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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sigismund on August 29, 2008, at 3:04:43
In reply to ((((((obama)))))))), posted by obsidian on August 28, 2008, at 22:01:16
My goodness. What a speech. Jim Lehrer had the whole thing. Three of us sat and watched it. To Australian ears American politics seems so evangelical. We were very much moved and in that spirit prayed (such as we were able, I'm sure I did) that God would preserve him.
Posted by obsidian on August 29, 2008, at 21:05:33
In reply to An end to brutopia?, posted by Sigismund on August 29, 2008, at 3:04:43
oh Sig,
I hope he will be elected. I really do. I am worried though. There are so many conservative republicans in this country...and one part of the country can be so very different than another. In New York I expect Obama won't have a problem. In someplace like Texas however, where some people seemed to worship George Bush, I just don't know.It was terribly evangelical though. And to make reference to Martin Luther King, well that was something. He did not even dare speak his name, calling him only "the preacher".
Yes, it was quite a speech.
and so it begins.....
Posted by healing928 on August 29, 2008, at 22:58:44
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia? » Sigismund, posted by obsidian on August 29, 2008, at 21:05:33
Obama has his work cut out for him with McCain picking Sarah Palin as his running mate. She has a truly inspirational story.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 29, 2008, at 23:08:54
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia? » Sigismund, posted by obsidian on August 29, 2008, at 21:05:33
Obama has the *magic*, like JFK, like MLKJr, and it is so beautiful, elegance and strength with a loving glow and grace mixed with calls for peace, end to poverty, a compassionate society where people feel good about themselves, and others. As a Canadian, I am deeply envious that Americans have the chance to pick such an amazing person to run the country. I think the balance of which way we are going to run this planet, using logic and rationalism, not fear and terrorizing his own people, is one of Obamas strong qualities.
Plus, one last thing, is that this would be something for Afro-Americans who have really, really gotten the shaft and the short-stick in history. Just look at what happened (or didnt) in New Orleans: most of the people who lost everything where poor, black people. If that had happened in Kennebunkport, the whole city would have been rebuilt in a week. Of course, there are all forms of quiet slavery and racism. Obama will not play the race card, but I think it is very important on a symbolic level that he becomes President. Maybe more poor, Afro-Americans will head to the voting station once they see Obama running the country.
Obama is the man for the job. Period. IMHO
Jay :)
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 29, 2008, at 23:42:17
In reply to Sarah Palin, posted by healing928 on August 29, 2008, at 22:58:44
Palin is under an ethics committe investigation, and has the "great" experience of being Mayor of a town of 6500 people. She can't touch anywhere near the experience of Joe Biden. Palin was ushered in as a last-minute distraction, and people are going "who"???? Just because she has turned 'supermodel' to all puffed up 'business women' is not going to be bought by the American population. People also forget that Obama has a very prestigious education, and is a Harvard grad with a BA in International Politics. HE also sered on various foreign sub-commitees.
Jay
Posted by caraher on August 30, 2008, at 0:45:59
In reply to Sarah Palin, posted by healing928 on August 29, 2008, at 22:58:44
Actually, I think the Sarah Palin choice will resonate with only a very narrow segment of the voting population, and not the Hillary Clinton supporters who were supposedly too bitter to vote for Obama. She will appeal most to the voters who oppose abortion and the teaching of evolution - the ones whose choice was really either to vote McCain or stay home. Most Clinton fans will probably take the selection as almost an insult to the extent that the logic of her selection was to appeal to voters who "want a woman."
Her lack of experience undercuts McCain's core message that a vote for him is a vote for experience, as his age means the VP candidate will get special scrutiny. I know lots of people with lovely personal stories who have absolutely no business in the White House and are to my mind about equally qualified for the presidency (which is the proper standard for a VP choice).
Posted by 10derHeart on August 30, 2008, at 5:29:07
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia? » Sigismund, posted by obsidian on August 29, 2008, at 21:05:33
>I am worried though. There are so many conservative republicans in this country...
Sorry we worry you....although, I don't technically identify myself as a Republican, but rather an Independent....but conservative for sure. We're really not so bad, and not all alike, by any means :-)
It gives me pause, too, when I see something that appears like "worship" and the object is a mere man, whether his last name happens to be Bush, Clinton, Obama, Reagan, or something else. I'm not sure how any flawed human being, which I believe includes us all, can be worthy of worship...
I worry about the future of America no matter which major party wins the presidency. We are living in extraordinarily troubled times, and so it seems we all need each other, more than ever. I have been accused of being overly idealistic at times, though.
Posted by Nadezda on August 30, 2008, at 13:50:49
In reply to Sarah Palin, posted by healing928 on August 29, 2008, at 22:58:44
That's a scary choice, IMO.
Really highlights disturbing issues with McCain's judgment. Maybe she'll turn out to be a great political figure. But McCain doesn't know her, he's barely met or talked to her, so she's hardly part of his inner circle, she's very inexperienced in general, and has no foreign policy knowledge of experience in particular. I think it's truly a question of judgment and temperament about McCain, his impulsivity and gambler's mentality, that he would pick someone who has so little preparation to be President should anything happen to him.
Is he so unrealistic as to believe that nothing can happen to him? Aside from his age and health-- things happen.
And if he's so unthoughtful about this, how would he be during a high-stakes international crisis?
Nadezda
Posted by fayeroe on August 30, 2008, at 17:09:12
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin???, posted by Nadezda on August 30, 2008, at 13:50:49
Wait until the animal rights groups and activists park on her front doorstep. I got a long letter from a group this morning outlining what our first actions are going to be.
I have three more groups that I work with and I expect them to weigh in by Monday.
When Alaska was fighting to approve aerial killing of wolves (you know, run them down til exhausted and then very sportsmanlike shoot them) Ms. Palin said that she wanted to shoot the first one. S
She also insists that oil drilling be started asap in Alaska.
McCain met her one time before he announced his choice for VP.
Posted by obsidian on August 30, 2008, at 19:02:29
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia? » obsidian, posted by 10derHeart on August 30, 2008, at 5:29:07
> >I am worried though. There are so many conservative republicans in this country...
>
> Sorry we worry you....although, I don't technically identify myself as a Republican, but rather an Independent....but conservative for sure. We're really not so bad, and not all alike, by any means :-)if it were you running I'd even put a "vote for 10derheart" bumper sticker on my car :-)
> It gives me pause, too, when I see something that appears like "worship" and the object is a mere man, whether his last name happens to be Bush, Clinton, Obama, Reagan, or something else. I'm not sure how any flawed human being, which I believe includes us all, can be worthy of worship...I agree
> I worry about the future of America no matter which major party wins the presidency. We are living in extraordinarily troubled times, and so it seems we all need each other, more than ever. I have been accused of being overly idealistic at times, though.
I hope things get better too
Posted by healing928 on August 30, 2008, at 20:57:49
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin???, posted by Nadezda on August 30, 2008, at 13:50:49
As someone who grew up in Delaware, I am a dem. but not supporting Obama because of Biden.
Biden is well financed by Law Firms, Banks and Lawyers and has always put their interests first. Delaware is well known for the banking industry and he has ties to them, and always puts their interest first.
Many of my friends and family want him to become vice president because he won't have any power and it will get him out of Delaware.
Posted by Nadezda on August 30, 2008, at 22:51:48
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin??? » Nadezda, posted by healing928 on August 30, 2008, at 20:57:49
Were you supporting Obama before he picked Biden?
Nadezda
Posted by Sigismund on August 31, 2008, at 0:05:29
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin redux » healing928, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 29, 2008, at 23:42:17
I was struck that Obama went to school, at least for a while, in Indonesia.
When the elder Bush was ambassador to China, GWB went to visit there just twice, so I heard, although this program was at pains to say that, contrary to rumour, he did have a passport.
Posted by healing928 on August 31, 2008, at 9:22:47
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin??? » healing928, posted by Nadezda on August 30, 2008, at 22:51:48
I did, but than looked at his policies and voting record. When he picked Biden, I knew he is not the right person to lead America. I am not happy with either side.
I did mention Palin has a great story, but she does lacks experience and the whole drilling thing has me concerned.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 31, 2008, at 12:26:33
In reply to Sarah Palin, posted by healing928 on August 29, 2008, at 22:58:44
> Obama has his work cut out for him with McCain picking Sarah Palin as his running mate. She has a truly inspirational story.
ABSOLUTELY nothing remakable about Sarah Palin. She was a mayor of a town of 4,000. She did nothing in her job as Governor of Alaska. She wants to open the Arctic ( most of it which CANADA OWNS) to oil drilling. She doesn't have the worldly experience, education and *knowledge* that Obama/Biden do. This story will die down in about a week. Then Mcain will lose the election and we will have some *real* change.
Obama`s speech the other night was the highest watched television political speech.Obama is the new `JFK`. All the power to him, for the sake of the world!
Posted by Nadezda on August 31, 2008, at 18:15:53
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin???, posted by healing928 on August 31, 2008, at 9:22:47
It remains to be seen how Palin will come to be seen after she's tested. There are corruption issues, environmental issues, and-- contrary to what she says-- she did support the "bridge to nowhere."
I mostly vote on issues, not personalities, although I'd like to like my candidate. Obama isn't my personal cup of tea, although he's obviously a person of great talent and skill, and the ability to learn from experience. I just happen to agree with him on the issues. One that's particularly important to me is civil rights in general and womens' rights in particular. The Supreme Court under McCain really scares me.
Plus I agree with Obama on the economy (McCain admits he knows nothing about it, and his advisors seem quite bad-- eg, we all have access to free health care: just go to your local emergency room and you'll be treated, etc). Also on international relations-- I think McCain will have us in a terrible crisis with the Soviet Union before you can turn around, and I think his temperament (he's impulsive and given to fits of anger, as well as known to enjoy gambling-- all characteristics I think are dangerous in a world leader) and bad judgment could backfire and worse..
So I guess I really don't care that much about Biden (don't particularly like him) or Palin (don't like her for lots of reasons, and she's totally unready for the job).
To me, this election is about too many things I really care about--
What issues are important to you?
Nadezda
Posted by Sigismund on August 31, 2008, at 20:38:34
In reply to Re: Sarah Palin??? » healing928, posted by Nadezda on August 31, 2008, at 18:15:53
I think it was Kruschev gave the Crimea to Ukraine?
Unless the Ukrainians have been very diligent I would be expecting a Russian enclave there to become a seperatist group with allegiance to Russia.
So Ukraine has been in a hurry to join NATO, as have the former satellites, but it may not be so simple.
And I'm sure the Russians don't waste time thinking about whether the missile shield in the Czech Republic is to prevent Iranian missiles reaching Europe.
Posted by caraher on August 31, 2008, at 22:19:15
In reply to The former USSR, posted by Sigismund on August 31, 2008, at 20:38:34
> And I'm sure the Russians don't waste time thinking about whether the missile shield in the Czech Republic is to prevent Iranian missiles reaching Europe.
Of course they don't, as that's the least of its functions. If it is even among them at all...
Posted by Sigismund on September 1, 2008, at 3:09:54
In reply to Re: The former USSR, posted by caraher on August 31, 2008, at 22:19:15
>> And I'm sure the Russians don't waste time thinking about whether the missile shield in the Czech Republic is to prevent Iranian missiles reaching Europe.
>Of course they don't, as that's the least of its functions. If it is even among them at all...
Perhaps we are not even meant to take our leaders seriously?
Posted by Sigismund on September 1, 2008, at 3:11:02
In reply to Re: The former USSR » caraher, posted by Sigismund on September 1, 2008, at 3:09:54
Some sort of alternate reality?
Posted by Sigismund on September 3, 2008, at 20:24:37
In reply to Re: The former USSR » Sigismund, posted by Sigismund on September 1, 2008, at 3:11:02
truthout.org/article/putins-ruthless-gambit
Posted by Sigismund on September 3, 2008, at 22:33:01
In reply to Re: The former USSR, posted by Sigismund on September 3, 2008, at 20:24:37
That should have been
Posted by Dinah on September 9, 2008, at 13:20:00
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia?..ALL » obsidian, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 29, 2008, at 23:08:54
> Just look at what happened (or didnt) in New Orleans: most of the people who lost everything where poor, black people. If that had happened in Kennebunkport, the whole city would have been rebuilt in a week.
The storm was an equal opportunity destroyer. Along with the lower ninth and Eastern New Orleans, some of the hardest hit areas were affluent Lakeview, and working class but overwhelmingly white St. Bernard Parish. I know a heck of a lot of people of every race and every income bracket who lost everything they didn't have with them in their cars. And even if they had insurance and perhaps some other resources (although most of the middle class claim their home as their largest investment), they were hurt badly financially.
I imagine Kennebunkport is significantly smaller than N.O. So maybe it could have been rebuilt by now. The extent of damage here and the number of homes flooded was almost incomprehensible. Between Louisiana and Mississippi it's measured in the hundreds of thousands of homes.
To really get an idea of the scope of the disaster:
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf
Do you know the population loss in St. Bernard Parish? And how little Lakeview has bounced back, despite the affluence of the people who lived there?
It's true that wealthier people of all races had more access to funds in the form of flood insurance, and had more ability to sell and move or restore.
The most resilient community was actually the Vietnamese community in Eastern New Orleans. But that too had nothing to do with their race, and also had nothing to do with wealth. It's an inspiring story.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19292199/
New Orleans was a multilayered and complex tragedy. It shouldn't be reduced to an example of racial inequality because that's not what it was.
Posted by Dinah on September 9, 2008, at 13:36:02
In reply to Re: An end to brutopia? » obsidian, posted by 10derHeart on August 30, 2008, at 5:29:07
While I'm liberal by local standards, I'm conservative by Babble standards for sure.
I don't think we're all so bad either.
Posted by 10derHeart on September 9, 2008, at 14:50:59
In reply to Me too, posted by Dinah on September 9, 2008, at 13:36:02
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