Besides the one happy couple who already know I'm aware of their good fortune, is anybody else going to make the trek down to Washington for the Inauguration of our next president? If you are going and are willing to talk with me about it for a story, please drop me a line at majerus-collins@comcast.net with your name, phone number and the best times to call.
For that matter, if you've been to one or more in the past and are willing to talk about what it's like to be there, I'd love to talk with you as well.
I saw Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan get sworn in many years ago. It was pretty interesting. Maybe I'll dig up a few pictures and write something about that, too. We'll see.
While we're at it, I think I'll probably write a story soon about ideas people have about what President Obama can do for Bristol, if anything. As long as you're willing to give your name for a story, I'd be thrilled to get your thoughts on that. You can send them in an email -- with your name and phone number, please -- or simply send me a note telling me your name, number and best times to catch you.
*******Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
32 comments:
"Don't stop thinking about tomorrow.
Don't stop, it'll soon be here.
It'll be better than before.
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.
Don't you look back."
I wish him well, for our future rides with him, at least for four years. Since only once in the past 112 years has a party been voted out of office, it probably will be 8 years.
He needs money to do the things he wants to do: where will the money come from?
Who will be taxed?
So far, as I see it, he has shifted somewhat to the middle, and probably will continue to do so.
Lastly, the Republicans have to get of their duff, nationally, statewise, and locally, so as to provide some "loyal opposition".
Otherwise we could see some dangerous legislation passed.
They're baaaaack...
Nope, I gotta wash my cat.
Pelosi will be his albatross
Apparently Obama is going to use these tough economic times to drastically increase the size of the federal government. He really has nothing to lose politically, because if his efforts to curb the economic crisis are a disaster, he can/will simply blame Bush for everything.
His pick for Director of the CIA is bewilderingly silly. He must believe that Bush has already won the war on terror, otherwise I can not fathom the logic in picking such a lightweight.
Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is fine. Hopefully that means she may be through with her quest to become President. There certainly could have been better picks but there certainly could have ben much worse. Warren Christopher, Bill Clinton's first pick, is a shining example of worse. It amazes me that Hillary Clinton is so respected. She is no more qualified than Caroline "not ready for prime time" Kennedy, and has much less executive experience than Sarah Palin or GW Bush had.
I'm actually somewhat positive about Obama's upcoming tenure as President. This will surely boost the chances of Republicans taking one house of Congress in 2010. I am cautiously looking forward to see how "The Messiah" handles Russia, Iran, Venezuela and Islamic fundamentalists in the coming years. Down-playing all the hoopla for Obama, I believe the American people should be somewhat anxious.
Concerned Conservative - I am very anxious to see how Obama handles the axis of evil...If one is to turn a blind eye for a second - that will spell disaster for this great country. My biggest concern is not how we will pay for all these plans he has..But does it really stop us from slipping into a depression? If you sit and do the math based of counts for 2008 especially in regards to car purchases and home sales...There is noway in hell 2009 will even come close to those totals...It is a very scary thought to think about what the end of this year and 2010 holds for us.
Steve,
Do why do you subject us to the cruel and unusual punishment of having to be subjected to the constant ramblings of Concerned Conservative?
We can here the same tired old diatribe 24/7 from Rush, Hannity, or any of the other "real conservatives" who have all the answers but have done nothing but talk about it while they line their own pockets bleeding their disciples.
I agree 12:51, no one should be bad-mouthing our President-elect.
that's not what this blog is for.
I wish I could be at the inaugural; I know it would be the high point of my life, to see Obama become President. I will remain home, however, glued to the television for any and all coverage. I can't wait!
All of this axis of evil talk is ridiculous. Has anyone attacked us since 9/11? No. Obama knows that, he's not like the war-mongering Bush. We will have peace under Obama. No one will want to attack us with a president who is popular.
What's amazing to me is how Concerned Conservative's always returns to a default position of asserting his ideology as truth.
Nevermind the flaming wreckage of a nation his ideology created in the first place.
Nothing to see here, move along.
"All of this axis of evil talk is ridiculous. Has anyone attacked us since 9/11? No. Obama knows that, he's not like the war-mongering Bush. We will have peace under Obama. No one will want to attack us with a president who is popular."
Are you serious with that above statement! The reason we have not had another attack is because of Bush and all the things he has done to protect this country! If Obama is a wise president he will keep every single thing Bush has done to protect this country the same way! You anti-war people are to much to take!
Steve:
Why do you let these nasty Obama lovers post their unintelligent, childish attacks on my comments?
In respone to the whiney liberal Obama lovers, why don't YOU people rebut something I say instead of attacking (pathetically) what you contrive of as being me?
If you don't think what I posted here is true, develop an intelligent arguement instead of whining to Steve to have me banned. You sound like totalitarian communists to me. I respect the opinion and freedom of speech of liberals...at least when they make intelligent, mature conversation and when they don't attack with lies and innuendo.
January 11, 2009 11:19 AM:
I agree. I think Obama's "economic stimulus plan" is very frightening. If we are heading into a lond recession, massive government spending on wasteful public works projects we don't really need is a bad move. The government needs to lower tazes and government spending. That was one aspect of the Bush administration I believe the "ball was dropped" on.
January 11, 2009 5:00 PM:
Your thoughts are naive, ignorant and ridiculous. Perhaps you weren't cognizant when the World trade Center was bombed in 1993? Or perhaps you forgot about the USS Cole and the fact that Osama (not Obama ha ha) was captured and Clinton neglected to take him into custody? Perhaps you forget about the aerial bombardment of Serbia or the attack on the 'aspirin factory" in Afghanistan (all these thing happened under Clinton)?
January 11, 2009 12:51 PM:
And how dare you say I "bleed" anything from anyone. That's an untrue and frankly feeble-minded comment.
anonwestconnsilly:
Perhaps you're referring to the mess Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (who biggest political contributions went to Dodd and Obama)? Perhaps you're referring to the ideology that the government should be supporting policy that gives sub-prime loans to people who can't afford them? That sounds like bleeding-heart liberalism...not my ideology.
Obama says he was against the War in Iraq (while sitting on the Illinois state legislature). Well I never heard him. All his fellow Democrats supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003 as far as anyone knows (their "yes" votes are evidence).
Obama may turn out to be a decent President. Some of his ideas (like not rescinding the Bush tax cuts and leaving Bush's Defense Secretary in place) I like. Massive public works projects I'm not too thrilled about. Bush cut the lowest persanal income tax rate from 15% to 10%. I don't see why or how Obama would/could lower that rate. I believe raising the capital gains tax rate would be foolish. I agree with John McCain that lowering the corporate tax rate is good for America (it's been good for Ireland,a country with one of the lowest corporate tax rates). I also disagree with defining marriage from anything besides being between a man and a woman. I agree with the right for the citizens of this country to bear firearms. I believe in personal responsibility and I don't believe in increasing the welfare state. I believe in enforcing the current immigration laws.
If you don't agree that's your right. And I'd be happy to argue the pros and cons of all those aforementioned things without resorting to feeble-minded, childish comments and innuendo.
Once again, this nation is hardly a flaming wreckage. This is still the greatest nation on earth. Look around you. There are unlimited opportunities, especially for some one who happens to be a college student. I have a business of my own, successful enough now for me to have a good amount of time off. A friend and I just came up with an idea for another business, which will be getting off the ground soon. No one can stop us...this is a free country...and I have no doubt this venture will be extremely profitable, as well as a lot of fun. Anyone can do this in the United States of America.
So enough of the doom and gloom. A "wreckage?" If that's how you see this country, then I feel sorry for you.
5:00, did it ever occur to you that we've had no more attacks because G. Bush has been doing his job? Duh...
Concerned Conservatives says "I also disagree with defining marriage from anything besides being between a man and a woman."
Gay-bashing is going to do to the Republican Party what gun control did to the Democrats. Both were hot button topics that had nothing to do with the core values of the respective party, and yet, drove a wedge between the party and a lot of people who otherwise would have been their supporters.
Odin:
I respectfully (see I can be a gentleman) disagree with you. California, arguably one of the most liberal states in the country voted down gay marriage. As a matter of fact the majority in this country (including the majority in Connecticut) believe marriage is for one man and one woman. Most don't see defining marriage in the traditional; way as "gay-bashing", they see redefining marriage as "marriage bashing".
Aha!
ODIN is a myth, doesn't really exist.
I think it would be best for my well being to pass up on the inauguration of Obama bin Biden .
I'll join my fellow democrats in denial , thank you .
The inaugural? No, thanks. I'd rather curl up with a good book and try to forget about it. I still can't believe the ignorance of the voters. It's depressing.
anonwestconnsilly:
Perhaps you're referring to the mess Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (who biggest political contributions went to Dodd and Obama)?
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Is this the same Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that paid over $345,000 to John McCain's campaign manager, while he worked for the campaign? I just wanted to make sure.
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Perhaps you're referring to the ideology that the government should be supporting policy that gives sub-prime loans to people who can't afford them? That sounds like bleeding-heart liberalism...not my ideology.
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Really, cause last I checked the three branches of our federal government most of the last eight years were controlled by the CONSERVATIVE Republican Party.
The same party that put a Federal Reserve Chairman in charge who manipulated interest rates and opened the door to unregulated speculation.
The same party that deregulated the division between commercial and investment banks.
The same party that will bailout white collar jobs that engaged in speculative greed while destroying blue collar jobs, held by people who actually work for a living, because it's more important to destroy a union.
See the government didn't give the loans to those people. The government said that "being a free market means it's ok to be a predator and we're not going to stop you."
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Obama says he was against the War in Iraq (while sitting on the Illinois state legislature). Well I never heard him. All his fellow Democrats supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003 as far as anyone knows (their "yes" votes are evidence).
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You never heard him. You're obviously on the internet. Here's a clue...Use the Google!
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Obama may turn out to be a decent President. Some of his ideas (like not rescinding the Bush tax cuts and leaving Bush's Defense Secretary in place) I like.
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Newsflash: Those tax cuts are going away regardless if it's on day one or day 401. Remember all that garbage McCain created with "Joe the Plumber" about redistributing wealth?
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Massive public works projects I'm not too thrilled about. Bush cut the lowest persanal income tax rate from 15% to 10%. I don't see why or how Obama would/could lower that rate. I believe raising the capital gains tax rate would be foolish. I agree with John McCain that lowering the corporate tax rate is good for America (it's been good for Ireland,a country with one of the lowest corporate tax rates).
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Lowering tax rates have not done anything to create long term growth in the U.S. Economy. In fact public works projects and investment by government in economic times like ours HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO WORK.
And Ireland's growth has more to do with its membership in the EU and changing its currency to the Euro than with its lower taxes.
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I also disagree with defining marriage from anything besides being between a man and a woman.
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Cause conservative's are against love? What did gay people do to you?
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I agree with the right for the citizens of this country to bear firearms.
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THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS NOT THE PERSONAL PROPRIETARY RIGHT OF AN IDEOLOGY!
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I believe in personal responsibility and I don't believe in increasing the welfare state.
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Really, since the current president has shown himself to be
anything other than personally responsible I'm surprised by this statement. But seriously throw all the false stereotypes of welfare queens and irresponsible minorities getting rich off the government you want. Because they are all false made up lies based on racial prejudice and distort what government's role has been: The people of this nation using its resources to the benefit of ALL Americans.
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I believe in enforcing the current immigration laws.
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I'm not even going there.
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If you don't agree that's your right. And I'd be happy to argue the pros and cons of all those aforementioned things without resorting to feeble-minded, childish comments and innuendo.
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Then perhaps for once you could actually use evidence that provides merit to your argument rather than using half-baked lies and distortions about my positions just because they've been used for the last twenty-five years. If you can't do that then SHUT UP!
Once again, this nation is hardly a flaming wreckage. This is still the greatest nation on earth. Look around you. There are unlimited opportunities, especially for some one who happens to be a college student. I have a business of my own, successful enough now for me to have a good amount of time off. A friend and I just came up with an idea for another business, which will be getting off the ground soon. No one can stop us...this is a free country...and I have no doubt this venture will be extremely profitable, as well as a lot of fun. Anyone can do this in the United States of America.
So enough of the doom and gloom. A "wreckage?" If that's how you see this country, then I feel sorry for you.
Unlimited opportunities huh? Well glad to see that things are working out for you. In fact I'm sure that since your taking time off the workers who are actually making the products you sell are getting paid a livable wage and some means of security. I mean since your spending so much time away from your company, and starting a new one, I hope they correctly know that the success of that company (and their job security) are still important to you.
Yes this country is a wreckage. And I say that for one reason: Because I love this country as much as I'm sure you do. And I'm not about to see policies that secure it, and my freedoms, reduced to ignorant bumper stickers and sloganeering by those who would take advantage of this nation.
A free nation depends on a vigilant citizenry.
Odin:
I respectfully (see I can be a gentleman) disagree with you. California, arguably one of the most liberal states in the country voted down gay marriage. As a matter of fact the majority in this country (including the majority in Connecticut) believe marriage is for one man and one woman. Most don't see defining marriage in the traditional; way as "gay-bashing", they see redefining marriage as "marriage bashing".
January 12, 2009 3:11 PM
Sigh.
Proposition 8 was passed by a narrow margin after a bitter and nasty campaign where supporters of Proposition 8 were financed by among others, the Mormon Church. Taking time away from their busy schedules in Utah to flood California with anti-gay marriage rhetoric.
The same church that now wants to revoke the marriage licenses that were created before Prop 8.
After the CT Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage, polling done in CT showed that most SUPPORTED THE DECISION. It was on the front page of the Hartford Courant for God's sake.
It is gay bashing to say that your need to protect "traditional marriage" means demeaning someone else's ability to love and share their love in the same way simply because they are of the same sex.
What did gay people do that would implore you to "defend" your marriage?
Or better yet what gives straight couples the power in this country to use religious purity to reduce other people to second class citizens under the law?
Please, Please try to provide an answer that has some merit to it.
My twenty-plus year heterosexual marriage does not need "defense" from Republican legislators who are onto their second or third wife (or are closeted gays themselves). You people are the ultimate in hypocrisy, and too blinded by self-righteousness to see it.
So, let me get this straight: the student says this country is a "wreckage" because he loves it? Does an abusive dad beat his kids because he "loves" them? That's absurd.
Won't be at the inaugural or watching it at home. I think I'll watch some paint dry.
I have no interest in Obama's inauguration, especially after watching Bush's farewell address. President Bush is so sincerely dedicated to our country. Mr. Obama looks pretty but says nothing. It doesn't bode well for us.
George Bush stood for nothing. He was too weak to stand up to the neocons, too weak to stand up to Big Oil, and too weak to admit that he made any mistakes. And to say that his biggest "disappointment" was his "failure" to find Saddam's weapons of mass destruction (which never existed)?! On the eve of his departure he is still lying to the American people.
Odin, you obviously didn't listen to the President's Farewell Address. That's not what he said at all. Maybe you can catch it on Fox news.
I was referring to his final press conference. I did not catch his farewell address.
I hope Obama gets the same amount of respect that Bush got.
No, I don't even know what day the inaugural is, and I don't really care. He doesn't want us to interrogate our prisoners but he wants us to kill babies. What kind of man is that?
The next four years can't go fast enough. I hope we make it through alive.
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