madameblogalot

we’re cool now has 7 Comments

1. Shelly wrote:
   January 19th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

   I guess I am glad to be overseas, watching it all from afar. I don’t know anything about being cool, and have been able to keep up with what is being done instead of with the hype. I can say two things —

   I like that a competent black man is going to be in office, and what that means for the strides America is taking in eradicating racism that has just had too strong of a hold over us. It is good that Obama’s platform was not about race issues alone, and that the population as a whole was ready to hear him speak to issues other than race. I think this is a positive.

   The second thing is that this man is SMART, and it seems that he has at least a little bit of wisdom to go along with that. That is just the early signs, but if it holds true, I will have to say that I am impressed. I did not expect to be impressed by anything either of the two big parties have to offer, but if Obama can continue to act with brains and some wisdom, then I think he might just win me over (to his leadership, not necessarily the party’s — I really can’t see myself ever taking a side in a polarized debate like what the American political game has become and feeling comfortable with that). It’s very early to say, but we will see if he continues along the lines of savvy movement in a very difficult job that lies ahead of him.
2. madameblogalot wrote:
   January 19th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

   the media fawning over him is really almost sickening to watch. the double standard. the schools are watching the inauguration tomorrow. never mind they didn’t watch the last one. I am very jaded right now. I don’t like any of this media game or either big party (as you know) it really is bad the way things have been portrayed, at least in my mind.

   I don’t know if I can even say that he is a competent black man. what about when the first full African American becomes president? won’t he then be the first black president? I don’t know, maybe I am speaking racism there. I don’t intend it to be

   hopefully his smarts will come out and others will get a clue too. it is early. and it is a difficult job. we’ll see.
3. admin wrote:
   January 20th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

   I did watch the inauguration. I like the way they put into perspective his heritage: the son of an African immigrant and the reminder that within 60 years ago his dad would not have been welcome in local public settings.

   lots to look to for our future. hope and pray all goes well with the country….
4. Shelly wrote:
   January 20th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

   I thought that was a good part of the inaugural address too, silken.

   I am surprised that the previous couple of inaugurations haven’t been watched in schools in your area. I remember watching the inaugurations of Carter and Reagan (both times, I think) in school. When Bush (Sr.) was inaugurated, I was a senior in high school, and did not see the event in school.

   In Obama’s speech, I liked his call to responsibility, and his reiteration of his commitment to peaceful solutions to our conflicts with other nations. I thought he was smart to hint back to the way Reagan handled the conflicts of his day (though he didn’t call Reagan by name). This was the sort of move I’ve seen him being very adept at — knowing what to say to pull even his political opponents into his plan. I would think that the most conservative of Republicans would appreciate Obama’s point of reference being Reagan, rather than some prominent member of his own party. He does seem to be very interested in crossing partisan lines. If that is more than just posturing I will, be very pleased.

   (Of course, in today’s political climate, it is hard to believe anyone is about anything other than posturing. We’ll see.)
5. madameblogalot wrote:
   January 20th, 2009 at 8:18 pm

   ok, I cannot be SURE they did not watch the other inaugurations, since my kids were home w/ me then….

   yes, his speech was pretty good. I did not hear every bit of it (was at the hospital) and guess I did not catch this particular point you are talking about. I do hope and pray it is more than just posturing….

   we noticed the news showing kids in Indonesia watching the inauguration at school, live. That would mean it was around midnight or after there, is that right?
6. Shelly wrote:
   January 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm

   Yes, I watched until 2 am. Indonesia is an hour different from us — I forget whether earlier or later. I am surprised they watched live!

   I can see how the media fawning would be sickening. I flipped through a friend’s magazine from the States, and got an idea there of the kind of thing you’ve been seeing. Yeah, that would be sickening to see round the clock!
7. madameblogalot wrote:
   January 21st, 2009 at 8:53 pm

   we were surprised too when we realized they were at their school watching it. you stayed up pretty late too!