Craig Daily Press / Locals reflect on President Barack Obama's inauguration

Archive for Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Barack Obama, with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha at his side, is sworn in as the country's 44th president by Chief Justice John Roberts, front, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

By Collin Smith

January 21, 2009

County official Lennie Gillam, 34, was working when President Barack Obama took the oath of office Tuesday morning and delivered his inauguration speech.

As maintenance supervisor, he had too much to do to stop and watch TV.

Gillam, however, wasn't concerned with hearing what the new president had to say. He didn't plan on catching up on the event when he got home that evening, either.

Yes, it was a historic day for the country.

Yes, it was important.

But the inauguration is nothing compared to what comes after.

"It doesn't matter what color you are, that guy has stepped into a big pile of poo," he said. "The economy is the big thing. What he says today, is that really going to affect what you see tomorrow?"

Gillam has seen too much failure in government to be any less cynical now than he was Monday.

"Look at the last eight years," he said. "Look at what happened. It all got worse. It's politics. It's all ran by money, and that's probably not going to change."

There's not much chance that the inequities between rich and poor will be any different after Obama leaves office, Gillam said.

"If you really look at it, look at how they treat people like you and me, and look at how they treat rich people," he said. "You and me, we just get fired. But executives, (the) executives for big companies, they get paid to leave when they screw up."

City councilor

Gillam's views stood in contrast to those from local politicians and political party leaders.

Craig City Councilor Bill Johnston, a Republican who did not vote for Obama, said he believes the country can get better, but it will take leadership and direction from the president, as well as the efforts of the people.

"We need leadership and direction, and we need to be able to trust in what our leaders are telling us," Johnston said.

However, he agrees with Gillam that the true test for Obama was not a speech, but the actions he takes from today forward.

"I think, right now, that man has the most trust he's ever going to have," Johnston said. "The choices he makes, the things he does, that will determine where he and the rest of us go."

Democratic chairman

Ted Crook, Moffat County Democrats chairman, said he believes Obama stands a decent chance of getting Washington back to being a government for the people.

The first step is ensuring "the era of dissension is over" between political parties.

"The problem is not a question of what the parties want for the United States, because really both sides want the same thing: prosperity," Crook said. "It's a question of how to go about it.

"The left aren't trusting of corporations, and they have evidence that's the case. The right doesn't trust the government, and they have evidence that's the case. The truth is neither position is really correct or incorrect.

"The parties can meet somewhere in the middle if they don't bog themselves down in divisive issues, such as abortion and guns for conservatives and prayer in schools and gay rights for liberals.

"None of those issues really mean anything," Crook said. "What I heard Obama say on abortion I think was especially apt. He said that we can all disagree on abortion, but nobody thinks we need more teenage pregnancy. We should work on solving that problem."

Republican chairman

Ron Danner, Moffat County Republican Central Committee chairman, said he also expects Obama to represent the country as a whole.

He doesn't have much of a choice, Danner said, because times are too tough to engage in partisan animosity.

"I don't see political bias having a real impact on what's going on now," he said. "If you look, the recommendations from the Bush administration about the economy are just about exactly what (Obama) plans to do."

Danner is aware, though, that Obama likely will not do everything the way Danner would have things done.

"The country has spoken, and the majority want a change," he said. "Time will tell if he is successful."

Political challenger

Lois Wymore, a Democratic candidate for Moffat County Commission last November, watched the inauguration on her computer at work with the other people in the office.

She also is confident the nation can come together, despite the crowd's chilly reception for Obama's thanks to outgoing President George W. Bush.

"I am not a fan of Bush, but there wasn't enough applause when Obama thanked him for his service," she said. "That man sacrificed a lot for this country, and whether he did a good job or bad, he should be thanked for that."

Still, Wymore believes that everyone is ready to work together, even the liberal base that supported Obama through the election.

"I think so," she said. "I don't know if it's the same (in Moffat County), though. I'm not sure people are ready here."

Sitting commissioner

Moffat County Commissioner Tom Gray is ready, but he has reservations about the potentially socialist imprint Obama could put on America.

Gray is not afraid of the new president. Contrary to some opinions from Republicans, he doesn't think liberals want to ruin the country, even if they may end up doing that.

"I think we should all give him a chance," Gray said. "I don't question anyone's motives for leading this country. What (the parties) have are different methods. But, I don't think the (Democrats') methods are why people have been immigrating to this country for 200-something years.

"We're a country that guarantees everyone equal opportunity, but we're not a country that guarantees everyone an equal outcome. I hope he doesn't make this country a place where everyone is assured the same outcome, and we lose our ability to make of ourselves what we can."

'He's my president'

Gray and Councilor Johnston said they hope for the best, and both are willing to work with whoever is in office to make it that way.

Hopefully, Johnston said, the rest of the country can come together in good faith, as well.

"I feel there's a faction out there that can't turn the corner on this," he said. "But, to me, as of 10 o'clock this morning, he became our president. I don't care what party he's from. I really don't care what skin color he is. He's my president, and that's what is important to me."

21 January 2009 at 5:43 a.m.

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nimrod (Anonymous) says…

One hopes that everyone is satisfied that this was on the Front page.

21 January 2009 at 6:59 a.m.

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however (Anonymous) says…

As long as you have displays of disrespect from 2 million of the faithful democratic party to former and outgoing presidents as shown at the inauguration yesterday, there will never be a “united” country. You have never seen, nor will you ever see, a display such as that at a conservative function.

Oh yes, this country cannot recover from a $1 Trillion dollar payback spending spree to a few special interest industries. I would like to wish President Obama my best since this is my country too, but when this is the great proposal that he comes up with even before taking office, I find it hard to believe he has the best, long term interests of the country at heart. I have already apologized to my children for what our leaders are about to do to them.

21 January 2009 at 8:01 a.m.

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Craig_gal (Anonymous) says…

well said however. It was very disheartening to see the reaction of people as our President Bush left the office. Some may never agreed with him but he was our President just the same. I did not vote for Obama but as I tell my children, “he is our President and we will always respect that office, you do not have to agree with everything that one does but, you will always remain a true American and be thankful for the United States”. And Thank goodness he is on the front page, now can everybody relax a little, my gosh.

21 January 2009 at 8:09 a.m.

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nikobesti (Anonymous) says…

however:

I'm curious as to the horrible disrespect shown to Bush yesterday. I heard a lot of cheering after Obama thanked him for his service. What, were they supposed to do, present him a medal and give him a 10-minute standing ovation? Hmm, I thought Bush's farewell address was a few days ago and that this was actually the inauguration of President Obama. Must have my facts mixed up.

At several “conservative functions” last year, people called our new president a “terrorist” and yelled “off with his head!” Is this the kind of display of respect you're referring to?

21 January 2009 at 9:57 a.m.

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Really (Anonymous) says…

I remember when McCain gave his speech after he was defeated? The nice, conservative crowd wasn't at all respectful of the President Elect.

21 January 2009 at 11:27 a.m.

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freeman (Anonymous) says…

thats the way the american public is these days,,they proceed off of anything that is said and make final results themselves,,i never thought we would ever see a african american president in power,,but guess what here he is,,, and maybe ,, with all my hope that he does a outstanding and better job than bush did,,because you know why,,,,,he is our president…people are so racially birdened these days and i cant help it myself sometimes either,,,,,, being my father is from alabama where he grew up with the african americans and worked in the cotton fields,,,but i myself think it is time to give society a ,,,,,,chance,,,,,,to prove itself..all we can do is hope the economy will get better for us and everyones family?????

21 January 2009 at 7:50 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Wow! did you guy's see all those people that are drinking the poison cool aid here in Craig?

Two of my kids' teachers spent hours on him yesterday and today. They sent home Obama books as reading assignments. I guess because to them he's almost as good as Jesus.

I can live with all that. What's killin me is our Republican leaders everywhere are drinking the cool aid too. We need to be on this guy and demand results. That was what he promised. He ran when the economy was bad and said he could fix it. Now he say's it may be a couple of years. What the h@#*. Yea, we just got sold snake oil.

Only two percent of that 800 trillion is for renewable energy, (1.6 billion). 36 billion will go to creating jobs in 2010. The rest is waist. Our leaders and all Americans better wake up.

21 January 2009 at 9:08 p.m.

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freeman (Anonymous) says…

patrick—you need to wake up,obama is no miracle any american will lie to get that front row seat—you know that

21 January 2009 at 10:28 p.m.

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lonelyone (Anonymous) says…

I kept saying during the elections stuff that he can only do what the House and Senate will allow him to do and anyone who really thought he could do it as soon as he was sworn in, is a bit goofy.
If your house burns down, do you expect the insurance company to build you a new one in two days?? They promise to take care of you and will be there when you need them, but they aren't miracle workers and neither is Obama. Give him a chance and I think it needs to be more then 100 days too.

21 January 2009 at 11:03 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Freeman @ lonelyone, I know what you mean. I knew this when everyone else was fainting because he was their idol. I am not going to let him get away with this con though. In my little corner of America, I will be pointing this out in editorials. If no one does, he'll get away with anything and people will just buy it. Face it, America did just get conned, and with the media on board and both house in his corner, things are going to get bad. My hope is that buy 100 days America will start to see something is amiss. However, at least a few voices have to be out there to point this out or it will just get coverd up and then worse. I will give him credit where credit is due, but I intend to call him on anything that will hurt Americans. like healthcare for the crack heads. That is a pozi sceam that is of the charts. Medicare and social securety are dated to go broke as it is.

In sort, I'm fine with him trying out some of his crazy ideas. The new generations have to see why welfare didn't work. I just want to be able to fix it when it goes wrong.

21 January 2009 at 11:25 p.m.

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jitterbug (Anonymous) says…

Fair enough Patrick. I hope you do. But before you go out with your guns halfcocked, take a breath and remember to be rational. No one thought he could fix the economy in 100 days and he never said that. Things will probably get worse before they get better, despite what this newspaper keeps trying to forcefeed us. You don't have to scream to be heard.

All that said can we get off this business about which party is better? I agree with the first guy in the story, neither one has a good track record of changing anything that affects me and neither one represents me. Still, if Obama can change the way politicians talk about things like the Democrat Chairman thinks he can then maybe things will get better.

22 January 2009 at 12:14 a.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Yes, I argree. I haven't written any articals yet, for that very reason. I will look at him through independent eyes. You wont here a peep out of me if it looks like he can pull this all off and make life better for us all. And in that case I'll give him more than 100 days.

I'm just saying that I will not be rolling over or getting any tingles up my leg.

Also, don't get me started on my own party (R). There are some real big problems there. Like leadership, judgement, and platform. We have none of those. Sad sad sad.

So believe it or not, Obama is like my power ball ticket. I don't like the odds, but at least I've got one shot at my life being okay. May he have wisdom and luck.

22 January 2009 at 3:14 p.m.

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freeman (Anonymous) says…

what was amazing is obama had trouble following the words when he was oathed into office,,,they made him do it again last night,,did any of you see that

22 January 2009 at 3:45 p.m.

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Really (Anonymous) says…

Obama knew the words, the guy swearing him in screwed up.

22 January 2009 at 6:41 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Yea, it was both of them. The second time they left out the bible.

Also, Thank goodness Gitmo is closed. I feel safer already. Well, Obama said it would make me safer.

More snake oil.

I wounder how far this Stupid Train can go? I do know one thing, the rides begun.

22 January 2009 at 8:26 p.m.

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Globe (Anonymous) says…

I thought the guy giving the opening prayer was going to try to make out with Obama. The way he was carrying on in the prayer about Obama, you would think Jesus Christ himself was taking over as the president. You have to be an ego maniac to desire that people almost drop their loads when they talk about you. I guess we should be thankful that it isn't Billary as our president.

22 January 2009 at 10:10 p.m.

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lonelyone (Anonymous) says…

you guys crack me up!

23 January 2009 at 8:21 a.m.

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Lawspecialist (Anonymous) says…

Before an article is written, I strongly suggest learning the correct usage and spelling to the drink in which you make reference. How can you expect to be taken seriously. What is a “cool aid”? or are you actually referring to the drink Kool-Aid. Edwin Perkins probably turned over in his grave on that one! (He created the drink) Be careful, Kraft Foods can actually sue you for wrong usage of their beverage that started out being called “Fruit Smack”. Anyone see something similar here? lol Then Craig residents wonder why outsiders refer to them as simple-minded. Oh please!

23 January 2009 at 10:04 a.m.

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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…

Lawspecialist—We are more concerned with idea's than with spelling. As long as we understand what is being said, we get the point.

23 January 2009 at 10:34 a.m.

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Lawspecialist (Anonymous) says…

The point is that if you are going to make a statement and want to be taken seriously, your “English” needs to be correct. When people post publically, they are subject to criticism, myself included. Please tell me if the President made that comment in the same manner, no one would comment. Everyone's already having a “hay-day” with the Oath of Office. Our own neighbor's are in belittle mode of our elected President and the man has only been in office for a matter of days. Why is it alright to criticise him? Perhaps he could use more people like you to come to his defense. Look at the criticism directed toward Sarah Palin. We all got the point too, however, her own comments made her appear foolish. I appreciate your comment as it enabled me to make the “point's” above … accountability.

23 January 2009 at 12:27 p.m.

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freeman (Anonymous) says…

lawspecialist,,question for you ifyou can please::why is it alright to criticise him ,,by all rights i believe you should never criticise anybody if you dont know all the facts, now going to the court room,,,,if a person is suspected of wrong doing,,the cpd does a background ckeck on you pulling up a person with the same name and dob,,without doing further ckecking they find this person they think is you,who already has a terrible background,,,,then proceeds with numerous outlandish charges against you,,,,,once a lawyer has been hired and the da sees this is not you,,,,they drop all the 9 serious charges against you and finds out also that you have never been in trouble with the law not,,,,,,,,once,,,,,,so then why is the charges that once was brought against you and dropped stay on your record (background) ,,then when a person ckecks on you,,all the unecessary criticisem piles on you forever,,,,why,,,,why,,,,,,why,,,in gods name do the system have to work this way,,,,im am righting in regards to a fine man i know of that this happened to and cant get it off his record to get ajob???????????

23 January 2009 at 1:01 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

LawSepc. I did that on purpose. As a law spec, you know why.
Here's some English for you.
Obama wants to give aid to the enemy by not waterbording them and thus, not getting their plans from them and leaving them with operational integrity. Also, he wants to give them comfort to the enemy by putting them in the U.S. prision system and all the perks that go with it. Can you guess what I'm getting at? If you can not, just wait until we are attacked. Then it will be clear.

23 January 2009 at 1:59 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

LawSepc. The legal definition of insanity is not knowing the difference between right and wrong.

Your guy thinks the terrorist are right and we are wrong.

I already miss Bush.

24 January 2009 at 12:22 a.m.

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DV8 (Anonymous) says…

Not allowing torture is supporting terrorists?????
There are more effective methods of interrogation than torture.
Torture a guy all you want, he'll tell you he wears women's under pants…. doesn't make it so.

Torture only makes an incompatent interrogator feel better.

24 January 2009 at 1:10 a.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Having water poured up a terrorists' nose so that it freaks him out so bad he'll start talking isn't torture. I've almost drowned twice and I don't have any bad dreams about it and no scares, nothing. This method, used on baby killers, is a blessing. No damage left at all.
Obama is willing to kill babies in foreign countries though. I see we now pay for abortions around the world. I thought we where out of money. I'm glad he's not a radical. I trust him with the budget and our money.

Also, he is putting a lobbiest in his administration. Breaking his word. If someone goes back on there word in 48hrs, I think that person probably always planned to anyway. He lied in his interview (election campaign).

Tune in tomorrow for more snake oil from Obama.

25 January 2009 at 12:11 a.m.

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Craig_gal (Anonymous) says…

criticize
One entry found.

Main Entry:
crit*i*cize Listen to the pronunciation of criticize
Pronunciation:
\Ë kri-tÉ-ËsÄ»z\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
crit*i*cized; crit*i*ciz*ing
Date:
1643

25 January 2009 at 10:23 a.m.

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nikobesti (Anonymous) says…

Patrick: We tried Japanese for waterboarding our boys during WWII. They were convicted of torture. Why is it torture when it's done to our boys but not by our own government?

Remember what John McCain said when he was asked if waterboarding was torture? It's a was a very quick and emphatic “Yes!”

25 January 2009 at 10:34 a.m.

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Lawspecialist (Anonymous) says…

Definitions of 'criticise'
Dictionary.com * WordNet - (2 definitions)

(verb)
find fault with: express criticism of
act as a critic: “Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either”
Synonyms
criticize
pick apart
knock

25 January 2009 at 11:20 a.m.

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Lawspecialist (Anonymous) says…

freeman: After reading your comment concerning your friend, and know this is NOT legal advice, it is just my opinion, the first thing that comes to my mind is a HUGE law suit. Most importantly, in pursuing the clearing of a record, one must never settle for expungement. Since no crime was performed, there is nothing to expunge. In law, expungement refers to the cleansing of one's criminal record, or the sealing and destruction of arrest and/or conviction information, however, any record would reveal an expungement exists. The record needs to be removed and erase all evidence of any record, which leads me to reveal, in my mind, filing suit is necessary. Seek one of the best contingency attorney's available. In my opinion, any good contingency attorney would jump enthusiactically into the water on this one, and, if no takers, I would use the media which could possibly result in a volunteer for representation free of charge. In pursuing clearance through the media, and I do mean with a vengeance, the internet can play a powerful role in contacting each and every media entity that exists; believe me, “someone” will pick up the ball and roll with it. Keep in mind a detailed record of any and everyone talked to or emailed must be kept. It is a shame these things happen and a terrible waste of time to try to clear a record and after the win, which will happen with perserverance, another suit should be filed for damages.

25 January 2009 at 5:40 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

law spec, your about ten steps behind me.

Niko, Torture can be what ever we want to be right? I believe Keith Oberman is torture. He should be out lawed. That guy is better at false propaganda then Himler. And he's more radical.

26 January 2009 at 12:27 a.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Guy's I just seen Gov Ritter on T.V. telling the world the Gittmo det. can come to Colorado to our Supermax.

You know where people go when the get out of Supermax? The nearest town. Maybe they will tell you otherwise, but when a few more years go by, they will be let them out here. Nice

We need change in our state now.

Obamas win has gone to the far lefts' heads. One week of this liberal brand politics has already been to much.

26 January 2009 at 9:17 a.m.

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nikobesti (Anonymous) says…

Patrick, use your brain , man. If foreign naitonals in detention are found to be innocent, they will be deported, not let loose in Colorado.

26 January 2009 at 12:39 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Right. I want to believe you, but I don't. The time will come when liberals will say they are innocent, kind people and we should just let them go.

In fact, ya know what. How about just leaving them in Gitmo? Why even be this stupid?

26 January 2009 at 1:31 p.m.

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silentman (Anonymous) says…

Patrick: Take a breath and relax. Remember that politicians, and especially BHO, will say and do anything to get elected. BHO said he would close GITMO but never said when or how. So, he has signed an Executive Order saying that it will be closed, but without a date specific or without a plan for doing so. His administration has already dodged the question about when they are going to close it and where they will take the prisoners a number of times. Down the road we will probably be able to add this to the “unfulfilled campaign promises” section along with the “No Lobbyists” in my administration promise. Also, don't get your panties in a wad about our homeboy elite liberal, Bill Ritter, saying it's okay to bring them to Colorado. Supermax at Florence is a federally run prison, under the control of the Bureau of Prisons, over which Ritter has no control and only minor input. At best Ritter will enamore himself enough to BHO so that he can get a good job in Washington and get the hell out of Colorado. So my friend, relax and let this run it's course. It's WAY too early in the 1,462 day saga of Obama to get wound up. We will, I'm sure, have lots more down the road to really rail against.

26 January 2009 at 2:14 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Silentman, I believe you have the right of it for the most part. However, I will fight this stupidity from day one. Else, the people will think everyone believes like the far left. Including the far left.

No, I will not be silent. I will not let down my city, state, or country. I will not roll over.

26 January 2009 at 11:57 p.m.

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DV8 (Anonymous) says…

From dictionary.com
Paranoia
noun 1. Psychiatry. a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission.
2. baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.

Note: In popular terminology, a “paranoid” personality is characterized by suspicion and distrust of others; a tendency to look for hidden meaning behind other people's actions; argumentativeness; complaining; low tolerance for criticism; and a constant display of one's own talents, accomplishments, independence, and rationality.

27 January 2009 at 6:31 a.m.

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nimrod (Anonymous) says…

hmmmm who might that be directed at DV8 LOL

28 January 2009 at 7:19 p.m.

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Fergy130 (Anonymous) says…

Patrick, I would like to ask you a question. At what point did Obama do something detrimental to you? In the past, did he hurt you in some way?

I only ask because you have yet to provide any evidence of wrongdoing, yet you are sounding the battle cry from your soap box. Barack Obama has spent days in office. The country is still standing, regardless of what you have said.

To write someone off before they have had a chance to illustrate their abilities is ridiculous. I am the two-year editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper, a multiple time state qualifier in Speech and Debate, taking college classes, and I have been accepted into all the colleges I've applied to for a major in Political Science and Law. Yet, by your rational, society COULD write off ever teenager in the US as lazy, unreliable and disadvantageous to America.
Why not give people a chance before you scream about their incompetence?

Now, as far as the torture subject goes, McCain himself said waterboarding is, in fact, torture. So if the 'figurehead' of the Republican party is against it, had the election gone red, you could still be seeing the same course of action.

Additionally, the stimulus package has SOME merit. The idea is to inject life into the economy through spending. This is largely a liberal idea, but it is endorsed by economic experts on both sides. It is important to note both the 'hands off' (Laisae Fair) and the 'oversite' philosophies of the economy both work. the idea is you pay less and get less, or you pay more and get more. Now as far as I am concerned, I would prefer to listen to a economist as opposed to a blogger in Craig, CO. Nothing against you or Craig, but the economy is the economists job. He makes his living on making the right choice.

I'd love to see your comments, but please bring good information to the discussion, not personal attacks. I've followed these posts long enough to realize people like to attack young Democrats. I would like to point out, I am not 'spoon fed my ideas'. I am the only liberal in my household.

28 January 2009 at 10:28 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Good one DV8. No I'm not paranoid yet. I do hope he turns this thing around. However, talking to me is a waist of time. Talking about Republicans is a waist of time. Democrats run everything now. This is all their deal. The package they passed has only a third of the tax cuts the president wants. Everyone says there are 100's of billions in it just to grow government. The price of each job they want to create is $200,000 a piece. Plus it will take 3 years to really get moving on the jobs.

So, we will have a bigger government, higher unenployment rate, and over all less money. That's all your side, your change. Not mine. You go with it and be happy. In 3 months the words change will be haunting Obama like a wrath. Wait for the homeless families to start showing up. This could go down worse than Carter.

Anyway, there's one more fact I thought of today. I for one am going to get out of dept and save. Why? Because I don't buy into this plan and I don't trust whats going on. Now, times that by half the country and see what happens. Good luck with all that.

It's all up to Obama and the Democratic Congress, guy's leave me out of it. We are not involed. Obama needs to do his job or get fired. That was the deal he made with America. He said he was going to make everything better. He either does it, or he does not. He either sinks the free through, or he chokes. Period.

29 January 2009 at 12:38 a.m.

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Globe (Anonymous) says…

Can I just remind everyone that every year thousands of young men across this country voluntarily subject themselves to worse “torture” than the Gitmo prisoners received. They are young men between the ages of 18 and 23 who pledge a fraternities.

Nakedness, @$$ woop'ns, water boarding, and the like are a piece of cake compared to what some Frats do to their pledges who volunteer to have this stuff done to them. So if a little water is all it takes to get a guy to talk, I say by all means lets give them some swimming lesssons.

29 January 2009 at 10:25 a.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Thank you Globe. I think what your trying say to the left is, quit being babies.

29 January 2009 at 4:10 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

Okay, I got how to explain this fight in Congress. If there was a magic pill that would cure cancer, but needed to pass congress first, the Democrats would be falling all over themselves to take credit and leave the GOP out.

But this bill isn't being treated that way at all. Maybe because it's a poison pill and when it all comes out they want to be able to share the blame. It's all up to the Democrats, they can vote for whatever they want. They have total control. Leave the GOP out of this one.

They say a third of Americans where crying on inauguration day. In a year we will all be crying.

29 January 2009 at 4:22 p.m.

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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…

Pat—Whoever is President, we better all pray that something works. We really need for this country to get out of the mess it's in. Do I think this stimulus package will work? No, but I hope and pray that whatever they come up with will. We all need to let our senators and congressmen know how we feel about this.

29 January 2009 at 6:13 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

I am not praying for run away deficits to work. I'm not praying for socialism to work.

It's like a teenager. Until they move out and have to fend for themselves they never really grow up. That's why socialism crumbles. People never get to that level in countries that have it. Let's all try it out, right now. Then we can move on. This time there will be no confussion. Enviromental policies and liberal nanny state actions that hurt us all in the end, will get sortted out right now.

Wait for inflation. We will see $8 in the middle of it all.

P.S. Obama leaves the the thermosat on high in the Oval office. Nice

P.S.S. I would like it all to work though. I just don't think mankind is at that point yet. Like the steal plow changed everything, we will need something like that to move forward that much at one time. I just don't believe we are there yet.
Unitl then, I'd like this path proven, or disproven.

29 January 2009 at 8:51 p.m.

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Fergy130 (Anonymous) says…

Patrick, I agree with you that Democracy is the best scenario, not socialism. The left is not advocating socialism. as far as taxes, the rich (making 250k or more) get taxed higher. Those making less get breaks.
Was FDR, largely considered one of the BEST presidents, a socialist? He pulled us out of the Depression through spending, increasing government size and creating jobs. Exactly what is being sought right now. It worked before, so how is it poison?

As far as the Left trying to get the right on board because the bill is, “a poison pill,” that's not it at all. The reason is that although the Dems. have the majority, it is not filibuster proof. so Reps. can block it through a “time suck”. The left thinks the bill is the right idea, and need something done. The bickering wastes time.
If you would like to see something happen, you will have to participate. the right still has power to keep the left in check, and I agree, we will need it. The same as if the right were in power.
We have a 2 party system for a reason. We need you, and you need us. Otherwise, we are a group of idiots, ceasing to be American.

29 January 2009 at 9:35 p.m.

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grannyrett (Anonymous) says…

The left and right doing nothing but arguing will never solve the problem. They are going to have to work together. That's the only way anything will get done. Patrick—I am not talking about socialism. I am talking about getting through this mess. This bail out will not work. All it will do is cause runaway inflation down the road. FDR may have been a great president, and yes, we came out of the depression during his watch, but part of the reason for that was WW II. This country supported him and worked together to get through it. I don't see that kind of cooperation anywhere right now. The citizens of this country would never give up as much as they had to during WW II. They wouldn't stand for rationing. They wouldn't stand for going without the way our parents and grandparents had to. Most of this country would starve to death before they would plant a victory garden and supply their own food. This has become a very selfish nation, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

29 January 2009 at 10:43 p.m.

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Patrick (Anonymous) says…

I liked that Granny. What I don't like is what lead to all this. Forcing banks to loan to people who couldn't afford them. Or sending tons of money to foreign countries because oil doesn't fit into to the new religion of enviromental facism.

Now, I'm not as mad as this may sound. I just want it to get sorted out. If Obama can figure out a real solution to give everybody what he promised, then I'm wrong. No one would be happier than me if that happens. Don't hold your breath though. I just think we need to start using our heads instead of letting our emotions decide everything. Some things are ok to let our emotions in on. But take the new standards for car mileage. I love them, but not right now. We need to take action there, but not heavy action right now. If new cars start costing alot more, no one will buy new cars.

Anyway, if I see any great moments on either side I will give credit where credit is due.

1 February 2009 at 4:23 a.m.

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taxslave (Anonymous) says…

I couldn't resist…..meet G.W. Obama

http://hnn.us/blogs/entries/60771.html