USVI-On-Line

Just want to tell that I am thinking of you Americans in these days, and how exiting it must be with this milestone in the history of your country.

Together with you I'm hoping for a better future, but I fear that it will be difficult for Obama to fulfil everybody's hope and wishes. The expectations to him is simply too big.

I know that some of you will be to the inauguration and are looking forward to read a TR from Washington and all the porta potties (this is a new word I have learned- did'nt know in the beginning what you were talking about ).

Linne

Thanks Linne.

I just heard a great quote from the Mayor of Washington, DC. (not verbatim)

If we come together on the things we have in common instead of arguing over the things we disagree on, there would be no movement right or left, only forward.

I look forward to moving forward!

Thanks Linne.

Be assured that here in America, even most folks who didn’t vote for him are looking past their ideology to extend good will at this critical time. For those that cannot, let’s look past their divisiveness and offer a toast and cheers to our new President and to Possibility, Perseverance, and Collaboration; to Trust, Understanding, and Respect; and to Courage and Leadership born from humility.

Thank you, Linne. Yes, it is a very exciting and historic time for America. The media is going crazy covering everything imaginable. I don't watch it all, but am enjoying what I am able to see. Is the inauguration a much talked about topic where you live?

You're correct when you say there will be people who will be disappointed, regardless of party affilitation. But I believe the majority realize that the problems we face didn't happen overnight, were years in the making, and are not going to be solved overnight. Most of us hope that all sides will find a way to work together, focus on the important issues, and make decisions that will lead us to a better place.

Take care.

Pia – indeed it is sad. It does make you wonder if there is something else at work there. Right after our last national crisis of 9/11, you didn’t hear that kind of pre-emptive sniping. Plenty of folks were still upset over the election results of 2000, but it seemed like that was put aside for the good of the country and there was plenty of good will here and abroad. The second guessing and harsh criticisms didn’t come until much later. Indeed, Bush had approval ratings over 50% until spring 2005. Obama should be so lucky.

Thanks Linne, we all need the help! Hopefully some new thinking will make a positive difference. As a social liberal and fiscal conservative I'm pretty worried.

Cheers, RickG

Pia wrote:Thank you Linne - it is a wonderful and exciting time for America.

Unfortunatley jmq there are a few that will not extend good will - noticable even here on this forum

Pia

Again, as someone else posted...Where has the goodwill been from the opposition party for the past 8 years? Now it's time to come together? And I would ask the same of that Washington mayor.

It's a slap in the face to people who have been supporting our current president through thick and thin, only to watch his name be denegrated by his political rivals and their kook lefty base. Now all of a sudden they want us to sit under the tent with them and sing kumbaya?

No thanks.

Criticism came to our outgoing President the old fashioned way, he earned it.

Sour grapes can produce a lot of whine.

It's funny that you changed your post JMQ (something about Clinton keeping us safe longer than Bush did)...I was about to remind you of:

1. Somalia - our troops dragged by thugs and terrorists through the streets...Bill Clinton runs away with no retribution...Later, Bin Laden would say that this was the singular event which led him to believe that the American will was weak enough for him to pull off the 9-11 attacks.

2. The bombing of the USS Cole. Again, no retribution of any consequence from Bill Clinton.

Both took place after the 1st World Trade bombing.

Sox,

After 9/11, Bush had an approval rating of over 70%. My impression is that we, as a country, tried to put partisan politics aside and rally behind our President.

Over time, however, factors united to bring his approval rating down to an all time low. Many people felt that he lied to us about the reason for going to war. He also was at the helm for an economic collapse. I truly believe that much of the criticism of his job performance was warranted.

In fact, Bush's own party was critical of his performance...why else did McCain distance himself from Bush during the campaign.

Obama is not a panacea. He will make mistakes. When he does, he will deserve criticism. And, if he makes the same type of major mistakes that Bush made, I am sure that the criticism will be as loud. If it is not, then you will be in a position to make that point. But, you'll have to wait until then.

Thanks for your well wishes, Linne. It is always interesting to learn the views of citizens of other nations. The patriotism is certainly inspiring here.

soxfan22 wrote:

Pia wrote:Thank you Linne - it is a wonderful and exciting time for America.

Unfortunatley jmq there are a few that will not extend good will - noticable even here on this forum

Pia

Again, as someone else posted...Where has the goodwill been from the opposition party for the past 8 years? Now it's time to come together? And I would ask the same of that Washington mayor.

It's a slap in the face to people who have been supporting our current president through thick and thin, only to watch his name be denegrated by his political rivals and their kook lefty base. Now all of a sudden they want us to sit under the tent with them and sing kumbaya?

No thanks.

That's true but this Neocon thinks it's time to break the cycle.

Bush stayed above the fray like a man, he knew Reagan was called an ignorant cowboy and he brushed it off when it happened to him.

History judges Presidents, not pety partisans.