Pre-Inauguration Replies. ^_^
Personally and Politically, I admire Obama's grit, realism and pragmatism since I do lean Liberal in my beliefs. The fact that he has instilled a sense of confidence and hope at a time it is really needed just makes me hopeful that we can get through this all together. ^_^
Also let's be realistic that Obama cannot do this all by himself or even all of it. But first fixing the cratering US Economy would put us back to the right track of moving forward. =D
First of all, no matter how much Michael Moore and the New York Times or Bill O'Reilly and Fox News wants to paint Bush and Obama respectively, as the harbingers of destruction, the truth is somewhere in the middle. I think I'm starting to believe the generalization of America as 40% Democrat, 20% Moderate, and 40% Republican due to the swings throughout history on the rise of leaders at the time they are needed. From FDR to Ronald Reagan we can see this. =P
I find it amusing that some people here cite "Bush sucked" as the reason why they like Obama. As far as I'm concerned, that's not even a reason at all. But why should I even bother....
This is a misleading question. Do I like Obama? Sure, I don't hate the guy. I'm sure he would be a cool person to meet. What I don't like is his policies and the direction he wants to take the country in. I'm worried that his presidency will move us toward a bigger government with more spending and programs, which I am not in support of. I'm also worried about some of the domestic changes he could bring about. I could go on, but I'll leave it at that I guess lest I start a huge debate again XD
Yet again Aura, you have put into words the position of the Republican Party/Conservatives saving me the time of explaining it and becoming the advocate of the right. XP
But I have to say that at this moment we truly need bigger government spending and programs due to the lack of consumer confidence. We have already used the Conservative option of tackling recessions through tax-cuts and Libertarian de-regulization during the 2001-2002 US recession. It might have worked too well at creating the bubble of confidence that has exploded recently. An increased budget deficit due to the Bush Tax Cuts and resulting less government revenue, plus the massive increase in government defense spending for the War on Terror (Iraq, Afganistan, etc.) did not necessarily add up. Now were in quite a hole.
Yes, it might seem ironic on how spending got us into this and now the need to use the Liberal option of government spending and activism. But I have to agree that the long term needed investments in infrastructure, energy independence, health-care reform, education reform and domestic strengthening can be put forward much easier under this Activist Government. This needs massive Public Funds and commitment, and why not use the Economic Crisis as an umbrella to put these forward easier. No matter how much liberals are bashed, FDR comes into mind with the "New Deal." The Government Backstops created under his administration such as the FDIC, Social Security, plus the Infrastructure (ex. Golden Gate Bridge) has been life savers for this generations economic crash and has helped assured America's continued prosperity. =D
ps: Really, Bush wasn't THAT bad, we're all still alive, aren't we?
Well we are, but before 9/11 there hasn't been as much US terrorist attacks either. And Nuclear Weapons/Biological Weapons are the only ones strong enough to wipe the US off the map. Only if the Bush Administration payed attention to that report entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Attack United States" instead of Bush having an entire 2 year vacation (If added together) then maybe we wouldn't be as up in arms about destroying Civil Liberties in the name of Security.
I couldn't care less, I'm not even American. The world is screwed either way. One person alone can't change everything. And how did Bush become president? People voted for him and were like "He's the best, he'll make America a better place! <3" and look at him now. Why do you think Obama will be any different? Everybody just sees him as god because of his skin colour. He's black. ... So what? I can't wait to see someone throw a shoe at Obama after a couple of years.
Well to be frank I supported Hillary Clinton During the US Primary Election. I thought Obama was just all talk. But I went with Obama after researching his positions after he got the Nomination. Most people voted for Obama not because of the color of his skin but for his Policies and the pressure of the Economic Crisis of 2008.
But I have to say you should check out how controversial the US Elections of 2000 was. Bush won Florida and the Electoral college by about only 500 VOTES! He lost the Popular vote! And his first inauguration was full of protests, etc.
He was only re-elected during the US 2004 Elections due to America's fear of another Terrorist attack. Even then Ohio was questionable. =/
I was even so afraid of terrorists back then that I supported the Republicans during the 2006 Congressional Mid-Term Election...
So please don't talk about shoe throwing, the United States already has the Herculean task of redeeming itself after the Disastrous Bush Policies. D=
Yay. Just..yay. Haha.
Yeah, I don't like Obama, and due to the same reasons the other (possibly 4?) people stated, I'm not gonna go into it. He's already our new President, and I can live with it, but I shan't be thrilled.
Well as long as your ready to listen, we're ready to cooperate.
I personally don't hate Bush, and neither should you. It's the policies of His administration (A lot of people behind that such as VP Cheney) that has caused this mess and the Republicans might need to get in a circle and reassess priorities and platform.
But Bush did some right things in his second term.
Also as a final note we must not blindly follow the Obama Administration. You must get informed, criticize their actions if necessary, and form your own conclusions on how to get the country and the world forward.
I must agree with Aura that the reason "Bush iz teh suckzorz" makes the left look funny and uninformed. ^_^
