Return to Article: Obama sweeps to victory; gets chance to deliver on reform promises
-
62884
"Ouch!! Oow!! Oh, the agony!" How your barbs cut me to the bone, Skeeter! *^)
If you are riding Governor Schwarzenegger's coat tails with that "girlymen" comment, your arrow missed its marked. I will entertain your validated input and opinions, if only to sense the vapid and reactionary right wing mentality; but your childish chiding is only indicative of yourself.
If you're holding the current vehemence we are seeing in these comments as the true action of "Manly Men", then I must question your standards. Being one who is actually interested in the both sides' point of view, once more I must ask; How's it feel to have given away all your rights and freedoms, now that the shoe is on the other foot? Go on! Be a "Manly Man" and ... express yourself!
Skeeter in answer to your question, regardless of the winner, until we have a Constitutional Amendment eliminating the Electoral College, voting machines that can be audited with a paper trail, and a true one-person, one-vote; no, my friend, I will not be totally happy. Still, as the song goes "I will survive!" At least we now have a chance for change the course of this mighty river that has flowed without guidance, direction, or monitoring for the past 8 years. Since the party who has been in power in Congress for 20 of the last 24 years is now effectively neutered, I feel I can go back to a critical analysis of both sides. As for the president-elect, while I have high hopes, I'm still from Missouri and now await the results. I would ask of any candidate to "Show me!" after getting into office.
Personally, I hope and pray they really do restore our rights and privileges in keeping with the intent of the law and the Constitution. Who knows? Perhaps it's NSPS today, then FISA and the PATRIOT Act tomorrow...
One must have their dreams, mustn't they?
-
62548
It's "hatred" and "venom" now that observations are being made about Obama and the Democrats. Did you say the same things when these types of comments were constantly levied against Bush? You are just about to reap what you sowed. The big advantage you will have is that the left wing media will not publish negative information about you like they did for the Republicans. Since Bush was held responsible for virtually everything bad that has happened in this country, should not the same standard be applied to Obama?
-
62534
I noticed that this time around that the Republicans said you guys won and said it openly. Unlike the last 8 years when the Dem's lost all we heard was stolen elections, voting machine problems, voter role problems etc. The Rep's lost and no one like to see their candidates lose but as usual the Rep's act like men in taking their loss unlike the girlymen that populate the democratic party. Now Tipsy maybe you can put your crying towel away since you see what real men look like
-
62484
I thought with the election of a Democrat all the hate speak I read on this website would dissipate. Bush haters will continue to whine about Bush and republicans throughout the next four years. You don't have to agree with the President and I don't see myself agreeeing with Obama, Pelosi, or Reid on very much but I will not waste my time hating people I don't know. The ugly nasty remarks come from both sides. Have you heard Pelosi? I have no choice but to take whatever comes the next four (eight) years but as an American I will stand up for country and use my energy to make this country better instead of wasting it whining.
-
62464
To the fella who claimed times are always more prosperous under Democratic leadership didn't live thru the Jimmy Carter Admin.
When Bilory was prez not one of his budgets passed so don't give him credit for the good economic ride. The Reps controlled both house and senate therefore made the finacial policies.
As is the case for the Dems now who for 2 years have ran this country not passing Bushes economic poilicies yet still some how they don't get the blame for the economy???? You can't have it both ways. The COE's of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac are Obama's economic advisors and Barney Frank is and was the chairman of the oversight committee. Instead of fixing it he took money. Bush didn't push for loans to lower income people who couldn't afford a house OBAMA DID! He even said owning a house is a right. No I'm sorry IT'S NOT!
Now you have it all and instead of blaming everyone else you'll have nobody to blame but yourselves. Yet some how I'm sure in 4 yrs it still will be someone else's fault.
Obama is already backstepping. We must re-evaluate our expectations, he says. He means that what he said to get elected and what he really is gonna do are 2 different things. Now Exceptional taxed individuals are down to those earning more than 160K. Soon your salary will be next. Why work, bye bye productivity.
our enemies are gonna push us to the brink cuz they know with Dems in office we have no courage to fight. We will be press hard by China over Taiwan, Russian over The Ukraine and Georgia and Iran already is starting up and more from HUGO is to come.
Obama's policies where success is penalized and non achievements are subsidized will lead us into mediocrity with the likes of France. Congrats!!!!
-
62462
I wish our new president-elect, Obama, well. However, had everything been equal regarding the media, finances, and celebrity endorsements, who knows who "America" would have voted for. There are people out there who simply voted because their favorite celebrities urged them to vote their way, and the media was so evidently biased in their support of Obama. McCain didn't stand a chance.
-
62455
If you are a true American, and you think you lost to the other side in this election your worong.
Partisinship aside, I would say we all won with this one!
-
62452
Congratulations to President-elect Obama. I did vote for him, if reluctantly so. All the nay-sayers on here must remember that when President Clinton got "too far out of line" we ended up with the 94 midterm results. When people finally figured out that the current President was just really pushing it (two years too late), they finally put in an (pathetic, useless) opposition Congress. If all the "socialist" mayhem you worry about is attempted, fear not - the 2010 midterm race is just about ready to get under way.
-
62451
Once more I hear the unwashed masses lament their fate; sob as they consider their future. We "oh so proud, Americans" seem to lose that pride every four years. Our proud political history, like many of our religions, is only to be lauded when our party, or faith, wins whatever contest; and all non-believers and others are damned to an eternity of teeth gnashing and wailing...
I read someone proudly proclaim that once more we turned over power without conflict, and yet downtown someone threw a brick through one party's window over the weekend. I wonder how many acts of violence occurred that never made national news.
I read "Well I guess its bye, bye, to the 1st, 2nd, and who knows what other amendments to the constitution and hello socialism." And I remember the PATRIOT Act and FISA. I must say that I wonder if the Party Pachyderm apparatchiks, and Skeeter in particular, miss what they gave so freely to King Shrub.
I must also say I am grateful that THIS time our election mirrored the populous vote; although I won't be satisfied until a Constitutional Amendment makes the EC and that 270 irrelevant. I know... fat chance!
But one thing is for certain, I can HOPEFULLY go back to being my previously independent self and, being from Missouri, wait and see if he was telling the truth. Still, as someone said, one man can't do it all. Hopefully, this time the newly elected Congress will see the light and be able to help undo all the partisan waste and destruction that has occurred over the past 8 years with 6 years of PP Congressional control and 2 years of Blue Dog stalemating. Let's see how the shoe fits on the other foot, because this has been REAL awkward for QUITE some time!
Head's up, Skeeter! IN COMING!!
-
62448
Rick, Why do you think it's "goodbye to the 1st, 2nd, and who knows what other amendments to the constititution?" I think the Constitution was crushed under the Bush administration. He spied on citizens and refused to allow protestors anywhere near him. I hope that the laughably-named Patriot Act will soon be repealed, giving us back our Constitutional Rights. What do you think Obama will do to make us say goodbye to them?
-
62446
I am neither Democrat nor Republican -- I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be a veteran and federal employee -- I've served my country for 35 years. My emotions run deep when I think of the first time Barrack Obama will be introduced as the President of the United States of America -- my country, your country, OUR country -- how proud we ALL should be! We are on the brink of true change in our country. We must climb out of the pit of cynicism and distrust that is the legacy of the past 8 years. As is the unique nature of America, we once again have an opportunity to start again, to take the lessons of the past and apply them in shaping OUR future. All that is required is that we reach out and be a part of it, embrace it for the good of everyone. I urge those who offer nothing but negativity to really find out the truth -- don't let yourself be among the ignorant that do nothing more than follow a catch phrase or who succumb to deceit. Stand up and be a part of a new era in America -- thank God we have that chance once again -- to change our direction toward the better, to reshape our destiny -- this truly is the greatest country in the world! It won't be quick and it certainly won't be easy, but now, as has been true throughout our history, it can be done if we all join together as Americans. "Yes We Can"!
-
62442
Gosh, with the election cycle over with, I thought that all the fear mongering would finally be over with. Guess I was way off on that one.
For the upteenth time, Obama is NOT a Muslim. John McCain(!) himself had to set the matter straight on this one (some people confuse being Arab w/being a Muslim, and confuse Obama w/being an Arab, but all of that is beside the point). Please watch a REAL news station (i.e.: something other than FOX NEWS) if you are disinclined to believe me. Even if he were a Muslim, it should not make a difference. We should judge people on their character, not their religion.
Moreover, if you want to find a religion with an egregious track record of violence & human rights abuses, you need not look any further than Christianity. {Google the Crusades & the Spainish Inquisition, for starters}. As a skeptic, I don't have a dog in this fight; I'm just trying to get people to think for themselves (for a change!). Christians who look upon Islam as a religion more prone to violence than their own are highly hypocritical.
Also, those who try to blame the current economic crisis on the Dems taking over congress in 2006 are employing a non-sequiter. The meltdown was caused by the Bush administration's insistence on deregulating the housing market. This is not a partisan stance; I'm simply laying out the facts. If you don't believe me, sign up for an economics class at your local college.
Finally, Bush's tax cuts favored the rich over the middle class - it mirrored Reagan's debunked concept of the "trickle-down" theory. It didn't work. However, since Bush favored the wealthy over the rest of us, doesn't that make him(!) a re-distributor of sorts? If not, why not? How is it un-American to ask more of those who have $$ to burn?
Whether you like it or not, Obama is our president. I ask that you give him a chance, even if you didn't vote for him. It could be that Obama will turn out to be a bad president - that's always a risk with each incoming prez. However, he could also be one of the great ones. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for you to refrain from judging him before the 1st day of his administration.
DSR
-
62438
I am amazed at the amount of venom and hate being expressed here! Those who are angry should direct it to the right person: George W. Bush. Let's see, you're upset that someone won the election, but not because of Bush's mismanagement? As for skills in governance: Wasn't GW the governor of Texas? If that is the case, shouldn't things have been managed differently? If you are going to get angry, direct it to the right person: U and GW! After all, you did support him for 8 years. Have enough class to say "Hey, our guy missed it." As for socialism: If you had your trash picked up this week by a garbage collector, but the govt. picked up the tab, I think that makes you a socialist too!
-
62431
The media "installed" Obama as President. He wasn't challenged on anything. If McCain had the same "associates" in his past as Obama, he would have been cricified by the media. The media spent almost two weeks ranting about $150000 spent on Palin's clothes but totally ignored Obama's expenses. If McCain's birthplace was an issue, he would have been destroyed by the media. Obama never produced a real live birth certificate. Wouldn't you think he would have loved to smack down the Republicans by showing up with the real documentation in hand? I could go on and on but it doesn't make any difference now. Obama got a free pass and I expect it will be hands off by the media for the next 4 years as well. Congrats America.
-
62430
America voted for hope, for peace, for prosperity, for possibilities, for the future, and President Obama will deliver and go beyond our greatest hopes.
After 8 years of the Worst President in the History of the USA, this country will finally prosper again like it did during the Clinton Era.
These commentors here (Rick, "a taxpayer and a federal worker", mkh-l, Steve, and Ed C.) prove what blind and mindless followers of the sadly failed Republican party that was founded under such promise back during Lincoln. It is a sad day when such a great President's party is reduced to mindless hate and drivel as we see here.
I pray to see the end of this hate and fear mongering pathetic excuse for a political party that the Republicans have become.
Let these hate and fear mongering fools moan and complain, while the rest of the world and the USA lead the US back to the promise and glory that we lost when Bush took power. Let them whine about their own fears, while the rest of the country works to raise the US once again out of the deep dark pit of despair Bush and the Neo-Cons drove their party and the country into.
This is a time of hope, of promise, of potential, of work, of trust in your fellow man once again, of possibilities that are made real through true solid effort, of dreams coming true.
This will once again be a country that leads the world into a bright and promising future.
The US will be united in this effort, and all the whining and fear and hate mongering of the wasted Republicans will be set aside and looked upon with the pity they deserve. If they don't want to be part of the future that will come to be, they are free to leave and never return.
Long live President Obama, and vote to renew his promise again in 4 years, I will.
-
62429
The government and economy THRIVES under Democratic Leadership and Presidents.
Look at the history of the federal deficit and income vs. outflow under Dems and Repubs. Under EVERY Democratic President income increases and the federal deficit is paid down, so much so that in Clinton's final year the deficit grew only 0.3%. Yet under EVERY Republican President, spending dramatically increases (outflow) while the amount of money coming into the government decreases (income), resulting in dramatic increases of the federal deficit.
This makes Republican attempts to cage Dems as tax and spenders as utter hogwash that it truly is, lies upon lies they continue to try to foist upon the public, much as they continue to try to claim they alone care for the military. The opposite in the truth though, under Republicans the military has continuously suffered, while it is Democrats who make the military stronger and more efficient.
But there is 48% of this country that are blind fools, voting and believing the Republicans are still what they claim to be, when reality is so different than their rhetoric. Republicans lost this election and will lose even more because they came into power under the Neo-Cons of Bush and became what they claimed the Democrats were, and gave this country the largest deficit and greatest economic problems of history.
It is a proud day when the rest of the nation stands up as one, denounces the hate and war and fear mongering of the Republicans, and states as one voice their belief in the future.
-
62428
I get a kick out of all the complaining about the hatred shown to The Messiah during the campaign yet display the EXACT SAME hatred for McCain or any conservative for that matter.
The left has lifted hatred to a new level the last eight years because of the so called Arrogant Cowboy and have installed an even more arrogant Obama! SO you are in charge now, no more sitting back complaining and pointing your fingers at those evil conservatives.
The problem is, you've been in control of congress the last two years and have accomplished the unthinkable. Dropped the approval rating even lower.
This will be interesting, I just hope there is country left when you are done!
-
62427
The dark, terrible night is ended. Thank heaven for that.
I hope the new administration buries NSPS in the hottest part of hell. It was a deamon system to hurt government employees.
-
62425
Eddie, Since I assume you voted for Senator McCain. What a shame that you couldn't listen to your own candidate and believe him. He said that Senator Obama loves his country, and he pledged to support the man who is president. While I can understand skepticism, I am disgusted by your cynicism and fifth-grade insults. I am unsure what you hope to achieve with your posting. Whatever good (if any) you hoped to achieve cannot be accomplished with negativity and petty insults.
-
62418
BO wants "to make government cool again". He should start with the House and Senate with approval marks at the bottom of the bucket. BO will always be honest with us? He hasn't been honest with us so far. We will uncover all the lies he's told. BO vows to reduce spending? This fool will spend more that any President in the history of America. BO will create a White House SWAT team? Yeah, right. He will create a Brown Shirt Security Force to silence those who disagree. BO wants the public to have five days to examine pending legislation and to offer comments before he signs bills? Regardless of any comments, BO will approve and sign all Socialist bills put before him. BO will make it impossible for congressmen to slip pork-barrel projects or corporate welfare into laws. If you believe that just sit in your garage with the motor running. BO vows to curb special interest politics? Now that he's in, I guess so. Special interest (foreigh money) helped him buy this election. The use of technology in his campaign has been groundbreaking? Sure was. No one can trace the foreigh money donated to him because it has been covered up extremely well. Everyone in America has BO today, not just arm pit BO but real skanky BO and before long the smell will make our eyes water.
-
62417
How wonderful it is to be proud to be an employee of the executive branch again! The best part of Obama's speech was that he called for the American people to continue to do their part, to be involved in their government. If we see only 10% of the energy of this campaign continue in community and government affairs, the country will improve by leaps and bounds. For those that are concerned about higher taxes, it's truly the price we pay for the lifestyle we live - I for one enjoy the roads, bridges, transportation, libraries, etc. that they provide. If you'd like to reduce government spending, I suggest you leave immediately. I'm sure government could put your salary to better use.
-
62416
I for one am thrilled by this. To not see the possibilties of greater good that are in this man is astonishing. The change we have so desperately needed is here. Congratulations to President Elect Obama!!
-
62414
The Republic survived 8 years of Bill Clinton and 8 years of George W. Bush. It will survive 4 years of Barack Obama.
-
62413
Good-bye America as we know it.
Higher taxes for the working stiffs to support the socialist programs of the democrats...fewer workers mean fewer union goons to support...I feel most sorry for my kids and those other kids of hard working families who will grow up and be the minority workers supporting the majority democrats who just sit back and get the government handouts...if you guys thought Carter was bad...here comes Obama...but then again, those young people who voted for Obama didnt know the pain of the Carter years...but they will soon...
Now...Get ICE to deport Obama's Aunt before Obama pardons her in January.
-
62412
I am a taxpayer, veteran, gov.employee, and Obama supporter. It saddens me to hear the hate, anger, and fear of those who oppose Obama. I can understand it though, I felt the same way after the 2004 elections. Even talked about moving to Canada. Unfortunately, most of the fears I had in 2004 DID come to pass, turns out I was right. Perhaps those of you who voted for Bush the second time around could privately question your own judgement in political matters and keep an open mind to some new ideas. Now that the fear/hate propaganda machine of the republican party will be quieting down for a while maybe you will be able hear your self think.
-
62407
Just more empty talk from an empty suit (that tax payers paid for) and more empty promises - You'll see. He has to tax everyone to make enough money to fund his agenda and it will not benefit Americans. It will benefit the rest of the world - his friends, his true country where his heart is. Not America. We are doomed. I'm just going to sit back while everything CHANGES and not for the better. Your situations will be worse because you think the grass is greener on the other side - so naive. And stop being political correct, this sucks and sucks big time. There was no real choice for President - the media didn't provide good candidates. Has this new loser ever presented an "official" birth certificate yet? NOooooo!!! Hello socialism and then communism. America is dumbing down.
-
62405
This is the same old song we hear from every presidential candidate. Do any of these idiots realize "Congress" makes the laws in this country, not the President? He can wish all he wants for something, but the lawmakers have to approve it.
He convinced the majority of americans that Universal Health Care will solve all their ills. B.S.! The government already has a form of UHC. It's called the V.A.. If the government can't even provide decent helath care to veterans, why do americans believe the gov't can do better taking care of 300M americans? The american people fall prey to big government promises again. Idiots!
-
62404
America wanted change, you're going to get it now. Enjoy the new Socialist country and working for nothing. It truly will no longer be your American dream when you pay more in taxes to support his agenda and take home less. You will slowly see your rights dwindle away if you really wake up and look. America will be the next China, over populated because our borders will be open, no more free religion because Muslim will succeed over all, no more owning your own piece of the pie (home or business) because what you make will be redistributed, etc.. And who pays for all this? You will from what little income you make. I could go on and on but lets see how it all plays out.
-
62395
Congratulations to Sen Obama, but more importantly, congratulations to the people of the USA. They have once again showed the world that dramatic change can occur peacefully. The dramatic change in this case is that America has become the "rainbow melting pot", truly making every child born in this country a potential President. I would ask President Obama to keep one thing in mind. One person can spark change, a few can kindle the flame, but it will take 350 million to make it truly happen. He needs to be the President of all of America, including the nearly 50% who did not vote for him. God speed.
-
62393
I would like to see the President elect to fulfill his promise while he was campaigning. I have been in the federal government for 36 years of my life, coming to this country from a third world country. Mr. Obama's dream has been the dream of all immigrants who came to this country.
I am also a retired US military, serving my country, the USA 23 years of faithful and zealous service.
As a federal employee, I have worked for 6 different agencies. I would like the President elect to improve the system in the government. As a minority, it is really hard to get through the system, especially if most of the top notch people, the management, are predominantly superior in color of their skin. I should not be saying this but it the truth. If you are not in their circle, and you are an outsider, you can sweat blood and nothing will happen to you.
A good example is the Veterans Administration here in Massachusetts. People in Washington DC should focus how the management here at the VA are run. There are lots of waste done not only by the employees but the way employees treat the veterans. I am in my mid fifties, can comprehend coming in and out for my scheduled appointment, but sometimes I am so disgusted how veterans are treated by the employees. What more for those older veterans who are struggling to drive to the city and get to their appointments. It is very frustrating.
Mr. President, fulfill your promise of cleaning up the federal government. Send out your people from Washington DC and look for themselves how these agencies functions here in the field units. We have lots of waste in the government, and majority are those positions filled by people who has been in the system for years. Now they are all in the management positions, they would not take anything from anyone, they are the ones who do not want to change. It is really hard to break an old tradition, no matter who is incharge. Let's clean the government by putting people who can really do the job and not just talk about jobs.
Congratulations to the President elect. More power and I am hoping that this is the start of the change that we, the people of this country have been waiting for. Good Luck.
Respectfully yours,
A good citizen of the USA
-
62390
Goodbye democracy, hello socialism!
-
62388
As predicted, Obama wins in a landslide ! The whole world was watching and the American people have spoken. No more business as usual. No more war in Iraq and most of alll, No more George Bush mentality ! Within 2 years the skies will be safe to fly again.
-
62381
I don't think that President Obama begins to understand just how big of a mess he will have within the federal government. This isn't just the result of current administration's negligence but of many. Granted, the problem has become much worse in recent years.
I don't think that federal workers should be too concerned in the immediate future. Most federal agencies have become masters of subterfuge. Their leaders have learned to fudge numbers and create intricate smoke screens over the years to cover up waste and mismanagement and let's face it, agencies like the Labor Department can't exactly be shut down to clean up all of the corruption at once.
It took lots of time to lower the public view of the federal government this far and it will take a considerable amount of time to fix it.
-
62379
I would like to start my comment by quoting a phase " As human beings, we are endowed with freedom of choise, and we cannnot shuffle off our responsibility upon the sholder of God or nature. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is up to us". Obama victory for US is the choise of the US for the quite a long time. Following the political and economical trends of America, you will definetley agree with me that, Obama is the right person to take the presidential for the US and bring the changes. The US people have seen that, and made decision instead of waiting for God or nature to bring changes to the US nation
-
62377
Well I guess its bye, bye, to the 1st, 2nd, and who knows what other amendments to the constitution and hello socialism.
-
62375
Please receive my congratulations for coming a new President. We hope our situation now is better and we can get visas easily thanks and good luck you have a nice family I saw your message and was very nice. CONGRATULATIONS.
PROMO RIGHT: EVENTS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
DECEMBER 3
Achieve Program Success: Unlock the Management Information in Your Data
DECEMBER 8
Emergency Response
DECEMBER 10
Practical Transparency: Applying Exchange Networks for Mission Results
DECEMBER 15
What Healthcare Reform Means for Federal Managers: Roadblocks to Management and Oversight
PROMO RIGHT: DIRECTORIES
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.