"I never thought it would come"
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"I never thought it would come"
Tomorrow's news today -- the top of my story for tomorrow's paper:
UPDATE: Here's a link to the full story -- a rare treat in that you can bash me in the comments there as well as here.
The world changed in 28 seconds yesterday.
The epicenter of that change was atop the steps of the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, where Barack Obama took the oath of office as America’s 44th president yesterday — becoming the first black man to lead a a 232-year-old nation with racial unrest embedded in its very DNA.
But the raw force of the moment seemed to send tremors across Washington’s National Mall as American flags rippled like red, white and blue waves of grain amid more than 1.5 million citizens in a once-in-a-lifetime emotional civic outpouring.
And the aftershocks were felt around the world — from African villages where goats were slaughtered in honor of the 47-year-old son of a Kenyan immigrant, to isolated outposts across South America where workers were given time off to watch a historic moment thousands of miles away.
While yesterday may have been a moment in time for Obama and his family to finally move into the White House after a hard-fought election victory and eight contentious years of George W. Bush, it really was a day for the everyday people — of a nation, and a planet.
It was a day for folks like 77-year-old Ted Roberts, who watched police take down civil rights marchers with fire hoses in his native Birmingham, Ala., in 1963 but yesterday was handing out American flags to a large celebratory throng gathering at that city’s Boutwell Auditorium.
"I never thought it would come," he said of the day’s events.
It's long. so I'll post the rest tomorrow -- and then it's back to Cher quotations, ill-informed bashing of MVP-caliber athletes, seemingly endless posts about torture and rants about how conservative President Obama turned out to be.
Comments (66)
When b.atkinson and the like invoke "Messiah" or make erroneous claims about the oath of office, I can't help but think to myself how sick they must be of their failing Republican Party. The table was set, but they hitched their wagons to a moronic global laughing-stock and fundy whackos like Santorum. One just left office with his tail between his legs, and the other writes silly columns for this failing editorial page. b.atkinson dreams of a Republican candidate as universally appealing as Obama; dreams of the day the libs will be forced to make useless petty comments about the oath of office, instead of real complaints like where are the WMDs or where's the trillion plus spent in Iraq???— pagoda
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"Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, show me the steep and thorny way to heaven; whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,and recks not his own rede." Act 1 Scene 3— Hamlet- Comment removed.
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- You know, bp, I really don't mind tutoring you on economics, but I'm getting distinct sense that you aren't doing your homework, and even though you clearly keep very close track of what I say (even to the point of cataloging what times I post), I'm getting the sense that you aren't studying what I write closely enough. I have already instructed you to look up numerous expressions, and you haven't gotten back to me to show that you have. And you need me to repeatedly explain the same concepts to you over and over. I just want to warn you that if you don't start working harder, I will have to start charging you for the tutoring. It's up to you, though. If you don't have enough time to study harder, we could work out a reasonable rate. I get the sense that you really do want to learn, and I have compassion for Republican toadies who don't know any better.— Talking point sleuth
- ---}}} Who gets the blame for that drop?? {{{--- The point is, birdie, that it is ludicrous to make some simple link between the president in office and the Dow. Certainly, it is even more ludicrous to make that link to someone who hasn't even taken office yet. Will's original post was in response to idiots who were making such a simplistic equation - such as Hannity, who was blaming the Dow drop on Obama. The question linking who is in the executive office to the overall economic condition, however, makes more sense even though it also, is very problematic. Still, I would recommend, that unless you're open to the facts pointing to a more positive influence under Democratic administrations - you don't want to go there.— Talking point sleuth
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- Oy, here we go again. It's been obvious for decades that GM and the American auto companies are losing market share. It was obvious last year when they were virtually neck and neck - given the market share trends - that Toyota would surpass GM in market share this year. So, what is your point, bp? And regardless of Toyota surpassing GM, your comment that "no one" buys American cars anymore is laughably ignorant. Millions of Americans buy American cars every year. Among the big 3, American companies still have a very respectable market share. And again, I'll explain it to you. Regardless of marketshare loss, GM or other American auto companies could still be profitable if they didn't need to pay $1500 per auto in healthcare costs that their foreign competitors don't have to worry about. GM loses $700 per car. They would make $800 per car if the they didn't spend $1500 per car in healthcare costs - irrespective of market share. Finally, as you do your extensive research (lol!) take note that all the auto companies' sales are dropping. In fact, while the worst drop in December was with Chrysler - the next two biggest drops were with Toyota and Honda, with Nissan right behind. Kind of makes your statements downplaying the impact of the economic crises as a relevant factor look like the statement of an idiot, doesn't it?— Talking point sleuth
- Why wouldn't the press 'gush' over Obama? He was just sworn in as POTUS, becoming perhaps the most power man in the world plus, he's the first (perceived) black man in 232 to get the job. If he does his job you can expect them to continue praising him. If he fails he'll be vilified, albeit not right away. Most people whould like to give him a chance. I assume you' aren't one of those people genius. Keep hating, it's all you have.— James TL
- Looks like I missed the Haiku contest. :( I shall grace Mr Bunch with the following: Barak Obama Invoke Abraham Lincoln You're unfit, poser!— JerryCurlan
TPS & bp - this all started with Will's election day blog :But, but....Obama is supposed to be bad for the economy" which opined that the markets were surging that day as a result of Obama's election. Since that day - almost simultaneously with Will posting the blog - the DOW has dropped about 1,500 points. Who gets the blame for that drop?? The President in office or the President-elect?— bird11- Comment removed.
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- I was just trying to agree with you, bp. You said "If the upside chart is good enough for Will to cite to further his own argument, then surely it is alright for others to do the same." So, I'm just going along with you. Under Bush, down 25%. Under Clinton, up over 300"% I can't quite figure out which is better, though. Down 25, up 300. It's so close I think we need to use the "atomic scale" to figure it out, and the "atomic scale" is just too complicated for me to understand. Help me out, bud.— Talking point sleuth
- See, that didn't last long...— Hamlet
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- For Hamlet from "Hamlet": "Words, words, words" (Act 2 Scene 2 Line 192)— bird11
- ---}}} then surely it is alright for others to do the same. {{{--- Good point, bp. During Bush's presidency, the Dow went from 10,578, to 7,949.09. During Clinton's presidency, the Dow went from 3,219 to 10, 587. Let's review, shall we? Under Bush, the Dow went down some 25%. Under Clinton, the Dow went up some 328% Hmmm. Hey, bp, maybe you can tell me - on an "atomic scale," which is better - going down by 25% or increasing by 328%? Help me out here, bud.— Talking point sleuth
- >Still basking in a feeling of national unity of purpose< I'll get over it.— Hamlet
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- ---}}} Will, I think I missed this yesterday -- where was your posting of a chart of the DOW? It was down 332 points, in case you missed that {{{--- Great point, jfar - tying the Dow to who controls the executive branch. During Bush's presidency, the Dow went from 10,578, to 7,949.09.— Talking point sleuth
- bpphilly - didn't you get the memo, no dissent or contentiousness is allowed as of 1/20/2009. SMILE AND BE HAPPY - THE WORLD IS SAVED!!!— bird11
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- BTW - would I be correct in saying that this "historic moment" drew a smaller crowd than the Phillies WS parade? Also saw a lot of empty seats in the VIP sections - guess those people can tell their grandchildren they were there anyhow kinda like all the people who saw Wilt score 100 that night in Hershey. Years from now they crowd will be over 5 million.— bird11
- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed -- rememeber this guy -- he organized 9/11 and since we are giving everyone at Gitmo and free pass. all trials have been ordered to cease unitl May 20 and also the ACLU lead attorney at Gitmo -- very pleased with the ruling. Glad the ACLU is happy that terrorist are getting the good old slap on the wrist treatment. The full article is on CNN if you want to view. You have the love the state of affairs in this country when terrorists are getting more justice then unborn children -- Thank God we as a country have our priorities straight -- the eldery and unborn can piss off -- we have to make sure the organizer of a 4,000 person murder gets his 3 meals a day in a nice cozy prison with cable TV.— reddog44
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- I thougt it was fitting that the VP went out on his arse— Ron
- Certainly he could have found a pen and paper by now and closed Camp Delta? I mean, that one is low hanging fruit needing no Congressional approval and no immediate funding and wouldn't create the unstability of an immediate Iraq withdrawal. Just one signature could correct this gross misconduct by the government.— Ramon
- Will, you have been working hard - feel free to take tomorrow off. Here is Will blog for 1/22/09 : "All alone I must stand Even when I'm running And it feels, like a dream I need to awaken from I believe When it hurts We must keep on trying But I want, And I need Like a river needs the rain There's a bridge I need to burn before I leave I just wanna breathe again Like a summer's day I need to feel the heat again [Chorus:] I only wanna keep the stone from rolling I only wanna learn to feel the rain Then maybe I could stop the leaves from falling I only wanna learn to freeze the flame I know I'll be alive again I wanna be alive again Here's the night, where's the stars 'Coz I need some guiding and it cuts, like a knife as I watch you walk away There's a bridge I need to burn before I leave I just wanna live again Like the stormy rain I need to hear it beat again [Chorus] 'Coz I did my best Baby who'd have guessed That I've failed the test 'Coz when love ain't blessed And it's laid to rest It can leave a mess [Chorus (x2)]"— bird11
- A great coronation yesterday. The new King spent millions of dollars of his subjects money, with his subjects suffered witout jobs. The subjects then lined his parade route, ignorant to the irony of the situation. Such is the life of the King's sheep and his state run media. All hail the King.— CD75
- Let me know when 1. we are out of iraq, 2. the afghan war is won, and 3. when the economy improves..then I'll believe all the fluff...— OgieOglethorpe
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What kind of crap is.."becoming the first black man to lead a a 232-year-old nation with racial unrest embedded in its very DNA"? Y'all just can't let the race thing go, can you? Is your white guilt and self loathing that strong? Liberty and Freedom are embedded in the nations DNA. It's a shame you just can't see that.— rudytbone- Real nice. I can't go hunting without the Lefties ridiculing it but a goat gets killed because of someone being elected President and it's a source of pride? Please explain.— Ramon
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- and TPS thank you for proving my point that there will still be contentiousness in America.— bird11
- Why bother TPS? Apparently one thing didn't change yesterday - you are so consumed with hate that I feel for you and will pray for you to someday enjoy life.— bird11
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- finally a president with some brains.— chasing history
- Bring on the valid criticisms, birdie.— Talking point sleuth
- ---}}} To those who felt left out I say "welcome" and sorry that you never felt welcome but there was always a seat at the table you just needed to claim it. {{{--- LOL! Well, of course, the table was in the slave's quarters, or after slavery was abolished up until some 50 years ago, in the kitchen (as long as you entered via the back entrance) - but really, we welcomed you. We certainly didn't mean for you to "feel" left out. LOL!— Talking point sleuth
- Incoherent John Lewis? Actually, Jimbo, it appears that you understood him just fine. Seems that for some reason, you're obsessed about how he pronounces words. Not that there's anything even remotely racist about that. Of course not. Not even remotely racist.— Talking point sleuth
- jmc - not sure of the helicopter designation but Air Force One's designation yesterday for taking President Bush home to Texas was Special Air Mission 28000.— bird11
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- Is "the world changed in 28 seconds" line a DNC talking point for the day? Heard the same line on both the ABC nightly news and CNN yesterday. And as usual the line is inaccurate. The transition of power takes place instantaneously at 12 noon regardless of how long the actual taking of the oath last. I am, of course, very happy to learn that racism, bigotry, and hate no longer exist regardless of whether it happened at 12 noon or a few seconds later. I guess actually mixing people of different backgrounds makes it a little more difficult to govern but somehow we have made it through the last 232 years fairly well. Some mistakes, yes but mistakes made in pursuit of some pretty lofty goal set out for us by rich white guys 232 years ago. To those who felt left out I say "welcome" and sorry that you never felt welcome but there was always a seat at the table you just needed to claim it. Also glad that there will be no more contentiousness in America...ah but there's the rub. You see Will it is your job, along with ours, to question our leaders and if you just accept that everything is changed and better without any actual proof of the President changing things for the better you run the risk of becoming labeled a toady for the next 4 years by TPS.— bird11
- Will, I think I missed this yesterday -- where was your posting of a chart of the DOW? It was down 332 points, in case you missed that. Since you chose to use the DOW rising on the day Obama was elected to support your positions, why not eat some crow and post about the DOW tanking yesterday?— jfar86
"...as Bush's Marine One helicopter soared past the White House en route to Texas." Nitpick: The helicopter is only Marine One when the POTUS is on board, Bush was no longer the POTUS at that point. The helicopter designation was, I think, Executive One.— jmc- Comment removed.
- Will, et al - On a day of such import, find some related funny stuff here... http://mytabloids.wordpress.com Cheers! Pilt— piltdownman
- An African man finds it meaningful that a black man of African descent gets elected president of the U.S. - and sloboat thinks it should be a source of ridicule. What would sloboat have left if he couldn't condescendingly insult people he considers to be his inferiors. Interesting, isn't it, that the Attytood Republican toadies are so bothered by Obama's popularity around the world. I guess having a president that is subject of ridicule and scorn is more compatible with their nasty disposition?— Talking point sleuth
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TPS has a point. If you honestly report the problems that Obama will face, which we already know that few if any will go away soon, and where things go wrong in his efforts (and the Congress's efforts) to fix them, the right-wing toadies will be baffled and perhaps--and I certainly hope so--abandon you. Here is my idea. Spend more time on the Supreme Court, which for the next few years is apt to be on the wrong side of history as much as on the right. Even is Obama appoints decent justices, it is likely that the ones he can replace were decent to start with. Bush deliberately chose young so that his baleful influence would last far beyond his term. Kennedy is back and forth, so the Court is, too.- ---}}} ...and then it's back to Cher quotations, ill-informed bashing of MVP-caliber athletes, seemingly endless posts about torture and rants about how conservative President Obama turned out to be. (((--- Uh oh. If you leave out negative comments about Bush, Will, the Attytood Republican toadies may not carefully monitor and comment on each post daily. I suggest you keep those kinds of posts in your rotation also. LOL!— Talking point sleuth
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