Obama greets DC volunteers

givi — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:55:59 GMT

Nice work. He rising his level with actions, like this.

Obama greets DC volunteers

eagle1776 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:01:15 GMT

What a let down after tomorrow and life gets back to normal for so many of those who are now so excited. The experience of a lifetime does that to people. I enjoy watching from a distance. The heart just can't stand the excitement of being there although we were invited.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Slo Peseconds — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:02:07 GMT

Nice that Joe Biden stopped by. How is Hillary taking the news that Joe had his choice between being VP or Sec. of State?

Obama greets DC volunteers

marc, birmingham, alabama — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:02:46 GMT

The discussion of the inauguration costs,and comparisons to the second Bush inauguration and the Obama inauguration have been severeley misrepresented.

2005 Bush Inauguration (his second inauguration) cost approximately 42million for swearing in and festivities paid for by private donations. Security costs paid for by the federal government were not publicized. The events included 9 official balls, a concert, and fireworks as well as the traditional parade.

In comparision the 2009 inauguration of Obama is projected to cost $45million for swearing in and festivities paid for by private donations. Security costs paid for by the federal government have not been announced. The events include 10 official balls, a concert, as well as the traditional parade.

Not much of a difference after all when you compare the actual numbers. The numbers being widely reported have not included security costs paid for by the federal government for Bush's total in the comparison.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Pay Now, Pay Later, Then Pay Again — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:04:24 GMT

"I think there's so much excitement in this country right now," she said. "I think volunteering makes you feel good."

But it don't pay the bills at the end of the month little lady. Need a pay'n job for that. Not too many landlords or banks forego their rent or mortgages you know.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Sweet Lou — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:08:16 GMT

Well, hopefully Obama will go one better and be able to repair the damages done to the Constitution while Bush was there.

Jackson, Seattle

---------------

Barack's not a military man, so does he understand the terms "Incoming!!" and "Duck and Cover!!"? And, who's teaching BO how to salute? Bill?

Obama greets DC volunteers

Matt Nisson, Holman Texas — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:13:43 GMT

Matt Nisson, Holman Texas:

Matt:

Please do not use my initials in your posted responses when your responses make no sense whatsoever. Now if you want to disucss the issues or Obama with some intelligence fine by me. But please keep your biggoted ignorant comments to yourself or strictly in response to some other blogger's posts.
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL

Well, I guess we found out who thinks they're the moderator around here. I'll comment on your ignorant comments and include your initials any time I please, thank you.

Obama greets DC volunteers

GAL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:15:05 GMT

Obama greets DC volunteers

Anna Molly — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:17:10 GMT

Mr. Anderson ~ (from a previous thread)

I agree that the designated successor should always be a civilian. But Robert Gates IS a civilian, isn't he? ;)

Obama greets DC volunteers

Bill, NY — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:18:01 GMT

So much for the rule of law. Looks like you can break the law and the President will give you a free pass..

Roger

+++++++++++

Roger? Roger Clinton? Is that you?

Obama greets DC volunteers

Mike Pathes, Southern California — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:20:40 GMT

I guess Barack will carry his own suitcase, take Amtrak, eat at Joe's. No trappings of the privileged for BO.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:22:30 GMT

Barack's not a military man, so does he understand the terms "Incoming!!" and "Duck and Cover!!"? And, who's teaching BO how to salute? Bill?
Sweet Lou
******************************************************
Not even idiots like you, Lou, can take away from the fact that America is looking at a new beginning starting tomorrow; one that will be full of hope and promise. Yes, we do realize that we'll have to drag your sorry a** along for the ride, but we'll do that, too, for you see, we are full of hope. We are even hoping that you won't be so stupid in the coming years, but I kind of doubt that will happen. You are what you are and we'll just have to deal with that. Happiness, for you, Lou, in the next 4 years (hopefully 8)!

Obama greets DC volunteers

Richard in Delmar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:24:48 GMT

A little time to volunteer, meet others, and create community for four or so hours, might notpay bills, but it does reduce stress through the creation of community. Everone ought to try it, instead of sitting in front of the tv or computer complaining.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Linsey T., Tenn. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:28:12 GMT

*******

And Bush left us 11 trillion in the hole...funny how that doesn't enter into your conversation.
JT

************

And Obama will spend a trillion more in his first month in office. So your point is what?

Obama greets DC volunteers

Monkberry Moon — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:29:53 GMT

Moon Maid - In prep for Obama's Inauguration I'm gonna need a 12 pack of Miller and an overdose of Fox News, just to keep it fair and balanced .... if you don't mind.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Danesis Walters Chicago IL — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:34:05 GMT

Where's Roland Burris in all this? As the only African American sitting in the Senate, and being from Barack Obama's home state, it would be significant if the PE was working hand and hand with his colleague on MLK Day.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Jilli — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:35:30 GMT

Obama greets DC volunteers

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:58:18 GMT

This inauguration reminds me of the last scene in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (the redux) after the Evil Empire is destroyed and everyone in the galaxy is celebrating. All we need now is a giant sized statue of G.W.Bu--Sh-- to tear down to make everyting complete.

I really do feel sorry for the stubborn sore-losers on the right who just can't get past the fact that this isn't about just them anymore. Its about ALL OF US. After 8 years of "us vs them" politics, we'll finally have a president who will listen to all points of view, even those that go contrary to his personal philosophy (see Rick Warren). They'd rather sulk in some corner because they somehow feel that they don't belong. That is wholy their choice to be stuck in the past. What they fail to realize that the future has much in store for ALL OF US, for better or worse. Fear, and only fear, is what keeps some from realizing it.

TOMORROW ENDS THE NIGHTMARE, AND A NEW DREAM WILL HAVE BEEN REALIZED!
http://jawillie.blog.com

Obama greets DC volunteers

ace — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:59:14 GMT

sweet lou, i am a military man and veteran. i understand that terminology as well as those in my family that haven't ever served. don't sell the new incoming president short. he is an amazingly knowledgable man sir.

we as americans should hope that our country can be healed, unified and made better. there is nothing wrong with that. as military personel if you are one, isn't that what we serve for? to hope america has a chance at being better as a whole and the right to be diverse in views yet unified as a people with enduring freedom?

was not president elect obama voted in with one of the greatest exercises of freedom that we serve to protect? a free and democratic election was performed. mr. obama won in a majority vote. he is our president come jan. 20, 2009. he will be the commander in cheif.

if you are a military man of honor sir, you more than anyone that is a civilian should understand the importance of respecting and honoring the commander in cheif. the leader of the free world. remember our military code of honor sir. god bless all who have and are wearing the uniform. god bless our commander in cheif and president of the united states that we serve and protect so we can always have free and democratic elections.

Obama greets DC volunteers

joanne padmore, harrisburg pa — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:14:01 GMT

i was not going to be there because my body and hand hurt so much. I am going to take as many pain pills as my body can stand because I have to be a part of this day. I will be in washington on 1/20/09 somewhere.

Obama greets DC volunteers

joanne padmore, harrisburg pa — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:15:48 GMT

i have to be there.

Obama greets DC volunteers

Yosemite Sam — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:42:46 GMT

Yeee Haw! Git along thar horse. Whoa mule, when I say whoa I means WHOA mule. How I stop this dang animal anyway? Pull back on the reins. I did that and he won't stop. Maybe if I kick him in the sides he'll stop....WHOA, I say Woha horse. Man that was quite a ride. I was borned in the saddle, you know, way up thar in Big Sky Country. Now I'm gonna get some of dem Injuns and we gonna show off for the city slickers. Yeee Haw!!!

Obama greets DC volunteers

anita ford greensboro,nc — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:02:48 GMT

A day of service is an excellent idea. No, it does not pay bills but you can volunteer. Drive a neighbor that does not have a car, to the grocery store when you are going, read a story to a child, help an elderly person carry their groceries (if they let you), help out with children's church, etc.
You can think of things to do that will not interfere with your work day.
WE should have a day of service at least once a month! Pretend it Christmas or Thanksgiving, help someone less fortunate that you. Sometimes a little can go a long way!

Obama greets DC volunteers

Natalie Lebanon, OH — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:54:05 GMT

I volunteered today! I was calling residents letting them know the food pantries were in need of donations...Many people hung up on me...I especially enjoyed the one where he told me his son was in Iraq, I said that is very honorable, and then talked about the local food pantries...And he hung up on me...Nice...Next time I'm going to paint or do a clean-up...It was brutal, and not very heart-warming...Although one woman who used the pantry was so thrilled to have us do what we did...She said 'god bless'...I'm writing a letter to the editor and shaming those who were rude...I couldn't believe it!

Obama greets DC volunteers

Jim Kreitzmann — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:05:45 GMT

I remember my parents seeing the promise of FDR in the words of JFK, the republican dreams in Ronald Reagan and the dreams of one America united, now with Obama! Let us not waste our opportunity to unite for not only America, but for humanity

Obama greets DC volunteers

fidelia, mozambique — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:15:10 GMT

this means a lot to me as african. how great you are Obama....how great you are....

Obama greets DC volunteers

Ruth Ann, Iwakuni, Japan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:21:16 GMT

Japan loves Obama! At midnight, Wednesday here in Japan, we are celebrating with our Japanese friends the Inauguration. The peaceful transition of power, the excitement of the American people, the realistic acknowledgement of slow progressive change and the hope we have as a nation; speaks volumes of our nations character.

We fail to realize how lucky we are to be separated from our enemies by two enormous oceans. How lucky we are to have our allies and friends border us from the North and South. The world was holding their breath and praying for change. God Bless America. Well, it’s 40 minutes to midnight and if you listen carefully you can hear the people of Obama, Japan (yes, there is an Obama, Japan) cheering when the hands of time join to applaud the arrival of the Obama Era.

Cheers, or as we say in Japan, Kampai!!!

Obama greets DC volunteers

eagle1776 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:53:30 GMT

Volunteerism is a wonderful thing - it benefits not only those you serve, but it benefits you and your community.

For Pay Now, Pay Later, Then Pay Again, I feel sorry for you and your obvious cynicism. No, volunteerism is not a substitute for a paying position, but it can easily be worked into your free time.
Jilli

You are right Jilli. It seems that some prefer to throw a few pennies at the doers in the community and think they have done their part. Conservatives give more money to charity, so they say. Well rolling up one's sleeves and pitching in to help may not cost money but it does give a sense of purpose, of pride in knowing that our community and our environment are better because of what one has done to help. Some of us have more spare time than others. That's okay. Even an hour a month is better than no community service at all.