Quoting Sunking737 (Reply 9): Better hold on tight folks this is going to be a wild ride the next four years, as we now have our first Socialist President.

Hardly. If you want Socialism, move to Venezuela. That's true Socialism. Truth be told, the Democrats have been far better for my family's financial fortunes than any Republican in recent years-GWB's "legacy" has cost my parents more than $2 million in losses just in the past year. Higher taxes are fine with me, as long as there's higher income and prosperity. Clinton delivered just that-Bush destroyed it.

Congratulations, President Elect Obama and thank you Senator McCain, for your effort and graciously stepping aside.

Quoting Kevi747 (Reply 43): Me too!!! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!!!

Me too.

Now all Americans need to pull together, support our new President, and let's get to work so we can build a better future for our kids and the world.

YES WE CAN, AMERICA!

I'm actually crying watching Obama speak because he is so inspiring. I've never been moved by a politician before other than anger. This is a great day for America, and the world! It's nice to have a chance to be respected by other countries for the first time since way too long. Congratulations America! I am proud to be American for the first time in many years.

Ah well. Nothing will change. Nothing to see here, move on.

So what are you all having for breakfast tomorrow?

Quoting Baroque (Reply 38): To some of the naysayers, the irony that Obama is being accused of being both a Marxist and a Muslim obviously escapes you - only Islam is more anti-Marxist than the average Pope!!

Good point! 

Quoting DfwRevolution (Reply 39): 1. McCain is pure class. He's a statesman, a hero, and a patriot, and the type of man who just doesn't come around in great supply. Arizona is lucky to have had his representation. 2. The U.S. Presidential election cycle is just plain cool no matter who wins. In January, we will witness the 44th peaceful transfer of power in accordance with the will of our populace as we have done for the last 220 years. No other power on Earth has that kind of tradition.

I for one support Obama. But I must admit that I enjoyed these elections because they both seemed to be good guys. I really don't know how G.W. Bush became president when you have the class of Americans, like McCain and Obama.

But as you mentioned for 220 years this great country has been changing its governance in a peaceful manner, be it that the president turned out to be terrible or not. It is something to be proud of.

Quoting FlybaurLAX (Reply 57): I'm actually crying watching Obama speak because he is so inspiring. I've never been moved by a politician before other than anger. This is a great day for America, and the world! It's nice to have a chance to be respected by other countries for the first time since way too long. Congratulations America! I am proud to be American for the first time in many years.

Totally agree. That speech will go down as one of the best in American history. My heart is so filled with pride in this country right now!!!

Congrats to Barack Obama. I am immeasurably proud of my country at this moment, and I hope that as the divisiveness and fire of the campaign begins to fade, that we all buckle down to face the daunting challenges of our time.

To those concerned about America becoming "socialist" under a government where Democrats are in the majority: Look at the tax rates under President Eisenhower or Nixon. Was America socialist then? What about the regulatory environment of those times? The top income tax rate Obama has proposed is still lower than it was under President Reagan. Obama knows, as does any politician, that his career rests on America maintaining prosperity and growth under his leadership. As such, he will strive to put in place smart regulations that prevent the kind of reckless speculation and debt that landed us in our current mess, but that still allow for risk taking, reward for success, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

If you look back at our Presidents' economic and social policies over the years, you will see that there are many more similarities than differences. That will undoubtedly continue. What will not continue under Barack Obama is an American unilateral belligerence internationally that has wasted thousands of lives and billions of dollars, alienated our best allies, and given strength to our enemies. The United States of America is stronger with its allies than without, and together with our friends we will overcome the challenges of terrorism, energy, and our economic crisis. And we will do it as red-blooded, industrious capitalists, because that is who we are and who we will always be.

Quoting Ken777 (Reply 51): The military will get a cut as Obama wants to end spending $10 Billion a month on an Iraq war. He also wants Iraq to start using the billions they have in banks to pay for some of the things we are paying for today. I would also look for the $200 toilet seats to be cut from the budget, programs like the KC-X to be put on hold by updating the KC-135s that need it. I don't, however, believe that the Defense Department will be cut to the bone like it was after WW I. Wasn't there a Republican President after WW I that cut the military to the bone? Must look that up one day

I think it will be a wait and see thing. Once he gets in office officially he will realize what he can or can’t cut. You may be right about cutting research and downsizing Iraq etc.. However I don't see troop cuts in the sense of downsizing the military as one of his priorities. Heck the Navy and Air Force has been going thru cuts for the last 4-5 years now I don't believe they can cut anymore people and expect to keep a strong enough force to do they're job.

Me personally, I have over 3 years to retire from the Navy and I already have orders to my last duty station leaving Nevada in December so my job is secure till I reach my 20 years in 2012. My pension is safe as well. I don’t know how future troops will be affected though.

Having said that my only concern is when I retire will my medical coverage be watered down? For as long as I can remember the military has one of the best healthcare coverage’s in the country for retired vets, and for life.

Mike

[Edited 2008-11-04 21:25:42]

Senator McCain, thank you for your service to our country, in the past, and I hope in our future. Our nation and the world would be infinitely better had you occupied the White House for the past eight years. Congratulations, Senator Obama. This is a difficult situation to inherit. Please do not give in to the partisan bickering of the past presidency and Congresses; we need to work together to resolve our nation's challenges. This includes the appointment of the most competent people to Cabinet positions, other appointed positions, and a stabilization and de-politicization of the civil service and American society at large. Good luck.

To Sarah Palin and the leaders of the anti-intellectual hordes, I hope you watched Obama's speech tonight. That's what someone who actually has the intellect to be president sounds like; someone who can form a complete sentence, competently quote the Gettysburg Address, and discuss the history of American politics. Please cease this absurd fiction that educated people are somehow elitist and dangerous.

And to Obama's supporters: please, just because he's been elected President, do not blindly support everything he does. We are a deliberative democracy, not a nation of sheep. We are, for better or for worse, a government of the people. Please do not abandon your right and duty to be leaders, not followers.

To our friends around the world: thank you for the interest in our election. Hopefully we can now go back to being a respected leader on the world scene, as opposed to...well, I'm not gonna go there. In any case, at least we know we're still relevant.

America, the election is over. Go to work tomorrow. You doubtless know people who voted for the other candidate. Resist the demonization and fear of the opposition we have witnessed over this exceedingly long campaign, and come back together as Americans. Divided we will never make progress, as would have been the case under either Obama or McCain. Talk to each other. Realize that nobody here wants to destroy America, no matter what people on either side would have you believe. And for the love of all that is holy, learn to reason forwards, not backwards. As Jefferson most ably said more than two centuries ago, reason is our greatest weapon against even the highest evils: "If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."

I'm soooooo going to get flamed for this but...

Quoting Charles79 (Reply 23): Give your fellow citizens some credit, people can actually use their brain.

In this case, people didn't have to. It was all spoon fed to them by almost every single outlet of the media that decided the winner a very long time ago. No matter what the story, what the issue, topic etc., I feel the underlying message/theme always gave a pat on the butt to Obama, and a punch to the sack for McCain. I just feel like every time McCain or Palin were in the news, or talked about on TV or the radio (including their appearances), they were being mocked, criticized or flat out laughed at, while Obama was always made out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Congrats to Obama. I'll be optimistic that the next 4 years will give us a turn in the right direction. I just hope all this change that everyone wants turns out to be change for the good...since that's the assumption here with that (vague) word.

Quoting Captaink (Reply 60): I really don't know how G.W. Bush became president when you have the class of Americans, like McCain and Obama.

There's that saying: America will eventually do the right thing — after exhausting all other options!

I think it was Churchill. And it couldn't be more pertinent to your point.  

7:30 am in Bulgaria and it's nice to wake up to this news 

Quoting Sunking737 (Reply 9): We will become the United Welfare States of America or the Socialist States of America. You screwed your selves.

Quoting Mayor (Reply 15): I can hardly wait for all of the miracles to start happening. You know...like walking on water, turning water into wine, etc. Sarcasm off.

Quoting Laxintl (Reply 18): There goes the country The Socialist Republic of America

Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 29): Welcome to the USSA. I'm glad that I can remember what the United States of America was like, so in 50 years, I can tell my kids, and eventually their children. I can't wait to send more money to the government, for them to squander in someway that I'll never get use of. Makes you feel great, doesn't?

Jeez, the guy hasn't even taken office yet and you guys are all writing him off.

Why not judge him on his actual performance, once it has a chance to occur, rather than on your perceptions and guesses?

McCain's superb concession speech and its message is apparently lost on all of you. I supported McCain too, but as he himself said, the people have spoken. It's time to move on and be a part of the solution(s) and not bitch and moan about what was not to be.

Just my 2 cents, and congrats to President-Elect Obama....

Any news on proposition 8? Florida defeated theirs!

And a nation and a world breathed a collective sigh of belief. GO Obama!!!!! Indeed history in motion. I do hope he can do his best for us, and the world. Indeed today we witnessed, for the first time in too long, good history.

Quoting IADCA (Reply 64): To Sarah Palin and the leaders of the anti-intellectual hordes, I hope you watched Obama's speech tonight. That's what someone who actually has the intellect to be president sounds like; someone who can form a complete sentence, competently quote the Gettysburg Address, and discuss the history of American politics. Please cease this absurd fiction that educated people are somehow elitist and dangerous.

Brilliantly said. And to GQfluffy, the above is why I haven't felt such pride in the USA that I had in the past. The anti-intellectualism that has pervaded the GOP appeals to the worst in our nature, not the best. It also brought us eight very dangerous, and in many many ways, counterproductive years. Today, I feel like we have begun to come to our senses, and realize that we need (open minded) elites running our country, whether they are eloquent, educated and conservative, or liberal.

I don't understand why people are calling Obama a socialist/communist?

I sort feel sorry for Sarah Palin, she didn't want to say no to being a possible VP but so many things went wrong. She has a loving family and I wish her well.

I wish all the former candidates a good night sleep....ITS OVER FOR NOW!

Quoting Sovietjet (Reply 70): I don't understand why people are calling Obama a socialist/communist?

Nothing but campaign hyperbole, which I hope will fade in the coming months!

I always thought it could happen, but am still amazed it DID happen.

I am also very proud to be an American tonight!

Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 63): I just feel like every time McCain or Palin were in the news, or talked about on TV or the radio (including their appearances), they were being mocked, criticized or flat out laughed at, while Obama was always made out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Assuming that what you say is correct how effective could it have been, then? I don't think it worked on you. Probably not on anyone you know.

I've heard the 'media conspiracy' theory, and it doesn't wash. It's another iteration of the 'stab in the back' myth.

The voters, by and large, have spoken, and it's time for a lot of people to get on the bus or be left behind.

Times have changed. Oh, how they have changed.

Quoting SXDFC (Reply 26): Although I am a McCain guy, I will however tip my hat to Obama congratulations to both him and his supporters! I hope though he is a man of his word, but only time will tell...

This is true. Tomorrow life goes on.

Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 28): . I'm glad that I can remember what the United States of America was like, so in 50 years, I can tell my kids, and eventually their children. I can't wait to send more money to the government, for them to squander in someway that I'll never get use of. Makes you feel great, doesn't?

I agree. We are seeing the last days of the old America, the one where personal responsibility got you where you were going.

Quoting Baroque (Reply 36): To some of the naysayers, the irony that Obama is being accused of being both a Marxist and a Muslim obviously escapes you - only Islam is more anti-Marxist than the average Pope!!

Which just goes to show in a small way how little Americans actually know about the man they just elected President of the United States.


From his acceptance speech:
that out of many, we are one;
Does this mean we just elected a Borg as President? Should I expect to be assimilated sometime in January? I don't want to be one. I want to be my individual self with all its pluses and all its minuses.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20081104/pl_ynews/ynews_pl136_1

Quoting RedFlyer (Reply 31): I can't help but feel an incredible amount of pride that my country, the greatest nation on the face of the Earth, has overcome so much of its past

A commentator on BBC said it so well: that it is remarkable to think that only 40 years ago, we had the civil rights crisis -- and now we've elected a minority president. I'm not sure of any other Western nation that can say that, yet America always seems to get pitted as non-progressive. At any rate, it is something to be immensely proud of, regardless of who you voted for.

Quoting MIAMIx707 (Reply 32): able to overcome the Clinton political machine

Isn't that the truth. It's hard to believe anyone could do that.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 35): for the first time in 8 years I am happy to fly the American flag

Quoting Comorin (Reply 37): and America the Good rides again.

Oh please, you two. We are still the same people we were yesterday. Americans, generally, are good, well intentioned and caring people. The things that you think are good now that we've elected Obama were there yesterday.

Quoting DfwRevolution (Reply 39): McCain is pure class.

I have to agree. I didn't vote for him but he did make me very proud with his speech. Another fine example of what America is about.

Quoting DL021 (Reply 41): .I supported the candidate that conceded.....and I'll support the new president...my new president....with the benefit of the doubt. When I disagree it'll be civil and respectful of the office. If I have to oppose him it'll be as the loyal opposition.

That is a great attitude to have. It is really too bad that more people don't have that attitude. The nastiness that has ensued from both sides, but mostly from the ultra left, has been sad.

Quoting Sv7887 (Reply 52): The level of hate on both sides is scary.

Case in point:

Quoting IADCA (Reply 63): To Sarah Palin and the leaders of the anti-intellectual hordes, I hope you watched Obama's speech tonight. That's what someone who actually has the intellect to be president sounds like; someone who can form a complete sentence, competently quote the Gettysburg Address, and discuss the history of American politics. Please cease this absurd fiction that educated people are somehow elitist and dangerous.

Knock it off, you sound arrogant.

Quoting Sv7887 (Reply 52): To be fair everyone had a hand in this mess.

Yes, so true.


Congrats to Obama and Biden!

I hope everyone enjoys their new taxes.

Quoting Dougloid (Reply 72): Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 63): I just feel like every time McCain or Palin were in the news, or talked about on TV or the radio (including their appearances), they were being mocked, criticized or flat out laughed at, while Obama was always made out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Assuming that what you say is correct how effective could it have been, then? I don't think it worked on you. Probably not on anyone you know. I've heard the 'media conspiracy' theory, and it doesn't wash. It's another iteration of the 'stab in the back' myth.

I was just thinking about this. . .Rather than a conspiracy, I think the media treatment of this campaign may have been a backlash against the anti-intellectual bent of the GOP. Journalists, being generally well educated and good with words, were bound to show more respect for the candidate, and the party, that better reflect those traits. Policy disagreements aside, I've literally felt embarrassed watching my President consistently struggle, and FAIL to express himself intelligibly.

That is not to say I believe that all Democrats are more eloquent and better educated than Republicans -- far from it.

Quoting 767Lover (Reply 74): that out of many, we are one; Does this mean we just elected a Borg as President? Should I expect to be assimilated sometime in January? I don't want to be one. I want to be my individual self with all its pluses and all its minuses.

e pluribus unum. It's our national motto dude. Look on a quarter.

- That quotation should be attributed to RJdxer. Sorry bout that 767Lover.

[Edited 2008-11-04 21:58:20]

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 73): I agree. We are seeing the last days of the old America, the one where personal responsibility got you where you were going.

Such as Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld going free after doing massive damage to the USA and to the world?

Such as still recently high-flying executives jumping ship with their golden parachutes after creating a gigantic, costly mess and leaving it to the taxpayers for cleanup?

Your romantic views of the past are just slightly distorted...   

Quoting LU9092 (Reply 77): Quoting 767Lover (Reply 74): that out of many, we are one; Does this mean we just elected a Borg as President? Should I expect to be assimilated sometime in January? I don't want to be one. I want to be my individual self with all its pluses and all its minuses. e pluribus unum. It's our national motto dude. Look on a quarter.

This was quoting me but I didn't say it.

Quoting Sovietjet (Reply 68): I don't understand why people are calling Obama a socialist/communist?

Because they are ignorant.

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama, I look forward to fresh ideas on how to approach and fix the problems that face us today. As McCain said in his concession speech, now is not the time to complain about the election, but rather, we must all come together, regardless of ideology, as a unified America as we face one of the most difficult times in our history. Partisan politics will not get us through this mess.

And regardless of who you supported this election, history has been made. We have elected the first black man as leader of the free world, upholding the foundations of this nation, that all men are created equal, regardless of sex or race, and that all men are granted the same opportunities. For the 44th time, we let our voices be heard, and elected whom we as one nation felt could best lead us for the next four years. And, while official numbers aren't tallied, I feel safe saying that this election had the highest voter turnout in US history. We have proven that we can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, and that is something that ALL of us can be proud of.

Quoting Klaus (Reply 78): Such as still recently high-flying executives jumping ship with their golden parachutes after creating a gigantic, costly mess and leaving it to the taxpayers for cleanup?

Corporate Golden Parachutes are hardly unique to the USA. Have a look at former Daimler CEO Jurgen Shrempp:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/j252rgen-schrempp/

Not bad for a guy who destroyed Chrysler as we know it....Speaking of Chrysler Obama is going to have a fine mess on his hands with the US auto industry...My company works directly with these guys and we're all scared right now.

Quoting Klaus (Reply 78): Quoting RJdxer (Reply 73): We are seeing the last days of the old America,

When electing a Black president was literally unthinkable.

Quoting IADCA (Reply 59):

Great post. This part is important:

Quoting IADCA (Reply 59): To Sarah Palin and the leaders of the anti-intellectual hordes, I hope you watched Obama's speech tonight. That's what someone who actually has the intellect to be president sounds like; someone who can form a complete sentence, competently quote the Gettysburg Address, and discuss the history of American politics. Please cease this absurd fiction that educated people are somehow elitist and dangerous.

Quoting 767Lover (Reply 74): Knock it off, you sound arrogant.

No, he's absolutely right. Since 2000 there has been a disturbing anti-intellectual theme to the Republican party. Thought and education are not bad things.

From the previous thread:

Nav20

Astonishing comment. RJdxer.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

You genuinely see no 'disconnect' between those lofty sentiments (especially the word 'Liberty') and millions of Americans living out their lives in poverty, and being bought and sold like cattle? And later, even though their freedom had been 'bought' at the cost of maybe a million lives, being systematically discriminated against for another century or more?

If I were to believe that the founding fathers lived with standards that we do now I would see the disconnect. But since they lived in another day and age I don't. Those men did not look to government to support them, they looked to support themselves. We've lost that and I doubt we'll ever be able to get it back. Where as back then the government was subservient to people, we are now about to start entering an era where people are subservient to the government, not because they want to be but because government will leave them little choice in the matter. It's the old saw about liberals. They don't seek to equal the playing field by doing the difficult job of raising the poor up and expecting them to help in the process but by doing the easy job of tearing the wealthy down and not caring how badly the nation is hurt by that.

I'm a little bit late, but - congratulations Obama, well done USA!

And Kudos to McCain for his superb concession speech.

[Edited 2008-11-04 22:17:48]

Quoting GQfluffy (Reply 68): for the last time, people saying they're finally proud of their country are just morons.

Excuse me, but I'm not a moron. I'm ready for America to be a beacon of hope in the world again. A nation that sets the bar rather than continually lower it. A nation that engages with the world rather than chest-pounding and cowboy bravado. Tonight we have shown the world that the USA is throwing aside the good ol' boy isolationism that's propelled us backward and damaged our reputation.

Congrats to President-Elect Obama, and to all Americans.

Finally,

FINALLY!

I can be proud of America again... and I by this I mean in the American people. Those American people who choose an abrupt and extreme change of action from where this country had been heading.

America has truly matured in it's long, storied and horrid relationship with race. Better minds have prevailed and did not allow themselves to cowered into submission based on fears of someone who looks different from them. The primary target, these white Americans were of every generation and every background and from all four corners of the nation. Just watching the masses assembled in so many large cities across the country spoke to the 'sense' I said existed among the blue state people last nite before the election. That 'sense' drew them all out tonight - coast-to-coast. There had to something to draw them there. It seems to me that sense was the desire for America to be that great nation that the entire world idolized one time not long ago. Tonight that step was taken to get us back to that place.

This is kind of corny...there is a scene in the movie 'Independence Day'. The world is beaten by the aliens... suddenly, in the deserts of the Middle East, where remnants of the Israeli and varied Arab Air Forces are trying to hold it together against overwhelming alien forces.. suddenly a clerk delivers a message in morse code.

A pilot says.." It's from the Americans, they say they have a plan...'

Another pilot stands and says: 'It's about bloody time!'

..and my eyes water up EVERY SINGLE time, no matter how many times I watch it. I guess I'm just sold on that image of America being the good guy, the hero that always arrives just in the nick of time.

I think Obama or someone like him will get America back into that role and on track. I like my country being the one the world can count on in it's darkest hour...not the country that George Bush tried to make America into.. that's why I can say, I am proud of Americans again (those that weren't afraid to be daring and go for broke.

Every citizen wants his nation to stand tall, they would love their nation to be the worlds best. Number 1. But there can only be 1 number one. Right now the US has been a bad number 1..but some of us have had enough of that and our numbers was enough to get us back on the straight and narrow.

Congrats to my fellow Americans who voted to do 'the right thing'. Also to my fellow A.netters who support this change.

The real America is back.

Congrats President Obama!


BN747

I have one question:

What does the Obama victory mean for NASA? I hope he doesn't axe the Constellation program..America's reputation is one of pushing the boundaries of exploration and chartering new paths or mankind. NASA is crucial to rebuilding and enhancing that image.

I know money is tight but NASA doesn't account for a lot of our budget...I hope they get a NASA crew back to the Moon before the Chinese do it..

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 73): From his acceptance speech: that out of many, we are one; Does this mean we just elected a Borg as President? Should I expect to be assimilated sometime in January?

Quoting LU9092 (Reply 77): e pluribus unum. It's our national motto dude. Look on a quarter.

Actually it was before the churchies got it changed to "In God We Trust" in 1956.

LOL @ RJ though. I actually might have hurt my ribs laughing.

Quoting Sv7887 (Reply 81): Corporate Golden Parachutes are hardly unique to the USA. Have a look at former Daimler CEO Jurgen Shrempp:

Of course not. And Jürgen Schrempp has done more than enough damage to Daimler-Benz in Germany as well.

Which is one of many reasons why I have none of the romantic perceptions of the "good old times" which I've criticized above.

Quoting Klaus (Reply 78): Your romantic views of the past are just slightly distorted

My views of the past go back a lot farther than the last 8 years, evidently yours don't.

Quoting Santosdumont (Reply 82): When electing a Black president was literally unthinkable.

When electing someone who didn't ask the citizens to do their part but instead offered to have the government do that for them.

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 73): We are seeing the last days of the old America, the one where personal responsibility got you where you were going.

Good riddance. The America you're talking about was far less about personal responsibility than it was about throwing its weight around. I'm delighted to see the first step has been taken to restore America to its role as a beacon of freedom. Congrats to Obama and all Americans. It's nice to have you back in the world.

Quoting Sunking737 (Reply 9): You can flame me all you want but you get what you voted for.

Yup. We did.

And maybe, if you are so unhappy, you should consider doing what I was prepared to do if McCain had won: move to a country with politics more in line with yours. I was absolutely prepared to move to Spain. Even had a standing job offer there.

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 91): Quoting Santosdumont (Reply 82): When electing a Black president was literally unthinkable. When electing someone who didn't ask the citizens to do their part but instead offered to have the government do that for them.

The organizational prowess and agility of Obama's campaign are a case study in asking citizens to do their part...for free.

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 84): If I were to believe that the founding fathers lived with standards that we do now I would see the disconnect. But since they lived in another day and age I don't. Those men did not look to government to support them, they looked to support themselves. We've lost that and I doubt we'll ever be able to get it back. Where as back then the government was subservient to people, we are now about to start entering an era where people are subservient to the government, not because they want to be but because government will leave them little choice in the matter. It's the old saw about liberals. They don't seek to equal the playing field by doing the difficult job of raising the poor up and expecting them to help in the process but by doing the easy job of tearing the wealthy down and not caring how badly the nation is hurt by that.

I agree in principle with some of what you say - we must guard against our government invading our privacy, restricting our right to dissent, or otherwise restricting our freedom. But over time, it has become clear that in order to have a society that works, with low crime, etc, we have to be prepared to care for those less fortunate, and give them a leg up when they need it. Americans, and people in democracies everywhere, have come to this conclusion, and voted for governments that actively try to address things like poverty and racism. There are good and bad ways to try to solve these problems. Part of the brilliance of the American system is that we try collectively to find the best ways to balance our ideals with reality, and we do a pretty good job of it. We still have the largest economy in the world, even after the New Deal and Great Society diverted some of our vast wealth to try to ensure none of our people starve to death and we all have access to an education. I happily pay my taxes to help make sure that we look out for our neighbors. Certainly, there are people who are "leeches", and take when with a little effort they could give. But those people are in the minority. I am proud to be a member of a society that tries to ensure fairness, and keep people from starving. I am proud that my taxes help provide opportunity for children who grew up in poverty. And I'd be proud if my money helped you if circumstance meant you needed it.

Quoting Kevi747 (Reply 56): That speech will go down as one of the best in American history.

That wasn't even his best speech of the campaign. The speech he gave on race in America when the Rev. Wright controversy was at its height was the single best speech I've seen in my life. Tonight was boring compared to that.

Congrats to Sen. Obama, and a job well done to Sen. McCain for a very gracious concession speech.

Quoting StuckInCA (Reply 83): Quoting IADCA (Reply 59): To Sarah Palin and the leaders of the anti-intellectual hordes, I hope you watched Obama's speech tonight. That's what someone who actually has the intellect to be president sounds like; someone who can form a complete sentence, competently quote the Gettysburg Address, and discuss the history of American politics. Please cease this absurd fiction that educated people are somehow elitist and dangerous. Quoting 767Lover (Reply 74): Knock it off, you sound arrogant. No, he's absolutely right. Since 2000 there has been a disturbing anti-intellectual theme to the Republican party. Thought and education are not bad things.

I actually thought McCain gave a great speech congratulating Obama he even told the crowd to calm down, he even gave credit to Obama during the race on occasion doespite the differences. Regardless of what party you are it says a lot about a persons character.

Quoting OPNLguy (Reply 63): Quoting Sunking737 (Reply 9): We will become the United Welfare States of America or the Socialist States of America. You screwed your selves. Quoting Mayor (Reply 15): I can hardly wait for all of the miracles to start happening. You know...like walking on water, turning water into wine, etc. Sarcasm off. Quoting Laxintl (Reply 18): There goes the country The Socialist Republic of America Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 29): Welcome to the USSA. I'm glad that I can remember what the United States of America was like, so in 50 years, I can tell my kids, and eventually their children. I can't wait to send more money to the government, for them to squander in someway that I'll never get use of. Makes you feel great, doesn't? Jeez, the guy hasn't even taken office yet and you guys are all writing him off. Why not judge him on his actual performance, once it has a chance to occur, rather than on your perceptions and guesses? McCain's superb concession speech and its message is apparently lost on all of you. I supported McCain too, but as he himself said, the people have spoken. It's time to move on and be a part of the solution(s) and not bitch and moan about what was not to be. Just my 2 cents, and congrats to President-Elect Obama....

Quoting LU9092 (Reply 70): Quoting Sovietjet (Reply 70): I don't understand why people are calling Obama a socialist/communist? Nothing but campaign hyperbole, which I hope will fade in the coming months!

Quoting FriendlySkies (Reply 80): Quoting Sovietjet (Reply 68): I don't understand why people are calling Obama a socialist/communist? Because they are ignorant. Congratulations to President-Elect Obama, I look forward to fresh ideas on how to approach and fix the problems that face us today. As McCain said in his concession speech, now is not the time to complain about the election, but rather, we must all come together, regardless of ideology, as a unified America as we face one of the most difficult times in our history. Partisan politics will not get us through this mess. And regardless of who you supported this election, history has been made. We have elected the first black man as leader of the free world, upholding the foundations of this nation, that all men are created equal, regardless of sex or race, and that all men are granted the same opportunities. For the 44th time, we let our voices be heard, and elected whom we as one nation felt could best lead us for the next four years. And, while official numbers aren't tallied, I feel safe saying that this election had the highest voter turnout in US history. We have proven that we can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, and that is something that ALL of us can be proud of.

Congrats Obama, however I know I made a joke about communism but that doesn't mean we all think it. I think people have mixed feelings now he's been elected it might be a fear of the unknown. That doesn't mean he's a bad choice he might even be great only time will tell. We can only hope that the country will traverse back in the right direction. I don't believe there will be dynamic results immediately but if he does most of the things in office he proclaims then that’s all we can hope for.

The only thing I was hoping for was a more balanced and Bi-partisanship House and Congress seats. While change was needed in the White House we also need balance and not an extreme right or left power running Capital Hill

Mike

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 91): When electing someone who didn't ask the citizens to do their part but instead offered to have the government do that for them.

Really? Did you see the turnout? Looks like we citizens did our part.

Quoting RJdxer (Reply 91): My views of the past go back a lot farther than the last 8 years, evidently yours don't.

Oh, you're quite mistaken about that — the recent financial meltdown is directly owed to the "all regulation is inherently evil" ideology introduced by Ronald Reagan, since then almost slavishly pursued by the GOP and even further dumbed down by the Bush administration until the collapse became inevitable.

As several commentators already remarked, the implosion of the financial bubble marks the final gasp of the delusions Reagan created out of originally more moderate conservative beliefs.

Extremism is a bad idea, always has been and by all experience always will be.

And Obama's election is in part a consequence of Reagan's delusions.

Some people just don't seem to have the attention span to notice the relationship between cause and effects, much less realize the responsibilities involved.

Quoting DocLightning (Reply 93): move to a country with politics more in line with yours.

Doc, that only works if you're a centrist or a liberal. There is no other developed country in the world as conservative as the US, not even one that's close. I think that says a lot about how far astray we've gone in the last three decades.