YES We did!

[BarTopDancer]

Welcome President Obama!

You have some tough times ahead, but we have faith you can do so much more for this country. We know it will be hard, and painful, but we know your path is the one right for us and we'll try to be patient as change takes time.





(general we)

[keith - SuPeR K!]

*So excited.*

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Great speech. :)

[flippyshark]

I'm very happy I got to see this happen.

What I loved:

- the golf claps that greeted Rick Warren

- Aretha's awesome singing

- Obama's nod to the non-believers (Yay!)

- Obama's nod to science (double Yay!)

- Watching Dubya's squirmy demeanor during the speech.

- Sasha and Malia looking SO adorable!

- The amazing spectacle of so many people SO collectively excited.

So, who knows what comes next - maybe a new world, maybe the same old crap, but this is a moment to relish and remember.

[Gemini Cricket]

At first I thought Obama biffed the oath, but apparently it was Roberts who mixed things up.

[Strangler Lewis]

At first I thought Obama biffed the oath, but apparently it was Roberts who mixed things up.

I'm waiting for the lawsuits about how he's not really president.

Other observations:

Obama's speech was good until the end when it went into wind-up, big finish platitude mode.

Warren's content was inoffensive and seemed to fit Obama's basic message about cooperation and humility.

Glad to hear Justice Stevens sounding healthy.

Cheney looked like Dr. Strangelove.

The poem: skillet, skillet, skillet.

[Andrew]

It was totally Roberts. You'd think he might have practiced just a little bit.

[Gemini Cricket]

Warren's prayer stunk. It was too slow, huge gaps between words... Even my religious parents thought it sucked. But then again, they probably thought that because he wasn't Catholic.
:D

[JWBear]

Ladies and gentlemen... I'm please to announce that the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched back on.

[wendybeth]

It's nice to finally be able to call him 'President Obama', as opposed to President-Elect. It's a great day.:)

[Gemini Cricket]

This whole thing is still surreal to me. President Obama.
Wow!
:)

[Alex]

I almost got into a car accident because I was busy flipping off Rick Warren with both hands.

But that wasn't because of anything particular in the prayer, I would have flipped off anybody giving a prayer at a government event. I'm just a hater.

[scaeagles]

Speaking of prayers...."when white will do what is right"....??????? I actually had to find it online to determine if that's what the guy really said because I was sure I didn't hear it correctly. Rev. Joseph Lowery? No idea who that guy is.

Wow.

I found that to be quite offensive.

[lizziebith]

In the context of much of what was touched on during the inauguration (progress made but the continuing struggle for civil rights) the comment didn't seem offensive. At least not to me. I also liked the way his sing-song-y patter left everyone grinning.

[Morrigoon]

I am *so* glad I TiVo'd the inauguration, because I totally didn't get up on time. Watching the whole thing now.

[mousepod]

I'm a "not disabled non-believer".

[Stan4dSteph]

Speaking of prayers...."when white will do what is right"....??????? I actually had to find it online to determine if that's what the guy really said because I was sure I didn't hear it correctly. Rev. Joseph Lowery? No idea who that guy is.

Wow.

I found that to be quite offensive.He was rhyming. Were you offended by "so the red man can get ahead, man?"

[scaeagles]

The whole theme of that rhyming scheme was that everyone else is beaten down but the white man needs to do what is right. I don't care about references to color....it was how it was themed.

[Alex]

I didn't hear what Lowery said (I was out of the car as soon as Obama said "god" since I was already late for a meeting.

Where did you find a transcript (I'm not finding one) to confirm the line?

[Alex]

But just to be consistent, I just did an image search of Lowery and then flipped it off too.

[JWBear]

I almost got into a car accident because I was busy flipping off Rick Warren with both hands.

But that wasn't because of anything particular in the prayer, I would have flipped off anybody giving a prayer at a government event. I'm just a hater.

That's ok... I mooned him! (well... I mooned the TV while he was giving his invocation...) :evil:

[Moonliner]

Yes! Obama!

I made it to the mall. I was standing right in front of the Washington monument

I have lots of photos I will post when I make it home. Right now it's lunch time.

Oh, and I have several dozen buttons to send to everyone.

[flippyshark]

You have nabbed onto an easily available interpretation (the white man sucks), but I really think Lowery was trying to emphasize unity, and may simply have been too clever by half. In any case, it is an incredibly insignificant part of the whole event, which certainly hit on the theme of unity and non-divisiveness again and again. Will you allow that this is even a teensy bit inspiring, scaeagles?

[Morrigoon]

That older Obama daughter is going to be a raging beauty, you can tell already.

[scaeagles]

You have nabbed onto an easily available interpretation (the white man sucks), but I really think Lowery was trying to emphasize unity, and may simply have been too clever by half. In any case, it is an incredibly insignificant part of the whole event, which certainly hit on the theme of unity and non-divisiveness again and again. Will you allow that this is even a teensy bit inspiring, scaeagles?


Teensy.

I'm not inspired, really. I do find it difficult - probably a short coming on my part - to find someone I didn't vote for to be inspiring. I didn't find Bush inspiring either, and am not sad to see him go, but I do not share the anticipation nor the optimism of a majority of the country.

[flippyshark]

I do not share the anticipation nor the optimism of a majority of the country.

It's okay. We'll let you stick around anyway. Here's hoping you'll be pleasantly surprised. (Also, here's hoping the rest of us won't be horribly disillusioned. Who knows?)

[wendybeth]

Well, I'm disappointed. He's been on the job for over two hours now, and the economy is still in the toilet.

[Kevy Baby]

I found that to be quite offensive.I find your being offended to be offensive.
:D

[Alex]

My boss just received confirmation of my 2008 bonus (though he isn't allowed to give me the number yet). So Obama is the best president ever.

[SacTown Chronic]

Has Gitmo been shut down?

[scaeagles]

Well, I'm disappointed. He's been on the job for over two hours now, and the economy is still in the toilet.

So we can blame any downward movement of the market for the last 2 hours and 25 minutes on Obama? Happening on his watch, after all. :)

[Alex]

Yes, and the inmates have all been given planes so that they can fly to Washington, D.C., for their hearings.

It is a decision that may come to be regretted. But it is also a promise kept.

[wendybeth]

So we can blame any downward movement of the market for the last 2 hours and 25 minutes on Obama? Happening on his watch, after all. :)

I can't help but laugh- I know you're kidding, but I also know the right wingers are praying for disaster just so they can say "I told you so!". Kind of a cutting off one's nose thing.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I found that to be quite offensive.Give me a f.ucking break. :rolleyes:

And what the hell does this mean?
Rev. Joseph Lowery? No idea who that guy is.So because you've never heard of him, he mustn't be a deserving person to make the speech?

Didn't take me long to find out he's a respectable guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Lowery).

Lowery was pastor of the Warren Street United Methodist Church, in Mobile, Alabama from 1952 until 1961. His career in the civil rights movement began in the early 1950s in Mobile, Alabama. After Rosa Parks' arrest in 1955, Lowery helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott. He headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, an organization devoted to the desegregation of buses and public places. In 1957, with Martin Luther King, Jr. Lowery founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and subsequently led the organization as its president from 1977 to 1997.

<snip>

At the request of Martin Luther King Jr., Lowery led the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965.

Seriously, Leo, you're going to start attacking a guy who led one of the THE most important civil rights marches in American history?

[Strangler Lewis]

Apparently Scaeagles agrees that the Asians in the country need to chill.

[Capt Jack]

I have high hopes, yet I have serious doubts.
Not in the man, but in the power of what still sits in opposition to him and the mountainous size of what it is he now has to change to 'set things right'.

in my heart of hearts, I wish him the very best of luck, for I fear he's going to need it.

[Morrigoon]

He is going to need it, that's right.

[innerSpaceman]

From what I understand, the jackals are already lining up with saliva dripping into their grubby paws for their share of the trillion dollar spoils soon to come.

I have confidence in Obama ... but none in Congress. The money is going to be frittered away on crap unless Obama really does have a cape and some spandex under that overcoat.

[Capt Jack]

then lets all hope and pray, that the throngs of supporters that appeared today in washington and around the nation help him watch congress like 10 million hawks and swarm them like angry red ants when they try to pull their 'business as usual' BS.

youre right, one man alone cant do it. one man with millions upon millions of ACTUAL supporters, just might be able to

[LashStoat]

Dearest All,

Congratulations upon the appointment of your new President.

Although opinions may differ on the individual, that's not what it's really about. It's about the ability of your new government to make your lives better, and your willingness to bring about positive change.

If it works, you will benefit, as will those touched by the USA.

Love and Hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

PS// Make it happen soon, 'cos I'll be there shortly.

[bewitched]

Speaking of prayers...."when white will do what is right"....???????
He was rhyming. Were you offended by "so the red man can get ahead, man?"
The whole theme of that rhyming scheme was that everyone else is beaten down but the white man needs to do what is right. I don't care about references to color....it was how it was themed.

I believe, but cannot find the source, that these lines are a quote from a blues song. When he said them, they sounded familiar but it's kinda like having someone's name on the tip of your tongue...I can't remember what song.




Has Gitmo been shut down?

As one of his first acts, Obama has ordered Gitmo to suspend prosecutions for 120 days

[wendybeth]

Thank you, Lashstoat. A very good reminder that who we elect affects more than just ourselves as a nation. Obama was right- we really need to grow up and start acting like adults in this country. We have a responsibility to ourselves, our children, and the other inhabitants of this planet.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hearing our president talk like an adult made me cry.

[Jazzman]

Speaking of prayers...."when white will do what is right"....??????? I actually had to find it online to determine if that's what the guy really said because I was sure I didn't hear it correctly. Rev. Joseph Lowery? No idea who that guy is.

Wow.

I found that to be quite offensive.

That caught me too. Here we are, hearing beautiful words of unity and hope on a beautiful, unifying and hopeful day, and then that. It didn't offend me (I don't offend easily) but I did immediately file him under "Mega Douche." Sorry, I don't have any white guilt and have always embraced what's right, so frack off old man.

You have nabbed onto an easily available interpretation (the white man sucks), but I really think Lowery was trying to emphasize unity, and may simply have been too clever by half. In any case, it is an incredibly insignificant part of the whole event, which certainly hit on the theme of unity and non-divisiveness again and again. Will you allow that this is even a teensy bit inspiring, scaeagles?

I hope that your interpretation, that of being too clever for his own good, is correct, but regardless, it was douchey and insulting. Emphasizing unity by slipping in a dig at the largest group in attendance? Give me a break. When you're speaking in front of a world wide audience you don't get snarky or cute. You honor your audience and the occasion by being respectful and classy. This guy seemingly took Public Speaking as a subset of DOUCHEBAG 101.

Hearing our president talk like an adult made me cry.

Totally. Listening to him, I was suddenly pulled out of the moment with the thought, "Oh my God! My President, is an orator again!" How fracking cool. And he wrote his own speech too! Just his ability to speak so eloquently will buy us huge amounts of goodwill internationally. Say what you want, good or bad, about Bush, but his speaking skills were on par with an autistic third grader. No problem if you are an autistic third grader, big problem if you're the leader of the free world.

[Strangler Lewis]

Hmm. Let's consider the alternatives.

"when white will say 'let's grab a bite?'"
"when white won't be fooled by pyrite?"
"when white will mend a kite?"
"when white will refract into a thousand points of colored light?"

Ah hah!

"when white will shine bright!"

Doesn't seem apt. If a white person is going to embrace the moment on a level beyond, "Excellent, we have elected a competent man who happens to be black-ish," I think we have to be prepared to eat a little for the sake of history.

[SacTown Chronic]

"when white will say Dy-Na-Mite!"

[Not Afraid]

I love old hippie-speak, but I'm old enough to remember it the first time around.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm waiting for the lawsuits about how he's not really president.
The oath of office is pure formality. According to the constitution, he was President the moment it hit 12PM eastern, oath or no oath.

[JWBear]

Does anyone else think Cheney wasn't really confined to a wheelchair due to an injured back? Bill and I thought he looked like he'd had a stroke.

[Ghoulish Delight]

He always looks like that.




Besides, it was a metaphor.

[Moonliner]

The oath of office is pure formality. According to the constitution, he was President the moment it hit 12PM eastern, oath or no oath.

Technically yes, but according to some constitutional law eggheads I work with the power to sign legislation (ie closing Guantanamo bay) is dependent on a successful completion of the oath. So there is a suggestion that the oath be readministered in private ASAP to forestall any future challenges.

[Moonliner]

And speaking of Guantanamo bay....

Does anyone know if Obama is shutting down:

Guantanamo bay naval station

or

Just the prison at Guantanamo bay naval station?

[Alex]

If he shuts anything down it will just be the prison. There's no way we're letting the forced lease of Guantanamo Bay lapse any time soon.

If it will be difficult for Obama to start normalizing relations with Cuba while Fidel/Raul/puppet are still in power it would be a complete ****storm if he gave up the base. The best $3,000 our government tries but fails to spend each year.

[innerSpaceman]

As for Lowrey ... those who think all the blacks, reds and yellows of this country haven't been consistently oppressed and victimized by whites need to get that reality check Obama referenced in his speech, and stat. (Yeah, not by all whites, but all who oppressed and vicitmized them HAVE BEEN WHITE.)

Sheesh. What a load of perfect-example White-Privilege Blindhood crap from scaeagles and jazzman. Get a fracking clue! No one's accusing YOU personally.


And yeah, a black man was inaugurated president on the National Mall yesterday, where Martin Luther King famously had a dream 30 years earlier. If you didn't expect other black men to take a dig at White Supremacy on that day, you yourself were dreaming.

[JWBear]

He always looks like that.




Besides, it was a metaphor.

metaphor? Apropos of what?

[Ghoulish Delight]

metaphor? Apropos of what?
Chris Matthews said over and over and over that Cheney in a wheelchair was "like a metaphor". It was retarded.

[Deebs]

Chris Matthews said over and over and over that Cheney in a wheelchair was "like a metaphor". It was retarded.

That is lame.

I don't think he looked like he had a stroke. He just looked pissed off that he was stuck in the wheelchair, and pained to be alive. Like he always looks.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

As a smarter person than I quipped, "Cheney in a wheelchair would be a metaphor....if this were FICTION."

After we had enough crappy commentary we switched to CSPAN. Ahh.

[scaeagles]

As for Lowrey ... those who think all the blacks, reds and yellows of this country haven't been consistently oppressed and victimized by whites need to get that reality check Obama referenced in his speech, and stat. (Yeah, not by all whites, but all who oppressed and vicitmized them HAVE BEEN WHITE.)

Sheesh. What a load of perfect-example White-Privilege Blindhood crap from scaeagles and jazzman. Get a fracking clue! No one's accusing YOU personally.

I guess generalities are OK if you think they're OK, but not if you think they're not. I didn't suggest anyone was talking to me personally. When McCain used the term Gook he wasn't talking to every Asain. I'm sure Koreans in the Los Angeles area don't hate every black person. I would figure that women are oppressed by men of all races. A large majority of the black population voted for prop 8 in CA. I could go on and on, but it's pointless.

Next time someone uses the term "that's so gay", I'm sure they don't mean it as demeaning to all gay people, so it must be OK. Or if someone says they want to "Jew someone down", that's OK, because they didn't mean all Jews are greedy. Or if I call a man a rag head, it's OK, because not all Middle Eastern people wear headdresses.

Open your eyes, ISM, and you get a "fracking clue" that the only generalities that are acceptable are negative toward white people. They aren't the only ones used by any means, but they are the ones that are even remotely accepted.

[JWBear]

Chris Matthews said over and over and over that Cheney in a wheelchair was "like a metaphor". It was retarded.

Yes, it was.

Oh, and under the heading of "Oh No, She Didn't"...

A group of coworkers and I were discussing the Inaugural. One woman piped up with "I didn't watch it, but is it true he used a Koran?" We all stared at her with astonishment. "Well, he's a Muslim, and I heard that's what he was going to use." she added.

God God(s)! I have to work with this person!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I found that part of Lowery's speech trite and inane, but not offensive.

[cirquelover]

I stuck with NBC yesterday. I really like Brian Williams, his commentary was pretty funny at times too.

[scaeagles]

Give me a f.ucking break. :rolleyes:

And what the hell does this mean?
So because you've never heard of him, he mustn't be a deserving person to make the speech?

Didn't take me long to find out he's a respectable guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Lowery).



Seriously, Leo, you're going to start attacking a guy who led one of the THE most important civil rights marches in American history?

So I can't criticize a statement because he's respectable?

Please show me where I said he's a loser or a jerk or shouldn't be allowed to make a speech, or isn't deserving to do so. Where did I say that, CP? You cut ME a fuc.king break. I criticized something he said. Grow the hell up and read what's written and get down from that high and mighty holier than thou crap.

[Alex]

Generalities are sometimes perfectly fine.

When talking about race in the United States I don't think there is anything particularly wrong with the fact that improvement means things get easier for minorities and white people behave better than they have in the past.

Does this mean that there are no bad people in the minorities and all white people are bad? No, of course not. But at least in this country when talking about an approach to racial unity and peace (which is a "general" and not so much a specific concept) it is a simple fact that "white" as a group moves in a fundamentally different direction than everybody else.

[innerSpaceman]

Open your eyes, ISM, and you get a "fracking clue" that the only generalities that are acceptable are negative toward white people. They aren't the only ones used by any means, but they are the ones that are even remotely accepted.
For the record, I have zero problem with the phrases "that's so gay" or "jew him down." I'm a gay and a jew ... so go figure.:p

But you're comparing apples to oranges. Those generalities are not made as an insult to people who've done you harm, but merely as an insult.

So ... I don't think it's ok for me to use generalities to insult a black man, but I find it perfectly understandable when a black man uses generalities to insult whites, of which group I happen to be a member.

By the same token, I don't find it understandable if a black man insults gays or jews, of which groups I am also members ... by virtue of the fact that gays and jews haven't done systematic harm to blacks.

Get the difference? Now go complain to your ancestors, because they saddled you with this lasting animus. Use a Ouija board if necessary. But stop whining about your poor aggreived insult when it's an absolute act of surreal amazement that a black man just now became president of the United States in 2009.

[sleepyjeff]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16985924@N00/40873993/

[scaeagles]

However, I know several African Americans who in dislike Jews because they believe that they have been held down financially by Jews.

Is it OK for Jews to talk poorly Germans? Is it OK for Jews to speak in derogatory fashion about Palestinians or other Middle Eastern people? Or vice versa on that last one? Because you don't have problems with "that's so gay", does that make the phrase OK when I beleive it was SzczerbiakManiac (sp?) that had a thread about working to eliminate that phrase?

I think that such conversation only hardens lines and bad feelings between the peoples that hold such thoughts. As Jazzman put it, in an environment embracing unity, why say that?

By the way, just so CP is clear, he can say whatever the hell he wants. I just don't think he should get a pass anymore than someone using racial generalities about any other race should.

[Snowflake]

Yes, it was.

Oh, and under the heading of "Oh No, She Didn't"...

A group of coworkers and I were discussing the Inaugural. One woman piped up with "I didn't watch it, but is it true he used a Koran?" We all stared at her with astonishment. "Well, he's a Muslim, and I heard that's what he was going to use." she added.

God God(s)! I have to work with this person!

Boggle!

Um, honey it was Lincon's Bible fer crissakes!

JW, I feel for you, really I do!

[Betty]

Open your eyes, ISM, and you get a "fracking clue" that the only generalities that are acceptable are negative toward white people. They aren't the only ones used by any means, but they are the ones that are even remotely accepted.

Actually that's not quite right. People make general negative statements about fat people all the time and they are quite accepted by nearly all skinny people and a lot of fat people too.

[JWBear]

These makes me happy:
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/01/21/obama.business/art.obama.oval.wh.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/21/art.ovaloffice.cnn.jpg

[Deebs]

"Well, he's a Muslim, and I heard that's what he was going to use." she added.


D'oh! I am so sorry you have see this person regularly. I hope you are able to keep your interaction to a minimum.

[scaeagles]

Actually that's not quite right. People make general negative statements about fat people all the time and they are quite accepted by nearly all skinny people and a lot of fat people too.

I can agree with that.

[Moonliner]

These makes me happy:
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/01/21/obama.business/art.obama.oval.wh.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/21/art.ovaloffice.cnn.jpg

The press here made a big deal about that second photo.

Obama is not wearing a coat. Bush mandated coats be worn at all times in the oval office.

[Snowflake]

The press here made a big deal about that second photo.

Obama is not wearing a coat. Bush mandated coats be worn at all times in the oval office.

Well, in case the press has not noticed, Bush is now officially out of office. ;) And Obama is a roll up your sleeves and work kind of guy. No doubt he'll wear a jacket with visitors and photo ops.

The press has to make a fuss about something, but really? Slow news day in DC?

[Alex]

I'm sure it will become a part of the party culture war.

Reagan, Bush Sr., and Bush Jr., all required jackets at all times. Clinton and Obama don't (though is Obama allowing other people to be sans jacket?).

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm sure it will become a part of the party culture war.

Reagan, Bush Sr., and Bush Jr., all required jackets at all times.Maybe they all wanted to cover up excessive pit-sweat and didn't want to be the only ones in the room with their jackets on.

[JWBear]

Republicans: Want to look important
Democrats: Want to do important things

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I hope sandals with socks are allowed.

[innerSpaceman]

What's the Bermuda Shorts policy in the Oval Office?

[Alex]

Perfectly fine, so long as they're under slacks.

[sleepyjeff]

Republicans: Want to look important
Democrats: Want to do important things

Which makes Democrats for more dangerous to our Nation, it's Constitution and our very freedom.....if you think about it;)

[JWBear]

After eight years of Bush, is there any more damage that can be done? ;)

[Capt Jack]

ugh...never say that. :eek:

thats like asking the universe...how could it be any worse?

sure as shineola, it'll bend over backwards to show you.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Leo - first of all, you said you had never heard of him. As if that is a valid point, somehow. I'm still rolling my eyes at that one.

Also - I'm pissed at everyone who takes offense at something like that, no matter which race is targeted. Hello, America? Get over yourself. Grow a thick skin. We're going to need it.

Know what? He's got a reason to hate white people. I'm no history buff, but seeing the basics about his past means that he saw American whites during their ugliest moment in the 20th century - fighting against equality and freedom for blacks. I'm sure he had things thrown at him, got spit in the face and had death threats against him and his loved ones. If you translate his words to mean that racist whites need to be more accepting of minorities, you think he means YOU? How laughable!

If this is the mildest thing he says in reference to the struggles that HE HIMSELF faced, never mind the struggles all minorities have and continue to face (however diminished, they are multiplied by the multitudes around us) then we are to consider ourselves lucky.

Personally, I think he meant something different. I am a White person and I want to do What's Right. As in, truly getting on board for equality, for all, even if it's not my own self that is subjected, as in Gay Rights, as in anything else that comes our way. That's what he meant by doing What's Right. I'm happy to hear the wakeup call, and I hope others heard it as a wakeup call as well.

In fact, I'll repeat it. Hey, Whites! If your rights are secure, fight for the rights of others! Do What's Right!

[Not Afraid]

I LOVE Obama jacket-less in the office. The changes he's making and the image he is putting forth are, in my opinion, wonderful. The Official White House Website changed yesterday as well - at approximately Noon Eastern.

Almost at the instant Obama was sworn in, www.whitehouse.gov relaunched with a redesign to signal a new era in government. Gone was the staid site of the Bush White House, replaced by a dynamic new site reflective of his tech-savvy successor.
The new design includes more interactive features, a prominent photo gallery displayed across the top of the site, the ability to get e-mail updates, and a White House blog. The site's "briefing room" also includes places for a weekly video address, slide shows, proclamations, and executive orders as well as news about nominations and appointments.
"It's a great first step, and the tip of the iceberg in what's coming with participatory politics and the relationship between the president and the public," said Andrew Rasiej, founder of the Personal Democracy Forum and co-founder of techPresident.com.
Visitors to the site are invited to e-mail the president and his staff, although -- perhaps in a nod to the Twittersphere, where brevity is key -- comments are limited to 500 characters.
"President Obama (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Barack_Obama) is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history," states the site's Contact Us page.


Article here. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/white.house.website/index.html)

[JWBear]

I was very inpressed with the order he gave for the departments to be more cooperative with Freedom Of Information requests.

[innerSpaceman]

W00T ... Tweeting to Obama! I can hardly wait to begin!

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks Lisa! I heard about that this morning but I hadn't remembered to check it out.

[wendybeth]

Obama looks great in those pictures- he's only been in the office one day, and he's made it his. The cons are just pissed because he is everything their guy was not- intelligent, articulate, confident and kind. He's a loving husband, a great dad, a good human being and I'm beyond proud to have him as my President.

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, I sent my first tweet to the President! In support of my friend Tanner's Postcards to the President campaign ( http://www.postcardstothepresident.com/ ), I made my first subject a request for the repeal of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) ... and offered my hearty congratulations and best wishes.

[wendybeth]

So far, so good: Obama has ordered pay freezes (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/21/obama-freezes-salaries-of_n_159739.html) for staff members, as well as limited the access and influence of lobbyists.

[JWBear]

The Obama girls had a sleep-over party with friends from school inaugural night. They watched movies in the White House theater, and had a surprise visit by the Jonas Brothers. I bet they’re having a blast!

[cirquelover]

The news said the Jonas brothers were the surprise at the end of their scavenger hunt. I thought that was pretty cool!

In other news.... it said Obama retook the oath of office today at the White House, so it's all official now.

[BarTopDancer]

What were the "controversial" orders he was going to sign during the first few days?

[Andrew]

Did you realize Beyonce's performance of "At Last" at the Neighborhood Ball was live? Watching MSNBC, where they came in halfway through and only stayed a minute, I didn't.

It was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnOQfjWfxDQ

[wendybeth]

What were the "controversial" orders he was going to sign during the first few days?

Well, he's gonna be dismantling the Constitution, but that's not scheduled until next week. ;)

[scaeagles]

Leo - first of all, you said you had never heard of him. As if that is a valid point, somehow. I'm still rolling my eyes at that one.

My point in that was was that I had no preconceived notions about him at the start, as many here would have about, say, Rick Warren, that might lead them to jump to a certain conclusion at something he said. No, I do not consider myself an expert in the civil rights movement of the 60s.

It's amazing that you say people need to have a thicker skin when I can remember how outraged you would get at anything negative I posted about Obama. In fact, all I did originally was say I found that line to be offensive. I made no statements about how this man should never have been allowed to speak or that I was going on a letter writing campaign or that this was simply a sign of what to expect from the Obama Presidency. I said I found it offensive.

So whom would you say needs the thicker skin? Those that jump down my throat about making such a statement and those who have an aggressively adverse reaction to my one sentence, or the person who makes one comment about finding it offensive?

If you didn't find it offensive or support it, good for you. I found it tasteless and offensive. It isn't going to have an adverse effect on my life.... I made a comment.

[BarTopDancer]

Well, he's gonna be dismantling the Constitution, but that's not scheduled until next week. ;)

Dammit. I thought he was supposed to be putting it back together.

[SacTown Chronic]

I'm waiting for the lawsuits about how he's not really president.Heh.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090122/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_oath_do_overAfter the flub heard around the world, President Barack Obama has taken the oath of office. Again. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the oath to Obama on Wednesday night at the White House — a rare do-over. The surprise moment came in response to Tuesday's much-noticed stumble, when Roberts got the words of the oath a little off, which prompted Obama to do so, too.

Don't worry, the White House says: Obama has still been president since noon on Inauguration Day.

Nevertheless, Obama and Roberts went through the drill again out of what White House counsel Greg Craig called "an abundance of caution." And this little nugget:
The president said he did not have his Bible with him, but that the oath was binding anyway. Awesome that a president was sworn in without using the bible. Scary that there's a need to assure that a bible-free oath can be binding.

[Alex]

More pleasing than that is that apparently there wasn't a bible within a few minutes reach at the White House. I'm guessing that wasn't true two days ago.

[Moonliner]

The news said the Jonas brothers were the surprise at the end of their scavenger hunt. I thought that was pretty cool!




Not too surprising, I would expect to find them under a rock somewhere...

[BarTopDancer]

Heh.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090122/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_oath_do_over And this little nugget:
Awesome that a president was sworn in without using the bible. Scary that there's a need to assure that a bible-free oath can be binding.

Considering the era the Constitution was written, it doesn't surprise me that they needed to verify this.

[Morrigoon]

Well, he's gonna be dismantling the Constitution, but that's not scheduled until next week. ;)
Would that be the actual Constitution, or the Double Secret Probation Constitution as defined by the Bush presidency?

[bewitched]

These makes me happy:
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/01/21/obama.business/art.obama.oval.wh.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/21/art.ovaloffice.cnn.jpg

I hope he'll switch desks-- I'm sick of the current one. The Theodore Roosevelt desk is my favorite, of the 4 most used desks (although personally, I think this is a great time to have a new desk commissioned. You know, a new era and everything.)

http://services.nirvanix.com/polldaddy/polldaddy/images/8d60bc7a-ed32-44c3-96a7-b25087274254.jpg

[Jazzman]

I think we have to be prepared to eat a little for the sake of history.

Bullshyte. I haven't oppressed or subjugated anyone, and I do not have to "eat a little." I'm sorry that blacks faced adversity in America. It was wrong, but it's in the past. Black Egyptians oppressed and subjugated white slaves to build pyramids and palaces and such. Does that give me a right to make blacks "eat a little?" Or is your entire concept predicated on an arbitrary number of years which limits victims of such oppression to carrying grievances for only however long it is necessary to make only whites bad and only non-whites good? Face it, everyone has hurt everyone, and everyone has been hurt by everyone. Applying rules to certain people and not others, such as "He can be a douche and say douchey things, but you can't, so eat it" does nothing other than perpetuate the cycle of inequality and prejudice which brought about those injustices in the first place. Just as with Israel and Palastine, progress will only be possible when all sides, victim, aggressor and bystander, lay down their grievances, stop sniping at each other, and put it all in the past for good. Douchebags like Lowery only prevent that from happening, and all of you making apologies and excuses for him are merely enabling him. If you're cool with that, good for you. I, however, prefer to actually embrace what's right, instead of merely talking about doing it.

[Jazzman]

What a load of perfect-example White-Privilege Blindhood crap from scaeagles and jazzman. Get a fracking clue! No one's accusing YOU personally.

Actually, you can get a fracking grip iSm. What privilege have I had from being white? Is that the privilege that has led to me being thirty and still finishing college because my family was too poor to buy one for me when I was eighteen? Is this the privilege that had me working full time in high school to help my family keep the electricity on? Is it the privilege that brought me hand-me-down clothes, broken Salvation Army toys at Christmas, and food-stamp-purchased, minimal groceries growing up because we couldn't afford better? Tell me, iSm, what White Privilege are you talking about? Because I don't see it. All I see is a lot of middle, and upper-middle, class white people who can't get over their own senseless, liberal white guilt, making excuses for a bigoted old douchebag who was classless enough to take a swipe at the largest group of people in America, from a world wide stage. As I said earlier, I wasn't offended by his remarks, just saw how insulting and stupid they were. But I am annoyed by the blatant tsunami of hypocrisy flowing forth because of it.

[Alex]

I hope he'll switch desks

I'd assume this is the one he wants. It is my understanding that all the furniture was changed Tuesday morning.

[bewitched]

I'd assume this is the one he wants. It is my understanding that all the furniture was changed Tuesday morning.



But I want change!

Actually, the picture JWB posted shows Bush's furniture is still in there.

[innerSpaceman]

What privilege have I had from being white?
That was a joke, right? :(

[JWBear]

It's not Bush's furniture. Some of the furniture traditionally stays in the room from administration to administration. Most notably, the side chairs. They may be reupholstered from time to time, but they have been in the Oval Office since the 30's.

Also, the grandfather clock, IIRC.

[Jazzman]

That was a joke, right? :(

So, no answer, huh? I'm just supposed to accept that there's this mythical, magical land of opportunity that's open to me simply because I'm a white guy? Horse crap. Show me what opportunities I've had that blacks haven't. Demonstrate where I had open doors solely because of my skin color. Drop the hyperbolic, pseudo-intellectualist rhetoric and actually tell me; What White Privilege have I enjoyed. Anybody, please. I want to see it. Otherwise, without some proof, I'm continuing to file it under "BS Theories" alongside The Second Gunman, The Government Did 9/11 and Global Warming.

[lizziebith]

I still don't don't see the insult. And I'm a whitey.

[sleepyjeff]

That was a joke, right? :(



http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurtisbillard/2372549704/

[bewitched]

It's not Bush's furniture. Some of the furniture traditionally stays in the room from administration to administration. Most notably, the side chairs. They may be reupholstered from time to time, but they have been in the Oval Office since the 30's.

Also, the grandfather clock, IIRC.

Hate to say you're wrong, but...you're wrong.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-01/44631827.jpg
Bush's
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2008/03/white_house/hosl06_white_house.jpg

The 2 wing chairs were famously reupholstered after the first fabric chosen by Laura Bush appeared pink in photos and on TV (Only 2 presidents haven't reupholstered them: Carter and...can't remember).

The 2 couches were custom made for Bush.

The rug was designed by Laura Bush.

The drapes were chosen by Laura Bush.

The Chair Obama is sitting in is the same chair Bush used and was originally designed for JFK.

The paintings are the same however, I would assume, though can't tell from the Obama photo, that new paintings hang on either side of the windows behind the desk are different, since the two in Bush's picture were on lone to him from friends/belonged to him.

The Lamps are the same...really, everything appears to be the same

The only things that traditionally stay are the side chairs and the wing chairs in front of the fireplace (reupholstered); both of which date back to when the West Wing (and current Oval Office) was rebuilt in the early 1930's.




eta: My memory failed me, there have almost always been wing chairs but the 2 in the picture date from the Reagan era.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I still don't don't see the insult. And I'm a whitey.

Me neither. Apparently, it is a conservative thing.

[Alex]

Found some articles from shortly before the Inauguration saying that Obama generally likes the existing Oval Office and he isn't in any rush to have the room redecorated.

So I was wrong, the Oval Office wasn't included in the swap out on Inauguration Day.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm not a fan of the "white will do" line. Wierd, awkward, and just kind of ... huh?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

He shouldn't spend money on the Office right now. I'm glad he isn't.

If the debate has shifted, perhaps we need a new thread about race in America? This thread is for stuff like this (http://gamu-toys.info/sonota/sw/obama/obama.html). Keep scrolling...

[Capt Jack]

http://gamu-toys.info/sonota/sw/obama/DSC_4696.JPG
http://gamu-toys.info/sonota/sw/obama/DSC_4681.JPG
oh I am so lovin these

(spoilered cuz theyre a slow-a$$ load)

[Deebs]

He shouldn't spend money on the Office right now. I'm glad he isn't.

I completely agree.

The White House was occupied by Dubya for 8 years, that's all. I don't think his presence needs to be erased symbolically by redecorating the Oval Office or any other room in the house. Obama is going to make the presidency his by doing things differently, not just making things look different.


oh I am so lovin these

Those are hilarious!

[flippyshark]

Just for the record, the line was "White will embrace what's right." (I'm sure that doesn't help much, but the outrage may as well be directed accurately.) I'm afraid I can't take this as much of a slam. At worst it seems like a gentle nudge, as in "things are getting better, let's keep it going." Equal rights were only granted to blacks within the lifetime of many of those who post here. Is it really so terrible to be reminded of that?

[Ghoulish Delight]

I find it hard to get worked up over a series of meaningless rhymes. "Yellow will be mellow"? WTF does that even mean? "If it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down?"

It's offensive only in as much as it is nonsense, the whole thing.

[flippyshark]

Of course, there are some who would contend that white has been embracing "right" for far too long.

I have a feeling that the Reverend has been using this particular doggerel for decades. ("when black won't have to get in back" - yeah, that has been a non-issue for a long time - so that tells me this is not a newly composed bit of verse.)

[Snowflake]

I find it hard to get worked up over a series of meaningless rhymes. "Yellow will be mellow"? WTF does that even mean? "If it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down?"

It's offensive only in as much as it is nonsense, the whole thing.

As NA said earlier in this thread, it's 1960's hippie-speak. I recall it from growing up. I take his reciting it to read, for everyone, all races, all colors of the rainbow, chill out and let's work together. I did not perceive any slap being a vanilla colored person. But hey, that's me, glass half full.

[JWBear]

Hate to say you're wrong, but...you're wrong.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-01/44631827.jpg
Bush's
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2008/03/white_house/hosl06_white_house.jpg

The 2 wing chairs were famously reupholstered after the first fabric chosen by Laura Bush appeared pink in photos and on TV (Only 2 presidents haven't reupholstered them: Carter and...can't remember).

The 2 couches were custom made for Bush.

The rug was designed by Laura Bush.

The drapes were chosen by Laura Bush.

The Chair Obama is sitting in is the same chair Bush used and was originally designed for JFK.

The paintings are the same however, I would assume, though can't tell from the Obama photo, that new paintings hang on either side of the windows behind the desk are different, since the two in Bush's picture were on lone to him from friends/belonged to him.

The Lamps are the same...really, everything appears to be the same

The only things that traditionally stay are the side chairs and the wing chairs in front of the fireplace (reupholstered); both of which date back to when the West Wing (and current Oval Office) was rebuilt in the early 1930's.




eta: My memory failed me, there have almost always been wing chairs but the 2 in the picture date from the Reagan era.

Yes..... You just said the same thing I did, but in more detail. Why am I wrong?

BTW, the table behind the desk has been in oval office since the 30's also.

[Not Afraid]

As NA said earlier in this thread, it's 1960's hippie-speak. I recall it from growing up. I take his reciting it to read, for everyone, all races, all colors of the rainbow, chill out and let's work together. I did not perceive any slap being a vanilla colored person. But hey, that's me, glass half full.

No, it's not just optimism, you're right. These are old sayings from the 60's when there was a lot of change happening and a focus on the beauty of differences. For many, it was a reminder of the power of the people in the 60's - a force that may be waking up again on 2009.

[Alex]

I still see no problem with saying that whites in general as a group average need to behave better on issues of race. This seems self evident and obvious. Even if scaeagles and Jazzman are shining paragons of racial integration.

Are things better than they were 30 years ago. Absolutely. Are things perfect now and everybody should just shut up about it already? Absolutely not.


As for redecorating the Oval Office, there is already $100,000 in the White House budge for administration change redecorating (this is standard every four years). I'm sure it'll all get spent even if it isn't as obvious as a new carpet and swapping out desks.

[Not Afraid]

I want Obama to get a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

http://www.hermanmiller.com/hm/content/product_showroom/products/images/P_AER_L146_W.jpg\

[Moonliner]

I want Obama to get a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

http://www.hermanmiller.com/hm/content/product_showroom/products/images/P_AER_L146_W.jpg\

That's for the private office. For the Oval office he needs the thick hi-back chair with the armor plating and microwave scrambler built-in. After all you can't been seen in the oval office wearing a tin foil hat, it would send the wrong message.

[Capt Jack]

I want Obama to get a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

http://www.hermanmiller.com/hm/content/product_showroom/products/images/P_AER_L146_W.jpg\

I love those chairs but daaaaamn, theyre pricey!!

[Andrew]

I want Obama to get a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

http://www.hermanmiller.com/hm/content/product_showroom/products/images/P_AER_L146_W.jpg\

I love those chairs but daaaaamn, theyre pricey!!

I have one in my office. It's not all that exciting.

[Capt Jack]

compared to the one Ive been sitting in for 12 years...it looks pretty durn good to me.

[Alex]

I just learned earlier this month that as of March 1, I will for the first time in a decade not have an Aeron at work. I may have to buy one for myself.

[innerSpaceman]

Otherwise, without some proof, I'm continuing to file it under "BS Theories" alongside The Second Gunman, The Government Did 9/11 and Global Warming.
And I'm going to file your responses on this topic under "Clueless."

I'll leave it to a person of color to respond to your unacknowledged White Privilege that is so engrained you deny its very existence. How completely arrogant, oh member of the ruling class by virture of your pigment at birth.

When's the last time you were stopped and frisked by the police? Pfft, I'll stop there. This is absurd.

[Disneyphile]

I think great and significant changes are in store for our country.

Not so much from Obama's actions as president, but from his inspiration for so many.

When people are inspired, we work harder, and thus can turn this country around.

I have much faith in him as a president, but most of the kudos goes to his ability to speak and inspire, and that's exactly what we need.

[Not Afraid]

I think the growing sense of optimism surrounding the new Presidency has made me less tolerant of the nay-sayers. (Not that my tolerance for negativity was ever very great.) I just find that I don't want to read about being stuck in the mud. I just want to move forward to better place.

[scaeagles]

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

[Moonliner]

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

He is off to a good start (in my opinion)

Sure there are some meaningless token gestures like freezing the pay of the administrations higher ups, but there is also some meat there.

For example, changing the freedom of information acts to err on the side of making information public and not to look for reasons to legally withhold it as was the case in the Bush Administration.

[flippyshark]

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

Just speaking for me, but yes, accountability is very important, and freedom to criticize and dissent is essential. I don't think anyone is arguing against these things. I suspect the reaction is to knee-jerk negativism - like, yes, people getting up in arms about the rhyming guy's benediction. (I've peeked at some of the right-wing blogs, and wow, people are sure reading a lot into this. "You see? It's a racist regime! We were right all along!") Yes, this goes both ways, and I try very hard to recognize when liberals overreact as well. (cough*Olbermann*cough)

My last shot in this absurdly minor scurfle - One reason I am so impressed with Obama is that he talks calmly, like a rational adult addressing other rational adults. The sixties-throwback rhyming benediction is a little silly and could have been more carefully considered, but a true insult? I'm not seeing it. But the discussion about it is threatening to turn into the kind of childish back and forth that prevailed during so much of the last eight years and reached epic-ludicrous levels during the recent campaign. I'd love to believe that we can do better.

[innerSpaceman]

Arguing about the bendiction Dr. Suessical is indeed childish, but the issues it raised are not.

A White Man in America deluding himself there's no White Privilege in this country?! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Will the same man claim there's no Male Privilege?


I think these things are worth debating. I can only imagine how insulted people of color would be at a white man denying white privilege in America. It's only imagination, as I'm not a person of color. But it's that very imagination that let's me contemplate just one day as a black man in America and face the White Privilege by 9:00 a.m. that imaginary morning.

[Disneyphile]

A White Man in America deluding himself there's no White Privilege in this country?!So, you mean to tell me that there are college scholarships available to whites, just as there are other race-exclusive ones? Please show me some, because I need money for school. I know there are plenty of gender-based ones as well, but thankfully I'm a woman, so the majority of those are already in my favor. ;)

(I wasn't offended by any of the rhymes, by the way.)

Anyway, back to the topic at hand -

When I was working the MLK parade, it was so wonderful to see celebration amongst races. Never once was I looked at as if I didn't belong. I got plenty of smiles and told "Happy Kings' Day" many times. It certainly was a happy one. I wish I could have bottled up all the positive energy from that day, because it was astounding. Definitely reinforced the exhilarated feeling of a momentous occasion in history. :)

[Not Afraid]

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

No, that's not what I meant at all. I'm never one to ignore elephants in the room and address them if I feel it is necessary. What I am tired of are the people who seem to be stuck in the negative. They have an inability to see the positive and, therefore, can't participate in making positive things happen. I find it a worthless exercise and one that is a waste of energy at a time when all of the positive movement forward and optimism is greatly needed.

I don't expect our new President to be anywhere NEAR perfect, but I will continue to try and keep myself positive and share my positive energy with others rather than keep things in a stagnant place with my negativity. It's a personal choice and one I cannot make for others, but I also can choose NOT to participate in the negativity or tolerate the distraction of others who are negative.

[bewitched]

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

I thought we stopped holding Presidential administrations responsible about 6 years ago.


So, you mean to tell me that there are college scholarships available to whites, just as there are other race-exclusive ones? Please show me some...

Here. (http://www.alcorn.edu/newweb/offices/FinancialAid/info.aspx?id=407) Here. (http://www.dailyfreepress.com/news/1.921007) There are thousands of "ethnic" scholarships available that, by default, target whites. (http://www.multiculturaladvantage.com/opportunity/scholarships/diversity/ethnic-white-scholarships.asp) Although somehow labeling them as "Irish-American" or "Polish-American" seems to insulate them from criticism.

[sleepyjeff]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NJQa0pXPM



First he couldn't get thru the basic ceremony that makes him a President without having to re-do it....now he can't even sign an executive order without saying the word "um" at least 50 times:rolleyes:

The one thing I was looking forward to in an Obama Presidency was finally having a leader who could speak......jeeesh, so far Obama makes Bush look like Cicero.

[Alex]

I think that's the negativity that NA was talking about.

Also, I don't see how you can really lay the oath mistake at his feet. He obviously knew it was wrong (heck, Obama could probably just about recite the entire Constitution from memory let alone just the oath) and then went with the flow.

And Obama has always said "uh" a lot when speaking extemporaneously. It isn't the number of "uhs" that's a problem so much as the quality of what is in between them. But I can't watch that video so maybe he does come off as Caroline Kennedy in it.

[Moonliner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NJQa0pXPM



First he couldn't get thru the basic ceremony that makes him a President without having to re-do it....now he can't even sign an executive order without saying the word "um" at least 50 times:rolleyes:

The one thing I was looking forward to in an Obama Presidency was finally having a leader who could speak......jeeesh, so far Obama makes Bush look like Cicero.

Well the important thing here is that you gave the guy a chance. I mean come on it's Thursday already. All he did was become the leader of the free world. He ought to have his **** together by now.

[Deebs]

Well the important thing here is that you gave the guy a chance.

:D

VMLM!

[sleepyjeff]

Well the important thing here is that you gave the guy a chance. I mean come on it's Thursday already. All he did was become the leader of the free world. He ought to have his **** together by now.

Yeah, you're probably right. I should give him some time to find his voice:D

....it's just that I was looking forward to that one silver lining but I can't see it thru the rain of "um's".

[JWBear]

Yeah, you're probably right. I should give him some time to find his voice:D

....it's just that I was looking forward to that one silver lining but I can't see it thru the rain of "um's".

At least he can pronounce it correctly.

[Snowflake]

Well, for me, I'm more shocked at my own interest in checking thewhitehouse.gov for updates and the pleasure that I'm finding tangible things there that are being done. This is also surprising in view of the fact that apparently the WH technology is pretty antiquated. If they need to spend 100k to redecorate the White House, let them upgrade the systems to the 21st century. Just don't buy equipment from Haliburton. ;)

I know he and the administration will fail in many things and do things I don't agree with, I accept that. So far, I'm giddy with delight that any effort is being made to move things forward and even keep some campaign promises.

That he says "um" is okay with me. Let's face it, the guy can and does speak in full sentences and he is also capable of understanding them, too. That in and of itself is thrilling.

[Gemini Cricket]

I like Obama's 'no jacket' thing. It gives the appearance that he's getting down to business.
I heard his earlier rule 'silly hats only' was rejected by Rahm Emanuel.

[Deebs]

I have a crush on Rahm-E. There, I said it.

[Gemini Cricket]

I can top that. I had a crush on Joe Lockhart.
Seriously.


:)

[Deebs]

I had a crush on Joe Lockhart.
Seriously.

I can see that. Baby faced and attractive in a nerdy kind of way, and could get scrappy when necessary. Cute.

[JWBear]

I have a crush on Rahm-E. There, I said it.

Yeah... Rahm is kinda sexy.

[Alex]

If you lust for river trolls.

To me he looks like someone who would live in a hole in the ground and every once in a while his head would slowly rise up out of that hole and he'd look around before withdrawing back in.

But my taste in men may be different than others'.

[Not Afraid]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NJQa0pXPM



First he couldn't get thru the basic ceremony that makes him a President without having to re-do it....now he can't even sign an executive order without saying the word "um" at least 50 times:rolleyes:

The one thing I was looking forward to in an Obama Presidency was finally having a leader who could speak......jeeesh, so far Obama makes Bush look like Cicero.

He's probably operating on an immense lack of sleep. I'm surprised he can talk coherently at all.

At least he isn't saying NEMO over and over. ;)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NJQa0pXPM



First he couldn't get thru the basic ceremony that makes him a President without having to re-do it....now he can't even sign an executive order without saying the word "um" at least 50 times:rolleyes:

The one thing I was looking forward to in an Obama Presidency was finally having a leader who could speak......jeeesh, so far Obama makes Bush look like Cicero.Heehee! Bush as Cicero! I just adore that you think that these Ums make Bush look good. I mean, they made 8 years worth of Bush quote calendars based on his really poor turns of phrase.

I happened to notice in between the Ums that he was closing Gitmo. Perhaps if Bush had done something good while calling people by nicknames and struggling to complete sentences, maybe people would have forgiven his crappy speaking ability.

UM, Hello? You do know that it was Roberts who flubbed the ceremony, not Obama, right? You're not deliberately posting misinformation, are you? Or was that supposed to be a (negative) joke?

Seriously, you may want to lay off until you get some actual meat to tear into. It may be a while. :p

[sleepyjeff]

UM, Hello? You do know that it was Roberts who flubbed the ceremony, not Obama, right? You're not deliberately posting misinformation, are you? Or was that supposed to be a (negative) joke?







The first line was supposed to be:

“I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear…etc.”

But Obama began repeating immediately after his name and was TALKING OVER the Chief Justice, who was saying “do solemnly swear.”

Roberts did not pause. Any video will show that his lips were still moving.

Obama screwed up first. Period.

If you don’t believe me? Watch Joe Biden’s oath. The pause occurs AFTER “do solemnly swear.” Unless you think Liberals are so without error that the "correct way" to do it is whatever way they happen to be doing it at that very moment in time;)

Roberts did omit the word “faithfully” and inserted it later in the sentence. Was he thrown off by Obama’s initial mistake? Maybe, maybe not.

Regardless, the assertion that Obama messed up is independent of whether or not Roberts mistake was or was not caused by Obama's flub.


After 8 years of shining a spotlight on every one of Bush’s verbal gaffes, the former Junior Senator has earned 4 or 8 years of the same. No one waited a few months, weeks or even days for Bush to get his feet wet....he was labeled a week orator right out of the gate and every single minor flub was on the news.

What disturbs me most of all is that with Obama’s FIRST WORDS AS PRESIDENT, much of the media(and his apologists) have already begun making excuses for him.

Incredible.

[wendybeth]

Oh, Judas Priest- they were both nervous, and they both screwed up. Neither side needs to make a federal case out of it, which is probably why Obama retook the oath- because you KNOW the cons would have.

Good lord- this country is falling apart, and the things people get pissy about...:rolleyes:

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, absolutely Obama screwed up first. It was a comedy of errors that fed off each other in an embarrasing worldwide spectacle. But both men can speak the English language.

Bush's malapropisms were not mistakes. It was the way he spoke. i.e., like a retard, not a president.

[JWBear]

The first line was supposed to be:

“I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear…etc.”

But Obama began repeating immediately after his name and was TALKING OVER the Chief Justice, who was saying “do solemnly swear.”

Roberts did not pause. Any video will show that his lips were still moving.

Obama screwed up first. Period.

If you don’t believe me? Watch Joe Biden’s oath. The pause occurs AFTER “do solemnly swear.” Unless you think Liberals are so without error that the "correct way" to do it is whatever way they happen to be doing it at that very moment in time;)

Roberts did omit the word “faithfully” and inserted it later in the sentence. Was he thrown off by Obama’s initial mistake? Maybe, maybe not.

Regardless, the assertion that Obama messed up is independent of whether or not Roberts mistake was or was not caused by Obama's flub.


After 8 years of shining a spotlight on every one of Bush’s verbal gaffes, the former Junior Senator has earned 4 or 8 years of the same. No one waited a few months, weeks or even days for Bush to get his feet wet....he was labeled a week orator right out of the gate and every single minor flub was on the news.

What disturbs me most of all is that with Obama’s FIRST WORDS AS PRESIDENT, much of the media(and his apologists) have already begun making excuses for him.

Incredible.

Oh good grief!! You're attacking Obama because people laughed at Bush's inability to be coherent!?!? "You did it to us, so we're going to do it to you!" How childish!

[bewitched]

Roberts was overheard at the inaugural luncheon telling Obama, "It was my fault."

Nonetheless, it seems clear that they were both nervous. Obama rushed things which made Roberts misspeak. Who cares. Honestly.

Personally, I thought it brought a touch of realism to an occasion that is beyond heavily scripted. Obama's grin when they both paused was an excellent example of why people find him so charming. (It reminded me of when Princess Diana flubbed Prince Charles' name at their wedding-- an excellent example of why she was so loved...people were able to humanize her in a way they were never able to do with the other royals.)

[Alex]

I think Obama tinkled a little bit in his pants (from excitement not because he likes it) and he knew Roberts had seen it. So he was nervous and stepped on Roberts lines which gave Roberts a small seizure and being familiar with those he rushed himself so as not to be on camera if a full blown collapse came on.

[bewitched]

(from excitement not because he likes it)

ROTFLMAO!

(VAM)

[second class citizen]

I have a crush on Rahm-E. There, I said it.

I can top that. I had a crush on Joe Lockhart.
Seriously.


:)

I can see that. Baby faced and attractive in a nerdy kind of way, and could get scrappy when necessary. Cute.

Yeah... Rahm is kinda sexy.

I thought that Secret Service Agent who was walking in front of Obama's limo on Inauguration Day on the passenger side was SO HOT! (Black hair, large pointed elvish ears. He looked like he could've been Welsh). He got loads of camera time. The more intense he looked, the hotter he got!

[sleepyjeff]

Oh good grief!! You're attacking Obama because people laughed at Bush's inability to be coherent!?!? "You did it to us, so we're going to do it to you!" How childish!

And calling people names is not childish?

You had the high ground until your last sentence.....so close, but you FAIL.

:)

[bewitched]

Well, calling someone a name and putting a name to somene's actions is kinda, sorta the same thing...or not.

[JWBear]

And calling people names is not childish?

You had the high ground until your last sentence.....so close, but you FAIL.

:)

I stand by my adjective, sir. All I've been hearing from conservatives the last few days as been infantile whining and cries of "See? See? Obama made a boo-boo! He's a failure!" The man has been in office less than 36 hours. Give it a rest! You're party lost. Get over it!

[alphabassettgrrl]

I need to look up the things involved in white privilege. It's frequently quite invisible to those of us who have never been subject to discrimination, and until we studied it in class a few semesters ago, I had no idea.

[Disneyphile]

You're party lost. Get over it!Careful. Those words were what many conservatives uttered when Dubya was re-elected. We might not want to point that out to them... ya know... dishing out the same rhetoric and all. ;)

Liberals were constantly condemned for kicking Bush when he was re-elected. Makes me want to go dig out some of the old posts, but those old board archives simply don't exist, unfortunately. But, if they want to play their own game and put Obama under a microscope, I say let 'em. After all, the poor things are gonna have a looooooong four years, possibly eight. At least it gives them something to be happy about, since they won't be able to applaud futile war efforts and such.

Although, I must admit that when I saw the news clip of Obama signing the Gitmo closure orders, I instantly wondered how many heads were exploding with, "See! See! He just signed our country over to them terrorists!" It's times like these that we need to reach out to our conservative brothers, and supply them with endless tinfoil to make hats. After all, it must be damn hard to see the world feeling a bit less hostile towards us. Because it makes us look weak, ya know. ;)

[sleepyjeff]

I stand by my adjective, sir.

I withdraw mine.


All I've been hearing from conservatives the last few days as been infantile whining and cries of "See? See? Obama made a boo-boo! He's a failure!" The man has been in office less than 36 hours.

Wow, how horrible for you. I lasted 8 years.....I am sorry 36 hours is tiring you out:D


Give it a rest! You're party lost. Get over it!

No!
So?
Why?

[JWBear]

Wow, how horrible for you. I lasted 8 years.....I am sorry 36 hours is tiring you out:D

The difference is that in Bush's first hours in office his every act and utterance were not greeted by cries of "He's going to fail!!! See what a mistake you made?" It took months for the full horror of the Bush Presidency to become apparent.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Here's the article I was looking for on white privilege.

3. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area which I can afford and in which I would want to live.

4. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.

5. I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.

8. I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race.

9. If I want to, I can be pretty sure of finding a publisher for this piece on white privilege.

12. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser's shop and find someone who can cut my hair.

13. Whether I use checks, credit cards or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial reliability.

15. I do not have to educate my children to be aware of systemic racism for their own daily physical protection.

17. I can talk with my mouth full and not have people put this down to my color.

18. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty or the illiteracy of my race.

20. I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.

21. I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.

25. If a traffic cop pulls me over or if the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven't been singled out because of my race.

26. I can easily buy posters, post-cards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys and children's magazines featuring people of my race.

29. I can be pretty sure that if I argue for the promotion of a person of another race, or a program centering on race, this is not likely to cost me heavily within my present setting, even if my colleagues disagree with me.

33. I am not made acutely aware that my shape, bearing or body odor will be taken as a reflection on my race.

34. I can worry about racism without being seen as self-interested or self-seeking.

35. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having my co-workers on the job suspect that I got it because of my race.

38. I can think over many options, social, political, imaginative or professional, without asking whether a person of my race would be accepted or allowed to do what I want to do.

39. I can be late to a meeting without having the lateness reflect on my race.

40. I can choose public accommodation without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the places I have chosen.

43. If I have low credibility as a leader I can be sure that my race is not the problem.

45. I can expect figurative language and imagery in all of the arts to testify to experiences of my race.

46. I can chose blemish cover or bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match my skin.

47. I can travel alone or with my spouse without expecting embarrassment or hostility in those who deal with us.

50. I will feel welcomed and "normal" in the usual walks of public life, institutional and social.


Whole article: http://mmcisaac.faculty.asu.edu/emc598ge/Unpacking.html

[JWBear]

Here's the article I was looking for on white privilege.

3. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area which I can afford and in which I would want to live.

4. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.

5. I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.

8. I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race.

9. If I want to, I can be pretty sure of finding a publisher for this piece on white privilege.

12. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser's shop and find someone who can cut my hair.

13. Whether I use checks, credit cards or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial reliability.

15. I do not have to educate my children to be aware of systemic racism for their own daily physical protection.

17. I can talk with my mouth full and not have people put this down to my color.

18. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty or the illiteracy of my race.

20. I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.

21. I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.

25. If a traffic cop pulls me over or if the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven't been singled out because of my race.

26. I can easily buy posters, post-cards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys and children's magazines featuring people of my race.

29. I can be pretty sure that if I argue for the promotion of a person of another race, or a program centering on race, this is not likely to cost me heavily within my present setting, even if my colleagues disagree with me.

33. I am not made acutely aware that my shape, bearing or body odor will be taken as a reflection on my race.

34. I can worry about racism without being seen as self-interested or self-seeking.

35. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having my co-workers on the job suspect that I got it because of my race.

38. I can think over many options, social, political, imaginative or professional, without asking whether a person of my race would be accepted or allowed to do what I want to do.

39. I can be late to a meeting without having the lateness reflect on my race.

40. I can choose public accommodation without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the places I have chosen.

43. If I have low credibility as a leader I can be sure that my race is not the problem.

45. I can expect figurative language and imagery in all of the arts to testify to experiences of my race.

46. I can chose blemish cover or bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match my skin.

47. I can travel alone or with my spouse without expecting embarrassment or hostility in those who deal with us.

50. I will feel welcomed and "normal" in the usual walks of public life, institutional and social.


Whole article: http://mmcisaac.faculty.asu.edu/emc598ge/Unpacking.html

Wow... It's amazing how many of those still work if you replace "race" with "sexual orientation".

(What happened to numbers 1 & 2?)

[Andrew]

So much of that seems so... obsolete. Of course, being of Russian/Palestinian extraction (e.g. Caucasian) I don't have this experience personally--but I don't see it. I used to see it. I don't see it anymore.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I think she raises that issue at some point, that white privilege is similar to male privilege, or heterosexual privilege.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I don't see it.

That's the point of talking about it- it is invisible to those in the "benefit" group.

[Andrew]

That's the point of talking about it- it is invisible to those in the "benefit" group.
That assumes I don't look around and notice what happens to other people. In fact, I do -- I have a special interest in processes and social infrastructure -- and I just don't see this kind of unspoken discrimination in the lives of people of color with whom I interact. Maybe I am really that blind but I don't think so.

[JWBear]

Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

[Not Afraid]

OMG! The Obama Inaugural quartet music was recorded!!!!!!!! Terrorists among us!

[Snowflake]

VNAM

Well, I wondered why neither Perlman not Ma seemed to be bothered it was 15 degrees and both of them have Strads.

Now, we know.

Maybe Obama and Roberts should have pre-recorded the oath of office? ;)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Fantastic list! :snap: Even if you take issue with some of them, most are inarguable, even in a place like CA.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Obama screwed up first. Period.I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. I'm glad you put it in bold or else I might have missed it.

[Alex]

My problem with that list is that it generally equates race with culture. A third-generation black person born and raised in upstate Minnesota isn't going to be feeling a loss at the lack of soul food in the local grocery stores.

Yes, majority is a form of advantage, but not all of those advantages are caused by race differences. When I moved to Hawaii it wasn't a racial disadvantage that the food selections and musical trends changed, merely a cultural one; an ethnic Hawaiian whose family lived in Vancouver, WA, for as long as mine has would have been at the same disadvantage and all the white locals born and raised in Hawaii get just as nostalgic for good poke when they move away as any of the racial Hawaiians.

And a lot of the examples, in my opinion, trivialize the issue of race (or cultural advantage) to a degree that dilutes the whole idea. As a left handed person I form a distinct but small minority. It is a "race advantage" that I can't write with cheap pens and not smear the ink or that people assume I lack in manners because I am clumsy pour soup from the right-handed ladles used at Sweet Tomatoes. In an idea world I wouldn't face these minor obstacles but I don't for a moment believe that they of malign intent.

All of which is not to say there is no longer significant structural issues of race discrimination or privilege in this country even if much reduced from the past. I just found the list mostly trite.

[sleepyjeff]

The difference is that in Bush's first hours in office his every act and utterance were not greeted by cries of "He's going to fail!!! See what a mistake you made?" It took months for the full horror of the Bush Presidency to become apparent.


1) Pointing out facts regarding the way Obama has thus far conducted himself is hardly saying "he's going to fail"......unless, of course, you equate poor speaking to being a poor leader(surely you don't think a Bush supporter like me thinks poor speaking=poor leader?)

2) Hatred of Bush(and I do mean pure hate) by the media and Dem partisans started well before he even took the oath of office(something he got right the first time, btw;) ) By the time Bush was executiving a couple of days I'd say he'd taken more shots than Obama will see within the next several months.....in my totally biased opinion I must admit:)

[JWBear]

1) ...unless, of course, you equate poor speaking to being a poor leader...

See, that's where your analogy fails. Obama is anything but a poor speaker.

[JWBear]

... And as for hatred of Bush... I don't remember seeing much of that until after he took us to war. Concerns about the legitimacy of the election? Yes. Realization that we elected a President that is dumn as dirt? Yes. Hatred? Not so much.

[Andrew]

As a left handed person I form a distinct but small minority. It is a "race advantage" that I can't write with cheap pens and not smear the ink or that people assume I lack in manners because I am clumsy pour soup from the right-handed ladles used at Sweet Tomatoes. In an idea world I wouldn't face these minor obstacles but I don't for a moment believe that they of malign intent.

As a fellow left-hander I'm obscurely pleased to watch Obama signing executive orders with his left hand.

(No, that does not mean he's been converted (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080121/Jane-Badler-V_l.jpg).)

[sleepyjeff]

Obama is anything but a poor speaker.


I agree....if you go back to my op on this subject I said I believed him to be a great speaker and was looking forward to that one aspect of an Obama Presidency; I was merely voicing my disappointment that perhaps he's not as great a speaker as I had originally thought---based on his flubbing the oath and his scores of "ums" during his first executive orders.

Look, I do hope Obama succeeds....when he's acting in our Nations best interests.

I also, will easily admit that I hope he fails.....when he's acting in his own or his parties best interests or just advancing an agenda that goes against my ideals.

I will point out Obama gaffes, mistakes etc when they occur.....not because it happened to Bush, although I will continue to offer up that excuse because the irony does amuse me since I believe Bush went thru a lot of unfair criticisms(my opinion, lets not debate that right now), but mainly because it's just plain FUN. I remember the Clinton years very fondly:D

[mousepod]

I remember the Clinton years fondly mostly in that we enjoyed relative peace and prosperity.

I imagine you're referring to something else.

[Betty]

nostalgic for (a) good poke.

I think everyone gets nostalgic thinking about a good poke. :evil:

[Alex]

As a fellow left-hander I'm obscurely pleased to watch Obama signing executive orders with his left hand.

(No, that does not mean he's been converted (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080121/Jane-Badler-V_l.jpg).)

Would you have been obscurely pleased watching McCain sign things left handed?

Actually I'm disappointed in both Obama and McCain, they are self-loathing traitors in that both of them are wrap-around lefties. Be proud, I say. Smear that ink.

[Ghoulish Delight]

OMG! The Obama Inaugural quartet music was recorded!!!!!!!! Terrorists among us!
We're just trying to keep up with the Chinese.

[Betty]

As a fellow left-hander I'm obscurely pleased to watch Obama signing executive orders with his left hand.

(No, that does not mean he's been converted (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080121/Jane-Badler-V_l.jpg).)

I noticed that too and meant to say something about it. Go left handers! (of which I am part of the exclusive club!)

[Disneyphile]

(No, that does not mean he's been converted (http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080121/Jane-Badler-V_l.jpg).)
Public "V" mojo. :D

(Is it just sad that I knew the reference before clicking the link?)

[Betty]

Would you have been obscurely pleased watching McCain sign things left handed?

Actually I'm disappointed in both Obama and McCain, they are self-loathing traitors in that both of them are wrap-around lefties. Be proud, I say. Smear that ink.

Psh. You tilt the page - then you can write correctly and not smear the ink. (I so remember the side of my hand being green/blue/black from ink growing up. Yes - I like felt tip markers.)

[Alex]

By the way, left handers are obviously more successful. Though only 10% of the population, half of the presidents from Hoover onward (7 out of 14) have been left handed.

Right handed people can suck it with their scissor oppression and stuff. We get the bomb button.

[Alex]

Psh. You tilt the page - then you can write correctly and not smear the ink. (I so remember the side of my hand being green/blue/black from ink growing up. Yes - I like felt tip markers.)

So not only are you a wrap-around, you're a closeted wrap-around! Double traitor!

[JWBear]

Elitist Lefty!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Right handed people can suck it with their scissor oppression and stuff. We get the bomb button.
CP and I recently had a deep conversation about scissors, and the fact that righties simply CANNOT appreciate the luxury of having a quality pair of scissors at hand.

[Alex]

Absolutely.

I'm proud of my heritage and culture. Apparently some would have us back in the woodshed being whipped until we give up our demonic ways.


GD: And I don't understand why it has to be. We have a pair of kitchen shears that work wonderfully with either hand. Why must paper scissors be handed (I must admit I've never cared enough to learn the engineering). Ah the memories of childhood and trying to use right-handed scissors upside down with my thumb painfully squeezed into the too-narrow finger hole.

[Andrew]

Would you have been obscurely pleased watching McCain sign things left handed? Maybe, assuming Canadian TV covered Presidential signing ceremonies.

(Is it just sad that I knew the reference before clicking the link?) The Leader would approve.

CP and I recently had a deep conversation about scissors, and the fact that righties simply CANNOT appreciate the luxury of having a quality pair of scissors at hand. Oh, they're available... for twenty bucks (http://www.thelefthand.com/lehoandhoscv.html)?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Maybe, assuming Canadian TV covered Presidential signing ceremonies.

The Leader would approve.

Oh, they're available... for twenty bucks (http://www.thelefthand.com/lehoandhoscv.html)?Oh, I know. I have a pair (better pair than that). A pair I cherish and treat with respect. It makes me ill the cavalier way wrongies will just leave their scissors lying around as if they were no more important than a simple paperclip. It's insulting.

ETA: you'll note that that page says "currently unavailable".

[sleepyjeff]

Obama is anything but a poor speaker.


I agree....if you go back to my op on this subject I said I believed him to be a great speaker and was looking forward to that one aspect of an Obama Presidency; I was merely voicing my disappointment that perhaps he's not as great a speaker as I had originally thought---based on his flubbing the oath and his scores of "ums" during his first executive orders.

Look, I do hope Obama succeeds....when he's acting in our Nations best interests.

I also, will easily admit that I hope he fails.....when he's acting in his own or his parties best interests or just advancing an agenda that goes against my ideals.

I will point out Obama gaffes, mistakes etc when they occur.....not because it happened to Bush, although I will continue to offer up that excuse because the irony does amuse me since I believe Bush went thru a lot of unfair criticisms(my opinion, lets not debate that right now), but mainly because it's just plain FUN, I remember the Clinton years very fondly:D

[innerSpaceman]

I see it plenty. Try living in L.A. :)

[Not Afraid]

He's a lefty? Terrorist!

[innerSpaceman]

Hatred of Bush(and I do mean pure hate) by the media and Dem partisans started well before he even took the oath of office
I must point out that I hated Bush long before he even ran for president. His record as executioner, er, governor of Texas cinched that opinion for me.

Nothing prepared me for for his reign of terror as President though. But pre-inaugural disdain for W. is not without reason.

Similarly, it's legitimate if anyone wants to hate Obama for his record as Illinois senator. Go ahead. Knock yourself out. How many people did he kill?

[bewitched]

Freakin' lefties...

Instead of special quality left-handed scissors why don't you just learn to use quality right-handed scissors like the rest of us. Stop trying to ruin my quality scissors by demanding not only "left-handed scissors" but quality left-handed scissors. Why should lefties get special treatment?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Instead of special quality left-handed scissors why don't you just learn to use quality right-handed scissors like the rest of us. Stop trying to ruin my quality scissors by demanding not only "left-handed scissors" but quality left-handed scissors. Why should lefties get special treatment?
Fvcking racist.

[bewitched]

Fvcking racist.

Damn straight, fvcking LEFTY!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Freakin' lefties...

Instead of special quality left-handed scissors why don't you just learn to use quality right-handed scissors like the rest of us. Stop trying to ruin my quality scissors by demanding not only "left-handed scissors" but quality left-handed scissors. Why should lefties get special treatment?Try going back to elementary school and having no choice but to do every single craft project with the sh*ttiest pair of scissors in the known universe. Worse, forced to actually FIGHT over them with the other lefty in the room (other 2 lefties if your class had 30 people) as if they were something of value, rather than torture devices. Entirely blunt. No, not entirely blunt. The cuttening edges are blunt. The metal in the finger holes (which of course had long ago lost the protective rubber coating) was honed, sharp enough to cut skin and sever nerves.

And there were all you wrongies, gleefully picking and choosing from the forest of bountiful green rubber coated handles, planted in the foul soil of brown scissor holders.

Reparations now!

[JWBear]

Gawd... Why don't you lefties learn to use your right hand like everyone else. You can choose to be normal, if you really want to. ;)

[bewitched]

And there were all you wrongies, gleefully picking and choosing from the forest of bountiful green rubber coated handles, planted in the foul soil of brown scissor holders.

Exactly as GOD meant it to be. Haven't you ever read Darwin? (which of course is totally wrong about evolution but oh so right about adapting or getting stuck with the crap scissors)


Reparations now!

Pfft. Why should I pay you? Neither I nor my ancestors gave you the crap scissors, we weren't freakin' teachers.

[Ghoulish Delight]

The sad thing is, the never-ending battle with scissors in school has me so scarred, that even though I KNOW you're joking (duh), I can actually feel myself getting pissed off. Because, seriously, I'm not joking. You have NO IDEA how much worse life is when you do not have functional scissors at your disposal. I watch CP casually leave scissors lying around where they could get lost and my gut reaction is, "Are you freaking CRAZY?! Show some bloody respect for you scissors!"

I know exactly where my scissors are at all times, and if I don't, I panic.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Fvcking Lefty.

[JWBear]

Sounds like GD needs a chatelaine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatelaine_(chain))....





(One he can also hang his shoes from...)

[Gemini Cricket]

I use fabric scissors to cut paper all the time. So there. Ha ha, take that fabric scissors! I even will cut paper with the zig zag fabric scissors. Snip snip, baby!
:D

[bewitched]

I use fabric scissors to cut paper all the time. So there. Ha ha, take that fabric scissors! I even will cut paper with the zig zag fabric scissors. Snip snip, baby!
:D

Pervert.

[katiesue]

I use fabric scissors to cut paper all the time. So there. Ha ha, take that fabric scissors! I even will cut paper with the zig zag fabric scissors. Snip snip, baby!
:D

My mother will rise from the dead and smite you. She had a fit if you used the fabric sissors for anything but fabric.

[bewitched]

My mother will rise from the dead and smite you. She had a fit if you used the fabric sissors for anything but fabric.


I used to. Then I had a kid. Now I'm lucky if I can find the Preschool safety scissors.



(Actually, last month, I bought 2 pairs of really nice fabric scissors, snuck them in the house and hid them. Of course, that doesn't solve my paper cutting problem. :D )

[Not Afraid]

I use fabric scissors to cut paper all the time. So there. Ha ha, take that fabric scissors! I even will cut paper with the zig zag fabric scissors. Snip snip, baby!
:D

Zig zag scissors? What are you? some sort of cretin lefty? They're PINKING SHEARS!

[Gemini Cricket]

Zig zag scissors? What are you? some sort of cretin lefty? They're PINKING SHEARS!
Pinking Schminking.
:D

[Scrooge McSam]

Reparations now!

Testify, Brother GD!!

*so enjoying your rant, even though it's "mostly" in fun ;) *

[Morrigoon]

Try going back to elementary school and having no choice but to do every single craft project with the sh*ttiest pair of scissors in the known universe. Worse, forced to actually FIGHT over them with the other lefty in the room (other 2 lefties if your class had 30 people) as if they were something of value, rather than torture devices. Entirely blunt. No, not entirely blunt. The cuttening edges are blunt. The metal in the finger holes (which of course had long ago lost the protective rubber coating) was honed, sharp enough to cut skin and sever nerves.

And there were all you wrongies, gleefully picking and choosing from the forest of bountiful green rubber coated handles, planted in the foul soil of brown scissor holders.

Reparations now!
At my school, the righty scissors had no protective coating, and the lefties got all the comfort a green plastic handle shell could provide. So I have no pity for you, heathen.

[SacTown Chronic]

Hard to believe this much complaining comes from only 10% of the population.

[SacTown Chronic]

For the record, 40% of our household (Crystal, Josh) are lefties. So to be honest, I'm painfully aware how much complaining anti-lefty bias there is out there.


Right-handedness is the reason I do all of the rolling, or so I'm told.

[JWBear]

Zig zag scissors? What are you? some sort of cretin lefty? They're PINKING SHEARS!

You beat me to it!

[sleepyjeff]

I must point out that I hated Bush long before he even ran for president. His record as executioner, er, governor of Texas cinched that opinion for me.




Fair enough.

[Jazzman]

I still see no problem with saying that whites in general as a group average need to behave better on issues of race. This seems self evident and obvious.

Bullshyte again. Maybe thrity, forty years ago. In the 21st century that's over. Racism is no longer exclusive to whites, nor are whites even the largest practitioners of it. For every white bigot, I can show you a black, or brown, or [Insert Racial Demographic Here] one. If you want to say that the human race could all do better, then fine, I'll agree with that, but limit it to whites, or any single group? Bullshyte.

Even if scaeagles and Jazzman are shining paragons of racial integration.

Well, I am probably one of the few whites posting here who actually has black relatives, so yeah, I'll take that compliment. Thanks. Better to walk the walk than only talk a (hopelessly naive and ignorant) talk.

And I'm going to file your responses on this topic under "Clueless."

So be it. I always thought you were more intelligent and had more courage than that, but if you don't have the cajones to be open minded enough to question the gospel that you've been indoctrinated with, then nobody can make you. Have fun living in your little fantasy world of self-hatred and ignorant white guilt. I'll enjoy my time in the realities of America in the 21st century.

When's the last time you were stopped and frisked by the police?

September of 2006. Pulled out, frisked and ticketed for a brake light that was out, or so the cop said. It sure looked lit up to me. Before that? I think it was '02 or '03. Crossing the 205 bridge, ticketed for going 63 in a 55. Cop decided to ask for permission (what a joke) to search my car. I was twenty minutes late to work.

But then, I guess that I just imagined those occurrences, since I'm a ruling class white and so privileged that those things can't happen to me here in White-merica. :rolleyes:

This is absurd.

Yes, it is. Hopefully you'll catch on someday...

So, you mean to tell me that there are college scholarships available to whites, just as there are other race-exclusive ones? Please show me some, because I need money for school.

Me too! I keep coming across NAACP and UNCF scholarships, but I'll be damned if I can find the United White People's Scholarship Fund or my application for a grant from the Will Help Intelligent Thinkers to Educate Yourself Association. I did miss the last secret ruling class meeting though, so maybe it's already been awarded...

[Morrigoon]

For the record, 40% of our household (Crystal, Josh) are lefties. So to be honest, I'm painfully aware how much complaining anti-lefty bias there is out there.


Right-handedness is the reason I do all of the rolling, or so I'm told.

Umm... show me a right-handed rolling pin

[SacTown Chronic]

I confess, there is no right-handed rolling pin.

[cirquelover]

Sac, I think it's because the wife doesn't like the job of rolling. In my house it's the opposite!

[SacTown Chronic]

I confess, I may or may not be thoroughly confused by now.



Also: Jazzman, get out of my hash!

[Jazzman]

Also: Jazzman, get out of my hash!

Hee hee...


(Actually, I know that I've been policed for pot suspicion several times, and as pathetic as this is, the truth is I can't smoke pot because I get an allergic reaction to it and can barely breath. I've played several gigs (with totally bombed bandmates who were smoking like hippies at a peace rally) where I could hardly see my horn because my eyes were swelling up, and if it hadn't been for large doses of Benedryl I wouldn't have finished. So no worries Sac, your hash is perfectly safe from me. :) )

[Not Afraid]

Has anyone had the B&J's Obama Ice Cream? It's called Yes Pe-Can.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I used to. Then I had a kid. Now I'm lucky if I can find the Preschool safety scissors. )See. Irresponsible, reckless disregard for scissors, like all of you wrong-brainers.



Right-handedness is the reason I do all of the rolling, or so I'm told.
Oh eff, is THAT why I can't seen to get it down?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Sac, I think it's because the wife doesn't like the job of rolling. In my house it's the opposite!Heh, I think you're talking about a different kind of rolling...

Has anyone had the B&J's Obama Ice Cream? It's called Yes Pe-Can.That just sounds gross, like it has to do with peeing in a can. Though according to the B&J site it's actually "Yes Pecan" without the hyphen and that looks better to me :D

[bewitched]

See. Irresponsible, reckless disregard for scissors, like all of you wrong-brainers.



You could be irresponsible and reckless if you really tried. You can change. GOD can help.

[Alex]

Bullshyte again. Maybe thrity, forty years ago. In the 21st century that's over.

Since you like the word: bullyshyte.


I watch CP casually leave scissors lying around where they could get lost and my gut reaction is, "Are you freaking CRAZY?! Show some bloody respect for you scissors!"

I kind of have the same reaction but that is mostly because growing up most of the time the only scissors in the house were high-end Gingher scissors which were never, under penalty of extreme punishment, to be subjected to the indignity of cutting something so insignificant as paper.

[Not Afraid]

I have never heard of the brand Gingher before both Alex and GD mentioned it. Somehow, this seems very wrong.

[blueerica]

J sez: I am glad I have learned to shoot right-handed, now I don't have to take left-handed scissors to a knife fight. I hate you wrongies!

Lefties will rule the world! Obama!

[Alex]

My mom was working the garment industry in Portland for most of my childhood and did a lot of work at home. We had up for four industrial sewing machines in the home at a time (my step-father was also an industrial sewing machine mechanic). So fabric scissors I knew.

And home sewing machines seem twee to me.

[blueerica]

CP and I recently had a deep conversation about scissors, and the fact that righties simply CANNOT appreciate the luxury of having a quality pair of scissors at hand.

I got to thinking about this last night, and I think some righties can, or at least I do. I have memories of bad scissors growing up. I adore good scissors today. I have three pairs of quality (comfy for both-handed people) scissors regularly available in my abode. At work, I have the 'standard issue' pair of scissors and it's no fun to cut things at the office.

Then again, I do a lot of stuff "leftie" (eat, skateboard, snowboard). Maybe I'm just more sympathetic to the cause.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I was the one who purchased all the new supplies for the new library a while back. I took a stance and purchased really nice scissors for the office. I thank myself every time I pick up a pair. :)

I've also been known to throw out bad pairs of scissors that have been lingering around the office probably since I was in grade school. Eff bad scissors!

[flippyshark]

Wow - from the thrill of a new President to impassioned discussion of scissors in one mind-sizzling thread. Is there another community like LoT out there? :)

[BarTopDancer]

Just say NO to bad scissors and other crappy office supplies.

Life is to short to write with crappy pens.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Life is to short to write with crappy pens.

Amen to that! I've tried to "use up" the sucky pens here but I've finally decided it's not worth it. Toss 'em. I keep some ballpoints, as my honey disagrees with me what a "quality" pen means, but that's ok. I don't need to keep many of those.

[blueerica]

GD: And I don't understand why it has to be. We have a pair of kitchen shears that work wonderfully with either hand. Why must paper scissors be handed (I must admit I've never cared enough to learn the engineering). Ah the memories of childhood and trying to use right-handed scissors upside down with my thumb painfully squeezed into the too-narrow finger hole.

I'm home, sick, and probably a little delusional at the moment. But I wonder if it has anything to do with where the axle is. My kitchen, fabric, finer shears have their axle (not even sure if I'm using the right term) toward the middle, or at least further away from a handle, whereas the others are close to where the hands are?

Oh, this may require some looking up on my part.

It's probably just hand-ism.

ETA: Found this little video/infomercial (http://www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk/scissors.html) from anythingleft-handed.co.uk. And, one manufacturer says that after years of using right-handed scissors, it takes a lot of time for lefties to truly use a left-handed scissors because they have to unlearn a motion they took so much time to learn in the first place.


OK, I'm done thinking about scissors. I think I am going back to bed.

ETA 2: I should have added above that they say there's no such thing as a universal pair of scissors.

[Ghoulish Delight]

If you compare left handed scissors to right, they're flipped. The top blade passes on the outside (when held in the hand it's designed for) of the bottom blade. If you use the wrong hand, the lateral force exerted by your fingers as you squeeze will cause the blades to want to separate.

On a really well put together pair, that really won't matter and you can use it with either hand since the joint is probably solid enough that the slight lateral force isn't enough to really separate the blades any. But that still leaves one other disadvantage. If you're using righty scissors with your left hand, the top blade will be on the inside, obscuring your line of sight, so you won't be able to see exactly what you're cutting.

I think way too much about scissors apparentyl