Historic Election Well Worth the Wait for Veteran Staffer
Louise Tucker may be tearful and sleep-deprived this morning, but she assures me she couldn’t be more joyful. Louise, like much of the world, proudly watched President-Elect Barack Obama make history last night, sealed by his humble message that “This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change.”
“America can change. America is changing, and I really believe that it’s for the better,” Louise said this morning. As an African American woman and The Wilderness Society’s Administrative and Internship Coordinator, she believes Obama will be a Black American President for all Americans. The win got her thinking about Dr. Martin Luther King and the many abuses and battles that her ancestors have overcome in America and throughout the world. “It was all worth it for this moment,” she assures me.
Perhaps the happiest moment came this morning, though, when her 9-year-old granddaughter Jakira’s first question was “Is Obama president?” and she could exalt that he was.
Jakira went to the polls with Louise and her husband for the first time yesterday, where they waited patiently in line, absorbed in the enthusiasm of the other voters. Jakira stood with her grandmother as she cast her vote, and as they were leaving, the young girl proudly wore an “I voted” sticker and told Louise she felt she had voted, too, after having studied the election in school and experienced the voting process firsthand. Jakira pleaded to stay up and watch the results, but her bedtime came before the decision.
After getting the good news, she was anxious to get to school this morning, where this newest generation of engaged Americans would be reviewing the electoral map and all its significance.
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Spencer R. Phillips, Ph.D.
Spencer Phillips is a natural resource economist who has been with The Wilderness Society's scientific team since 1992. His economic work has focused on helping people, communities and institutions realize the benefits of wildland conservation.
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Comments
FINALLY A VOICE OF REASON!
FINALLY A VOICE OF REASON! THANK YOU.
Obama is the Pied Piper of
Obama is the Pied Piper of empty promises. People who voted for him were like lambs being led to the slaughter by his eloquence, or simply voting because they were black for black. Considering his association with "the preacher" and other very questionable persons in his past and present, he is untrustworthy. I sincerely hope he puts many qualified people around him to guide this presidency, because he is truly unqualified. All I can say is God help America. Not like the preacher he followed for 20 years who said, "God damn America".
McCain cheated on his sick wife.....
I love how people talk about Obama's preacher and how it makes our President untrustworthy. And I love those that talk about how cozy he was with terrorists and the like.. - you sound like the lady that said "hes an arab" at the McCain rally. Yet those same people don't mind that McCain disgustingly cheated on and left his sick wife for some younger rich woman. Oh sure, thats trustworthy, right? Also, these were the same people screaming about trust when Clinton cheated on his wife...
McCain cheated on his sick wife
This has nothing to do with the election anymore than we were shown when Billy admitted to cheating on the first LADY did he get impeached. The fact remains Obama is a lier and did nothing while in Illinois so what makes everyone think he will do anything for the country. Oh yeah I forgot he claims he is great NOT
So you would rather have
So you would rather have Bush? Because thats all McCain is. And Palin, the disgusting, depraved piece of garbage that gets off from watching animals die in the dirt? Do you even know what site you are on? And you know what? I'd rather have someone that hasn't been corrupted and feeding off the teats of the government for decades. How about someone that hasn't been touched by the hate machine yet? Thats not a bad thing, you know.
So you would rather have
The question remains do you know what your site your on. I obiviously know what site I am on since I donate to it. This is not about animal killing it is about the people of the United States and our future. I find it interesting that you think Obama has not been feeding off the government for decades. Your right he hasn't. He would of had to have done his job as Senator to have done that.
Ummmmm......I think you need a reality check
Yes, the wilderness society, not Fox News. As in, the planet needs help. As in, the wildlife needs help. I obviously donate to it, as well, and lobby as much as possible. Its an attitude like yours that floors me. Its not just about the US and our future. Its about the WORLD and our future. That includes the future of other beings. Not just your taxes, but wars, global security, economy - all the other things that impact the world that this government completely mucked up. Please stop thinking that we in the US and people alone are all that matter. It's not the case. And I guess you're finally grasping the part about how the majority of us DON'T want some 20 year feeding at the government teat person in office. It's time for someone with a new idea that hasn't been crippled by too many years in politics.
hope and pride
I am so proud of Obama! I am proud of his courage to run the race for leadership of our country. Our once proud country that now lies in ruin from the economic, environmental, Judaical and political selfishness of this past 8 years. Obama has offered us unity, hope, stability of character, intelligence and thoughtful action on the huge problems facing us now....and, we showed him through our votes that we want him to lead the way. The whole world has renewed faith that America can pick herself up, dust herself off and help unite the people, who live on the same planet by the way, toward not only a better tomorrow, but any tomorrow at all. This is huge! I actually feel today like I can relax and not have to watch over my shoulder for the next freedom to go missing, the next wall to be built on our borders, the next torture victim, the next wire tap...and, the next public supported robbery of a person's savings and retirement funds. We can have science, art and music once more. I said a prayer last night that Obama will be watched over and kept safe from harm. I pray that we can begin to feel like ONE country, stand up tall, proud of what we stand for, proud of our leaders and once more light up the goodness that truly is America.
President Elect Obama
I am so proud of my country we actually voted on a person based on character for a change. President-Elect Obama brings hope to this country that we are not to be judged on our race or party line. We are to be judged simply by our character. America has come full circle and I am so proud of President-Elect Obama not because of race but because he never gave up and purserved under all circumstances. This tells me that he will be a Great President. Like my mother always told me even if you didn't vote for the man you stand behind him and ask what can i do to help. I voted for him but i will ask what can I do to help my country. People really need to put things in context. I am so proud and happy. I would have flown to Chicago if i could have afforded but I am living on disability. I was a volunteer for his campaign and made the phone calls to swing states. I looked at the issues not the race of the man. People really need to grow up and become more educated to get out of that lower education thinking. One day I know it is possible for a woman to be President now and that will happen I am so sure but it will not be Palin nor Hillary because of age by then. I am a Hillpacker and wanted Hillary in office initially. I am so proud of Obama.
Pattie in Texas
More hope & pride
You have it right, Catherine. I am tired of liars & theives in the White House. Barack Obama is honest. The war will end. We will have jobs. The environment will be clean. It's a brand new day.
Obama and a New Day
Oh your so right it is a brand new day and things will be better in the white house. We had so many liars, cheats, and thieves running amuke in the White House for 8 years. It is time now we get someone in there that is honest, character and intergrity. That describes Obama to a t.
pattie in texas
Obama's mostly good news
and much better than current anti science and anti environment Bush Cheney administration. My primary misgivings from environmental p.o.v about Obama was his use of pro coal rhetoric in using so called "clean coal". There is no such thing because of climate change due to global warming. There is no way to mine it cleanly even if they could eliminate the carbon from burning it. I hope now that he lost West Virginia he can be honest and say I have looked at coal it can never be clean, so I am putting our resources in renewable wind and solar and conservation. In short I am rejoicing but remain wary of further Obama moves to right in military interventionism (adventurism), misue of Patriot Act , associations with economic elite (Robert Rubin and Paul Volcker). I look forward to hearing his choices for cabinet, picking from Kucinich wing would be good sign.
Green Activism
Greenhouse gas emissions, unless reduced worldwide, are going to send global warming out of control and beyond our capacity to endure or mitigate. Obama and his team built the internet communication network that can convey information to and from the grass roots, inspire people to action, and bring sweeping change. Obama's use of the internet is far more effective than what the Wilderness Society or any stand-alone advocacy group could achieve. I expect him to continue to use this system in governing--it is available to any individual who is willing to receive his e-mail or text messages.
Obama's internet communication system could link the tremendous environmental efforts now being done at the state and local levels across the country, as well as by entities like Wilderness Society, with support at the federal level that has so far been absent. This is crucial to our survival--as individuals, as a society and nation, and for all life on earth.
Please look to the concession speech of Senator McCain for guidance in how to proceed now. Senator McCain will return to the Senate, working across the aisle for the good of the nation, with President Obama.
I think this is real history
I think this is real history in the making. May President Obama have what it takes to lead us toward a brighter future.
On a sadder note, same-sex marriage was banned in California.
Election
I feel like today was the first new day in a long time, and although we face many problems with our economy and environment, it was a day of hope. A day of relief from the burden of knowing that no matter how hard we try, as individuals, to conserve, save, and protect our loved ones, without leadership from our government it would never be enough. Today I feel like trying harder, working and believing that things can get better. My 22 year old daughter bought two big American flags to put in her windows at her small retail shop. She said she is proud to be an American. I never heard her say that before. We have all experienced so much grief and trauma, with wars, and global warming and devalued investments, and that has just been a such a big part of her generation's experience. To know that this election made such a big impression on her, and she was so enthusiastic about the result is a relief because so often our young people become cynical and disinchanted. Today I am truly thankful for the election of our President.
The sun has risen over the
The sun has risen over the world and the feeling of positive hope and a renewal of life as we know it shines brightly! We are moved and in awe of this precious man! His thoughtfulness, and compassion for human kind is evident, and that is perhaps the most important trait to me. Barack Obama exudes intelligence, integrity, and fairness, and feelings are being awakened in me that I had only imagined I could feel again.....pride, patriotism, and an intense loyalty to the United States of America. After being governed by an idiot for the last eight years, I can finally shed the shame I felt and hold my head up. Thankyou Barack Obama for being the man you are, and welcome Mr. President!!
Well Done!!!!
To the new President.
Being an onlooker from South Africa, but all the same a supporter of the Obama campaign, I was delighted to see yesterday that he had indeed won the American election, and the hearts and trust of a very large portion of his nation...
This man may be humble, and he may be many other things, but he is such an inspiration to every American, as well as every person on the rest of the globe. A modernday Martin Luther King???? Time will tell.... The whole world is waiting with bated breath for what will happen next...
Election outcome
I am extremely disappointed by the outcome of this election. I do not feel that Obama will have the experience to guide this country in the right direction. I feel he has been dishonest in this election, first by not proving he really is a United States citizen, second, by not allowing his college records or thesis to be shown to the American public, third, his ties to terrorists, fourth, by his ethics and finally by not taking the public funds. He is splash, used the internet to his advantage and even though he is only half black, he used that portion to promote his campaign. Since he is half white why didn't he use that as well? Because it would not have the impact that being black did.
I honestly have spent the past two years investigating both candidates prior to making my decision on who to vote for. Being from California, I was extremely disappointed that the Electoral College was called right after our polls closed at 8 pm. I worked very hard to get people to sign up to vote and it seemed to not matter. So I am not a fan of this Electoral College.
My oldest grandson voted for his first time this year and he was extremely disappointed by that happening. He wants to know if his vote mattered at all. All I could say was this: Yes and no, it mattered on our State's measures but as far as the President this time it didn't, but you never know so that is why you should continue to study, keep in touch with politics and vote again. You should become more involved and work hard to make change happen.
I told him I plan to become more involved with our Californian Republican Party here. Despite what many will say in answer to this comment, it is a good party, with conservative, liberals and a combination of both. You are allowed to think as you please. It is not always about big corporations, Wall Street, it is also about the Country and its taxpayers.
The biggest problem I forsee is this: Will Obama keep his promises as many promise and do not deliver. Will he really care about this country? Will he destroy the military by downsizing it? Can his charisma keep our country from being invaded or bombed? Will he really work a bi-partisan or will he be like Nancy Pelosi and be a Democrat first and foremost?
This outcome was a big letdown, it reminded me when Clinton was first elected and my 5 year old daughter sat down and cried because he was going to take her father's job as a CNC machinest away. His actions toward the Aerospace Industry caused my family great suffering.
Many are suffering today in the big crisis. Obama will be hard pressed to get his promises done in the first year as too much is happening at once. When his tax breaks happen, what will happen when he stops President Bush tax breaks in 2010? Many will say they were only for the rich, but I don't feel they all were.
So Democrats and Republicans who voted for Obama, congrats, but time will time. I only pray that you were right and I am wrong, but either way, this country is a strong one and we will fight anyone, and I mean anyone who stands in our way.
Election Outcome
I am sorry you are so disappointed, because this country really did not need another four years of George Bush--which is what we would have gotten with John McCain. I am glad that Obama did not take public funds. There is an old saying, "He who pays the piper calls the tune." In this case, the little person in this country is the one who calls the tune. Obama was born in Hawaii of a Kenyan father and AMERICAN mother. That makes him an American. There is no need for him to prove his citizenship. He is not tied to terrorists, no matter what the McCain camp said. As to his lack of experience, what about Sarah Palin? John McCain is an old man who has had cancer more than once. If anything happened to him, she would have been president. That scares me silly! It is too bad that everyone cannot open up their hearts and get rid of their bigotry, but that's their problem, not mine. There is no way Obama could have used his white heritage any more than he did, and looking at him showed his black heritage. This is an election that shows the United States of America is finally growing up!
RE: Election outcome
I am neither Repuclican or Democrat. I have never voted a non primary straight ticket or for a "party" in my 36 years of casting ballots in local or national elections. But I know how the Electoral College works. If the vote had gone, in such propostions, the other way, and the McCain/Palin ticket had been decided by 2/3 of the country prior to the west coast poll closing; would you have felt the same way? If not, it's just your disappointment as to the outcome. I am excited that your 18 year old grandson voted this year! What a testament to his family's values that they have instilled in him that in America, his voice matters. I applaud you for having encouraged him to keep voting, but... what you should have told him is that his vote ALWAYS counts! His vote was added to the count just as those in New York or Texas. However, if he voted for McCain/Palin he was outvoted this year. Perhaps his vote for Congressman/woman was part of the majority and therefore not limited to local issues. And as far as the 5 year old crying because her Daddy's job was going to be taken away (which I can't understand how on election day that was discerned), who told her that? She couldn't read it in the LA Times and who troubles a child of 5 with the woes of the world! Children have only a short time of ignorant bliss on this earth and their family should protect them from having to worry about how they are going to manage finances or other grown up problems. There is plenty to worry about later in life and why start the graying process any sooner than we have to!
We hated & bored of cynic & race centered minds
It is more than enough over the last gloomy centuries passing through that hard time heavy to talk and remember. Brave Americans declared “change” with their vote in the brighter 21st century. Now onwards, we do not want to see, listen and hear such pessimist minds like you. Leadership is a gift from almighty! It is not something belongs only to whites. Surely, he can handle and manage these tough national and global issues. Genuine and honest Americans are always in his side.
Throw away your pessimist mind!
how I felt, how I feel
Last night I screamed.
I cheered.
I sobbed and hugged and danced and skipped.
I wished my dad was alive to witness and experience the magnitude of this election and its results.
I toasted EVERYTHING with some cheap champagne.
I called and got texts and phone calls from people I love, from people who love me, and even from people I haven't spoken to in years! We all just wanted to be together.
I left a message for my mother. I was shaking and crying. "We did it, Mom," I said.
I told my friend Kyle, "Sometimes getting what you want is intense."
I checked in with God and thought, "Indeed, you answer prayers. ...Sorry I've been forgetting you. ...Thank you."
Oh, did I thank God! ("THANK GOD!")
I held a weeping black woman in my arms and I asked her, "What do we do tomorrow?"
"I'm callin out of work!" she declared!
And in the night I heard music.
A congregation of happy voters and supporters had formed and within it I looked people right in the eyes, letting my joy and theirs become a pool of relief and hopefulness and shared awe.
And when I stood there, looking in their eyes, we'd stop dead in our tracks with all the music and chanting still swirling around us, and I'd say, "Remember this forever." "YOU did this!" "Tonight, we remembered how it feels to get something we wanted, something we fought for, something GENERATIONS before us fought for. We can't stop now." "Remember this." "You did this!"
And when I danced to the African drumming on Pearl St. I thought about the metaphorical blood beneath my feet, the Native people and women and African Americans and truly brave and compassionate individuals and groups who struggled; who succeeded; who failed; who died paving the way for our celebrating; for our remembering how to be passionate, compassionate, and how to be one.
"Touch the ground," I told my fellow campaign workers. I wanted to make sure it was still there. I wanted to make sure all of this was real. I wanted to connect to the footsteps of our ancestors.
The love and dancing overtook the street and I squeezed and thanked the police officers for letting us TAKE those streets--our streets!!
I marveled at the collection of all races and ages, of wealthy and homeless, of fireworks and interbeing.
And for a moment, I thought, "I have to take myself out of this and just SEE it. I just want to WITNESS this," and I sat on the cold, stone ground and watched the bouncing. I looked up at people singing in the trees. I knew what we were feeling was bigger than me, bigger than us, bigger than our President-Elect, himself.
Something big was pulsating in and through and around us.
And then I couldn't hold it in.
I had to speak.
The drummers and call-and-response-style cheers stopped and I SCREAMED to the hundred gathered there:
BOULDER, LISTEN TO ME!
MAY WE
NEVER WALK IN *THIS* SPACE
AND NOT REMEMBER
THE JOY WE FEEL IN THIS MOMENT!! ::cheering::
MAY WE
NEVER WALK IN *THIS* SPACE
AND NOT REMEMBER
THE COMMITMENT WE'VE MADE
TO CHANGE
THIS
COUNTRY!! ::cheering::
MAY WE
*NEVER* FORGET
THAT WE *DID* THIS
AND WE CAN DO MORE!! ::Yes, we can! Yes, we can!::
And the drumming resumed and I rejoined the moving, living thing that was our future.
Then I walked down the street with my friend Tony. He loaned me his coat. He showed me the bushes where he sleeps. And told me about the Vietnam war and the two bullets he took in that fight and how it changed him. He prayed for me and blessed me and told me he was proud of me.
And I knew that something had awakened in me that I could and would never again ignore.
I didn't vote for Barack Obama for any one characteristic of his being, but for the opportunity he represents to me, to ALL of us, to really be a part of our government and to really HONOR ourselves as a community of humans.
Tony is a veteran and an amazing singer and a leader among us. Some of our greatest leaders live in bushes.
And I think we can do better.
Let us grow!
Let us remember!
Let us be the great country someone told us we are or used to be!
At 4:30 in the morning, I still wasn't sleeping.
I talked to my friend Shay until I'd nearly lost my voice, and when we said, "Goodbye," I felt a sunrise within my soul.
I basked in the light of a hope-filled tomorrow and wondered what else I could do.
Then this morning, my friend Casbomb reminded me of something from Obama's beautiful and heartfelt speech that made my hair stand on end; that reminded me of the hugging and the dancing and the possibility of REAL CHANGE.
He shared this quote: "To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."
Ain't that America?
Oh yes!
THAT is my America!
Thank you to those who paved the way, and thank you, Barack Obama for opening the door!
Now it's up to us!
Take my hand.
Take Tony's hand.
Hold the hands of your friends and family and teachers and neighbors, and let's walk through that door.
Let us walk through that door and follow no path.
Let us MAKE that path, and may that path lead to peace and equality; to justice and community; to working for the greater good of ALL people--in this country and in the world.
Yes, we can. Yes, we did. And yes, we are.
I believe in us.
Now that Borrack Obama is the
Now that Borrack Obama is the country's (proud) president he will be able to kick the Bush and his administration to the curb. The time has come for America to experience real change! Now I can sleep well........
Bravo America! You made history
Americans made history yesterday. Full of huge reputation and big lessons for world’s arrogant narrow-minded race centered egocentric people.
I was seen them a bit selfish, but I changed my mind yesterday. I understand that they do not believe in trivial nonsense substances of the 19th century above all they are the world’s first modern people who believe beyond color and race.
Bravo Americans! Really, you can lead the world to the best direction.
I hope our global environment will enjoy the 80% co2 emission cut in 2050. I hope not only America but also the rest of the world will more alternative energy sources.
Long live to Obama! Have a save working term in the WH!
Seid from Ethiopia.
Election night
We cried again and again, tears of surprise and joy! I have never felt so moved to say the Pledge as I did before Obama gave his acceptance speech, and even now I am feeling choked up all over again. I feel faith in this nation again, something I haven't felt throughout this century. This couldn't mean more to the nation!
Hi I hardly could believe my
Hi I hardly could believe my ears and eyes! To be able to see this historical election of an African American candidate was mindbogoling. I am now an even more proud American. The America I have grown to love was enriched by the most colorblind election I had ever witnessed. I have never been prouder to be a US Citizen!
I am so excited that we have
I am so excited that we have a new president who will take into account the needs of all living things. For over 8 years we have had to counteract the policies of the Bush Administration when they pulled funds away from ongoing programs. They wanted to defile the wilderness by drilling for oil in pristine wilderness areas. We have had to watch as many of the animals that have been endangered have almost been taken off the endangered species list. Too many petitions have had to be written to stop the delisting of many animals off the endangered species list. We have had to sign petitions to keep our wilderness away from the grabbing hands of big oil companies.
With Obama as president I am looking for a brand new day when our wilderness will not be under attack constantly by indifferent and money grubbing individuals. I know that we will not have to send petitions for things that anyone who has a brain can see need to be conserved. Science will prevail again and I am looking forward to The Wilderness Society needed to get out of the petition business, because so many animals need care and a place where they can be free.
Obamanation
A day of mourning for our nation, once again. Wounds from the Clinton years of debauchery are still open, painful and apparent. Now more salt pressed into these wounds. May mercy be upon us.
Finally
Finally a President I can fully respect and have a high regard for in my lifetime. My hope looks to be restored for this country; not so much because of Obama, but because of the people that elected him. Now, I just have to figure out which state that voted for him I'm going to move to that's not mostly filled with ignorant people...
By the way, I've been in the
By the way, I've been in the military for almost a decade and will be more than honored to have President Obama as my Commander-in-Chief. I think some people need to get out of their comfort zone and experience and learn about history and other cultures--it certainly gives you better perspectives on all aspects of your life, if you let it. Just three continents left for me...
SAD DAY FOR AMERICA
Look dudes, I don't mind a black guy at all; i'm not racist and this has nothing to do with the color of anyones skin but this is not good...This is a very, very terrible thing that has happened. I am ashamed to be called an American once Bush gets out of office because Obama/Biden are NOT Patriotic, they want to change everything about our country; that is NOT right. I cried for a long time last night because of how afraid I am for our land. The poor Military people that are fighting and WANTING to be there. I am not happy, not happy at all. Just because someone like Palin grew up hunting, that doesn't mean that she CAN'T be a good political person. I am about WHO has the best background, Obama is the least experienced of all four of them. What is your problem?? So don't blame me, I voted McCain! The REAL HERO THAT DIDN'T CHEAT.
What?
Did you say: "The poor Military people that are fighting and WANTING to be there"? Are you just friggin looney? No one in the military WANTS to be there time of war, except for the fact that those brave men and women want to protect there brothers and sisters in arms. We have no business being in a war in Iraq. We should be assisting them rebuild yes, but not fighting all their battles. And before you start in on some diatribe about how we MUST be the world's atrosity police... what about man's inhumanity toward man in countries without oil? Darfur? Somalia? etc etc .. And to say that "we will bring our troops home in victory" is wacky too. Most of us say, just bring them home alive and in one piece! We respect their commitment and honor their service. There is no dishonor in leaving a country after dethroning a tyranist, rebuilding some of the infrastructure, and assisting in putting a government of the people back in place. (These are the assessed accomplishments as stated by the current administration, so no foul here.)
And... this election decision was not based on Palin's support for aerial hunting. For me, it was the fact that she, like President George W. Bush, can't put two sentences together without sounding like a bafoon! And no it's not her accent either, I live in Michigan's upper pennisula and sound more like a Canadian than a midwestern american. I want intelligent and confident to be the first thing someone thinks when they hear our leader speak. We deserve better. As far as Palin being the most qualified for the job... REALLY? Mayor of Wasilla and 2 years as governor of Alaska, where "Putin rears his ugly head", does not qualify a flakey woman (and yes I am a woman) to carry out the highest office in the land. I like Sarah Palin as a person, but I wouldn't hire her for this job.
I AM A INDEPENDENT AND BIG
I AM A INDEPENDENT AND BIG ENVIROMENTALIST AND ANIMAL RIGHTS BUT THIS MAN STOLE THIS ELECTION.AND I CAN'T BELIEVE HE SNOWED ALL OF YOU!! THIS IS A SAD DAY FOR AMERICA!! SO,WHEN HE DOESN'T DELIVER DON'T COME CRYING BECAUSE YOU PUT HIM THERE.DON'T BLAME ME I VOTED FOR McCAIN!!
What are you, pro-war? You
What are you, pro-war?
You should be grateful that McCain lost.
Obama's victory
While I share with all the excitement and expectations of an Obama presidency, reality reminds me that Mr. Obama is primarily a man shaped by an urban lifestyle. Therefore, we may need to work hard to bring him up to speed on the necessity for preserving wilderness. We must remember that Obama promised to include coal and ethanol in his energy policy. These carbon releasing energy sources cannot and must not be allowed to dominate energy policy. In particular, ethanol diverts agricultural space from food production as well as furthering the soil depleting over dependence upon corn. Our entire Mississippi watershed is a disaster as a result of fertilizing to maintain soil content favorable to corn production. We must be sure that Obama's administration is cognizant of the dangers riparian pollution presents.
But I am hopeful. Obama is an extremely intelligent and thoughtful person. Proper environmental lobbying should promote the necessary response from his administration.
Clovis Lark, right on!
I concur with your statement entirely.
I believe sustainable economic survival pathways can become available to ethanol and coal producing areas, but it's going to take creativity and superb leadership to wean ourselves away from those energy sources. Appalachia will be destroyed by mountain-top removal for coal and the pollution that brings to the land below. The local economies won't see much of the coal profits but will be left with the mess. When the coal vein is exhausted, the money will move elsewhere, leaving a despoiled landscape and poverty in its wake. Better for the local people to face this head on and look for other ways to make a good future for themselves and their children. And all of us who find ourselves in better circumstances need to help them find those other ways.
Hope
I am proud of our country for the first time in a long time!
My hope is that the world will sit up and take notice that things are changing in this country...
and hopefully the change will benefit the world!
God Bless Barack Obama...and the United States of America!
Let's Keep Obama Honest
Certainly we should all celebrate the impending end of the President Bush's blatantly anti-environmental agenda. By the same token, we must be at best cautiously optimistic about Obama's election and not take his environmental commitment for granted. In just a few short months of campaigning, he flip-flopped on opposing both off-shore drilling and so-called "clean coal" technology. By the end of the campaign, his energy/environmental agenda was essentially indistinguishable from McCain's. And with the economy taking center stage, we must make sure that environmental issues are not further marginalized. It is absolutely crucial to not let down our guard for one moment and to pressure Obama to keep his promises - his EARLY campaign promises on energy and the environment, not the more politically-expedient compromises made in the waning days of the election. So yes, let's celebrate - but let's keep the pressure on too!
after the election....
The election is over. It's time to stop the bickering.
It's time for Obama and his admin to get to work to fulfill all of those promises.
I truly do hope he fulfills them all, especially those that he has made to protect the environment and call for clean energy reform; to stop the frivolous spending in WA. But the latter two, I feel, will not happen without much time and toil. Why? Because that should begin 'at home', and from what I have seen already, I don't believe the Obamas will be setting an example of conservation, frugality for the rest of the country. I have also watched as Obama flip-flopped in the past on environmental issues.
Perhaps the first step for the Obamas should be the end of his wife's selfish, lavish spending on her own comforts...who, in this day and time, uses taxpayer, and money that was hard-earned and donated to a campaign, to buy a 400.00 snack at the Waldorf Astoria, complete with lobster and champagne? And to top that off, had it delivered by room service (astronomical extra charges to the hotel tab).....It's one thing to order lunch...but lobster and champagne at a cost of over $400.00???? Michelle Obama had that tab in October during a stay at the Waldorf.
Barach Obama doesn't scare me..there will always be the balance of power...that is how our government was set up by our forefathers (Thank God). He will be checked and balanced every step of the way.
I believe the Obamas will need to practice what they preach. And that begins at home, correct?
I remain extremely fearful of what lies ahead for this country. We are in extreme situations right now, dangerous situation that threaten our livelihood and our way of life. Those things could change in a heartbeat...the economy....the war...the threat of terrorism...the loss of our personal freedoms....the environment....things have never been more dire.
I remain cautiously optimistic....and why? Because of what Obama has said he plans to do. Let's see if he follows through.
There are many things still that concern me, but because I am an American, I, like many others will be supportive, and you can bet that I will be watching like a hawk, every single issue that arises, that Obama and his administration are called upon to address. I am very concerned about the fate of our young men and women on the battlefront. Most of us have no idea of the horrors of war. They do. But because we, back home, are so removed from it, some here think it is easy and best to cut and run. And those people are clueless. They also do not realize, all that we are involved in right now, ultimately is to protect our home. This country, here in North America. If we do not do that, we may end up having those now on the inside, because of our loose border controls, who will be at our doorsteps....ready to slit our throats without a word. To take what is rightfully ours, what we have worked so hard for.
The fact that in so many districts, and states even, that 100% of a certain demographic voted for Obama, speaks VOLUMES to me. Surmise what you should from that.
But the fact remains, this man is also half-white. He was raised by his white grandparents. That also speaks volumes.
I have a feeling that there are many who specifically registered for the first time, to specifically vote for Barack Obama, did so ONLY because he appears to be black (if historically genetics were a bit different, he may have been born with much paler skin-and I wonder...if he did have a more caucasian visage, would they have done the same?) and it will bring them the 'spreading of the wealth'. I don't think they realize what that means. It does not mean 'free money' without having to work for it or earn it....
I was at the store the other day, standing in line at the checkout....I was adding up everything in my cart because, like every other family that has a husband that works and a wife that works, we are on a strict budget, and at the time I only had about 90.00 to spend. Had to make sure I didn't go over it and have my bank account overdrawn.
Meanwhile, in front of me, I watched another woman of a different race, who did not speak English (in her late 20's at the oldest) standing in line, with a teenaged girl (maybe 12, 13 at the most,) pushing 2 another carts.... Both overflowing with groceries, clothes, etc...There were 4 other toddlers of various ages waiting, playing quietly beside those 2 carts, and 2 babies (one appeared slightly older) in bassinettes. Then I watched as she pulled out food stamps to pay for all of it. And I stood there in disbelief, thinking, 'there is something seriously wrong with this picture.' could be wrong to assume that she is on welfare. But that would be the guess.
I cannot believe that there are so many people who are willing to be chained to a control like that. And that is what welfare is...you must answer to the government....to me that would not be a free way to live. And I believe one should have to answer to anyone who is paying your bills and feeding your family; it's more than fair. But it is no way I would want to have to live.
We have one daughter, who is now in college in Colorado. (Tuition that we are paying for, btw, because our combined approx. 70,000 salary/year put us over the amount to qualify for student aid for her.) I am driving a 15 year old car. My husband drives a 89 Nissan. He does all of the work on our vehicles, and is the handiman around the house. We live in a 3 bedroom bungalow, that we purchased with my life savings and all of our 401k money. We consider ourselves very fortunate, in the present time when so many families are losing their jobs and homes to foreclosure. But we have been there. We have both been laid off at various times. We have had to put our house on the market, TWICE in the last 9 years that we have owned it. We have lived on ramen noodles and meals at the homes of relatives and friends. We have been without health insurance. We know what it is like to struggle. But the tables do turn with hard work and determination. We both found new jobs, and were able to reclaim our home.
There is a bit of middle class situation for you.
It's tough. It has always been tough. At least for us. We have never been on federal aid. It would have been nice to have received some aid for college tuition. But such is life. We pay our taxes and and the benefit is, we lively freely, we don't have the government constantly over our shoulders.
At this time I think It's important for all to focus on AMERICAN history a bit as well....and on the principles by which this country was founded. Yes, we do need changes....but we are not the 'socialist republic of such and such'....anyone who wants to live in a socialist society, can find them elsewhere...please, go live there...no one is forcing you to stay in America.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
and to the republic, for which it stands,
one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice FOR ALL."
May God be with us all, and
May God Bless America.
The rumor you are talking about has been disproven
Just so you know, you can check that info on a site like snopes. It was found that the Waldorf Astoria rumor where Michelle Obama ordered crazy stuff was false. It was proven that she was speaking in another state that day, actually. You need to be really careful when you discuss 'facts' to make sure they are. I only got to that point in your post because , well, why read more? I already see that you are just regurgitating rumors.
As well, President Obama drives a hybrid vehicle and we have seen that his wife buys her clothes at reasonable prices from stores that most of us have access to.
Double check your stuff and then see where you stand.
I always welcome correction,
I always welcome correction, and would appreciate a link to that information, Melody...
What I don't welcome is the labels you are trying to attach to me.
I double checked mine. I don't post arbitrarily.
Really don't appreciate your threats either, that I need to be 'really careful' about information that I did not circulate but that was online for all to see....and that MO was supposedly speaking in another state that day has no relevance when in fact she, just as the wives of other candidates were scheduled to be) had been to a few places that particular day.
The fact that they drive a hybrid vehicle just makes me wonder, how can they afford to even buy one? When middle class America could not afford the sticker price on a hybrid right now..isn't it about 4 times that of a gasoline-powered vehicle?
Maybe their policies will bring down the higher cost of being environmentally friendly..because the last time I checked, it cost considerably more to buy a hybrid vehicle than it does one that runs solely on gasoline, it cost much more to make a home 'more green'....organic produce was much higher in price than non-organic, etc, unless you raise that produce, etc on your own land....it is much more expensive to be green right now....let's hope that changes as well.
Your thrift, and cost of going green
Missy, I admire your family's thrift and sacrifice for education and living within one's means. I think my family is a lot like yours in that respect.
As to your observation of the woman with many children using food stamps, you felt her family might be living too well on taxpayer help. Understandable. If the parent is truly irresponsible, there is likely a heartbroken grandma behind the scenes, doing her best for those kids, and glad for the food stamp help. I feel far more violated by white collar criminals who go undetected until our pensions and investments disappear. What Obama spoke of during his campaign was help to families like ours. He spoke often of the need for personal responsiblity and hard work.
Regarding the cost of hybrid cars and other "green" items: Maintaining a high per capita consumption of land, energy, and other natural resources is not green even if you drive a hybrid and buy your own solar panel array. We need to improve our QUALITY of life even as we reduce our standard of living as it has been defined in terms of material wealth. For example, we own a fuel efficient vehicle for which we saved for many years, but we leave it in the garage as much as possible, stay home, walk, or ride bikes. We're eating less meat and growing some of our own veggies like we used to do when younger. We're back to being healthier and having fun in daily life. If you live small while enjoying big, if you protect and delight in the natural world around you, you are well on your way to green! Congratulations to you.
Historic Moment
I feel my pride in citizenship returning with Obama's victory Tuesday. I also feel long deadened hope stirring again.
I realize that the next four years won't be easy. We're living in a near bankrupt society and hopes for universal health care and tax relief probably won't approach what Americans are hoping for.
During his first months as president, George W. quietly replaced Federal judges with pro-business, anti-environment judges, undoing three decades of environmental regulation born out of volunteer efforts. I hope the new president will reverse this corruption of conservation. This change shouldn't add expense to our ruptured budget. Also free would be to return our full rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. And it wouldn't cost us anything to stop sending suspected terrorists abroad to be tortured. We could also save a few bucks by shutting down the prison in Guantanamo.
I hope, too, that the new President demonstrates by deed his eloquent rhetoric to reach out across political division, race, and age to help lead us into a sense of unity with our fellow citizens instead of exploiting fear to keep us divided. That won't cause taxes to rise, either.
Somehow the pain of any situation is alleviated when we feel the burden is shared by all and that there is hope in the future. Barack Obama can give us that hope.
Protection for Our Coastlines
I can only hope that this man can see the futility to drill off our beautiful N. California coastline. It's untouched beauty that we have worked so hard to protect for many years is on the chopping block. We have visitors from all over the world come to this place of Giant Redwoods, beautiful beaches and sparkling ocean and marvel in the wonders of it all.
Sustainable energy is the only answer to our problems, not more drilling.
I only hope that this young President can see this far West and do his best to get a jump-start on renewable sources, like the sun for instance. We have fallen so far behind, let us not try to do catch-up too hastily.
What this election meant to me...
Everything. I am so happy right now. 'Nuff said.
November 4, 2008, 8:30 PM,
November 4, 2008, 8:30 PM, Central Mountain Time
A country like this
grows from possibility and improvisation
the kinds of things you cannot buy
at Wal-Mart
and you cannot find
in profits
It's soul might get tangled
in misdirections
but beneath freedom's sky
sunny men and women cannot
resist the rising Light
Obama as our President
My husband & I still can't really believe that the Republican attack machine that got Bush elected for 2 horrific terms was actually defeated by an intellectual, uncompromising, man who has roots in the lower middle class and plans to actually do something for the middle class and lower class of this great nation. It is historic the same way it was when Abraham Lincoln. John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were elected, in that Barack is NOT one of the reigning families of the Presidency of this country. It is a great day for America to have come together, brought out the vote as we have not seen in the last almost 30 years. It makes us proud to be an American and a lot less cynical about the people who are running our country. The last 8 years have been a travesty and it seems that we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Mr. Obama realizes that government should not be in our personal lives (right to choose and personal partnerships) and church should not be in our government, which the Republicans have failed to understand and have steered the country in a way that lead away from the constitution, in fact for most of us it felt like the Constitution was being ignored and the all mighty dollar and revenge were the leading reasons for what was done. This election has given us a breath of fresh air, that can provide the impetus to get us out of the places we should not have been in the 1st place and hope that we can mend the fences with the rest of the world that were destroyed by the old cowboy, go get um attitude of the past 8 years. Thank God that we have been given this chance to pull together as a nation and do the important work: fixing the loose strings on the financial institutions, making people accountable for what they do, getting back jobs that were sent overseas, getting the waste out of the government that Bush hired to cover up the fact that all the jobs were going out of the country, and most importantly, getting the environmental issues under control, giving tax breaks for those who do the hard thing by being green, cleaning up after themselves and creating new, renewable energy that doesn't hurt the environment and protecting the animals who live in that environment, which means not allowing people to willy nilly kill animals like the wolves (chasing them with helicopters and killing them - PLEASE, GIVE ME A BREAK- only COWARDS do that kind of thing, we are here to protect the planet, including the animals - God told us that), and being the leaders that this world needs to move toward a cleaner, healthier and less money grubbing global system.
We are soooo happy that a person of integrity that has the country, the environment and the world balance of power in his thoughts when he makes a decision. We could not be happier. We are willing to do whatever we can a regular Americans to aid in any way that will help Mr. Obama in his quest to do what is right for this country.
Caring for the Environment
First of all, as a company dedicated to toxin-free personal care products, Coastal Classic Creations wants to thank The Wilderness Society for all of its work to bring us together to get President-Elect Obama to the White House. Secondly, we want to thank you for all you did to bring awareness to the importance of the silent voice of our environment subject to the punishment of individuals who seek to destroy it. It is organizations like yours that keep us going!
Wilderness Society is Non Partisan
EDITOR'S NOTE: Joseph, The Wilderness Society is a non profit, non-partisan organization. We have not done anything as an organization to "get President-Elect Obama to the White House."
Our online WildAlert community has done much to stem the worst of the Bush Administration's assaults on our public lands, but we have never and will not endorse candidates for office.
That said, this year's presidential election was historic on many fronts. The spirit of collaboration that President Obama has said he will bring to Washington holds real promise for addressing environmental issues.
Fellow Patriots, Tuesday, 4
Fellow Patriots,
Tuesday, 4 November 2008, is a date which will live in infamy. While most presidential elections are followed with calls for unity by both candidates, Barack Obama issued no such call in his speech last night, with the possible exception of his observation, "I may not have won your vote tonight, but ... I will be your president, too."
Of course, none was expected -- liberals have elected a Socialist with deep ties to cultural and ethnocentric radicalism, and his executive and legislative agenda poses a greater threat to American liberty than that of any president in the history of our great republic.
Obama has twice taken an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and to "bear true faith and allegiance to the same." He has never honored that oath, and, based on his policy proposals and objectives, he has no intention to honor it after again reciting that oath on 20 January 2009. Obama seeks to, in his own words, "break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution."
For that reason, this morning, the symbol of our national heritage of liberty, the American flag atop the 35-foot mast at our editorial offices, was respectfully lowered, inverted, and raised to full mast as a sign of national distress. It will remain inverted until next Tuesday, when we right it in honor of Veterans Day.
Today, at least 55,805,197 Americans are concerned for the future of our nation's great tradition of liberty. Some 63,007,791 Americans have been lulled, under the aegis of "hope and change," into a state of what is best described as "cult worship" and all its attendant deception.
One of our editors, a Marine now working in the private sector, summed up our circumstances with this situation report. It aptly captured the sentiments around our office: "It's been tough, fellow Patriots; tough to stomach the idea that more than half of my fellow citizens who vote, have booted a genuine American hero to the curb for a rudderless charlatan. What a sad indictment on our citizenry that some are so eager to overlook his myriad flaws -- his radical roots, his extreme liberalism, his utter lack of experience or achievement. Barack Obama is the antithesis of King's dream: He's a man judged by the color of his skin rather than the content of his character. If it's God's will that Barack Obama is our next president, then so be it. We Patriots will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and wade back to the war front, intent on liberty or death."
This battle is lost, but the war is not. Let's roll.
Mark Alexander,
Publisher
The Patriot Post