Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for November 05, 2008

I am!

And so am I, and very proud of America this night.

Me three!

Good call, GBT. Good call, USA.

Brilliant GBT!! I am elated for all of us Americans abroad who can once again be proud of our President and all the people who put him there! Well done USA

Wayyy too funny!

And he is ALL AMERICAN.

and I’m very afraid!

“afraid”? But why?

The change that we have been talking about for the past two years is a willingness to look at issues without partisanship AND to try something new. If we are true to the mantra of change, we are willing to reexamine Obama the President in 4 years. So, why fear?

“We” did not win and “you” did not lose. We all won because we got to participate in our government process, and we get the same call to duty every November. Despite all the rhetoric of the campaign trail, the issue at play from day one has been whether we are going to divide ourselves with nasty partisanship or whether we are going to unite in our common cause of democracy.

This election, and the result, is not the end. It is only the beginning (as is any election).

Greetings:

Why be proud?

Proud of what?

Blacks were united in voting for Barack Hussein Obama, because of his race and his anti-Americanism.

Whites were divided against each other, with some voting for John McCain, who is also anti-American, some voting for Barack Hussein Obama because of a misplaced sense of guilt, and other Whites voting for third party candidates, because they were so disgusted with the Republicans acting like Democrats.

Black Panthers in Philadelphia openly intimidated voters, and got away with it, thanks to the prevailing racial double standard and Marxist-inspired “political correctness”.

So, what do we have to be so proud of?

Barack Hussein Obama has already stated clearly what he thinks of the Constitution of the United States.

Maybe others think the Constitution is outdated, but I still believe in it, for it’s a basic part of my religious faith.

Thank you.

Sorry, but which religion incorporates the constitution of the United States in its faith?

I didnt know who was president until a day after you guys in America did! Well maybe more like 5 hours but i hate time zone math.

Im proud of America and i had to yell “Yata” when i first heard.

For all of those who are mad I’ll just say “Get over it”. Support him now and hope he doesnt screw us over. No amount of recounts will make up the difference so he is our president whether anyone likes it or not. (No one has stated it on this forum yet but its for future people)

Looks like John Robert Mallernee is one of those children that got left behind ……

WAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY behind.

I wonder what he was doing when the rest of us were learning about the Constitution and United States history.

I’m pleased too, and it’s because I feel this man is educable and doesn’t KNOW it all where he will only do what he thinks is right. He’ll listen and then act.

I just finished reading President-elect Obama’s acceptance speech and it brought tears to my eyes. There is hope after all.   I had pretty much given up on the viability of this country based on all the unending greed and corruption that has been so rampant this past decade. Yet even without a dramatic presentation, just his words alone inspire hope for the future. Hope for a lot of things but especially hope that we will move from the paradigm of the divisiveness of finger pointing and bickering to an inclusive search for win-win solutions that respect human and global dignity. This was exemplified by his words:

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.   And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

I think the biggest danger now is the (probably unrealistic), high expectations of his supporters and his critics, both nationally and globally. It is certainly going to be a test of his mettle. For everyone’s sake, I wish him success.

ladiv wrote:

“which religion incorporates the constitution of the United States in its faith?”

ladiv, et alii:

Members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints (i.e., the “Mormon” church) believe the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God and written by men whom God had raised up for that very purpose.

That belief is a basic principle in our Articles of Faith.

Latter-day Saints also believe that the United States of America is the “Promised Land”, and that Jesus Christ is the God of this land.

For more information, talk to your “Mormon” neighbor or co-worker.

Thank you.

misterwhite wrote:

“I wonder what he was doing when the rest of us were learning about the Constitution and United States history.”

misterwhite, et alii:

Oh, I reckon I was busy MAKING United States history, lying behind some sandbags firing an M-60 machine gun at North Vietnamese soldiers, as mortar rounds exploded and 122mm rockets whined overhead.

But, what do I know?

I was just another lonely G.I., trying desperately to stay alive for one more day.

Yes, I’m actually mentioned in a couple of history books.

Another point - - - ,

How OLD are you?

I’m guessing you’re a lot younger than I am.

If so, the America I grew up in was a whole lot different than the America you live in.

You have no idea what’s been lost, because you’ve never known anything other than our contemporary environment.

Thank you.

But what a wonderful opportunity we all have now and every day (no matter who our president is, was or will be) to choose to look ahead and not let those days from the past define what our future will be.

John Robert – Some whites voted for Obama because he represents an alternative to divide-and-conquer politics; equally, while there was voter intimidation on all sides, to generalize that indecency or even voting practices to a larger group is patently unfair and logically false. There is a distinct difference in some and all.

I will admit, I am younger than you. And, yes, the America you knew is no longer here; but future generations will one day say the same to me. That is because you can never step in the same river twice. Or even once. Change happens, and it should be embraced; the alternative is devolution.

More importantly, resisting change means that you will never know what has been gained.

JR,

May God help you find peace in your heart and humanity in your soul.

This election has certainly energised the masses. It was good to see a huge turnout - about 64%. Good to know that people care.

Loved Obama’s acceptance speech and McCain’s concession speech.

Yee hah! Here’s to better days for us all.

attyush said,

Loved Obama’s acceptance speech and McCain’s concession speech.

Ditto atty!

Going on a road trip today so will miss the always oh so lively discourse. Will catch up later.

oh, and Gweedo, you’re growing mold under the chin. (hehehehe)

WE ARE ALL 50th cousin’s :D

I read an editorial the other day and GT did NOT have a back up comic for today. This comic would have run regardless. It wasn’t hard to predict a winner a couple of weeks ago so I wouldn’t say he went too far out on a limb.

I am very proud this country was able to elect an African-American POTUS without race being a major issue publically throughout the campaign. Immediately after he was proclaimed the winner though, all the major news channels were talking of nothing else. That disappointed me. I understand the historicity, but that’s not what interviews and commentaries were focused on.

I said I was proud of the country for what it did yesterday…however I don’t think a 47 year old first term senator is experienced enough to do the job. The people clearly elected him, so I will support him. I can only pray we don’t fall apart as we did with that peanut farmer. People wanted a change after Watergate and elected him for the wrong reasons. I think the same thing just happened last night. Obama was elected for the wrong reasons. But as I said, I support him now. I have no choice really. I’m active duty military so he’s my boss…my Commander in Chief.

I’m voicing my opinion here, but I am not bitter…honest. Several of the posters in this forum fail to realize this country gives everyone the right to have their opinion. No one should be bitter about someone else expressing his or her opinion. Having said that, John Robert Mallernee would have to have expected the types of responses he rec’d to his first post. I agree with some of his points in other postings, but that first one was just asking to be hammered.

As for my Mormon “neighbors”… They knocked on my door one Saturday afternoon and I invited them in. I just happened to be preparing the lesson I would teach at my Sunday school class the next day. I had a couple different versions of the Bible out and some commentaries, etc. They talked…I showed them in the Bible where they were wrong…they presented the standard Mormon response to these arguments…all very politely…but now they won’t talk to me anymore. I see them out and about in my area but none has knocked on my door since that day. Although I don’t agree with the Mormon doctrine, I fully support John’s right to express his faith and views.

Keabu – Love that your standing up for your convictions, and dissent or disagreement is always welcome.

I do hope you keep an open mind, though. We (America) once elected a short-term Senator who’s only prior experience was in the State Legislature of Illinois; he was able to heal a deeply divided nation.

History does give us negative precedent in “the peanut farmer” (debatable) but it also shows us positive precedent.

Just a question here related to the ethnicity of our president-elect: should we really be proud of ourselves for reaching a “better late than never” conclusion? I am glad we are confronting our negative history, but to pat ourselves on the back now seems somewhat condescending.

Birish,

I do have an open mind. I hope this country made the right choice. I was disappointed in the direction this country has taken in recent months and I too realize we need a change. I think McCain offered the better choice for experience, but I will give Obabma the benefit of the doubt and do my part for him to succeed…whatever it is I can do at my level

Remember another young, relatively inexperienced president, once thought unelectable, because of his religion … derailed by ill-advised military adventures due to faulty intel, but still able to accomplish some things, and establish a legacy, while tarnished some, that can still inspire a generation to work FOR this country and make it work better. And that’s crucial, because democracy is, and has always been, a participative form of government - of, BY, and for the people, yes? Obama can’t do it all by himself - no one can - it will take concerted, unified effort to really turn things around. That’s what I most hope he can keep going - what his leadership can accomplish - full participation by more of the citizens - even the Joe Six-Packs, and the fanasty sports leaguers, and the video-gamers, and everybody else who has taken democracy and this country for granted for far too long. Somebody put it very simply, and clearly, long ago - eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

cfortunato says:

“Did GT have two comics ready to go?”   Nope. I read a news article about it.

John Robert Mallernee says:

“I wonder what he was doing when the rest of us were learning about the Constitution and United States history.”

“Oh, I reckon I was busy MAKING United States history, lying behind some sandbags firing an M-60 machine gun at North Vietnamese soldiers, as mortar rounds exploded and 122mm rockets whined overhead.

“But, what do I know?

“I was just another lonely G.I., trying desperately to stay alive for one more day.

Y”es, I’m actually mentioned in a couple of history books.”   I’m not mentioned in any history books, and i never got shot at, and the closest i ever came to actually shooting at anyone would have been from the uprange end of a friendly-fire incident, when an idiot scared hell out of me during lunar new year 1970, but i was there, too.   And the message that i came home with was that Presidents (or countries) who get involved in contests to prove that they have larger genitalia than the other guy (as Kennedy and Macnamra’s Bans did) usually wind up inserting said organs in a meat grinder.   But, not, of course, their own vitally-important wedding tackle. That of young men (and women) who actually believe their lies and propaganda.    

“Another point - - - ,

“How OLD are you?

“I’m guessing you’re a lot younger than I am.

“If so, the America I grew up in was a whole lot different than the America you live in.”

  It’s very likely i’m your age or older, and i agree - the America my step-daughter’s generation grew up in grew up in was - until Saint Ronnie’s followers set out to rescind the progress made from the Johnson years on - a vastly better place than the America i grew up in. (A classmate cheered in the classroom when news of the Kennedy assassination came over the PA. He was not alone in his attitude, just a little less restrained than most.)

  With luck, over the next few years, we can undo the damage done to the Constitution by Bush Minor (who once referred to said document as “just a d*amned piece of paper” when his advisors told him something he want to do was unConstitutional) and his puppeteers over the last eight years.   And maybe we can get the country back to the point where we have a budgetary surplus (as at the end of the Clinton years), rather than another record deficit (as at the end of the Administrations of every Republican from Nixon forward…)

I haven’t been offended by much in this forum, but the statement “the disasters of the last eight years” was uncalled for. No RATIONAL person can say the last EIGHT years have been bad. It’s only been the last year at most this country started to falter. Did you spend your stimulus rebate checks? If you think things are so bad, you should have returned it. It’s been the democratic led congress that has prevented the republican president from doing what he wanted to better this nation.

As far as the war…the ALL VOLUNTEER military forces support it and they’re the ones doing the fighting. I’ve been active duty for 25 years and just last month returned from a deployment in the middle east. I literally don’t know one person personally that does not support what we’re doing

Sorry to disappoint you Progan, but I am not offended.

You’re reponse only makes me wonder if I took Susan’s statement out of context. I directly related “disasters of the last eight years” specifically to President Bush and a Republican administration. If that isn’t what she was refering to, then I stand corrected.

I certainly agree the things you pointed out have been “bad”. I’ll grant you a couple could have been prevented in hindsight. But generally speaking, most of that stuff would have happened no matter what the circumstances or what president/party was in power.

I do not believe this has been a pointless war…by no means. But I can tell by the tone of your response that it would be fruitless to argue that point with you.

Keabu – I have to disagree. The policies of the last 8 years have been nothing short of disastrous, both domestically and internationally.

From the political firing of DAs, to the placement of lobbyists at the head of environmental protection agencies, to the failed attempt at placing a Texas crony on the Supreme Court, to the assault on the freedoms our forefathers died for, to Cheney redefining the role of the Vice Presidency … the egregious wrongs of this administration have been beyond bad. They have been reprehensible.

I won’t bring up the war because you have stated your opinion. However, regardless of your opinion on it, we have lost currency with once-trusted allies. We also backed out of diplomacy with N. Korea (and just about every other country in the world) that made significant progress under Clinton. We are left with a less stable world today than before Bush.

We have slowly and surely devolved from our proud standing in the world over the course of 8 loooooong years. The word “disaster” does have unfortunate connotations; however, frustrated Americans are willing to call it up and use it when policy after policy and decision after decision makes us question our faith in our democracy. And that may be the most frustrating thing of all: we all want to love our country, but it is hard to do so when it appears to have been hijacked.

Ok, just remember, you started with specifics. So Clinton’s eight years were better?

Troopergate Monica Lewinsky Very suspect pardons Whitewater Campaign Finance controversy etc…

Subjecting our country to the impeachment trials instead of accepting responsiblity was the most damaging in my opinion.

I CANNOT every forgive Clinton for flat out lying to this country and then gloating that he beat the wrap. The only reason he wasn’t rightfully impeached was because senators voted on party lines. That was wrong. As I’ve mentioned, I’m in the military. Where do you think I’d be today if I lied about anything official?

Clinton was more corrupt than Nixon…yeah, I said that and I believe that

Not all beliefs are truths.

Keabu – I did not say that the person Clinton was better than the person Bush. You asked how anyone could call the last 8 yeas bad. I answered the question, and I answered with policies that were a direct result of the last 8 years.

Your attempt to reshape the argument to compare Bush to Clinton ignores your own question. My mention of Clinton related to policy, specifically the priority placed on diplomacy.

If I answered your list of ad hominem attacks against Clinton, we would accomplish little more than a political water balloon fight. But rest assured, I could list a dozen reasons that Bush ought to face the same scrutiny that Clinton and Nixon did.

If you want to tell me about policies in the last 8 years that have been beneficial, I’m willing to listen. I suspect I might be waiting a while, though.

wndrwrthg said, “Not all beliefs are truths”

That’s for sure. I am not so egotistical to try and say it is true simply because I believe it.

BirishB…when I reflect on the point I’m trying to make, I realize I haven’t done a good job of being clear. About the only thing I’ve been trying to do all day in this forum is defend the person George Bush. I think he is getting too much blame for the state of the country. I’m not saying he is faultless…just being blamed for things that aren’t his fault

Who wants pancakes?

BirishB Let’s not forget that Democrats have controlled congress since 2006. Both parties share in accountability for where we are today. It wasn’t just Bush and the Repubs who got us into Iraq, nor was it just the election of Bush that produced the current economic collapse. Conversely, Obama will enjoy a strong Democratic majority in congress and a supportive media. One could easily conclude from statements in his acceptance speech that Obama is already trying to dramatically lower expectations. If things don’t improve fairly quickly, how long can Obama and the Democrats blame Bush’s policies before it gets stale? I pray Obama is truly as intelligent as his supporters believe him to be and that he will make decisions that are best for America.

Enough! You Republicans have been the enemies of the American people since 1980, and we are taking our country back. No longer will big oil run things and destroy our planet. No longer will big business make the rich richer and the poor poorer. You lose; we win, and as Henry V said after his amazing victory at Agincourt, “God fought for us.”

Welcome, J.R. Mallernee, to our little forum. We hope you enjoy our little discussions and welcome you to participate. But while you’re here please try to refrain from lecturing to us our preaching to us. We respect your opinion, please respect ours. I’ve seen you posted all over the place today, thats cool. Is your other name UncaAlby? Chill out, slow down and enjoy the funny pages. Or at least let us enjoy them.

keabu1 says:

“About the only thing I’ve been trying to do all day in this forum is defend the person George Bush. I think he is getting too much blame for the state of the country.”   When Clinton lied, nobody lied.   That’s one difference between Clinton’s lies and Bush Minor’s. The other is that Clinton admits he lied. W is still trying to sell the myth of al Qaeda in Iraq, weapons of mass destruction and all the wretched rest. We’re well on the way to becoming a police state whose citizens need internal passports to travel to another city or state. I don’t think it’ll actually go that far, but i also doubt we’ll get back all - maybe not even most of - the liberties those of us who came of age in the 1960s learned to expect. (Speaking of “coming of age” in the 1960s - on 22 October, 1969, i turned 21 at Cam Ranh Bay with another ten months in-country to go.)     stpatme says:

“Enough! You Republicans have been the enemies of the American people since 1980, and we are taking our country back…”   Chill out - the words are Democrat, but the tune you’re singing comes from Ann Coulter, Limbaugh and Hannitay.   Extremist rabble-rousing is never justified.

For half of my life,which is basically all that i remember well, ive been under the Bush Administartion. It doesnt give me a good view on how things were before that but i know one thing

Bush=Dept Clinton=Surplus

Now when i get home from Japan in 10 months i really want to see the country in a good state and not the hell hole that i have always remembered it as. Not just economy but reputation!

Yes Im “immature” but i can see all thats been good..psh, yea right…and bad with these past 8 years. I dont compare i only view.

Seriously, we should all totally get some pancakes.

Tx,

You have a place in mind?

I’m into the Swedish, uber-thin with loads of butter and real maple syrup.

*tx* I think the food and fare are better on the couch. Maybe too late for pancakes here.

Poms,

What a pleasant surprise seeing you over here. Welcome.

I could go for some pancakes. IHOP anyone :)

Yes, Keabu1. IHOP it is…

count me in!

Itll probably take me…10 hours but ill be there. :)

Nipponkid,

It would be complete culture shock but you should join us at the Ihop too.

I remember my first time back in the states after 13 months living over seas. It was crazy and weird noticing all the differences between there and here, good and bad. I felt like know one understood me and how nice that was.

phat

I was writing as you were hopping on the plane.

Has anyone forgotten that the Democrats had the majority in the Senate and Congress for the last two years? That didn’t do the US any favors. May God bless and help the US as now we have a Democarat president, and democrats in majority in the Senate and Congress.

*“Enough! You Republicans have been the enemies of the American people since 1980, and we are taking our country back…”

Chill out - the words are Democrat, but the tune you’re singing comes from Ann Coulter, Limbaugh and Hannitay.

Extremist rabble-rousing is never justified.*

I must agree…this kind of vitriol only serves to further harden feelings when we should be working together to make our country what it can be.

Frida, I’m only coming if I can bring blintzes. ;)

Heavenly,

Did you say blintzes? (drops fork with pancake and syrup dripping it down the front of her favorite Mexican cruising t-shirt)

You are kewl H!

I got the recipe from a Russian immigrant and it’s absolutely…heavenly!

;) ;)

Gweedo,

Turn that frown up side down and come try these blintzes. They’re heavenly! : )

Heavenly,

We can garner so much from those who come from the ol’ country.

Perhaps I should offer them to the couch pibites? I’d hate to have them feel left out after all they’ve done for my sanity.

Lol! The Pibgornians have taken over ‘Doonesbury!

Tx: Yes please! Buttermilk pancakes, slathered with fresh home-made butter and real maple syrup.   I am proud of our country today, but still apprehensive about our future. There is so much to be done. Still, I’m honored to have lived to see this day.   @keabu1: Religion is not like math. When someone says that 2+2=5, you can show them where they are wrong. Not so with matters of faith - it’s only possible to show others where you disagree. John above and your Mormon friends have a firm conviction of the correctness of their beliefs, as you do of yours, and as your Muslim neighbor across the street does of hers.   Evangelization is a tough business - on the whole, I think I’d rather be a telemarketer for Viagra, it would be easier. But any discussion founded on the basis of “I’m right and you’re wrong” is doomed to end with resistance and resentment all round.   And, I might, add, political convictions are no different…   &Lol! The Pibgornians have taken over ‘Doonesbury!*   That could turn out to be a Good Thing… ;^)

aaahhh,

you almost look lovable there, But, the blintzes are like me, sweet. Try the געפֿילטע פֿיש it is probably more to your liking.

Lol! The Pibgornians have taken over ‘Doonesbury!

Ooh, gefiltefisch! Pass the matzot and haroset, please! Kinder, lummir reden Yiddish!

Maybe we should come over here with a nice comfy couch.

CCd,

You never cease to amaze me!

Where IS UncaAlby? I kind of miss his posts… nobody got people riled faster, and he kinda ‘livened’ up the place. I hope he surfaces again. I, for one, would groan.. and smile.

I think that Unca Alby is in hiding because his man lost.

I do hope that he’s not ill or injured in same way.

BirishB says:

Keabu – Love that your standing up for your convictions, and dissent or disagreement is always welcome.

I do hope you keep an open mind, though. We (America) once elected a short-term Senator who’s only prior experience was in the State Legislature of Illinois; he was able to heal a deeply divided nation.

History does give us negative precedent in “the peanut farmer” (debatable) but it also shows us positive precedent.

I’m also reminded that the Roman Empire had several ways to choose the next Emperor: blood relative, adoption, Army support, Senate support, Civil War. All of them produced reasonably good and effective Emperors; all of them also produced real flops. As someone said, this is just a beginning. Now we get to see how good our choice was, and what the pres-elect can do with his opportunity. Bmonk

Well… Presidents are all the same. They are nothing more than their establishment. So, no matter how nice his words are he will be just another president. In his policy he will follow the rules written by those who spent millions on him, not by you, people who elected him. That’s the sad reality but that’s the way it is, and those who expected something else will be disillusioned once again. Especially pity are those who cried from joy today for they will almost inevitably feel the shame for their tears in just a couple of years.

To the guy in the 4th panel: Hello? Whites have never been oppressed. All the presidents have been white!

The unsaid with said.

It was a promising start, I’ll give you that. But the man never had enough experience—I said it back then and I’ll say it now, but he should have finished out at least one term as Senator. I was from Illinois and felt cheated that he immediately started running for President..Five years on,I’m disappointed. Hillary did all his heavy lifting in foreign affairs (even the things that should have been in his purview) and domestically, he couldn’t figure out how to get around Congress even when the Dems were running the show. Didn’t vote for him next time around.