Obama

[LANDROVER ROGER]

I am sick of all the hype.He is a politician after all and therefore only really interested in himself.He seems to have been exalted to the New Messiah.

[gizmo]

It happens every time, it happened with Dubya, it happened with Blair, I dare say it even happened with Maggie.. But you never know he might be the one..

[Lossit Lass]

I'll bite if only to point out that, from what I've seen, it's not about idolasizing the man. It may appear that way but if you look a bit deeper you can see that that's not really what it is. It's about seeing something better *through* him, appreciating the new direction our country is trying it's damndest to go in. WE put him in office, he's there because we see something in him that may just help us get away from the tired, 'good ol boy' politics of our gov't. We also see acceptance, tolerance & respect for others, not just for Americans but everyone we share the planet with. We know corruption in gov't. It permeates it. But that should make us more determined to flush it out, not give in to it.
&, I'm a huge proponent of teaching by example. If he's willing to be that good, positive example then how can it be wrong? Wouldn't it be sad if we didn't, or couldn't, recognize & utilize it?
No one knows where things will go from here but we can certainly, & unapologetically, celebrate the changes we are making as they come along.

[FACEMAN]

It happens every time, it happened with Dubya, it happened with Blair, I dare say it even happened with Maggie.. But you never know he might be the one..

And here was me thinking that NEO was the one....

[Govangirl]

I know that we live in difficult times what with the credit crunch and job losses and war and all the other dreadful tragedies but honestly, have we become such a cynical nation that we now sneer at integrity and take it for granted that all politicians can't be trusted? I think Obama spoke for all nations and I for one loved his speech and welcome his time in office. L Roger, surely you know the press by now? Has Obama ever proclaimed himself as a Messiah? No.
I'm really sad that such cynicism has crept in on so early. Obama is giving something that's in short supply: hope.

And Roger, where is the idea that ALL politicians only think about themselves? Why is it that we have not one shred of confidence left in the political process? Even if Brown takes a principled stand on anything these days, we question what's behind it.

Is Obama a Messiah? Of course not. Is he inspiring? you bet!

[Bobbie En Tejas]

I think some people do not understand some things about Americans. We are not lifting up Obama as a Messiah, but as a potential healer to some wounds we've endured in the last 8 years. We haven't had to endure some things that others around the world have had to face, but we have had 8 years like we have never seen before. Obama gives us hope that we can get back to the America ideals we recognize. And it is not just Obama that gives us that hope, but the American people themselves.

The past administration put us trillions of dollars in debt for a war that Obama spoke out against before we ever went. That administration made some decisions that have seemed downright un-American to some of us. Let us be happy that at least we have hope that some of the injustices and bad decisions can be righted.

For all those who have thought all along that Bush was a good representation of the American people, just listen to the crowds as the helicopter was taking off.. na na na na.. na na na na.. hey hey hey.. goodbye. And that resonance throughout America.

And as for hoopla, you must have heard me all they way over there

[ionnsaigh]

Afghanistan

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Afghanistan

Please expand.

[ionnsaigh]

Two things, sending more troops to Afghanistan. Although significantly less important, I found his speech ( or at least his delivery ) disappointing.
Afghanistan will become an other Vietnam - they should be bringing the troops home. Afteral they, like the Brits, have more than enough to contend with - on the domestic front. Glad to see him there - although I can't help remembering saying to one of my son's - the same about - our Tony.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

I note that he has had to be inaugurated again due to a slip-up on the wording.This time in a back room at the White House.If it had been done that way initially without the hype I for one would find him more believable.That is not the American Way though.

[ionnsaigh]

To be honest, I found the slip to be in his favour - nerves and only human - the other guy must bear some responsibility.
His speech however lacked fire - surely the sign of a true orator.

[Govangirl]

The man's a do-er. Wish there was more of it around instead of all the guff that's spouted.

Any chance of a separate thread on here for weary, cynical, pessimistic, old gits? It would be most comforting for you all.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

The man's a do-er. Wish there was more of it around instead of all the guff that's spouted.

Any chance of a separate thread on here for weary, cynical, pessimistic, old gits? It would be most comforting for you all.

What do you mean"old"?Saucy minx!
Quote"And Roger, where is the idea that ALL politicians only think about themselves? Why is it that we have not one shred of confidence left in the political process? Even if Brown takes a principled stand on anything these days, we question what's behind it."Govan Girl.I am heartily sick of politicians and all they stand(or do not stand)for.Yes I am cynical.How do you know that a politician is lying?.His mouth is moving.

[ionnsaigh]

No no no no. I'm prepared to give him a chance - typical female upstart, old indeed.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

I think that a new section,"Grumpy Corner"would be a good idea.