BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?

Subject: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 11:17 PM

Tomorrow evening some friends are throwing a 'Going Away' party. It will be potluck and we'll take our instruments; 4,000 miles away from the man, here in Juneau, Alaska we'll see Bush out the door.

Hey, I know he's not leaving the House until Tuesday but we figure we can make his last full day memorable.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Janie
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 11:46 PM

I'll attend either the local MLK Day march or the MLK celebration at Carolina Friends School.

I'll reflect on the dangers of demonizing people.

I'm glad to see Bush and the neo-cons go, but they are not banished.

When I think of Bush and Cheney, I think of what the road to hell is paved with. Thing is, they probably would think the same thing about me and my pov.

I'll thing about Kate Campbell's song, Look Away.

I will think of Barack Obama, and pity him for the burden of messianic expectations that have been laid on him and that he could not possibly meet under the best of circumstances.

I'll ponder in what small ways I might continue to strive to make the world a saner place.















Then I'll work on my taxes.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:15 AM

I will lovingly wipe tears of joy from my wife's eyes. Whilst she watches the proceedings, I will listen in the other room and work on my stamp collection, taking care not to get her tears on the stamps.

I will also say a little prayer for him: Lord give him the wisdom and the fortitude to do what is best for America, and keep him safe from depredations of the ideologues of his party.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:21 AM

Our stupid "city" isn't starting anything tomorrow until 5pm...I don't know why as they would certainly have something during the day for the kids who are out of school. And, they are having it at the college which has little parking and not much handicapped access. Bah humbug!

But, on Tuesday evening, the Dems. and a neat old theatre downtown will have a BASH. Don't know if I will go as it is a ways to drive alone at night and I will have put in a good day of work with watching Morgan etc., BUT I will be watching it on tv and toasting our lovely new President and First Lady!!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:39 AM

Unfortunately I will be spending the next three days with a bunch of racist rednecks ... aka my future in-laws.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:56 AM

I will defer the celebration until I see what Obama actually does.

The cult of personality has no appeal to me, and I am not convinced that Obama is not another career politician who got in on his charm and talking a good line.

The left knows he's no progressive, and we remember what came of the euphoria when Bill Clinton was elected and expected to turn the world around. I'm afraid many of my starry-eyed left-wing Democrat friends are in for another rude awakening.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:39 AM

Matt, Congratulations!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:16 AM

"I will defer the celebration until I see what Obama actually does."

Me too.
Just been invited to a 'Welcome Obama' party here in Ireland.
Have decided on above - he hasn't made a good start with Israel - a bit underwhelming really.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:24 AM

micaelr and Jim Carroll, you're wet blankets. Best you stay in and not rain on anyone else's parade.

Listening to David Frost on the Diane Rehm show today, he commented about Nixon that "you get the president you deserve." Too many people decided Bush, like Nixon, was the right one, but hopefully they've seen the light and decided on a new, better direction. Simply the fact that a major portion of the population finally saw the error or their ways and took a corrective measure is a reason to celebrate! (Now let's hope they're not so fickle as to expect walking on water on day two after eight years of plodding ineptitude created this mess.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:30 AM

Bit much to prejudge the man before he gets into office. I feel sorry for those with such cynical hearts they can't even let hope burn as a tiny flame, even.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:53 AM

As the daughter of a historian and political scientist, I am very aware of the importance of a good grounding in these subjects. Thus it is my belief that tomorrow is an historically momentous day in ways that have nothing to do with the "cult of personality."

I am keeping my son out of school tomorrow, as his school will not be observing the day in any way. To make up for that lapse, I have downloaded various teaching materials and projects related to the history of the presidency and the concepts behind the constitution -- such as the balance of poweres -- and will be spending the day trying to correct the "misunderapprehensions" about the U.S. system of government that have filtered into his brain over the last eight years -- the poor kid has lived almost his entire life under Bush II.

Equally important is that he grasp the momentousness of the U.S. population finally including people of color in this most critical of ways. Thank goodness this genie is finally out of the bottle and can never be stuffed back in! If anyone has a suggestion for teaching tools to help get that across, I'm all ears.

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: DougR
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:04 PM

I'm going to play golf.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 12:58 PM

I hope you have the time - and good sense - to spare for extending good thoughts, DougR. Prayers, even, if you are so inclined.

In my opinion, this country is at a critical juncture, with no guarantees. We are in dangerous waters and We, the People, must do our part.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 01:35 PM

Good for you, Claire!!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:10 PM

Great idea, Claire!

I work tomorrow until 8 p.m. -- but 8 p.m. happens to be the starting time for the "End Of An Error" gala at The Press Room, starring the Leftist Marching Band and a bunch of other performers.

Since I'm already in Portsmouth, no matter how rugged my day turns out, I thoroughly intend to drop in to The Press Room, which is only about 10 minutes from where I work. A few other friends have expressed interest in going and I hope to see them there.

I just NEED to be part of this kind of celebrating. (And I have Wednesday off ;-)    Tom would have to drive 25 miles there and is preferring to celebrate quietly at home.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:17 PM

We're probably going to be setting off fireworks with some of our neighbors. This neighborhood got its start as slave quarters for a plantation, and many of the people here grew up living under Jim Crow, so there is much joy here among the good people of Love Grove.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:25 PM

The ship of state should be a sailing ship, with it's only engine being it's sails. People have to blow a bit if it's to get anywhere useful.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 07:49 PM

Well, Ebbie, you started the thread with a message asking how we will celebrate the leaving of Bush.

I'm ignoring him, the uh, what's his name, exiting president.

I have a little 187 ML bottle of champagne to open and enjoy the new presidency just beginning.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 08:28 PM

Hey, Folks,
It's not for me,as an Englishman, to comment too much on another country's euphoria, but...., gotta say, I'm suspicious after 66 years on the planet.
Here in the UK, we have to endure a disliked, foreign, Prime Minister that we nobody voted for.
I do not know of any single person in my circle of friends who thinks he has any talents whatsoever,and he appears to have the personality of a bag of spanners.
I simply can't wait for any forthcoming UK election to see if I get the opportunity to vote for my next prime minister, God knows, I'm stuck with the Royal family, whatever happens.
My dear friends in America, be very, very careful, when you vote for a politician, that's exactly what you get. Dubya had no good points...has this guy? The next JFK, womaniser, slick as deer guts on a doorknob? Go figger......
What exactly is his track record? He talks a good gig, can he play one? You got him, judge him very carefully, if I were you.
See 'michaelr's' entry here - that guy seem to be know his stuff
IMHO.IMHO...

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Janie
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 08:37 PM

The trick, Greycap, is to avoid both deification and demonization.

Obama is much more moderate than am I, but I would make a lousy president. This is both a republic and a democracy. I'll be content if his leadership inches us back just a little from the cliff.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: pdq
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 08:37 PM

David Harsanyi (Denver Post): The carbon footprint of Barack Obama's inauguration could exceed 575million pounds of CO2 ...

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 08:40 PM

MBO is engaged????? Hey, CONGRATS, Kiddo!

As for the other, I'm in wait mode too. I have to go make pizza in the morning,then do errands, fix dinner...just a normal day here. May not even turn the TV on

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 09:03 PM

I might go to the 'End of an Error' party, but it's gonna be packed so I might not. It's the sort of things that makes me want to walk down the streets like it's 'first night' or something. Well it is--it's just a different sort of first night.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: GUEST,MarkS (on the road)
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 11:11 PM

I will do what I have done for every presidential inauguration.

Get out of bed and go to work.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:25 AM

The carbon footprint is big because it is a first step. In booting out the bad policies Bush put in place, that is. It needs to be big. Don't let it bother you, this one time.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Teribus
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:58 PM

Hey pdq thats 256,696 tons!!!!! - not exactly a good start for someone hell bent on supposedly savin' the planet.

I'm with michaelr - I suspect your new President will prove to be as weak as "peanut" Carter and teice as dangerous - but I'll wait and see.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: pdq
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:04 PM

Actually, I believe that is 287,500 "short tons", the unit used in the US.

Also, and that figure does not include the enormous amount of flatulence we all observed from the partcipanrts.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:12 PM

We just watched the inauguration on TV. I am very grateful that, at this point in history, I am living in the USA. Whatever happens in the next four or eight years this has been a turning point for the American people.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Teribus
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:22 PM

LOL!! Being over the other side of the pond I was using "long ton", i.e., 1 ton = 2240 lbs

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:38 PM

(The nice thing is recalling how many times several persons on the Mudcat have been wrong.)

At last night's party Bush wasn't even mentioned so far as I know but with champagne we toasted the new era.

A fun time.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: michaelr
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 03:25 PM

Teribus agrees with me? Jaysus where did I go wrong...

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:47 PM

All that was missing from his speech was that line from Harry Secombe (playing a bridegroom) I once had in a dream - "and when I shag her lads, I'll shag her good and hard"!!!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: GUEST,DannyC
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 09:03 PM

Item from BBC: Flash from the Dance Floor @ The Neighborhood Ball....
20/01/2009
Potomac Lowlands
Erstwhile Colonies

America's new President can move better than the combined efforts of all of Britain's drippy New Labour ministers as well as any and all of their upper-class twit counterparts in the opposition.


"Like a fool I went and stayed too long
Now Im wondering if your love's still strong
Oo baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours

Then that time I went and said goodbye
Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry
Oo baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours

Here I am baby
Oh, you've got the future in your hand
(signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 09:41 PM

Well, the best laid plans...

However, I DID expect the Press Room to be packed. I got there about quarter after 8 (starting time) and the upstairs was at gridlock -- legal seating capacity had been reached (and all of the Leftist Marching Band wasn't even there yet). I waited in line for about a half an hour, chatting with friends, enjoying the balloons and cameraderie, telling young people unfamiliar with the history of The Press Room about the ballroom liquor license and why that necessitates (for legal purposes) the live music from open to close and about the various sessions, including our weekly Friday one which Tom (Curmudgeon) has presided over for 25+ years and our monthly sea music singaround, etcet. Not to mention the great jazz, the Hoot Night, the poetry sessions and slams, etc.

Anywho, I'd been on my feet for 8 hours at work, closing the shop at 8:00 and after waiting in line for a half hour with the line not moving at all (no one could go upstairs until someone left), I bailed.

History has definitely been made -- and I'm glad I've been part of the celebration in some way. I'm looking forward to not having to apologise to the rest of the world for our leaders and maybe having the country of my birth be respected again in the community of nations.

Linn

It was fun -- I'm glad I went --

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 09:53 PM

I had fully planned to attend a big-screen television breakfast at our local Centennial Hall. Last night I realized that I'd process it much more fully if I stayed home and watched it by myself. (You can tell that I never was meant to be married!)

Anyway, that is what I did. I was enthralled, thrilled, captivated- and I never turned off the TV from 6:30 AM until 2:00 this afternoon. This, from a person who never turns on a TV in the daytime.

At tonight's newscast I learned that my decision was an excellent one- the Hall was so packed people couldn't find seats!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:03 PM

I will try to persuade Amos and others not to pursue an agenda of punishing Bush, Cheney and others, but to work with the energy and excitement of the moment to move the country forward.

                      Carpe Diem!

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:33 PM

Good on ya, Rig.

On the other hand, if Bush, et al, committed genuine crimes- and I don't think there is much doubt of that - then in my opinion they must be prosecuted. If they are not, successive administrations will carry on with it.

Breaches of the US Constitution, crimes against ratified strictures forbidding coercive interrogations with its clearly defined methods - hey, we even prosecuted other nations who used those means against our forces! What were they thinking?? - and just lots of other crimes against the state and its people. There is even treason committed, in my opinion, and in the opinion of many people who have the education to know. Wonder what Sam Ervin would have to say today!.

I don't even insist that Gush himself must be brought to the bar- but he surrounded himself with lowlifes with a sense of entitlement who clearly over-stepped the line of law and decency. Repeatedly.

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:38 PM

Correct "G" to "B"

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:20 PM

I thought the speech was wonderful -- inclusive and wonderful......he even reached out to the non believers -- most of us have felt like something scraped off a shoe for the last l8 years......; I watched at work with a bunch on cynical real estate agents. People were standing up, clapping, hugging -- it was wonderful....

Subject: RE: BS: How Will YOU Celebrate?
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:32 PM

I noticed "non believers" too, trubrit, and thought WOW, I'm not usually included!