The coolest ever inauguration?

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JackT

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Tue 13th Jan, 2009 in International News

You know change is in the air when a Presidential inauguration is accompanied by performances from The Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Elvis Costello and Anti-Flag. On 20 January, America will enjoy an almighty street party when Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

Of course, none of the above artists are actually playing at the ceremony, but they’ll be stirring up the festive mood around town. The Beasties are headlining a concert called – œHey, America Feels Kinda Cool Again’, alongside that other hellraiser Sheryl Crow (woo, yeah!). Not a band used to celebrating political achievement, Anti-Flag will be doing their version of an inaugural ball in DC with Darkest Hour and United Nations.

The Big Kahuna, though, will be at Lincoln Memorial and broadcast by HBO. The guest-list includes Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and other not-insignificant players. Mr Obama, it appears you have some fans.

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asb123

asb123 said on the 13th Jan, 2009

odoyle - i mean obama - rules!

MorningAfterboy

MorningAfterboy said on the 13th Jan, 2009

That, I have to admit, is pretty fucking cool.

Knaggz

Knaggz said on the 13th Jan, 2009

does this mean they're gonna change their name to, pro-flag?

frog_e

frog_e said on the 14th Jan, 2009

i wonder how much horrible shit obama will be able to get away with in his first year in office while everyone is still saying - "hey, at least he's better than that last guy!"... just a thought.

dkos

dkos said on the 14th Jan, 2009

How ridiculous that he won the Time Magazine Man of 2008. He hasn't actually done anything except be elected...

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 14th Jan, 2009

obama will be an average president at best imo.

2 reaons.

1) he's been more over-hyped than anything since the invention of the aeroplane, without actually having done anything.

2) he has a lot of shit to clean up. that should take quite a few years if he wants to do it all. he'll have to get re-elected to show his true worth. that's if he's still alive by then. but im sure he'll be a puppet come december this year.

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Man of the year just means - 'person with the biggest influence on world events for the year' so Obama's clearly the man there. If you want ridiculous check this:

http://media.crikey.com.au/Media/images/pleasuretoy-4def91f0-5db1-4cc0-8391-33599bf85784.jpg

Yes, that is what you think it is.

MorningAfterboy

MorningAfterboy said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Fuck, imagine a McCain one...

brittles

brittles said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Could you imagine Obama to George right about now?

Obama: Just before you go George....
Bush: Uh ha Yup Barack....
Obama: I just want to thank you. Two wars, an economy in the middle of a melt down, for playing on peoples fears of terrorism for your own agenda, a whole bunch of hippies wanting action on the environment etc etc........(More talk in here).....Now get the fuck out of my house you Texan hick.

Stefan Beck

Stefan Beck said on the 20th Jan, 2009

I'll laugh when shit goes wrong for Obama and everyone will back peddle and say they never liked him.

dkos

dkos said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Haha, agreed. The nation is in too bad a state to actually be saved in the next 4 years.

Man of the year just means - 'person with the biggest influence on world events for the year' so Obama's clearly the man there. If you want ridiculous check this:

http://media.crikey.com.au/Media/images/pleasuretoy-4def91f0-5db1-4cc0-8391-33599bf85784.jpg

Yes, that is what you think it is.

Biggest influence on the worlds events? He didn't do anything yet, he got elected. If he holds his promises and successfully starts to change the way America operates then he should be eligible for Man of the Year 2009, winning an election doesn't actually change anything.

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

He didn't just get elected. He's the first black man elected, he's young, he's liberal, he isn't from a political dynasty, his father was not American, he's unashamedly intellectual, he inspires millions. If that's not a clear sign of change in American politics I'm not sure what would qualify - you change American politics unavoidably mark a change in world events:therefore man of the year.

Though Time's man of the yaer thingy is suspect at best - in 2001 they chose Rudolph Giuliani - which was flag waving bs as Osama had the most significant impact on the year. And in 06 'You' won the award...

brittles

brittles said on the 20th Jan, 2009

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Can't argue that. But can't think of anyone better for the job either.

Dexter Ramone

Dexter Ramone said on the 20th Jan, 2009

He didn't just get elected. He's the first black man elected, he's young, he's liberal, he isn't from a political dynasty, his father was not American, he's unashamedly intellectual, he inspires millions. If that's not a clear sign of change in American politics I'm not sure what would qualify - you change American politics unavoidably mark a change in world events:therefore man of the year.

Though Time's man of the yaer thingy is suspect at best - in 2001 they chose Rudolph Giuliani - which was flag waving bs as Osama had the most significant impact on the year. And in 06 'You' won the award...

Agreed. He has instilled hope in change to a nation that has been fucked around for the past 12 years or more. Clinton promised but didn't deliver, and George W read books upside down.

brittles

brittles said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Any type of change in a democratic society especially one as large as America takes a lot more than 4 years (even the possible 8 years he may have in office). A rigid-mind set and resistance to change through bureaucracy will mean Obama will hardly be able to be the "change" America needs, however he needs to make better decisions than his predecessors did. He might give people hope but hope isn't an outcome that is going to increase the peoples socioeconmic well being.

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Or to be brief - it's fucked, no one can fix it, let's just ignore it and move on.

brittles

brittles said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Well if they're fucked, so are we. Can I get a woot woo for recession?

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

dkos

dkos said on the 20th Jan, 2009

This is what I have been trying to say, albeit you make far more sense than I ever could've. It's all well and good to claim that Obama has already made changes by people voting for him, but really he is yet to deliver anything but hope (whether it is false hope is yet to be seen). I think it's quite naive to think that what he has changed so far warrants a Man of the Year award or anything like that, I would prefer we wait and see what he can deliver before proclaiming him of anything.

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

You don't need to have done anything decent to 'deserve' the bloody Time Man of the Year award... Hitler won. You don't need to have done anything at all to 'deserve' the bloody Time Man of the Year award... You won.

dkos

dkos said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Well then whats the point in giving it?

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

It probably sells a few magazines... it's Time, fachristsake - it's a massively irrelevant magazine. They put Ida Maria and Pink in their ten best songs of 2008 list

dkos

dkos said on the 20th Jan, 2009

You've done it now, MAB is going to get offended!

grattan

grattan said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Good. MAB offended = world still spinning.

JackT

JackT said on the 20th Jan, 2009

There was a semi-interesting editorial in The Australian about Bush's foreign policy "successes", likening Obama to Kevin Rudd in his tendency for "me too-isms". It being in The Australian, it gave me the shits, was mildly intriguing to see someone editorialising about why Bush should not be discounted etc. Took a few potshots at The Monthly, continuing the exchange of potshots they seem to enjoy.

MorningAfterboy

MorningAfterboy said on the 20th Jan, 2009

What the fuck are you talking about?

brittles

brittles said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Hmmm, that would be a semi-interesting read purely based on the justification of these "successes". The only thing George Bush was highly successful in was proving the American education system is largely flawed. He might never filled America with hope but for the past 8 years he has inspired a lot of musicians, that counts for something right???
[URL="http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=KPZzIVjkOVY"]Inspiration in large quantities...

dkos

dkos said on the 20th Jan, 2009

The fact that grattan ridiculed Ida Maria and Pink making their top ten songs list. I assumed you would agree with Time on those fantastic artists.

Piko

Piko said on the 20th Jan, 2009

You misunderstand the award.

Even Adolf Hitler was Time man of the year. Its got nothing to do with what you achieve within the year, its based on the biggest media personality. As in, Who has caused the most interest worldwide that year.

MorningAfterboy

MorningAfterboy said on the 20th Jan, 2009

Just because I'm convinced you hate everything, doesn't mean I like everything.
Now back to work on the beard.

Braveheart81

Braveheart81 said on the 20th Jan, 2009

I would say that becoming the first black president of the USA in 320 years of presidents is a massive achievement. Remember, this is a country where he would have been a slave less than 150 years ago.

I don't know how you can say he hasn't done anything yet...

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Just because I'm convinced you hate everything, doesn't mean I like everything.
Now back to work on the beard.

We have all seen your remarkably short list of things that you do not like. I also shaved this morning.

I would say that becoming the first black president of the USA in 320 years of presidents is a massive achievement. Remember, this is a country where he would have been a slave less than 150 years ago.

I don't know how you can say he hasn't done anything yet...

Once again, I do not understand how the fact that his skin colour is something other than white should have a massive effect on the issue, the way he runs the country is going to be the same. Perhaps once he begins to fulfill his promises and everything like that then he might deserve something.

As far as I am concerned the colour of his skin is more or less irrelevant. If he had been white he would've been elected simply because people liked his ideas and he was up against McCain.

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

You don't watch fox news do you? The scrutinisation has already begun. They are gonna be harder on Obama then CNN ever were on Bush.

As much as I hate Bush those photos were a hoax, including the binoculars one. He isn't the smartest man but I doubt he is a retard.

Biggest influence on the worlds events? He didn't do anything yet, he got elected. If he holds his promises and successfully starts to change the way America operates then he should be eligible for Man of the Year 2009, winning an election doesn't actually change anything.

What exactly did Martin Luther King do for that matter either? He was just all talk.
Being over here in Australia it is easy to be detached from the euphoria that a simple election win has created. A lot of people are proud to be American once again and hopefully now goodminded people over here will stop telling my girlfriend to put a maple leaf sticker on her luggage when we travel. I spent last August in Obama's hood of Chicago and even then you could already sense the change in the air. It was patriotism at it's best and it didn't involve draping a flag around your shoulders. One man has evoked Patriotism in a country without the use of war mongering, god's will and us vs them attitude, there is not one living Politician that has this ability. Would the USA and world be this optimistic with Clinton, Palin or Huckabee in office?

One million Berliners came out to hear one of his speeches when he was just the Democratic elect, Obama is finally a President deserving of the tag "Leader of the Free World". Is the world under some kind of Kenyan witch doctor spell? Is it a bad thing for everyone to have hope in a guy to unite the world?
Yes there is an economy crisis and Obama never promised that he alone would solve it, but if you look at the cabinet he has assembled you can see that he is creating the right team to tackle the shit that is piling up on the White House's doorstep.

The Girlfriend and I stayed up to watch the full inaguration and he has given one of the best speeches ever heard. He does not pay his speech writer enough. Time will tell how history looks back on Obama but from all the good he has inspired with his presidency only hours old. Obama has already rid some of the Bush cobwebs that were haunting the USA.

I will go all American History X on you all and leave you with someone who has said it best.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

It was a pretty dam good speech eh? Dkos, I somewhat disagree with you on this one. Though the colour of his skin would be irrelevant in a perfect world, the real one is far from it. Being a black man doesn't speak so much for him but rather the American people. This is a country whose history is plagued with bigotry and racist violence. For a black man to be in the top job is enough to spark dreams in the most oppressed of the population. Its a big thing for the people anyways...

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yeah what Obama said...

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

...now I just have to count down the days till my dildo arrives

JackT

JackT said on the 21st Jan, 2009

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Sorry NS, too long. Can't be bothered reading.

I disagree, colour obviously did play a factor but I don't think it was a main thing in getting him the job within America, perhaps it made a few more of the blacks vote. That's all I can think of. Other than that, his promises and whatnot were all so "fresh" and his ability as a politician was what got him through the election and to the highest office. Therefore it is not ridiculous to think that a white guy, with the same abilities would have done the same thing. I don't know if its just me, but I read what you are saying is that he was elected simply because he does give hope to the "oppressed", that hope won't last long when nothing of significance changes.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Amazing speech. Really signals a paradigm shift in American (and by extension world) politics. While he has to spend most of his energy trying to mend shit by the previous administration, this will definitely be a fresh breath in America's history.

I loved how he was not afraid to kick his predecessors in the nuts, berating their failed policies. I particularly enjoyed that he will "restore science to its rightful place" and the acknowledgment of "non-believers" on the heels of Bush's "I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots".

Kudos Obama and good luck!

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

And on topic: The official band of the inauguration ball was Grateful Dead. I hope the room was filled with that sweet smelling smoke by the end of it.

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Is it true that this inaugration cost 150 million?

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

http://mediamatters.org/columns/200901170003?f=h_column

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Makes sense, still it's a fuckload of cash.

Braveheart81

Braveheart81 said on the 21st Jan, 2009

dkos: I think you're missing the point regarding him being black.

The point is not that people voted him in because he's black. It's the fact that a black man got elected as president in a country that has discriminated so strongly against them for such a long time.

It represents a paradigm shift in values and opinions in the USA.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Parties with a lot of people cost money. This inauguration had a record number of people attending. More than 1.5 million people descended upon the plaza alone. That's a lot of security, toilets, catering and entertainment to be had.

Imagine it being like the biggest festival ever.

And most of those funds come from private benefactors, not public spending.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Sorry NS, too long. Can't be bothered reading.

I disagree, colour obviously did play a factor but I don't think it was a main thing in getting him the job within America, perhaps it made a few more of the blacks vote. That's all I can think of. Other than that, his promises and whatnot were all so "fresh" and his ability as a politician was what got him through the election and to the highest office. Therefore it is not ridiculous to think that a white guy, with the same abilities would have done the same thing. I don't know if its just me, but I read what you are saying is that he was elected simply because he does give hope to the "oppressed", that hope won't last long when nothing of significance changes.

Apologies. What you read wasn't what I meant at all. In being the first black man elected he has given hope to those people who are not as fortunate and that their aspirations are not impossible however this is not the reason he was elected. It is simply a by product of the process. If someone had told me in 2003 that in 2008 an african-american would be the President of the United States I would have scoffed, done the Dylan Moran headshake and told them they were an idiot. But he went ahead and did it anyway. What I am trying to say that the election of a black president is a major step forward to closing the divide between black and white America. A divide which has been ingrained in the country since its founding. If he was white the same thing could have happened but he would not have been put on the pedestal that he now sits on. In terms of his political weight I don't think that he will have a significant impact on the way America operates but that is yet to be seen.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

FuQjump: I don't know why but you just give me the shits....

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Uhmmm...thanks? :cool:

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Sorry NS, too long. Can't be bothered reading.

Thats ok, I think you have missed the point of progress all together anyway.
I will ask you one question though, Do you think Martin Luther King achieved anything? Gandhi for that matter? The worth and power of unity remains the same.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Apathy and cynicism defines this generation. So inspiring!

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

How to clean everything is a great album, I am sure Dkos can agree...

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Thats ok, I think you have missed the point of progress all together anyway.
I will ask you one question though, Do you think Martin Luther King achieved anything? Gandhi for that matter? The worth and power of unity remains the same.

Yes, they achieved a bit. Are you already comparing Obama to them? If so you are being more naive than I thought capable of you! As far as changing the world, Obama has still done very little. I'm not ruling out that he might, but I don't think he has done sweet anything yet.

This thread needs Less Talk, More Rock.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Single handedly restored the world's perception of America is "sweet anything"?

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Restored it to what? I'm yet to gain any respect for them or their political structure...

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

This thread needs Less Talk, More Rock.

Personally, I'd rather be flag burning.....

Nup, your still annoying. More so than the fact my eyelashes are falling out at an alarming rate....

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Here's a hint dkos: The world does not revolve around you.

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Fuck, you're right. I guess I finally know where I've been going wrong all these years. :rolleyes:

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Glad to be of help, I don't have much hope of you actually acting upon this new wisdom though.

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

dkos, I can't believe you're serious...?

And FuQjump, you are irritating... I don't know if you mean it or not, but sometimes I squirm a little with frustration when I read your posts =/

I'm such a suck.... I almost cried watching his speech on my lunchbreak. I need sleep. He's pretty fucking cool! I just hope the majority of his Nation share his dreams and he's not assassinated before he has a chance to put the wheels of change in motion. Time will tell, I suppose.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Maybe you should get together with brittles and have teethgnashing session? Not sure what you two are on about really, since we all seem to be on the same side here :)

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yeh... I guess I was jumping on the hater-bandwagon.
Nah, I don't hate anyone... I just read half your posts and think you could do with some lessons on humility is all.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I don't hate you, I just want to put Selleys No More Gaps in your mouth is all.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yeh... I guess I was jumping on the hater-bandwagon.
Nah, I don't hate anyone... I just read half your posts and think you could do with some lessons on humility is all.Yeah, sorry if I come across as arrogant at times - I'm a good guy really. Promise! :o

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I'm sure you are... but you shouldn't have to promise people that you're a really nice person, they should just be able to figure that out, right?

Maybe check your posts before you post them and think about how you're coming across, if you care that is.
Otherwise, don't. And we'll all keep telling you how much you annoy us hahaha j/k. I've said my piece.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I just have low tolerance for stupidity and wankiness, that's all. And there's plenty to go around here. Just calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Cheers :)

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yes, serious.

Thank goodness, you finally got one right!

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yes, they achieved a bit. Are you already comparing Obama to them? If so you are being more naive than I thought capable of you! As far as changing the world, Obama has still done very little. I'm not ruling out that he might, but I don't think he has done sweet anything yet.

This thread needs Less Talk, More Rock.

Naive, now you have just fuckin plain insulted me. I am not the one ignoring the reaction of a vast majority of the world. Was there this much euphoria surrounding Bush's Inauguration? Tell me exactly what you think Luther King achieved?
The reasoning for comparison to King and Gandhi is simple, they all inspired unity through hope and peace not war and fear. I am not proclaiming Obama to be the modern equivalent of Moses but you are however proclaiming that he has done nothing of significance which amazes me even for a poor Packers fan.

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I just have low tolerance for stupidity and wankiness, that's all. And there's plenty to go around here. Just calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Cheers :)

I guess you don't actually read your own posts then...

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I am rubber, you are glue? How droll�

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Fark Aretha Franklin sucked with the anthem.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Obama pulled 2 000 000 to his inauguration, Bush only 300 000. I see gap wider than Madonnas 2 front teeth here.

I bet ole Bush felt pretty shitty after his speech too.

dkos

dkos said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Naive, now you have just fuckin plain insulted me. I am not the one ignoring the reaction of a vast majority of the world. Was there this much euphoria surrounding Bush's Inauguration? Tell me exactly what you think Luther King achieved?
The reasoning for comparison to King and Gandhi is simple, they all inspired unity through hope and peace not war and fear. I am not proclaiming Obama to be the modern equivalent of Moses but you are however proclaiming that he has done nothing of significance which amazes me even for a poor Packers fan.

Wow, snap me. The football team I choose to support has some bearing on this definitely. I'm not ignoring the reaction, I am just saying that a lot of it is completely misguided and blown out of proportion simply because Obama is being compared to Bush and to McCain, not exactly the pinnacle of human existence and ambassadors for hope. I am happy that he got elected, I truly am, I just think the whole thing has been blown so far out of proportion (especially considering the really effect its going to have in Australia will be quite little).

You are comparing Obama, someone who is really only just starting his political career to two of civilizations greatest (arguable) men. Martin Luther King turned around the way that black people were viewed in society, which is one thing that Obama might do eventually, but he is still only really on the brink. I'm happy to give him time to do something, but getting elected isn't it.

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Napoleon is totally right!
Obama is completely comparable to Martin Luther King Jr. - let's hope not in all aspects.
But yes, he has not only given a Nation hope, but the world hope for change.
Good things start from hope - you have to have faith that things will get better and that you'll be lead to a more positive time to feel motivated to help make those changes happen, right?
Does that even make sense? haha
Ah, all I know is when I hear or read something Obama has said to encourage positive change in the lives of those holding him in such regard and giving him the power to lead (arguably) the worlds most influential/powerful Nation, I feel hope.
Bout time America had someone like him to truly reflect their people I think.

Who knows what will come about but I'm excited! :D

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Yeah, the numbers really ought to smack down the "Obama wastes money" argument.

Bush's 2005 inauguration: 300 000 attendees, total cost: $157 million
Obama's 2009 inauguration: 1.5-2 000 000 attendees, total cost: ~$150-160 million (estimated, real cost won't be available for a while)

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I tend to agree with you here, but you have to keep in mind that the psychological aspect here is huge. The "blowing out of proportion" of the importance of his presidency might be correct in terms of what he will actually achieve politically (keeping in mind the massive cleanup he must attend). But it also has a massive pull effect in terms of giving people hope and the perceived image of America as a nation and world player.

While we all will surely miss taking the piss out of America and all the GWB jokes - I'm sure we can all agree that America has now somewhat redeemed itself and taken a major step forward in changing its image. As for any REAL tangible effects (ending the wars, restoring the economy, restoring liberty etc.), that remains to be seen of course - but the impact of this event should not be downplayed as a result.

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Good things start from hope - you have to have faith that things will get better and that you'll be lead to a more positive time to feel motivated to help make those changes happen, right?

WRONG...Great disappointment and despair comes from hope....

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Haha... OK, I suppose I kind of agree with you Brittles... way to contradict myself. I don't live in hope myself... I guess action is what is important.
But still, you need to believe that your actions will make a difference and that your leader is genuinely looking out for you, well in the state America's in anyway.
I think Obama's doing that.

And the jokes have already started... love it.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

You're a glass half empty kind of person aren't you?

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

At least you can make a mint out of the situation:

http://www.cracked.com/blog/18-nutty-pieces-of-obama-merchandise/

brittles

brittles said on the 21st Jan, 2009

No not really, I don't care if my pint is half full or half empty as long as it has got something in it....

TinTin

TinTin said on the 21st Jan, 2009

Half empty's good I spose cause that means you emptied half into your belly.
Mmmm... cold beer when I get home!

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I'm gonna chill with some wine instead. And make sure the glass is always topped up to avoid existential arguments :D

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

It was a joke fucktard, of course it has no relevance. Are you this daft normally or are you just having a bad day? Give me a break from the toss act.

I'm not ignoring the reaction, I am just saying that a lot of it is completely misguided and blown out of proportion simply because Obama is being compared to Bush and to McCain, not exactly the pinnacle of human existence and ambassadors for hope. I am happy that he got elected, I truly am, I just think the whole thing has been blown so far out of proportion (especially considering the really effect its going to have in Australia will be quite little).

You are comparing Obama, someone who is really only just starting his political career to two of civilizations greatest (arguable) men. Martin Luther King turned around the way that black people were viewed in society, which is one thing that Obama might do eventually, but he is still only really on the brink. I'm happy to give him time to do something, but getting elected isn't it.

So this is what I can now come to expect? You continually misconstruing the simplest of points. So it is ok for you to compare Obama to the lower end of the spectrum being Bush, McCain. but totally unacceptable for me to compare to the upper? Have you been sheltering in a shanty or are you just unknowledgable? Obama has been compared to King Jr for awhile now. I know you have mentioned your dislike for reading but maybe you should practice it just for kicks. I clearly linked the comparison I was making and it wasn't the life and works of said individuals.
I am not sure what version of history you have been fed but Martin Luther King did not change anything significant while he was alive. His life and death created a focal point for a legacy that inspired not only blacks, but all people. That an ideal of equality and unity for the common good was attainable. Years of progress and then we come to today. It's not the fact that Obama is the first black President (besides he is just as much white as he is black) it's the millions worldwide who want to listen to every word he says. The significance of this is unparalleled. Watch the news, read the papers, Obama has made an impact in Australia. To an American living in Australia it has made an impact. There has been a major shift in Australia's social acceptance of the U.S. Sure you may not notice this but why would you? Maybe you need to stop looking at it as Obama's significance to you. You are not really in a position that could warrant a valid opinion of social impact, and that is the heart of the truth. I know you hate lots of words so there is no way you have read this far... suck on my sweaty misshapened balls. The end.

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 21st Jan, 2009

While we all will surely miss taking the piss out of America and all the GWB jokes - I'm sure we can all agree that America has now somewhat redeemed itself and taken a major step forward in changing its image. As for any REAL tangible effects (ending the wars, restoring the economy, restoring liberty etc.), that remains to be seen of course - but the impact of this event should not be downplayed as a result.

Damn that was well said.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 21st Jan, 2009

I thought I saw a pig fly by my office window…

dkos

dkos said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

I'm going to ignore the first part, and the last part, and all parts that I deem to be a personal attack on me. Because I know you don't mean that; you just get fiery when someone has an opposing view on something that you obviously care too much about.

He is black, fucking hooray for that. He won an election against a fucktard, hooray for that. Has anything changed? Not yet. There's my point in 2 sentences and a question. I honestly do not give two flying fucks what Obama has come to represent in his year of relevance. The point is that you are comparing him to people who have proved (throughout history) to have made impacts on the lives of hundreds and thousands of people; Obama is yet to achieve this (he has done so in the last year, but we'll be able to compare his impact to King Jr and Gandhi in 20 years time; not now. It is illogical to do it now).

I understand that there are people all over the world who "want to listen to every word he says" but thats mostly because for the last 8 years we have been attempting to listen to every word that GWB has said, and thats pretty much like listening to Katy Perry album. By comparison, anything would sound good and new. Australia has began to socially accept the USA more because of this same reason, it was so easy to listen to GWB and just ignore it, and then see Howard bent over in front of him and realise why we shouldn't be socially accepting of anything that either condoles. Until Obama actually begins to change things then it would be stupid of us to accept the USA even at the social level, so far the only thing that has changed in the figurehead and we still have no idea how thats going to pan out.

Why is my position to "warrant a valid opinion of social impact" any different to yours? Is it because I am younger than you? Or is it because my opinion is different to yours? I don't understand, please clarify why you are in a position to "warrant a valid opinion of social impact"? Until you can clarify this properly then it couldn't be further from the heart of the truth.

Whatever I've given more than my 2c on the issue now. If you disagree feel free to continue.

TinTin

TinTin said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

Well said, bozo.

Braveheart81

Braveheart81 said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

Martin Luther King Jr had a dream that his four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Barrack Obama is that dream coming to fruition. I think you are still underestimating what a massive achievement it is for the USA to elect a black president.

Your logic that he hasn't achieved anything yet is completely flawed. That's like saying that making the Australian Cricket Team is not an achievement. It's not until you score 30 test centuries that you've achieved anything. Obama may be replacing a terrible president and was up against a fairly poor opposition candidate, but let's not forget that he had to be selected as the Democratic candidate. This involved defeating Hillary Clinton and garnering the support of a party who would have held great trepidations about preselecting a black presidential candidate in a conservative country with a long and recent history of racism.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

What Braveheart said. Except for the part about cricket.