[ve2vfd]

but what can ONE man do in a democratic society

A heck of a lot if he is the right man...

Only time will tell us if he is the right man.

Pat

[Clicker]

A heck of a lot if he is the right man...

Only time will tell us if he is the right man.

Pat

We'll see if that message doesn't change to, "I hope you can"

[reeftool]

There seems to be a shortage of US residents commenting on this thread so i'll throw in my 2 cents worth. Expectations are very high for Obama but he set that up for himself. I hope he can pull it off. A positive attitude is an important thing to have and if he spread that around instead of all the pissing and moaning we have been hearing things might actually get better. It worked for Reagn.

There seems to be a shortage of US residents commenting on this thread so i'll throw in my 2 cents worth. Expectations are very high for Obama but he set that up for himself. I hope he can pull it off. A positive attitude is an important thing to have and if he spread that around instead of all the pissing and moaning we have been hearing things might actually get better. It worked for Reagn.

Expectations are also high for all Americans, if Obama fails, America fails just like it has been doing for the past eight years.

[artifax1]

OK another American chimes in.
After the longest campaign (2 years) and with little real debate of the issues or merits of the candidates it is sad to say that most US voters are some of the most uninformed people anywhere and I am glad it is over. I am amazed at how many people were taken in by the media dribble, puff pieces on Obama and hit pieces on McCain. Most people I spoke to about the candidates could not explain why they supported Obama, the usual response being "he is not Bush". This entire campaign was eerily focused on a singular personality, a media creature. Barrack seams to me to not have supporters as much as followers. It is almost cult-like...the constant mantra of change and yes we can, the mass stadium rallies, the logo, the soviet styled political posters, the videos of cute little children singing the praises of Obama, the "temple of gloom" at the convention and his solo (no family, or running mate on stage with him) acceptance speech on election night.
So much hope invested in one man I can't help but think that someone who from out of nowhere has risen this far this fast may crash and burn and bring down many very disappointed people with him.

[jaws]

I think when someone talks of hope, respect and having a real moral compass sometimes thats enough for most people. I,m sure most of the people want peace and a reasonable future for themselves there children and the planet.I don't see where Bush created any of this and lets face it McCain is too old,(although probably a decent man) Palin just plain scary.
So when someone says 'hes not Bush' instead of it being a flippant remark is probably a short sweet summary of a greater list of real reasons for hope and change.

Cheers,
John

[TomInJax]

OK another American chimes in.
After the longest campaign (2 years) and with little real debate of the issues or merits of the candidates it is sad to say that most US voters are some of the most uninformed people anywhere and I am glad it is over. I am amazed at how many people were taken in by the media dribble, puff pieces on Obama and hit pieces on McCain. Most people I spoke to about the candidates could not explain why they supported Obama, the usual response being "he is not Bush". This entire campaign was eerily focused on a singular personality, a media creature. Barrack seams to me to not have supporters as much as followers. It is almost cult-like...the constant mantra of change and yes we can, the mass stadium rallies, the logo, the soviet styled political posters, the videos of cute little children singing the praises of Obama, the "temple of gloom" at the convention and his solo (no family, or running mate on stage with him) acceptance speech on election night.
So much hope invested in one man I can't help but think that someone who from out of nowhere has risen this far this fast may crash and burn and bring down many very disappointed people with him.

<rant warning>

Thanks for saying what a lot of us are afraid to speak out about.

I wish the new president the best, but not at the cost of our constitutional rights and liberties. It is bad enough under a "conservative", republican president. We do need to change something, but it doesn't look like we are heading in the right direction. With the bailouts of the wealthy, increased corporate welfare, and massively increasing US debt - it is going to take more than change or hope! We need a complete replacement of our Congress.

<\rant warning>

[artifax1]

I think when someone talks of hope, respect and having a real moral compass sometimes thats enough for most people. I,m sure most of the people want peace and a reasonable future for themselves there children and the planet.I don't see where Bush created any of this and lets face it McCain is too old,(although probably a decent man) Palin just plain scary.
So when someone says 'hes not Bush' instead of it being a flippant remark is probably a short sweet summary of a greater list of real reasons for hope and change.

Cheers,
John

John
Obama was the blank slate on which anyone could project their hopes and dreams. Before him Bush was the "compassionate conservative" who proved to be neither. I would much rather depend on myself and my friends for to secure a better life. At one time most Americans and our media had a healthy skepticism of government and that helped to keep it's power in check but now to many look to Washington to secure the future while the media often called the 4th estate is acting more like a 5th column. McCain was not my choice and he is year or two older than Reagan when he was elected. I vote for positions and issues and not for personalities which is why I supported Ron Paul libertarianism, he however was not an effective campaigner.

Enjoy,
Robert

[jaws]

Hi Robert,
My comments were meant a a broad sweep of the Democrat victory.

I agree that depending on yourself is a much safer option, however their is a place for Government intervention, namely health care as a right and social security for the ones left behind (I know some should be left behind but thats another story) and looking after the planet, to me these are where Govt's need to act strongly.
Getting involved in war etc. is where Govt's take control away from the people who elected them and go after their own agenda to the detriment of the world.
Unfortunately we here in Oz also have basicly 2 political party's which leaves behind some excellent candidates, I think our views here are more socialist than the US we do expect Govt's to use our tax dollars wisely, we have a strong sense of social intervention, health care, social security, maternity leave, compulsory superannuation, pensions, etc.
I also vote on substance via the Greens with preference to Labor (your Democrat equivalent).
Cheers,
john

[artifax1]

John
We seem to want the same outcome but disagree on the manner in which to achieve the goal. Government is the necessary evil and a small limited government is best. What is the old addage... the government that governs best is the one that governs least. Our constitution provides for equal opportunity to all not an equal outcome to all. It also limits the federal government to keeping the courts running, providing for national defense and maintaining interstate commerce. But over the years it has crept into areas never intended.
Much of the social responsibilities you mention are much better handeled at a local level either through private or religious agencies and possibly local governments. These folks are much closer to the problems and are better able to use resourses more efficiently. But most importantly they know the individuals they are dealing with and have a much more personal interaction this is not the one you typically get from a removed bureaucrat.
Human nature being what it is ...if you place large amounts of public money out there people will find many ways to take advantage. Think global...act local.

Have to go. It is our Thanksgiving Day and I must drive to (gulp) Washington DC to visit relatives.

Nice chatting with you
Robert

[jaws]

All the best for Thanksgiving.

Cheers,
John

[m8o]

artifax, not me! I was informed because I watched John Stewart!

[dave sz]

Mr. President -ELECT. Barack Obama is not president yet.

Is there a difference really? He was elected to be president, he's guaranteed to be the next president so yes he is the president. Unless there is something that can happen to change that?