The notion of American exceptionalism has been used to rationalize everything from Manifest Destiny to our current forays into nation building, and it frequently goes hand in hand with the idea that the West in in decline. But the faces of the two million people on the mall today, standing as proxies for the 63 million who turned out to vote for Barack Obama last November, are testament to the fact that America is not doomed to decline but rather equal to the task of reinventing herself in the twenty-first century. That as a people we are capable of shaking off antiquated notions, failed ideas and ideologies, our prejudices and our obsolete certitudes as we see them to be inadequate to address the profound challenges before us.
We now have a President whose experience is informed by a multiracial, multicultural and international heritage. Never before has there been a world leader of Obama’s stature who reflects the face of an increasingly globally interdependent planet, whose very existence fundamentally challenges the narrow assumptions of class and race that have determined a narrow corridor of ideas that have limited our palate of choices. As he assumes the American Presidency, we have shown that as a nation we have retained the heritage of our radical founders, and are bold enough and brave enough to open up not only our own country but the world to the talented individuals and the leadership we need to reinvigorate ourselves.
If America is truly an exceptional nation, there is no clearer manifestation of that than the fact that we had the courage to elect Barack Obama.
Related posts:
- President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Wingnuts Throw Collective Temper Tantrum
- FDL Book Salon: Dear President Obama With Bruce Kluger And David Tabatsky
- Frank Gaffney: Obama is America’s First Muslim President, and Just Like Hitler. Also.
- Late Night: He’s Your President, Not Your Boyfriend
- FDL Book Salon Welcomes Michael Huttner and Jason Salzman, 50 Ways You Can Help Obama Change America
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“elected” president obama as oposed to “selected”
WOOT
what a moment – and what a call to work
Why is Bush still there?
Somebody make him leave
The Long National Nightmare is Over.
*raising my coffee mug in toast*
Congratulations y’all – we made it!!
How truly wonderful! Congratulations Jane and fellow firepups. This has been an awesome morning.
“The end of an error”
Beautifully said Jane.
Someone like a sgt at arms with an arrest warrant?
Seconded.
“If America is truly an exceptional nation, there is no clearer manifestation of that than the fact that we had the courage to elect Barack Obama.”
amen, Jane, amen
Dr. Lowery is sooo much better than Rick Warren.
Everyone ready to work hard? I am! Woohoo! President Barack Hussein Obama. I can’t say it enough. ;-)
Funny how Lowery’s prayer is so inclusive…… non-denominational for those us UU’s
too sweet that would be.
President Obama. Mr. Obama.
another group hug! ((((firepups))))
Warren’s words were good, but his execution of his invocation was awful I think.
Preznit Bunnypants looked like someone made him suck a lemon before the ceremony, and if they didn’t perhaps they should have. I loved it.
There are now officially hordes of pissed-off, unemployed Republicans out there and I hope they starve and freeze as a result of their policies and practices… sorry, but it needs to be said.
The next four years will be a challenge, but I think we’ve elected a man who is up to it intellectually, morally and in every other way.
Thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster the Preznit is gone, and a President is in the House!
Group hug, Dosido! Love it.
Thank you, Jane. Your words truly encapsulate exactly what Obama represents
Absolutely
BTW I feel a weight lifted without my countdown clock and a Bush in the WH
Is this crowd the biggest crowd in our Nation’s history?
Must prolong my lunch hour so I can throw my shoe at the teevee when W departs.
Digg is open.
The War Room over at Salon had this bit:
When outgoing President George W. Bush’s name was announced just before emerging from the Capitol building, the assembled masses broke into a cheer of
The MSNBC anchoring crew tut-tutted, but there was no disguising the delight on the faces of the singing crowd.
Black not get back
Brown can stick around
Yellow is mellow
White does what’s right
LOL
AMEN!!!
Amen! What a prayer!
DIGG
Great Benediction!!
It was (and is) a great speech, with the ghost of Lincoln and the forebearers (nice turn of phrase, that) invoked and felt, delivered to an exceptional crowd.
What Obama did in the speech, and what he calls us all to do, is demonstrate the “exceptionalism” of the experiment that our democratic republic, through our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Red man can get ahead man
Amen is right!
Mr. Marion in Savannah and I watched the address sitting on the couch with a box of Kleenex between us. He’s even more of a cynic than I am, and was in tears. What a great day.
Hugs all around.
now that is a black preacher.. love it
That was awesome! lol. so cool.
“Let all who do justice and love mercy, say ‘Amen’ ‘Amen’ ‘Amen’”
Jane should have spoken at the Inauguration!
and the band started playing to cover it up.
Time to roll up our sleeves for the daunting task ahead. Support progressive legislation that will move the nation forward and take on the reactionaries who would do all in their efforts to keep the nation one of priviledge and complacency.
We are again, if only for a moment in history, a shining light on a hill.
I love love love Dr. Lowery. Hope to find a text of his blessing online later.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{FDL}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
The Young Facisti did that to Al Gore at the Naval Observatory in 2001. Turn-about is fair play. Did the MSGOP crew tut-tut that?
OT: Is there a deadline by which Bush must announce any and all last-minute pardons that he has signed?
I’m singing our national song for the first time in years! Feels good. LOL
{{{{FIREPUPS}}}}
WE did it we defeated the Tyrannical Reichwing of the Republican’s and will bring respect for the law back to this great country!!
Bush leaves right after this is over, right? I mean, immediately after..right?
AMEN!!
Oh, heavenly day
America is an exceptional national and for once we elected an exceptional man. Here is a sentence from his speech:
“The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift…” This is a guy who makes people follow him through his words and ideas. If that had come out of Bush’s mouth, who knows what would have fallen out?
not any more exceptional than any other nation.
but i am very proud of my fellow citizens for electing a black man with the middle name “hussein.”
if i was the praying kind, i would pray today for our new president that he may live up to the hopes that so many have in him.
I don’t know if you heard it or not in President Obama’s speech, but he seemed to be saying that justice will come. Oh lawdy! I hope I heard him right!
Eight years of hell and now,,,38 minutes of peace, love and understanding to change the world we live in.
‘Amen’ ‘Amen’ ‘Amen’
Amen to that, Jane. Well said!
SAUDE- CHEERS – HOORAY!!
If there were more black preachers there’d be more real Christians.
BHO walks 43 and Darth Cheney to the helicopter, according to plan, and away. Let’s hope to a place where there’s an extradition treaty.
The song I posted on my blog after President Obama’s swearing in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZYGxHVyCwI
We and the world are the champions! We survived and we are so proud of ourselves!
A recent image from the Hubble Space Telescope indicates the heavens are in line.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/im…..-large.jpg
Let’s remember Rev. Lowery’s words, and forget all about Rev. Warren’s.
Sentiment suddenly hit me – found myself standing and singing along w/ the national anthem, along with our new President and First Lady.
this is the kind of stuff that has driven me from here. bye
And the sun is shining brightly
Send out positive energy, that works too *g*
Thanks Jane.
I want to believe.
Feel like I have to learn to breathe all over again.
That’s the perkiest performance of “Stars and Stripes Forever” I can recall hearing.
And a big amen to no bombs and shootings.
[Mod Note: edited at commenter’s request.]
At least church would be more interesting
He had better be leaving! Last I heard he was heading to Waco, Texas to be with his puppetmaster, Karl Rove.
If you’re not a praying kind, then be a hoping kind. (It’s surprising how similar they are at times!)
I thought Obama’s post-swearing-in speach had a lot of truisms mixed with some good stuff. Chimpie looked like he was having some sort of digestive failure at the mention of not compromising safety and freedom.
Finally!
Now we have a mess to clean up, right after I party my ass off tonight.
“If America is truly an exceptional nation, there is no clearer manifestation of that than the fact that we had the courage to elect Barack Obama.”
Thank you Jane! Well said!
I can’t stop crying, Firepups. You too?
Then let all our tears flow together as one here at the Lake, and contribute along the way to that mighty stream of justice.
Amen.
woops, that was NO bombs and shootings
It ought to be a very exciting future!!!
Don’t worry, yes. :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
LOL – warmed my heart to hear an anchor saying – more or less – and the helicopter on the other side of the capitol will be carrying FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH away.
bwa ha ha ha ha!
MSNBC hammering on the “put away childish things” and “return to our values” theme.
Me too! I haven’t sung our national songs in 8 years! Didn’t want to. It didn’t feel right. But now it does! Exhilarating!
Mods, can somebody delete 69 before this is misinterpreted?
Please oh Please… But only if the Obama administration doesn’t elect to investigate and prosecute the criminals!
as in
WE DON’T HAVE TO SEE HIM ANYMORE?
HE WON’T BE MAKING THE PARTY CIRCUIT?
in a perfect world, he’d have been carted off in cuffs and chains by now.
Exciting yes..but filled with broom, shovel, mop and pail…
Forgive me for being crude, but I hope he crapped his pants in fear of what should rightfully come — a trip to the Hague.
same here!
and btw, i sure have loved readin your blog lately.
thanks for all of that effort.
:)
Check out Whitehouse.gov.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Ooh – love listening to Rachel Maddow!
Well it ain’t where he bought all that land in South america. The new prez there is a leftist and said he is instituting extradition treaties
…hammering in a good way, emphasizing.
oh, i’m the hoping kind. *g*
Wow! This was quick:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA & THE WORLD!
Can we get an explanation of that, please?
[Mod Note: see correction above ].
amen
I was hoping he’d live up to some of the promises in his speech and hoping that Obama’d promised what er progressives might think/hope he’d meant.
oh yeah, you got that right
Dancing in the Streets
I think we all interpreted that as the fingers not being able to keep up with the thought… At least I know I did!
I just found it too! How wonderful! What a sigh of relief. Truly, we are happy.
OH…MY….God…that is amazing. Thanks for linking that.
My pastor is a Black Woman. And, can she preach? Oh, you betcha. All y’all are invited to join me if you ever get to LA.
Yesterday, when she preached at a MLK Jr. service, she said that when she was a little girl, she saw the body of a 16 year old black teen who had been hung, on the cross in front of the church she was going to. She’s not afraid to tell her story and speak the truth.
I’m a waterfall
I think he walks out to get on the helicopter;))
So far, no Executive Orders:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/brie…..ve_orders/
LOL! It just made me read it twice is all! I would hope people “no” you meant “know”… I mean… ummm…
A superior man/country never brags about it Bush has bragged and acted Superior because he had the power never taking the time to humbly listen and think, understand before acting.
A superior man/country leads by acting but is always humble.
Wealth Fame a Jedi cares not for these things.
‘former’ beautiful
He did look displeased. I want to see him scared.
What struck me during the speech was that Obama is truly the first President of the 21st Century. Bush was a holdover. We have moved on.
Oh, that started up the tears again… It’s really true.
no offense meant. to you or to anyone.
Awwwwwriiiiiiight!!!
and change.gov has closed shop
When and where was the blessing given?
and the world rejoices.
and the parents of the dead shake their heads,
and move on into the rest of another very very long, very long day.
Thank God and my country, men and women, FLD compatriots.
The Fresh Hell pit of horror that was these last 8 years………..it is OVER!
Wow!
One of the interpretations of deToqueville’s theory of “American Exceptionalism” is based on the fact that our multiracial population is capable of doing things that other more racially homogenous nations are not, and I would argue that this is why we alone as a world power could elevate someone like Obama to a leadership role where others could not (and in fact haven’t).
We may not be “better than anyone else” (which I think is how you are interpreting it) but I believe that this does make us “exceptional.”
YAY there’s the helicopter!!!!
George is about to get on Marine One! Bubbye asshole!
Nice combo of the Tao and the Force.
MSNBC show the exit route for Bush — down the steps, onto the helicopter, and gone.
SouthernDragon,
I’ve lived with a fear that this day wouldn’t arrive. I meant NO bombs and shootings. My apologies to anyone who was upset by my mistake.
Nice Words Siri:)
Thanks Be. What a beautiful day.
When I see President Obama and former “president” Bush side by side, I see achievement walking next to entitlement. hmmm.
Woot – bye bye!
Barack to Bush: You don’t have to go home but you got to get the hell out of here!
Jeebus Raven I wish you wouldn’t take all our criticisms so hard. Should I play you a happy clip to get you to join the party? I won’t care if you swear at me ;-)
Thanks I couldn’t remember if it was Mencius or Confucius. But I think the two are related.
Make sure not to bump yer head on the helo, fenderhead.
*giving dick cheney the finger*
Am I hearing hey hey goodbye in the background? Hehehe.
Why is Cheney in a wheelchair? doesn’t he have a scooter?
Shit !! Did anyone remember the tar and feathers !!
It’s not called Marine One when bush rides it anymore. It’s executive one. acc. to msnbc.
tweety bush’s numbers “pathetically” low.
cheney is literally crippled by the moment.
Michelle looks beautiful. What style.
The Tao and the Force are related not Mencius and Confucius.
We’re cool. This kid’s a bit jumpy.
I love the green gloves – and the clear slap at Bush in all that Obama said (which CNN is noting over and over!)
matthews just said that cheney will have a government in exile across the river….heh.
Sorry…I didn’t hear that it’s no longer called Marine One! Thanks for pointing it out to me. ;-)
Firepup Freedom Fighters:
I told my children on election night that every generation gets a chance to stand on history’s shoulders and look forward…today I would like to add to all of you brothers and sisters, that history works through every soul and every pair of hands and that each solitary life rises when called and unshackled from the past.
Thomas Pain said that “we have it in our power to create a new breed of man”… let us all believe that. And let’s not forget those who have given their lives that we might be here, rest in peace Brothers and sisters.
KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, THE STRUGGLE ADVANCES!!
The evildoers have left Washington !
FORMER VP Cheney now being driven to an undisclosed location.
GOODBYE WARMONGERS!
Raven – don’t go, please! It’s a wonderful day, and you are such an important part of FDL.
get bu$h out of there! off my screen. out of my life and living room and AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN!
Pardon me?
I think though American “exception” has been interpreted as “exceptionalism” by others who use that as an excuse to do whatever to the world, so I sort of understand suspicion of the word exception used with America.
Haha…with a flag on the back, one hand on the wheel, the other jabbing his cane in the air at passersby.
That is lovely, Norske. Thank you.
(((((TJ))))) I got it, for one. This is the kind of thing I do to myself all the time when I post, so you have my sympathy. I get excited, and there she blows.
Chin-ee took 2 steps into the Limo … twice as much as he usually does before lifting his Shotgun and blowing flightless birds away …
Buhbye motherfucker.
Jane,
Fantastic! Truly beautiful words! These must be preserved in marble!
On the inaugural stand, after the swearing in. Infinitely more powerful, apt, and justice-oriented than Rick Warren’s rather non-inclusive invocation at the beginning of the ceremony.
I think MSNBC (and probably many others) will put up video of Dr. Lowery’s benediction later. I plan to look at it again and again. Just beautiful and perfect.
Nailed him with my shoe!
murderous retard (forgive if that offends) i can think of no other word for his level of stupid.
it burns.
Joseph Campbell stuff?
*Spew*
I wish that helicopter was on it’s way to the Hague. But as long as it takes ‘em away from DC, I’m happy.
Yay!!!!!!!!!!! Take to the air!!!!!
Siun, is this the reference to “by the light of day” or whatever? I can’t watch tv anymore. THAT was one I heard loud and clear.
Well said Jane.
no, not since he was ‘libby’ated.
right on!
Ah, the splendors of Crawford are just a whirlybird flight away.
;>)
THE 43RD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!
We have liftoff.
We have The Rapture!
Jane, this IS a most beautiful post. and it DOES NEED to be carved in marble somewhere.
and good fuckin’ BYE to the contents of that hellocopter!!!
Everyone give their one finger salute while the Helo flys off…..
I thought Dubya would ride a Hoss into the Sunset …
Been a while since I’ve commented here. Can’t think of a better occasion, nor lake, to dive back in.
My son was born 2 weeks after W was inaugurated. He’s almost 8, and that’s the only president in his lifetime. Til RIGHT NOW.
The palpable sense of relief I have for his future — and all our children’s and loved ones — has me periodically sobbing.
Fist jab, y’all.
DANCIN IN THE STREETS INDEEEDD!!!!!!!!
Fade the helo, back to the partay!!!
Anyone want to live blog chimpies final hours. I am having trouble with c-span.
On his way to gitmo, I hope?
Nooners: I cannot quite see the picture that you are seeing.
so true.
And nobody cares whether it’s disclosed or undisclosed.
DON’T leave the country, mofo
we still have much in the way of UNFINISHED BUSINESS!
Norske, thanks for standing on the ramparts shouting a rallying cry when times seemed so dark. If I had a hat I’d tip it.
Yeah, we’ve all been so proud today we’ve forgotten to be foul-mouthed bloggers.
Hahaha A large loud crowd singing nah nah goodbye again!
LOLOLOL
This was the line I noted:
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety
and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely
imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man,
a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light
the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.
I’m fighting with myself to not feel sympathy for Bush. The man just looks pathetic next to Obama.
Fist jab!
I can relate as I have only ever known a Bush or Clinton in the office
Gawd I wish. The crowd below the helicopter is singing! “Na na nana na na nana hey hey hey goodbye!”
There he goes.. na na na goodbye! It’s about fucking time IT left and got out of our lives so we can go forward with the business of the people and not of BIG money and Corporations!
They were singing the Nyah Nyah Good Bye song For Bush:) Loud
Yes, indeed.
Back around the time of the Iowa caucuses, before he’d even won the nomination, Obama’s mere presence as a major-party presidential candidate was helping the US overseas. It got a lot harder for Al Qaeda and other groups to push the idea that only lily-white Christians could succeed in America:
Seconded:)
Watching the W leave on the helioc. reminds me of the Nixon departure. It’s about time.
His neighbors don’t want him back. At least that’s what I heard from . . .
Crowds sing to Ex Pres in chopper: “Nah, nah, Nah, nah, nay — hey hey, good bye.”
Yes, Scarecrow, thanks for the White House link. Quite a change.
Damn why is the helicopter circling back? go away.
Yes, manifest destiny. We need to throw off its legacy that pervaded so much of the Bush admin. treatment of the natural world and environmental laws.
As a person that doesn’t believe in god (large or small g) I don’t appreciate that any taxpayer money went into this schuck getting to tell me that “everything that we are or have comes from God” on my taxpayer dollar. It chaps my ass, as well it should. Add to that, he’s a bigot to boot. I don’t like “In God We Trust” being shoe-horned onto the money or “under God” being inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance, either. And by all rights, they don’t belong there.
My sons have never known another president either. Thank God for the change. Hope.
Sha na na na
Sha na na na
Hey Hey Hey
Goodbye
Bush looks pathetic standing next to Clutch Cargo.
YES! That one was a resounding SLAP!
There were a few goodies in there. The one about governing by the light of day (not the dark side, Mr. Cheney), and another about putting away childish things. Yet all still so very classy. And grownup.
PRESIDENT OBAMA!
.
Oh, shit… *G*
Nah, the Force is actually a combination of Buddhism and Tao with a few supernatural powers thrown in for effect.
Campbell does a really good job with Eastern religion/philosophy though.
Citizen Marion in Savannah:
My hat is off to you, madame…bless your heart.
sweet jeebus Jane Hamsher – beautifully said
No, no, he’s afraid of horses, remember?
Oh, it’s so VERY GOOD to see you back here, Nola Sue!
May all our children enjoy the blessing of a new day of justice in the land, and forget the early impressions of a tyrannical presidency.
I agree with ya.
She’s never gonna have her Rethug lenses surgically removed.
I heard boos that were thunderous, to which Chris Matthews turned into a disapproving school marm, hissing, “Bad form, no, don’t do that.”
The Washington insiders don’t, and never have, realized the loathing most Americans have for what that man has done to our country. When you make the kind of money that Matthews makes, it insulates you from the effect that that one person in that office can have on the world.
Now that Bush and Cheney are gone, the job of purging is only partly done. Every member of Congress who enabled Bush must go, as well as those in the media. There is no excusing the mediocre quality of those who steward our public air waves.
The sight of that crowd is soooo amazing! A president by the people and for the people! That’s american!!!!
O Happy Day!
Jane and Christy and pups, thanks to you all!
“Hey pilot! Jist circle ’round once so i kin MOON ‘em!”
Some ideas like some myths and archtypes are universal.
We hold these truths to be self evident:)
There’s only one ending to that movie.
;>)
Heh. I was actually waiting for him to turn around and give the “double V for victory” salute that Tricky Dicky did…
Holy fuck! You’re right!
i let a few fly
DFH to the very core of my being……….
*HUMONGOUS grinnin’ goin on here!*
Kommander in Chief and Decider guy is afraid of hosses. Go figure.
What a lovely poem by Elizabeth Alexander…although it probably confused the departing president and his librarian wife.
I noticed the first bush looking off-kilter during the reading on PBS.
For a thrill, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/
ahhhhhhh
You can’t go wrong with old Tom Paine.
Well, now they’ll have a chance to learn what the President actually does, and what the job actually entails. Lord knows they haven’t been exposed to that yet…
I didn’t realize Mr. Obama is a leftie.
Understand there are those overseas who feel US policy won’t change at all and Obama won’t make a difference, until he proves otherwise. I could practically hear an overseas friend saying sarcastically “yeah right” throughout portions of Obama’s speech.
LOL. “I was told not to swipe the pen.”
Great to see you here!
Been there
Done that
Ah
Change I can see
Now to maintain the patience needed for the rest of the slog
Oh, PW, thanks.
This sort of thing should be obvious – well, we are now out of the 8 yrs of hell, where sensible, reality-dwelling people had to argue against the idiocy of it’s-treason-to-sit-down-and-talk-to-an-enemy type stuff.
Gawd, it’s good to think we are entering a “reality-based world” again.
J.H.F.C.
Pelosi needs to be tried for treason.
siri,
If 43 leaves the country it might expedite his indictment and trial for war crimes. Remember what happened to Pinochet…
What did President Obama just sign? Anyone know?
Oh haha, meant left handed…
A great day for freedom.
Dang, my link didn’t show up. Trying again:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new…..8217;.html
headline: “George Bush the Texan is Afraid of Horses”
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass. People are entitled to be excited, the president of the United State’s IQ just went up a 100 points.
Didja miss those Slogfests during both campaigns ? *g*
I knew it – we were trickerated!
;>)
Yep, perfect, with a smirk…Grrrr
Oh pleeeease let it be a warrant for the arrest of bush/cheney!
it is far and way OVERDUE!
glad to share this day with you RevBev.
Ahhh Mrs.K8, spunky as ever.
That scuba suit must still be working out well for you.
T-
When I was at Clinton’s 1992 inaugaration when Bush 1’s helicopter leaving the Capitol flew over the crowd a tremendous roar rose up from the crowd. I’m sure the same thing happened today but NBC cut out the sound of the crowd’s reaction to this Bush leaving our capitol.
{{{{{ DB }}}}}
You are peerless !
As usual, we’ll have to rely on Blogs to report the real news …
LOL! I knew as soon as I clicked the submit button I stuck my keyboard in my mouth!! duh. *g*
Some formality for Continuity of Government.
LOL!!
There. Small edits for accuracy…
Cheney in his black coat and fedora reminded me of one of the characters in Mad magazine’s “Spy vs. Spy.”
Love Keith O
“let’s try that out again:
the 44th president of the united states, BARACK OBAMA.
Get used to it.”
Bwa ha ha ha….
Citizen dosido:
He has been tellin’ us that the reality of our history and our present today has left us with the choice of only what works and that is demonstrably from what used to be called the “left wing” in politics…but since the right wing ideology has been thoroughly discredited there is only the left left…and only up we can’t go down any further though we might get poorer.
True that.
Marcy is sitting here giving me shit for that.
Yeah it didn’t rhyme, was more than one syllable and lacked any hot girl-on-girl action
Thank you…you as well in a world of fresh air.
Continuity of government orders.
The deed to his soul, as they all do.
Raven has Cred here he can be rude and we will welcome him back, granted we disagree at times. You are free to join the party but I don’t know you.
Raven has earned the Right to Disagree and be Respected.
This morning I saw a gushy morning show on who’s going to wear what kind of thing. They mentioned Laura Bush has been scrubbing down the WH for the new family. For some reason, I felt she may have been disposing of evidence of some kind.
Nice leaves.
Oh, crap!
Rachel and Keith talking about the change in WhiteHouse.gov. Rachel says policy documents are up, a complete website changed out at noon.
Too true. Amen.
That’s funny.
HERE:
Shit, Piss, asshole, bastard, fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck, fuckward, fuckhead, oh fuck, fucking a, and so and so…. fuck!! the universal word FUCK!!!
i think that was HIS point.
Citizen brantl:
I don’t know you or where you come from or where yer goin’ but if you think you are gunna get there you’ll do well not to disrespect a man in whose shadow you can only shiver…Raven is a genuine hero, has earned the right to be given the respect to understand what he’s sayin or keep your mouth shut until you do.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Nah, probably just making sure that W’s drool stains were all shampooed off the rugs and upholstery. Nothing nefarious there at all, simple housekeeping so the little girls don’t pick up whatever he might be carrying.
Here Here Rave is alw3ays welcomed here! He has wisdom and insights we all benefit from!
Thanks, Mrs. K8 — hope all’s well with you. Loving a bright, sunshine-y day!
Cheney: dressed for duress.
Seconded !
((( Raven )))
Crick, crick, Doris Kearns Goodwin on NBC. The geriatric purveyors of the Conventional Wisdom are out in force. The Village must be emptied out to fill the sudden need for commentary.
Thanks for that. I’d prolly have made a fool of myself.
Or as Christy once said, Hey Mr. Sunshine (or something like that.)
It really did. I found myself thinking of the same moment in history. A disgraced former president boarding the helo for one last trip out of the Public eye, his influence spent, hoping to avoid repercussions for his actions while in office.
I’ll add my bit:
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckityfuck
Yeah remember she is a librarian and by nature of that things must be tidy, neat and clean!!
Thank you, Boo sweetie, hugs to you!
(You know, Mr. K8’s nickname is “Boo” — but you add the nice “Radley” touch, always have loved your handle.)
Ah… The perfect explanation for why I almost never watch network TV!
Oh Teddy Kennedy looks so good…..
President Obamas (so cool to be able to finally say that:)) Media/Web guys already have the blog up at the White House..
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog…..house-gov/
I’m hoping that Kookie Cokie and Doris Kearns Goodwood announce their retirements.
But the good news is we have a new voice on the telly: Rachel Maddow. that’s somethin’!
Check out http://www.whitehouse.gov
per MSNBC, good call.
thirded
absolutely phenomenal post, Jane: completely up to the challenge of the moment and a reflection of the pulse of meaning in this moment. and beautifully written.
i am proud to be an american, today.
We all do that here at one time or another. I certainly have.
I’m going to go make myself a hot drink.
(call me silly – I have the sliding door open so the cats can go in and out…it ain’t really COLD here, but it’s cold for Texas.
Loving spending the first day of our new era with all you firepups.
((((((((((FDL’ers))))))))))))
Yeah – but typical commie, he hasn’t dried them properly.
;>)
Yikes. At least Obama’s childrens aren’t toddlers. I hate that stage when they put everything in their mouth. I’d hate it more if Chimpie and Cheney had been stomping around before.
Just clicked on faux for a second to see who looked the greenest and one of their *sshats said something to the effect of, “I’m not sure Barack Obama is really the president because he didn’t say the words of the oath exactly as they’re written.” Not to be believed!
that’s true. and i hear Rummy is WANTED in France.
can’t visit Paris anymore.
it sure would be a better thing if WE Arrested them instead of some foreign entity.
No such luck. They’re probably sighting in their verbal sniping rifles… I have a feeling that “concern trolling” will be the new order of the day in the MSM, rather than overt ass kissing as it has been for 8 years. There may be a few false starts, but I expect it to be in full swing by the weekend.
I am speechless. Almost. :)
I think Laura is more like a librarian’s nightmare.
Yes, and it is not like she smoked her Xanax or did she?
Bush made it to Andrews…
Will give a closed goodby speech to staff et al. Interested?
Oh, I believe it.
Asshats.
When a brother gets attacked I tend to go a little nuts, not making much sense.
Formerly known as Tdash –
Sadly, not even my titanium suit is enough for the coldness of the water in the pool now, and the lymphedema gets worse in the meantime. From working at an aerobic *dancing* program (as best I can, but my muscles have gotten stronger to allow it somewhat), the lymph fluid has pooled badly. I really need the water pressure of water aerobics.
Should happen in just a few weeks. In the meantime, I think I’ll switch to a yoga program on local tv.
It’s nice of you to remember that little detail!
I hope you are doing very well.
MaryMc !
Any jokes for your dearly, departed Leader ?
why on earth does MSNBC have nooner hangin around????
since last night, actually!
WTF???
Yeah, but he’s got the buds hangin’ up real nice.
We need more progressive voices. ABC just had on Colin Powell and now Martha Raddatz. *sigh*
no
sounds like he is getting booed at Andrews as well
Walking to the plane, Bush just leaves Laura behind. What an idiot.
I’m afraid of them having planted secret microphones/bugs in the White House to snoop on the Obama admin.
Please tell me, everybody, that Obama has the sense to get the place swept for bugs.
Yes?
Brian Williams is going on about how long it took for Bill Clinton to leave D.C. and how the Mark Rich “Scandal” was swirlling around him. The corporate media at it’s finest.
Wow. Bush can’t screw anything up anymore. Well, not as president – I’m sure he’ll tie his shoes together tomorrow morning and spend the day shuffling around the hotel suite shouting ”Con… I mean, Laura!”
So who DIDN’T Bush pardon, and how can we prosecute them?
Nah she had a X*n*x fairy who helped her smile, wave and redecorate.
Hey Mary, good to see you
Sure didn’t take ‘em long to come up with that meme. They’ll harp on it for a week before somebody (read Rachel) straightens them out. Can we get some people with brains in the media? Please?
Brings a smile to my face.
Please god give Peggy Noonan a permanent and absolute though painless case of laryngitis.
No, I think she snorted it. With rolled-up large-denomination bills.
Snark is beyond me today.
(I wonder which clown car drove him away, the little fancy one or the tiny fancy one)
Good question Thousand Points of Light Peg writes dumb speeches and makes dumber comments.
Sorry to hear that you are not 100%, but you’re a champion for lifting our spirits even higher with yours.
Here’s hoping for warm waters in your near future.
Today is the finest day I’ve seen in a long, long while.
Peace,
T-
How DARE you suggest that the former President of these United States habitually carries vermin? SHOCKING!
;>)
Oh Happy Day!
Well, been out and about for a bit.
People are smiling and saying, “Howdy do?”.
Definitely feels different, already …
;~)
awesome!
We just got a polysyllabic president so maybe it is a little too soon. It didn’t take long to dumb them down but to smarten them back up will be a longer haul, I fear.
Thank goodness nothing so serious was going on when Bush left office.
Blue Texan is upstairs.
previouslyTdash –
Your good wishes warm me thoroughly, if not the water. Everything has its season, even in Arizona.
Blessings upon you! I’m so happy to see you and all the Pupsters on this perfect day of joy across the land.
Ah, the scumbags of Congress. Are they gonna sing, or what? Maybe do a little soft shoe. Oh, shit, here comes El Jefe.
CSPAN 2 is rerunning the swearing in
Hugs Mrs.K8!
It was Darth Undead Renfields drink their juice while they wait for their Masters to make them Full Vampires.
(I can’t believe I’m the Master of Undead Lore here)
Nixon told her to do it.
Hail to the Chief…..
Please see my #52 and #87 on the last thread. I’m not surprised at all.
Hail to the Chief! Woo Hoo.
Unfortunately, they’ll harp on it forever….just like the sh*t for lies about how much more the Obama festivities cost than bush’s; that one’s being spewed by every right winger who calls Washington Journal.
Peggy Noonan is so full of herself. Her pearls of wisdom delivered with breathy importance are incredibly trite & silly. The majority of guest commentators on the “news” are no better or worse.
I need to get a new original specialty line of snark material.
I’ve never seen anything like this. This is just unbelieveably great. glad to be sharing it with the Pups.
Man, that’s a huge luncheon. Rubber chicken, anyone?
Citizen SouthernDragon:
Don’t stress Brother Dragon, we’ll pick up the slack, no snotty nosed shavetail with pimples will disrespect anyone while I’m around.
Big hugs back atcha, Margot!!!
“O frabjous day! Callooh Callay” to quote a master of great literature, appropriate for the moment.
They literally took the new limousine apart and put it back together to make sure it was bug-free and safe. I’d assume they’d treat the residence and office with even more suspicion. I know I would…
Amen! Procrastination is not the order of the day regarding war crimes. we will be judged for our forthrightness or our complicity.
BT’s upstairs
And put her in bilateral elbow casts so she can’t type…
I’m actually serious about this.
Do y’all think the Obama admin will have the good sense to have the White House (and Exec Office Building) swept for bugs?
There is virtually nothing vile they wouldn’t do. They believe they have a perfect right for surveillance of anyone, anytime. And who better to snoop on that the person they doubtless consider an upstart (who they imply is “unpatriotic”)?
Do you think the Obama team will take all precautions?
Now playing that wonderful piece containing Simple Gifts; Ma and the flautist (sp?) looked like they were having the best fun.
Oh Marion, thanks for that reassurance!
Where did you hear about sweeping the limo? I somehow missed that.
If America is truly an exceptional nation, there is no clearer manifestation of that than the fact that we had the courage to elect Barack Obama.
I’m sorry, I’m very happy Obama has replaced bush, but ‘America is exceptional and showed courage’ – I’m not seeing it.
* I see many nations have elected women Prime Ministers ages ago including such backwards places as Pakistan.
* I see that its been 46 years since the civil rights movement – a very long time to achieve that which never should have had to be overcome.
* I see to this very day the intentional denial of equality and national acceptance of bigotry to many who happen to love another human of the same gender.
Electing Obama was not courage. It was something long overdo and literally millions have paid a price in death and suffering these past 8 years to make it happen, because it still would never have happened without the massive destruction of bush.
Hope is wonderful and America can finally be proud it made a right choice on 04-Nov-09, but I don’t see at all that it should make Americans feel exceptional. Making the right choice should be the norm, not the exception. What reflects very badly on America is that bush and his psychotically sick associates were ever given the reigns of power to visit on humanity such destruction and the ruination of the United States.
I’m fully expecting the wingnuts to go berserk over “Obama choked on taking the oath! He didn’t really want to say it! Probably because he knows he’d not really a citizen!”
Obama hesitated because Chief Justice Roberts read it wrong, despite (presumably) having the text of the oath right in front of him.
I can just imagine Obama thinking, “Ok, so do I recite Roberts’ mistake, or do I wait for him to notice what he did and correct himself?”
Yes, they will. This is a tough, thoughtful and clever man. Given the major slaps he delivered to W in his Inaugural Address I doubt that he’s feeling kindly disposed or particularly trusting of what he’s walking into.
These are Illinios pols. After Blago and what rode with it, I think the surveillance angle is covered.
Right On!
I will always think of Raven whenever I hear “Yo”!
And, Dragon, you are my soul brother.
No offense has to be intended for anyone to get offended. That’s just the way human behavior works. There are times on this blog, when some comments are less appropriate than others. That’s just the way I see it.
True, dat? Where’d ya hear?
Frankly, I think Team Bush has a little more lampshade and phone checking to worry about in that regard – After all, who’s ‘the Man’ now?
I’ll bet Dick and Lynne already have a code cypher worked out for ‘pass the marmalade’.
;>)
I heard that on either KO or Rachel last night, I think, in the gear-up to today’s festivities. Reporters were not allowed to see the inside of the limo.
I think so.
Ah, yes! Thank you, too, for the reassurance.
I had been wondering if I should try to send an email to the Obama folks, but felt kind of awkward about the notion of Mrs. K8 deigning to send a warning. You and Marion are helping ease my mind about it.
I thought Obama choked because he got a little emotional. Anyway, that’s the narrative some of us can push.
Beautifully said, Jane! Thank you.
Since they love the McCarthy era so much, maybe they’ll take a page from Alger Hiss and spike the pumpkin patch with USB thumb drives (21st century replacement for microfilm, doncha know).
Well, if Lynne is too busy working out code, I’ll be very happy if I never have to see another torrid wingnut book for children prominently displayed in any library.
Obama presented a well crafted speech very well. The speech was progressive
A very good start to his administration. I hope his government will use it as the policy guideline.
“Our security begins with justness of our cause”.
The rule of law
Transparency
Economy
Equality
Common Humanity
An era of peace
Outside our borders…we will work beside you if you relax your fist
Lowery…community of nations
A high bar!
Amen, Norske
Aargh! My cable company’s New Year’s present was to reshuffle the channels, moving C-span 2 to a high, expensive tier.
There I was on New Year’s, looking for some nice BookTV, and not finding it. Amazing.
Fellow pups, I must have a lie-down now.
But it wouldn’t be right to disappear without thanking you so much for your sharing the ceremony with me. You all are the best of the best, dear Citizen Pupsters. Thank you!
((((((MrsK8))))))))
Nope, Roberts screwed up. He put the word “faithfully” too late in the sentence.
But I sure know I’d have a hard time saying that oath with a steady voice. If he really let himself feel what the words mean, not just the responsibility, but the (yes) sacred duty to which they commit him, the 218 years of history to which they connect him. A bit choked up would not be surprising. For me, I’d have to not think about that while saying it.
Waccamaw @ 357: yes! it’s based on a folksong as interpreted by the great great Aaron Copeland. both compositions are amazing. and the reflection of Copeland’s wonderful and great american sweep of sound is so moving. a wonderful fitting and inspiring composition by williams.
I didn’t realize the Roberts part. I did think Obama looked emotional. It was an emotional moment.
Have any arrest warrants been issued yet?
Horses don’t take to bullies, and they can spot one from a great distance.
Thank you for that. “Breathy importance” indeed. It drives me up a wall. I’d even hate it if she were liberal.
The only Bushes left behind are in the rose garden.
It was wonderful to ’see’ you again, MrsK8.
Please return whenever you can. You are missed.
DW
The one thing that I thought of when Obama referred to sacrifice and charity — that a man would cut his hours to save another man’s job — has this ever been asked of the high rolling executives that received undue compensation in government bailout money for destroying the very banks that employed them? And more importantly, will it be asked?
It seems the ones that are being asked to sacrifice are the ones that already sacrificed the most under the Bush Administration. With bailout money to Wall Street while totally ignoring the autoworker, Obama will have to fight a Congress who are predominantly very wealthy and can not even begin to understand the sacrifices already made by the middle class and poor.
And my apologies for turning a joyous occasion into a downer of a post, but I hope fervently, that the words spoken will apply to all incomes — from the wealthiest amongst us who did very well these last eight years to the poorest who are worried where the next meal is coming from.
He’s welcome to earn my respect with some reasoned argument, I didn’t see any.
If you don’t like what I have to say, say something meaningful. I don’t owe someone respect just because YOU think I do. Good luck with that.
Grow up.
[Mod Note: how about we just try to enjoy this special day?]
They mentioned Laura Bush has been scrubbing down the WH for the new family. For some reason, I felt she may have been disposing of evidence of some kind.
Sure, biological evidence of Jeff Gannon’s many visits to the White House.
My hat’s off to you Jane Hamsher.
Nicely put.
I did not vote for President Obama, but he is the President now and I will respect that. I wish the best for this country and for the President. He has a tough job ahead of him and hopefully will be able to do it without all the criticism and hatred that President Bush had to deal with. President Obama talks about being one nation, but how can we be one nation when we are always tearing each other apart. This article is about President Obama,it is his day why are we discussing what President Bush did or did not do. President Bush kept as safe for 7 years and the military wants to finish the job. We will become one nation when people learn respect no matter what party, race, religion & gender you are. God bless America.
Jane, your post is the kind of thing that brings me here and keeps me here.
Well said Jane,but after all the shouting and partying we must come down to earth and look at the US situation in a realistic way. In other words we must participate as never before. We must transform our country in a way that everyone benefits period. You as well as other progressives must form an alliance in which we make sure our agenda is passed. The only question is how do we do that and that the reason for the alliance. The alliance must have a plan to confront the congress even Obama himself get my drift. I would hope you and your partner would hold a summit of all of the progressive bloggers to formulate an agenda to move forward.