), but the high and worthy ones no more than the awful and evil ones.

Amen to the prayer request for Obama's safety and preservation. My first thought on his taking the stage last night was: "Here it is, the Secret Service's worst nightmare waiting to happen." Then I noticed what seemed to be transparent deflective shields of some sort, ranged around at least part of that long proscenium.

And today I'm recalling the feeling of Nov. 23, 1963, and imagining how that day must have felt to those who on Election Night 1960 felt the way I do yesterday and today.

If this wild hope has seized us in so unexpected a way, who have been praying for this development to become real -- how must the same realizations be striking those who for whatever reasons have most strongly opposed this victory: whether racist psychopaths set against the advancement of people of color, or corporate powers-that-be fearful that he will somehow slip his leash and be led by the people.

The true test now becomes to live M.L. King's message and overcome with love, acceptance, inclusiveness, mutual accommodation and compromise -- wholehearted and affirmative coexistence.

Maybe the most hopeful note I've heard in the last 24 hours was McCain's speech* in Phoenix last night -- out of nowhere I was seeing the man I used to admire as he ran his environmental subcommittee. I already know that dealing with the blank-faced dismay all around me at work is a huge challenge that I will approach carefully and patiently. But to empathize, I need only remember my feelings right after the November election in 1980 -- a prayer meeting led in exultant joy by one who said (word for word; I'll never forget), "I just know that Reagan is God's man for this hour." All things in their season is the best I can do in response to that, even three decades later.

Only when our hearts are set right toward one another can we truly begin to rebuild any kind of rational foundation for government in this country. Today I heard about a discussion on NPR, involving a Republican figure, of how anti-intellectualism will (will?) destroy the party. (Doubters, check a little book entitled The Republican War on Science.)

Then this afternoon I listened as poor Senator Brownback, McCain national campaign cochair, acknowledged that the party has lost its way and needs to reclaim its legacy as "the party of ideas" -- which he said over and over again. Those ideas? The slogans handed down from Goldwater and Reagan about fiscal responsibility and equal opportunity and small government and making something of yourself and giving help to the needy only in emergencies, etc. Some of those "ideas," even in shorthand, are now so mainstream that as he listed them they sounded almost like progressive principles.

So at last I've checked out Al Gore's Assault on Reason for a little truth therapy, and soon I'll pull Global Warning [sic.] off the shelf, where it faithfully waits. Actually, between Oceans: A Scientific American Reader and Sirota's Uprising and Wolf's Give Me Liberty, among many others, I can't say I have not banked a lot of fortitude and solid ideas against the hope of a day like today, the better to endure it and work to channel it into action. May we find our multifarious ways to do just that.

Peace to you all -- Paul, the editor person

* I wish the concession speech had left out this final jab: "Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth." We don't need resentful reminders of me first (or "me-already" -- most often long overdue and justified) or especially country first.

We need to hear and accept the challenge of humanity first, brothers and sisters united in the mission to lift one another and in every way to restore the planet, our common home. We can only be "the greatest nation on Earth" through the path of humble service, realizing that with great abundance comes great responsibility. This is the substance of our honorable call to "make history," in McCain's constant refrain.

by editnetwork (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 73 comments) on Friday, Nov 7, 2008 at 6:20:20 AM

  (0+)

I meant to post this in reply to Muservin, far above.

by editnetwork (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 73 comments) on Friday, Nov 7, 2008 at 6:22:07 AM

  (0+)

The end of tyraney has come, how good it feels. After eight eight years of our freedooms stripped from us and the facist leadership that has lead this country its over. Obama will lead this country with a renewed spirit and purpose. We must bring legal action against Bush and his cronies for all the laws they broken. Yes the light is brighter today then yesterdaY.

by Bradley A Harris (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments) on Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 at 3:02:47 PM

  (0+)