Celebrate Obama's Inaguration

by Starstruck Sun Jan 18, 2009 19:59

Pro-war,pro-death penalty,millionaire capitalist---so what if he's black?
People would want to get the blinkers off.
Cult of the personality clouding accurate political analysis.
Dont annoint Obarma the saviour just yet-Chomsky strips away the bullshit--

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by Diarmuid Sun Jan 18, 2009 20:45

Agree with the comment above (even without Chomsky's analysis). Nobody gets to be President of the US without owing his capitalist backers and no-one could stay in office without the continued support of at least the majority of those. It will be business as usual, more or less, with a more photogenic President who makes less verbal mistakes. The exploitation of the workers and of the less developed world will continue, along with support for dictatorships, arms sales and CIA activity.

by biffo Mon Jan 19, 2009 00:19

some of us have been celebrating for a while now

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/89772

by Sharon . - Individual. Mon Jan 19, 2009 16:16

Hi !

I heard this text read out today on the mid-morning programme of 'Newstalk 106' -

" I predict a smaller voter turn-out for the next US Presidential election as those angry with themselves for falling for Obama's 'Change-Yes-We-Can' election promises . Obama himself may be well intentioned but the 'Money-Men' behind his borrowed throne will quickly slap him down if he attempts anything that might interfere with profit margins."

I agree with those sentiments , although I would like to be proved wrong .

Thanks!
Sharon.

A representation of those who voted for Obama or of those who doubt that he can 'change the system' ?

by pat c Mon Jan 19, 2009 16:24

There will besome changes but Obama will still be CiC of a Terrorist State.

by Anti-Begrudgery Mon Jan 19, 2009 19:15

no one ever accomplished anything really positive or great, by listening to the doubters and haters.

increase the peace, it's too late for the hate.

by southern comfort Mon Jan 19, 2009 19:58

Just to remind us about O'Bama's choice as his chief of staff - link below -

..see what Mr Emanuel Senior said about Palestine:

"Ira Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, said that the choice indicates that Obama will not listen to the wrong people regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship.[47] Some commentators opined that Emanuel would be good for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process because if Israeli leaders make excuses for not dismantling settlements, Emanuel will be tough and pressure the Israelis to comply.[53][54]

Some Palestinians and Arabs expressed dismay at Obama’s appointment of Emanuel.[55] Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada said that Obama’s appointment of Emanuel sent the signal he would not be taking “more balanced, more objective, more realistic advice that could change the course from the disastrous Palestine-Israel policies of the Bush and Clinton administrations.”[56] Emanuel said that Obama did not need his influence to "orientate his policy toward Israel".[57]

Emanuel's 81-year old father was quoted as saying, "Obviously, he will influence the President to be pro-Israel. Why shouldn't he do it? What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floor of the White House."[57] Although political analysts said that as a veteran Democratic congressman, Emanuel should not be held responsible for everything his father says, Emanuel apologized to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee which had asked for such an apology, stating "From the fullness of my heart, I personally apologize on behalf of my family and me. These are not the values upon which I was raised or those of my family."[57][58] An Emanuel spokesman said Emanuel offered to meet with Arab-American community representatives in the future."[57]

..so I'm sorry folks, but for some time to come you won't be able to buy that affordable bijou holiday apartment on the Gazan coast. Try Bulgaria instead.

by Emmet Tue Jan 20, 2009 16:51

"Obama himself may be well intentioned but the 'Money-Men' behind his borrowed throne will quickly slap him down if he attempts anything that might interfere with profit margins."

I fully agree that he most definitely will be slapped down if he upsets the "Money Masters" in any significant way: particularly if he has absolutely no evidence to show them that vast numbers of people all over the world now desperately wish to see major changes in this area, having due regard for the present global financial crisis (caused by the Money Masters).

What would happen though (I wonder) if millions of people in the US -- and elsewhere in the world -- took the trouble to learn about and to understand the ways of the Money Masters, and then gently pointed out to the new President (in open, obvious ways) that we have all had enough of this kind of abuse: and that we want him to try and end it, and to make this particular job his very first priority?

My fear is that most people will just sit back and do nothing to help him out. Worse still, that (in addition) they will play the role of "hurlers on the ditch" with a passion for destructive criticism and childish smart-Alec comments, while offering no useful alternative suggestions.

Fortunately, the Internet makes it very easy these days for large numbers of people to learn about the activities of the Money Masters, and their socially destructive ways. Simply click on links of the following kind (for example):

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&fkt=2328&fsdt=13719&...f&oq=

http://uk.yhs.search.yahoo.com/avg/search?fr=yhs-avg&p=...sters

A final thought:

If the Internet had been available during the days of former United States Presidents Jefferson, Lincoln, or Kennedy, any one of these three US Presidents would in all probability have decommissioned the Money Masters for good: and thus made the world a much safer and more joyful place.

The new Jefferson/Lincoln/Kennedy "lookalike" U.S. President Obama will have the Internet; plus, he very obviously knows how to use it: so who knows what might happen? -- particularly if voters everywhere openly encourage and support him in his early days in office, in addition to openly and respectfully indicating to him what it is exactly they would like to see him do.

Related link: http://www.humanrightsireland.com/CelticParty/20January...l.htm

by Vincent Tue Jan 20, 2009 17:13

In an Article in Israeli Ynet News today, Itamar Rabinovich, who has served as Israel's ambassador to the US, had this to say about Obama and the death of the 1500 Palestinian s in Gaza.

"There's no doubt that the decision to end the Gaza operation makes it easier for Obama to take office. I hope it has been made clear to him that one of Israel's considerations to end the operation was to cease fire before his inauguration. I hope he appreciates this gesture."

Just to get it straight, Obama owes Israel a favour for stopping the slaughter and making his new job easier to start.
Therein lies the truth of how the lives of one and half million innocent people hangs on a shameful election whim - be it US or Israeli politicis.

Labour needs votes - turn up the blood.

Obama needs a favour - turn down the blood.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3659343,00.html

by dunk Tue Jan 20, 2009 20:05 fuspey at yahoo dot co dot uk

While I agree that if Obama alone was to really try to "change the system" , he might meet a bullet, or plane crash...etc

BUT I think the hugely important thing that has not been talked about here is that something powerful has erupted in the United States, that of an awakening of a huge huge body of people who for many before "politics" was just not something important, they could not participate, and, for most, did not!. But now, a huge body of Black America is on fire, and has been for the last few months in the hope that this day would happen. I think for many, you can really understand their happiness due to past apartheid, war against the black panthers, general lack of care in inner city neighbourhoods.... They have had it rough, but not only them, Hispanics and other races too, including Irish and normal US in impoverished conditions. The states has been great for a few, but most have had it shit, kept that way by a system that simply used and abused. But, for the first time, something has happened. This election signifies that anyone can organise, have a dream and get the result. But also, that the job does not end with Obama getting his new adress, its a start, a big big step.

One of the things Obama did use to win, was grassroots and community organising. Yes, also taking huge wads of cash from the big fellas, but thats for later discussion. Here its important to point out that he was a normal joe, who went through a system, took on something and won. Not many have tried it and won, and it does offer HOPE, it offers huge hope. I dont think he alone can change things, but I think he does want change and most people on IMC-IE want change. I think to just say OBAMA = BUSH is a bit of a cop out. What I think needs to be asked is "Great he´s in, its not perfect, but, what can normal people in the US do, what can we do, to make this world a little better"

As someone who works, and who uses and supports direct action, in the ecological world(s) I know that one of my heroes and his friends are very happy with their 44th president. Bill Mc Donough, cradle to cradle philosophy part founder, hopes and believes that "change is coming", and us here in Barcelona too. It was also good to hear very positive words being expressed by his entry to office by members of the RUCCUS society due to his history of being out on the streets and those lessons learned.

Anyway, I think it is something to be celebrated, I think that we have to learn how to use these 4 years to their maximum. I think the crisis has forced people to ask big questions, and I think 2 clear things are the keys: asking critical questions and from that learning the causes of problems, and secondly connecting locally to grassroots / community groups to collectively affect change.

Radical Change can happen, only by the continuation on whats just sparked in the US. We have to remind people there, that the story doesnt stop now with Obama taking office, thats its just starting. The last 8 years have created some amount of shit, both in the US and outside. I think sparks can happening, and might indeed be happening right now, creativity, imagination, love and hope are all powerful tools when used, or felt, in the right context. Its clear from both the streets of washington, but also Moneygall and beyond, something is a brewing, Obama has created those positive feelings in people, now its up to all of us who desire change to get our dancing brogues on...

Its not a perfect step, but its a big one. Many more to go, but we should recognise, celebrate this, with those there who do feel something big, and work together toward something truly amazing...

Ill leave you with one excellent talk on Democracy Now, with a legend Cornel West. He, I think, puts it a thousand times better than I can, and he gets down and buggies too...

from Democracy now:
Cornel West on the Election of Barack Obama: “I Hope He Is a Progressive Lincoln, I Aspire to Be the Frederick Douglass to Put Pressure on Him” November 19th, 2008.
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/19/cornel_west_on_t...on_of

Princeton University professor of religion and African American studies, Cornel West, speaks about the election of Barack Obama and the role of the progressive left to push Obama. West is the author of the new book Hope on a Tightrope: Words and Wisdom.

During a break segment in the show, the song "Work to Do" by Kidz in the Hall was playing. Apparently we weren't the only ones listening. In a candid moment during this break, Cornel West started rocking out to the track. The Doc's got skills!

Cornel West says to put pressure on Obama, dances too-1/3.
starts with intro and part of Obamas victory speech, from last november
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xToBodULz8M

Cornel West Dancing to Kidz in the Hall's 'Work to Do'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXLq-M3ftQM

related features from DN! on these issues:

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Writer Alice Walker and Civil Rights Leader Bob Moses Reflect on an Obama Presidency and the Struggle for African Americans to Vote
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/20/pulitzer_prize_wi...aters

DN! Exclusive: Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn
http://www.democracynow.org/features/dn_exclusive_bill_...ine_d

Bill Ayers. Ayers is a respected Chicago professor who was a member of the 1960s militant antiwar group the Weather Underground. In their first joint television interview, Ayers and his wife Bernardine Dohrn discuss the McCain campaign attacks, President-elect Obama, the Weather Underground, the legacy of 1960s social justice movements, and more.

Dancing Cornel West : I Hope Obama Is a Progressive Lincoln, I Aspire to Be the Frederick Douglass to Put Pressure on Him

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by Sharon . - Individual . Wed Jan 21, 2009 00:52

Hi Emmet !

"I fully agree that he most definitely will be slapped down if he upsets the "Money Masters" in any significant way: particularly if he has absolutely no evidence to show them that vast numbers of people all over the world now desperately wish to see major changes in this area, having due regard for the present global financial crisis (caused by the Money Masters).
What would happen though (I wonder) if millions of people in the US -- and elsewhere in the world -- took the trouble to learn about and to understand the ways of the Money Masters, and then gently pointed out to the new President (in open, obvious ways) that we have all had enough of this kind of abuse: and that we want him to try and end it, and to make this particular job his very first priority?"

I would like to think that I'm wrong , but I fear that Mr Obama is where he is today due to the 'good Offices' of those same 'Money Masters' ?

Thanks!

Sharon.

by Pat Ohara Wed Jan 21, 2009 08:09

Quote:
"I fear that Mr Obama is where he is today due to the 'good Offices' of those same 'Money Masters' ?
Thanks!
Sharon."

You may not have noticed that he was ELECTED by the American people Sharon.

by Emmet Wed Jan 21, 2009 08:15

Hello Sharon

I fear you may be right, while at the same time hoping that events in the coming days, weeks, and months will prove otherwise.

Much may depend now on how carefully the new President Obama's moves are watched, and how accurately they are monitored and commented on by the world at large.

One thing seems certain though, and it is this: if President Barack Obama now starts moving in a way (as President) which strengthens the Money Masters extremely tyrannous and grossly corrupt grip on the world, then we would all need to start watching out for ourselves very carefully - right from the very moment any such signs appear.

Related link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&fkt=2140&fsdt=15890&...f&oq=

by DUNK Wed Jan 21, 2009 09:48

AMY GOODMAN: That was Barack Obama on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday before hundreds of thousands of people. The event ended with a rousing round of this “This Land Is Your Land.” Pete Seeger was the special guest. He sang with Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger’s grandson, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger.

Now, many people—I’m sure you know “This Land Is Your Land.” But what he managed to do is sing the original song, the rarely performed Woody Guthrie verse : “I came to a sign that said private property, but on the other side it didn’t say nothing. That side was made for you and me.”

Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen "This Land is Your Land" - The Obama Inaugural Celebration Concert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbTPH1y_S9E

PETE SEEGER: [singing with Bruce Springsteen and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger]
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
And all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

In the squares of the city, under shadow of the steeple
At the relief office, I saw my people
As they stood there hungry, I stood there whistling
This land was made for you and me.

A great high wall there tried to stop me
A great big sign there said private property
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing
That side was made for you and me.

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Land_Is_Your_Land

Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen Perform Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/20/pete_seeger_bruce...woody

Full coverage, vox pops, black activist summing up, etc:

Democracy Now! Special Coverage of US Presidential Inauguration,
BLIP TV vid archive
http://democracynow.blip.tv/file/1687446/

view all from DN
http://www.democracynow.org/pages/inauguration

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by Caution Wed Jan 21, 2009 13:02

To Emmet

I've just read the following piece in an article by Melvin Sickler, who seems to have a knack for making complicated and hidden things appear simple:

"We know that the Bankers control all of the news media and information centers, even the financial writers, to prevent people from learning the simple truth about your money system. They blame the people for causing the increase in debt and the inflation of prices, when they know that the real cause is the debt-money system itself."

The full article is available at: http://www.michaeljournal.org/fedreserve.htm and it is an absolute "must read this" for everybody (in my view).

Assuming Melvin Sickler's overall version of events is accurate, and I'm inclined to think it is (based on things I already know from a number of other sources), then the sooner people learn of this "MOST GIGANTIC FRAUD" the better: and the Internet may be the only hope of getting the information to sufficiently large numbers of people to make any real difference?

In the event that Melvin Sickler's information, which is of course independently replicated by several others in variety of more complicated ways on the Internet, does become much more widely known about in coming days and weeks, then it is very difficult to see how US President Obama could avoid dealing with an issue as big as this in a responsible way -- particularly at a time of great financial crisis all over the globe?

by Sharon . - Individual . Wed Jan 21, 2009 19:41

Hi Pat !

He was indeed ELECTED , Pat - that is not in dispute on this thread. However , I would query your claim that he was ELECTED "by the American people..." as I feel sure that not all of those people voted for him ;-) !
The real issue , Pat , is concerning those that supplied the millions of dollars which Mr Obama and his party spent during his campaign . What are they expecting in return?
In short , will the now-US President Obama simply be the new face of an old product ?

Hi again, Emmet !

"I fear you may be right, while at the same time hoping that events in the coming days, weeks, and months will prove otherwise."
I'm fighting against my better judgement in hoping that you're right , Emmet , but...
...I'm losing !
Having seen the manner in which that Office has been abused over , in particular, the last eight years , I am reluctant to believe that a 'new broom' can sweep it clean , and certainly not to the 'spick and span' level that Mr Obama promised - I think he has bitten off more than he can chew and I wonder whether he knew he was doing so but kept at it because he and his team realised it was working ie gaining him popularity and votes ?
And I agree with you re the need to 'watch ourselves very carefully ' : at least with George Bush Jnr (and Senior!) we knew what to expect . Will the next four years be more of the same but with a different face at the helm ?

Thanks!

Sharon.

by Mr L Thu Jan 22, 2009 23:44

Understandably many people have become Bush Washed (brain washed) over the last eight years, into believing that there can be none or very little change to the political manoeuvres by any President of the U.S.A.

President Barack Obama has a tough job ahead of him, none would argue differently. He is though an entirely different sort of person from a very different background, both physically and mentally far healthier than the last incumbent of the post.

A shrewd operator who kept his mouth firmly closed when as President Elect, it was prudent for him to do so and politically correct.

Major changes in the foreign policies and social structures of the USA will be made, it does though take time and they may not be to every ones liking.

As a raging optimist I think we might give him a chance of proving himself, rather than pessimistically roaring at the leash and having to swallow the words later.

by Sharon . - Individual . Fri Jan 23, 2009 00:36

Hi Mr L !

I wouldn't consider myself to be 'Bush Washed (brain washed)' re this issue , but it will be interesting to see how the changes that President Obama may wish to make will be reacted to by those that that Office holder must report to - his will not be the only deciding vote , at least in regards to some issues.
And in relation to him being "an entirely different sort of person from a very different background, both physically and mentally far healthier than the last incumbent of the post" , I would suggest that that alone is not enough to ensure that his policies , or those of his party , can be enacted into law.

While I may indeed be pessimistic , I'm not "roaring" at anyone ; but I do agree that someone on this thread will have to 'swallow their words later on' . It remains to be seen who that will be!

Thanks!

Sharon.

by dunk Sat Jan 24, 2009 15:08

Furthermore to celebration of this significant change and lessons we can learn about how to think big, and from that take action to attempt to make change happen, Id like to share strong and wise words from someone, a black man who is also a US celebrity, but who also assisted Martin Luther King in the early days: Harry Belafonte, who sums it up as follows:

If Barack fails, it is because we have failed. And if we succeed, there is no question that he will succeed

If Barack Obama fails, it is because we have failed. And if we succeed, there is no question that he will succeed.

Regarding "eating words", what does it matter after, IF, people tried, really tried to change things, and that does demand a bit of positivity, hope, messing, taking to streets etc. Not just by a few, but by more, and more and more, and more and more and more. What will it take to make this happen? The thing which will hold back this change is cycnicsm, fear, apathy, lack of courage, boredom... And if we sit around, act as we have done for so long, with same strategys, same tiredness... well then, maybe, we will get nowhere. So with that, fair play to Obcama, hes sparked a massive bolt of possitivity. He alone wont change all, but, as stated earlier by Cornel West, its the best the US could hope for now. Its going to take a lot to make significant change, and id suggest that we could really do with trying to take in and use a bit of that spirit... This is a special time, we should move quick and maximise that.

Please watch, listen to, or read the transcript of Harry Belafonte, speaking at the Peace Ball hours after Obama taking office:

Obama Presidency “An Opportunity for Us to Force Our Voice in the Mainstream of the Decision-Making Process”–Harry Belafonte Speaks at Peace Ball
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/21/obama_presidency_...or_us

More than eighty gala events took place across Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. One of them was the Peace Ball, sponsored by Busboys and Poets and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. The highlight of the night was special guest host, the legendary singer, actor and humanitarian, Harry Belafonte.
Here are some hilights...

...This is an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with one another, to celebrate the victory that has been achieved, and to once again ground ourselves in the commitment and the belief that for Barack Obama to achieve the success that his administration should achieve, it will be deeply rooted in what we do, we, who are here gathered, and the people of America. It is an opportunity for us to force our voices into the mainstream of the decision-making process.

We have done this before. We have been here before. When John Kennedy was the president of the United States of America...

And what we understood was that only those who were committed to peace, those who were committed to the civil rights movement, those who were committed to the women’s movement, those who were committed to progressive politics, had a critical role to play, and that was to be the caretakers of truth and the political future of America.

We have to do exactly the same thing with Barack Obama. If he fails, it is because we have failed. And if we succeed, there is no question that he will succeed.

For a long time, the progressive movement has been maligned, denounced, vilified by those who not only stole the power of the people in this nation, but sought to move it eternally into a place of oppression. Well, they’re gone.

..the last thing Dr. King ever said to me before he was assassinated was when we stood in a room and he reflected on the state of the nation. He looked at the war in Vietnam. He looked at the sluggish economy. He looked at the pain and the anger and the rage that existed in America on the issues of race. And he said rather solemnly, “Harry, I believe we are integrating into a burning house.” And when I asked him what would he have us do, if that be his thought, he said, “We are just going to have to become firemen.”

Each and every one of you here tonight represent the firemen. We have to walk into the flames of right-wing mischief.

I hope we meet with great consistency until this game is the way we want it played.

I know that we’ve been keeping it a bit of a secret, but I’ve got to tell you, I shouldn’t be thanked. I’m having the greatest time of my life, and I love making mischief. Take care.

Also viewable, embeddable etc at
Democracy Now! on Blip.tv
http://democracynow.blip.tv/file/1689511/

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Belafonte

In case you cant get to or, dont have time for above vid on DN!, heres earlier vid of Harry speaking prior to Obama`s win

Harry Belafonte In Pittsburgh
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=xhL-71Gztz4

And lastly, speaking as a clown, id like to point out that, fun, play, creativity, subversion of ideas, using joy, humour etc is one very strong way we can win.... Last thing ill leave you with is a classic bit of TV, from the legendry muppets:

Harry belafonte vs Animal
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=WBOohuZlAiM

Related post:
Let freedom ring, Let freedom ring, Let freedom ring...MLK`s dream and beyond
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/90745&comment_limit=0&c...43973

Harry Belafonte: If Barack fails, it is because we have failed. And if we succeed, there is no question that he will!

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by dunk Mon Jan 26, 2009 18:50

Barack Hussein Obama Becomes 44th U.S. President
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/24/18565517.php

Including many Non-local Reports and Analysis from Obama's First Week