I wish Obama well, and I hope he brings some solutions to the table. However, it's hard not to be cynical when he's another smooth talking lawyer from one of the most corrupt cities on earth. Could it be that corporate money, not the electorate is the true reason Obama is the President elect? Has hope for change sugar coated over the fact his affiliations are repugnant? I don't know, I will give Obama a chance before judging; but logic tells me the red flags are for real.
Woody

1. Your "prouder than ever" is more palatable than Mrs Obama's "proud for the first time in my adult life"
2. It was a big victory for Obama. But, a 'landslide'?!
3. Go to foxnews forums and publish a link to your videos. See how civilized our fellow Americans are :-p

I've had a murder affect my life and although I still can't forgive the person responsible (he killed two relatives of mine), I still couldn't ever wish for anyone to die. America is a great country but I don't understand states that have a death penalty,no matter the crime. Having discussed this with some Americans who support cap. punishment, they suggested that moral cowardice could be behind my opinions... In the end the 'kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out' philosophy doesn't work for me.

The only thing "dividing" America is the mass media and political talking heads. I find it interesting that the "label" Liberal has become some sort of obsene word. Why? When I ran for office last year (as a Democrat cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party) I was surprised by some observations. While knocking on doors throughout the district, I found that we ALL have more in common than we think. Whether it was a Republican door or Democrat door, Conservative or Liberal, we all have the same basic values and concerns for our future. We all want the next generation to be better than the one before. We all want better jobs, lower taxes, infrastructure improvements, quality of life improvements, etc. So what gets in our way? The media and politicians that LIKE to divide us based on single issues that they know will draw on peoples' emotions. Then they can crunch their numbers, knowing who is with them and who is against them. Then they only need to target a small percentage of the voters and race to the finish line. It's a mess.

I find truth in this

Lori. Now having watched and listened and recognising something that, in my living and travelling globally for over 15 years, I find of Americans is a massive pride which resides in you all simply for being "American". You know, that's all well and good but let me honestly comment that it has it's negative side also. You see, personally I'm scottish. Generally, this means that I should have issue with English and that I should be intensely proud and patriotic about being Scottish. Yet, I see myself as a human being, an earthling. I happen to be white but I see that for what it is - simply a statistical function of either having been an embryo in a black woman or a white woman. I don't wish to see other people as black/white/American/British/Chinese etc. We are ALL living on a tiny little dot in the cosmos. You have this intensity and "need" of believing you are "leader" within the world. You forget things like 2 decades ago the UK had a woman Prime Minister and think you are taking immense strides in electing a black president. The fact is that it is only you as America which views that as "awesome" simply because of your history etc. I was watching your news as the panel were talking about black presidents and/or woman Vice Presidents entirely forgetting about Margaret Thatcher and making comments like "only possible in America". America, please get out of your mindset that "it can only happen in America" and "this is the greatest nation on earth" because, as the saying goes "pride comes before a fall". We don't want you to fall we just want you to recognise that you are not in the slightest bit greater. It is immensely arrogant.
Regards.

I can see that Americans are a very divided people. One commenter made the most reasonable and real point: Obama/McCain Democrat/Republican makes absolutely no difference. You who believe Obama means change are listening to a very well versed rhetoric. As much for your sake, and the world's, I wish it were true but I can assure you it is not. They are all of the same "cloth" and you just need to recognise this. Corporatism shall not end. Obama has already stated his support of the state of Israel and there is only one reason for that: They are your only real "ally" in the middle east. The rest of the reasoning is rhetoric.
You DO have a shadow government America. Your Presidents are puppets. You are just unwilling to recognise and face it. One day, god willing, you will.
Please do not see this as an attack on the everyday american OR America. It is not. You are good people like most of the rest of the world's population whether here in UK or Iranian, Iraqi, Israeli, whoever. The common people of these countries are not enemies. The enemies of us all are the elitist, immensely wealthy who play the big "crap" game. As I say, one day you may recognise this.

It's the same diatribe everywhere: dare to comment on the status quo and very quickly the words unpatriotic, undeserving and un-Americam will fly fast and furious left and right.

On the other hand, the ill-conceived activities of society (like war) will get praise and extensive flag waving, as if the only way a citizen of the US could be patriotic is to don the uniform, wield the M16 and go hunt some 'insurgents'... irony, our own forefathers were also called insurgents at one time.

There are many ways to be a good American and a patriotic one at that: how about fulfilling your own job in an honest and no stone unturned manner?... how about applying yourself fully to school and studying and become a better person through the process of getting an education... that only will provide the workforce with the well read and open mind individual the country needs so direly now... how about spending some quality time with your kids building a family instead of scurrying out with the budz on the weekly romp getaway?... how about treating your employees with the respect & recognition they deserve?... how about giving away that seat on the bus or subway to those who really need it?... how about being more aware of the impact each one of us have on our environment?... how about remembering what a public servant is all about and earn every penny on that paycheck devoting the best efforts for the will of "We The People" instead of political gains and personal favors?

List goes on and on... there are so many ways to be an American and a Patriot. It only take a little bit more of responsibility an intent at making it work for all.

Yeah, I think the political and economic situation in America became too unstable for the even the Establishment to bear. That's why the Republicans had to get thrown out. The pillars of the Establishment didn't even support the Republicans anymmore. They put their foot down, and said, "Enough is enough!" It wasn't even the average person who determined the outcome of the election. This stock market downturn was probably orchestrated to bring down the Republicans and bring in a more steady hand. They weren't pleased with the performance of the GOP.

Somehow, I don't think that that even the Establishment wants a pro-business party wants the Republicans in power if their agenda breeds instability. Because if Americans start pointing the finger at them, then their own existence is called into question.

I'm betting that the economy will improve under Obama. In part, it's due to economic cycles, but the Powers that Be, may have slowed down things for a bit, to make sure inflation and rampant economic growth in other countries don't get out of hand. Brazil, OPEC, etc. Probably not so worried about Canada, tho because we're part of their sphere and support their agenda. I remember what happened in the 70s with all these oil rich countries demanding America pay them rich sums for their resources. Then the Powers That Be turned the screws down and the world economy went into the tank. The same thing appears to be happening now. They'd rather see high levels of unemployment than the likes of China, Russia & Brazil get too powerful.

Come on bikenik.
Don´t be so vicious. ;-)

Hi Schneider
I dont know if your daughter has choosen well marrying an Urban. :-)
What really hooks me is that your son in law could be a member of the lost branch of the Urban tribe. Could you ask him what he knows about his ancestors? It all started 2000 years ago when a legionnaire left Rome in Italy to serve in the dark oakwoods of Germania and Austriae.

Hey Schneider, the one thing that unites people like you and people like the Resident is the belief that so how Obama is going to radically change the country either for the better or worse.

I got news for both of you, the Republican and Democrats are both owned by the same corporate lobby groups that pay to influence government policy no matter who is in power. At the end of Obama's first term there will still be a bloated military budget, an inefficient 'pay or die' medical system, continuing corporate crime, fraud and abuse, continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons, continued support of Israel at the expense of the Palestinians, the continuation of the Taft-Hartley Act and no federal minimum wage legislation.

So what exactly are you worried about?

Lars Urban,
My daughter has married an Urban. YOu are correct about the diversity of this nation and it's people. We personally have had a great 8 years under President Bush. I would vote for him again in a heartbeat if I could. We will tighten out belts now and we will survive what will come of this presidency. We will still have our conservative values. This country is in for a long wild ride, and it isn't going to be easy or pretty. I
really feel like I have nothing in common with either coast in
general other than the fact that we are living in the same country. Let them all crow about this "landslide victory", but when the walls come crashing down we will still be out here in the middle of the country holding it together.

Hi Schneider,
i´ve read your comment and felt the need to reply. With the years i look on the US more and more as a continent and less as a country. Simply due to its size. You are shaped by your environement which, from place to place, is very different. So cultural differences within your continent/country are no surprise for me and the larger the distances are the larger the cultural differences will be WITHIN your country. Nevertheless it is the SAME ONE.
Thats how i understood this video and what the Resident tried to express. Its not about who is a valid ambassador for your continent/country. You´re all. She only wanted to show that maybe you´re all are more diverse than expected.

Dear Resident,
YOu and I live in two completely different worlds. YOu in the "big city" with the neon lights, expensive shops, Broadway, and so on and so on. I live in a town of 120 people, dirt streets, a beautiful Catholic Church across from me playing the Angelus at 6am and 6pm everyday, I live on 3/4 of a city block, no neighbors near by, chickens with fresh eggs, a dog and 2 cats. We hunt deer/pheasant/quail/elk/antelope for the winter, butcher our own pigs, I raise a big garden every year, I can beets/green beans/tomatoes/peaches/jam for winter, I go to town once every two weeks for groceries, and clean 2 banks on the weekends. Joe the Plumber is my friend, Joe Six pack is my friend, and Sarah Palin was a godsend. I am a Republican and have been forever. I love my Country, have a WWII vet Dad with whom I love more than life itself for all that he did for this country. We are out here in the midwest, obama got most of his votes from the "big cities", where there is more population. Come walk in my shoes and my life for a day, so that you can understand where all of us sore loosers come from. We raise the grain for the bread that you eat on your table, we grow the corn that you all want for you alternative fuels. We drill the oil for your cars and buses a that you commute on. We are hard working people out here, I have guns, and I am comfortable in my skin when I hunt. We the people live out here too.

3RD PART OF
Dear Resident,
He often boasts to have, “half of my brain tied behind his back jus to make it fair;” no wonder he can never think straight and reasonably. He also often mentions his “glorious naked body;” that is a narcissism complex. What woman would like to share her life with a man with such attitude? No wonder three women have divorced him.
It is advisable to all his victims of brain washing should use their own intelligence and not let themselves be manipulated. It is not advisable to be mentally lazy; people should do their own thinking; they should not allow him to think for them. Those radio hate-mongers are republican mouthpieces; they just sit on their fat butts spewing hatred for three hours a day one after the other while we are struggling to find steady jobs to feed ourselves and pay the bills. As long as they continue to be on the air, they will be fueling hatred toward democrats; in turn, much of such hatred is directed toward open-minded persons like you Ms. Resident. After all, no matter what they do, we won.

2ND PART OF

Dear Resident,
One way to stop getting so much hate speech is to avoid all those ignorant radio talk show hosts like Hannity, Limbaugh, Inghram, Savage and others; some of those guys like Hannity and Limbaugh didn’t even finished trade school. It is not necessary to have a college degree to be a radio commentator but nonetheless, they portray themselves as if they had a PhD. in Political Science. Limbaugh often says (paraphrased) “ we, the professionals,” we “the elite” or, while talking about a president, he has asked, “did he mention my name?” That sound so mentally retarded; but he is constantly obsessed with receiving recognition and with making himself important. He thinks he runs America as a recording on his show says, “The man who runs America.” He seems to believe he is a mini- congress where all the issues affecting America must pass through his desk and he must approve or reject hem. That man has no more or less right and authority than any other American citizen.
According to my lengthy observation of more than 16 years, I think he has a superiority complex. To compensate for his lack of formal education, he constantly claims to be on Earth “on loan from God;” that shows he also has a messianic complex.

Dear Resident,
I admire you for taking a stand on the issues you believe. If those republican supporters who criticize you for speaking-out were as patriotic and defenders of the U.S. Constitution as they portray themselves to be, they would show respect for you and your right to practice your freedom of speech. They also have their right to disagree with anyone and their freedom of speech but when their speech includes foul language, insults, personal vendettas and threats to your safety, such speech becomes hate speech.
It is amazing how they still cling to the loser’s side. They saw how easily Sen. Obama won the presidential election and they still do not seem to want to understand that the majority of Americans do not want the republicans in power. As a democrat, I welcome all American republicans to reconcile with the new incoming administration; no hard feelings. Remember, “If you can’t beat us (us democrats), join us.” We are all Americans and must be united to fix the economic maladies of this country.

Word, yo.

Regarding "landslide", taken in consideration all the difficulties voters had to vote, if time was taken to recount and use ALL the votes, it probably would be a landslide. The media might have played with the poll numbers to help McCain's popularity but the number of attendees to his public speeches show otherwise. For approx. every 100+ Obama attendees, you had 1 McCain. Might seem off but that's been the turnout everytime it's _mentioned_, which it rarely was.

Side: great to see the site back! :^)

Oh and PS, I've always been a proud American. Through Clinton, Bush and now (soon), Obama.

To me, it doesn't matter what other countries may think, if they are jealous, if they think we are ignorant, wasteful, etc. I love being able to be who I want to be, do what I want to do, become who I want to become.

It's hard to watch the videos on your site, for me, because I have a crappy computer. I can only watch them on YouTube, but I watched this one on here, it's just a 'lil laggy

Lori,
I think that your landslide declaration is a bit overstated. 52+% does not a landslide make.
It is hard to criticize the right for exaggeration if you also exaggerate.
Having said that I agree with you on the whole. It has been a long time since I have been
proud of our country. Remember it is "OUR" country! Too many people have forgotten that
in the past. The Declaration says "WE THE PEOPLE" not I the person. My generation has fucked
this country up beyond all recognition. FUBAR. I can only hope that the coming generation
will do better.

So far America's greatness was built around what it did for itself and allowed individuals to achieve on its soil. The real test and its future position on the world platform lies in its ability to lead. And mind you pointing guns down people's throats or dropping laser guided bombs at the flick of buttons is not the way to lead.

America needs to decide if its more important to feed mouths at home or meddle in other countries' affairs. Should it wish to strike a balance and play big brother while looking after the needy at home, going to war over any reason is definitely not the answer.

One thing that Americans did best was build a great nation. Perhaps in there lies the secret to leading the world. Help build a great world. And I hope the new leadership realises that war can only bring harm, not longterm peace.

Amen!