Archive for Saturday, November 8, 2008
Our View: It’s ‘Kum Ba Yah’ time
November 8, 2008
Craig Editorial Board
- Bryce Jacobson, newspaper representative
- Jennifer L. Grubbs, newspaper representative
- Bridget Manley, newspaper representative
- Allan Reishus, community representative
- Chris Runyan, community representative
- Ken Wergin, community representative
The election is over, and not a moment too soon.
After nearly two years of speculation, campaigns, analysis, debates, commercials, rallies, accusations, attacks, partisanship and far too much information about a certain plumber, we now have a new direction in the country chosen by the people. Only time will tell if that direction is better or worse for the U.S.
But that's exactly what we have: time.
We need to use that time between now and the start of the 44th presidency to heal and unite as a nation. Then, we have four years to evaluate whether the country made the right choice before we make another choice, and so on :
That's the beauty of the United States and Colorado: We have built-in ways of changing things that we do not like or that are not working at national and local levels - elections.
And we in Moffat County took full advantage of that option, voting in record numbers in this election - which is extremely commendable. We all should be very proud of ourselves for the local turnout at the polls.
However, the majority of us voted the opposite direction of many of the national results. Because of this, we also need to be part of the healing of our country's political, partisan rift.
Results of our local races showed more unity, but we had a few contests that turned mean-spirited at times. That needs to change.
In the meantime, there also are things we can do to make sure that things are different in the next election.
The negative, attack campaign commercials turned our stomachs and made us want to get less involved in the statewide and national races. That we didn't stop caring and, in fact, embraced this election is remarkable.
The candidates went negative hard and fast in many races, especially for U.S. House races. We urge future candidates to consider being more concerned with getting out a candidate's message than with revealing everything wrong with the other guy or gal.
The loophole for so-called "527" groups (named after their tax code provision) needs to be closed. We should not allow seemingly anonymous groups to spend money just to attack a candidate or issue, without revealing exactly who is behind it, not just some random nonprofit group name chosen for the purpose of running the ads.
Also, we're concerned about so-called Robo-Calls, where a machine dials phone numbers and plays a pre-recorded message. There currently is no way to opt out of getting these calls, despite no-call lists. Congress should look into ways to changing this.
But for now, we look forward to quieter evenings and TV commercials touting cars, shampoo and Christmas toys, instead of candidates and issues.
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8 November 2008
at 1:06 p.m.
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Patrick (Anonymous) says…
This is way to week to have the effect it was intended to. I pointed out on the other page, Fox News web site reports record gun sales. Their selling out of what they have and what they can get. America is arming itself. I believe it's because their scared they wont be able to by guns when Obama is sworn in. However, history says when an angry population does that it may mean something else. We are going to have high unemployment, people will be losing their houses, there's the war on terror, there are racisit people out there, our congress has a 9% approval rating. This could spill over if this new addministration makes a miss step. I for one, am worried. No one ever thinks there is going to be civil unrest until there is.
The board should be pointing out that Obama has not done one thing wrong to anyone so far. That a slow down would be good. Not kum by yah.
9 November 2008
at 7:33 a.m.
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harkner (Neal Harkner) says…
Patrick - There's a direct correlation between gun sales and Obama's presidency and it's not about civil unrest or anger. Most conservatives believe that an Obama presidency, combined with solid Democrat majorities in both legislative chambers, will result in some attempt to institute stricter gun control. They're buying the guns while they perceive they can.
Our unemployment isn't even close to the highest it's been in the last 30 years. The unemployment rate spiked at 10.8% in late 1982. We're at 6.5% right now. It's somewhat interesting to note that one of the people rumored to be in the running for Obama's Secy. of the Treasury is former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker. Volcker's hawkish stance on inflation brought the stagflation of the late 70s under control but also caused the early 80s recession to deepen and sent interest rates to 20% in 1981.
9 November 2008
at 10:02 a.m.
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Patrick (Anonymous) says…
I think that's whats going on when it comes to guns sales too. I study history and there are alot of things right now that we may be thinking of as little pieces that don't go together. Let's hope they all stay that way. My main point was, Obama may not get away with making big mistakes. We'll see. I hope he can turn this thing around soon after taking office. I'll sleep alot better.
9 November 2008
at 4:02 p.m.
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maverick (Anonymous) says…
Patrick says that “Obama hasn't done wrong to anyone so far.” How about the right to life? Patrick, many have died because of Obama and it will get worse and that's too bad. Wake up America!
9 November 2008
at 4:31 p.m.
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DV8 (Anonymous) says…
Name one person who has died because of Obama.
9 November 2008
at 4:42 p.m.
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Patrick (Anonymous) says…
Check! Point to maverick. I was trying to be positive.
Okay, it's story time.
My second oldest daughter was working last night (Saturday). She watched and listened to a guy talk about how he was going to get a posse up and go do something bad. The guy was loud and used the “N” word alot.
I hope we're not headed to where I think we're headed. That's why I'm worried.
P.S.
I told my daughter if the secret service hears of that he'll be investigated. So no one type anything even close to that.
Just wait. Let a little time pass and see what happens. It might be okay. Just don't ask me to put money it.