NationStates Jolt Archive

Has Barack Obama's election altered your view of America?

No we still hate you

They're not so stupid as to try to elect Bush again. So yes, great improvement.

They're not so stupid as to try to elect Bush again.

Can't really give them credit for that as that wasn't possible, and not just in the "it can't be possible for them to re-elect him the first time" sense.

About Obama? Some people are in for a rude awakening, just like the gays were with that Rick Warren person (nice omen there, if you pardon the expression). The inevitable disillusionment will be quite the spectacle. http://planetsmilies.net/eat-drink-smiley-5168.gif

If you don't mind an American poking his nose in here, I have a story to tell that is relatively relevant.

On the night of the election, my not-so-small college town took to the streets in celebration. There were honking horns, people screaming and running around with Obama signs, streakers carrying McCain-Palin signs through mobs of celebrating Democrats (no, really!), and as the night wore down, there were parties that broke out in houses and buildings across the city.

I was at an on-campus celebration, standing in the back, when one of the members of the local Young Democrats comes up to me and asks. "So... Do you think Obama will be as good as they say?"

I remember looking at him, and looking at the crowd of cheering, exited students dancing to the Obama campaign soundtrack, and looking back. "No. I mean, I voted for him, and I'm sure he'll do a good enough job, but he won't change that much."

And that's the point. For all of the hyped-up rhetoric and media bullshit, Obama's just human. He may be able to do a lot of good, but he won't change that much. If people's views of the U.S. have changed because of him, those people are naive.

Can't really give them credit for that as that wasn't possible, and not just in the "it can't be possible for them to re-elect him the first time" sense.

They can read some of the constitution. That's something.

About Obama? Some people are in for a rude awakening, just like the gays were with that Rick Warren person (nice omen there, if you pardon the expression). The inevitable disillusionment will be quite the spectacle. http://planetsmilies.net/eat-drink-smiley-5168.gif

I don't believe it. I agree with Fass.

There is a such thing as non-Americans?

They can read some of the constitution. That's something.Dayum, that burns, dude, that burns. :(

There is a such thing as non-Americans? We have a winner, folks! :D

Dayum, that burns, dude, that burns. :(

I here there are amendments after the 2nd one! :eek:

They can read some of the constitution. That's something.

Ah, but you see they have a panel of 9 people to do that for them.

I here there are amendments after the 2nd one! :eek:What!? Really!? :eek2:

Ah, but you see they have a panel of 9 people to do that for them.
Convenient.
What!? Really!? :eek2:

Or so the legends go.......

The mood in Japan is... hmm... a bit contradictory. Most of the public seems to be looking forward to President Obama and has high hopes for him. Perhaps even a longing for him given the state of Japanese politics right now (A lot of the talking heads have been complaining that Japan, also in a recession, does not seem to have a Obama to come forward and lead the nation in some direction, ANY direction). That said, a lot of the leadership in Japan, be it in the Diet or in business, is a little apprehensive, believing that a Democratic president means that Japan will be ignored in favor of China, or will see itself blamed again for any trade imbalance/buy American issues.

Or so the legends go.......This has the makings of an epic adventure....

That said, a lot of the leadership in Japan, be it in the Diet or in business, is a little apprehensive, believing that a Democratic president means that Japan will be ignored in favor of China, or will see itself blamed again for any trade imbalance/buy American issues.

That's exactly what's going to happen.

Convenient.

And necessary, not just from a literacy aspect, but from a legibility aspect as well (or, in this case, lack thereof).

That's exactly what's going to happen.You're clairvoyant? :rolleyes:

The real leaders that are left in the world are not willing to step forward and sink in the mire of today's politics, I guess that really leaves no leaders at all. Certainly what we are seeing in politics today is not leadership. It is sad when you have to vote for the lesser of two evils.

You're clairvoyant? :rolleyes:

Aren't all Doomsayers?

[QUOTE=NERVUN;14392218]The mood in Japan is... hmm... a bit contradictory. Most of the public seems to be looking forward to President Obama and has high hopes for him.



Japan is looking for a leader itself.... after JK quit and retired the Old Guard is back in power.... just like Obama is rehiring all the Clinton Clan.

Japan is looking for a leader itself.... after JK quit and retired the Old Guard is back in power.... just like Obama is rehiring all the Clinton Clan.

Surely you aren't comparing Koizumi to George Bush, are you? Really... Really? Koizumi was actually mildly effective! Bush... Was not.

Surely you aren't comparing Koizumi to George Bush, are you? Really... Really? Koizumi was actually mildly effective! Bush... Was not.

I think it depends on what your trying to Effect, lol...

Japan is looking for a leader itself.... after JK quit and retired the Old Guard is back in power.... just like Obama is rehiring all the Clinton Clan.
Uh... that would work if Obama had been a part of the Clinton Administration, given that the last three Prime Ministers all served in Koizumi's cabinet, but since he didn't, it's hard to make that comparison.

I think it depends on what your trying to Effect, lol...

Granted, but Koizumi deserves at least some credit for being good at his job! Bush is the biggest failure in the office of the President since Herbert Hoover!

No you are right, Koizumi was effective and controversial too.... something that was so out of place in Japanese politics that it was really refreshing. I'm just saying thing are going back to the same ole same ole.....Aso's approval ratings are approaching single digits and it's business as usual

No you are right, Koizumi was effective and controversial too.... something that was so out of place in Japanese politics that it was really refreshing. I'm just saying thing are going back to the same ole same ole.....Aso's approval ratings are approaching single digits and it's business as usual

Yes, but in the U.S.'s case, the return to "Same old, same old" (which, I would note, is anything but the same) is a return to a more competent government. The three stooges who followed Koizumi into office were not a return to an effective government.

Japan really needs better leadership, too, given its decline as regional power and economic leader, and the effects of this recession.

Yep. As a left-winger, would prefer to see a Democrat government in control.

The mood in Japan is... hmm... a bit contradictory. Most of the public seems to be looking forward to President Obama and has high hopes for him. Perhaps even a longing for him given the state of Japanese politics right now (A lot of the talking heads have been complaining that Japan, also in a recession, does not seem to have a Obama to come forward and lead the nation in some direction, ANY direction). That said, a lot of the leadership in Japan, be it in the Diet or in business, is a little apprehensive, believing that a Democratic president means that Japan will be ignored in favor of China, or will see itself blamed again for any trade imbalance/buy American issues.

Don't worry; Barack Obama produces an endless supply of Hope and Change and we'll have enough to sell to Japan. We'll probably infuse it into an assortment of cheeses. *nod*

Don't worry; Barack Obama produces an endless supply of Hope and Change and we'll have enough to sell to Japan. We'll probably infuse it into an assortment of cheeses. *nod*

Maybe, but it looks like the Hope and Change will be features in crappy US Automobiles. :(

Maybe, but it looks like the Hope and Change will be features in crappy US Automobiles. :(

Yes.... and I just can't wait until my income tax rate goes to 60+% to support all the incompetent execs and unions that make those crappy cars..

Yes.... and I just can't wait until my income tax rate goes to 60+% to support all the incompetent execs and unions that make those crappy cars..

Either we support the incompetent with our tax dollars, or we revert to socialism. :(

Either we support the incompetent with our tax dollars, or we revert to socialism. :(


Uuuuuuuhhhh...that is socialism....

Uuuuuuuhhhh...that is socialism....

Why do you hate freedom? :(

Maybe, but it looks like the Hope and Change will be features in crappy US Automobiles. :(

We're replacing the change holders with Change holders. *nod*

Don't worry; Barack Obama produces an endless supply of Hope and Change and we'll have enough to sell to Japan. We'll probably infuse it into an assortment of cheeses. *nod*

And, as the old hymn goes, "what a friend we have in cheeses."

Don't worry; Barack Obama produces an endless supply of Hope and Change and we'll have enough to sell to Japan. We'll probably infuse it into an assortment of cheeses. *nod*
All I ask from President Obama is a nice cheddar. Is that too much?

All I ask from President Obama is a nice cheddar. Is that too much?

I don't think it is. Go Obama Go!

All I ask from President Obama is a nice cheddar. Is that too much?

and would you be wanting him to cut the cheese first?

Either we support the incompetent with our tax dollars, or we revert to socialism. :(
I've got news for you, we trusted the "competent" MBA graduates and Wall Street investors and banks and government reprentatives with our dollars, and now we have socialized their debt. We in the USA are now a socialist country, economically.

I've got news for you, we trusted the "competent" MBA graduates and Wall Street investors and banks and government reprentatives with our dollars, and now we have socialized their debt. We in the USA are now a socialist country, economically.

Then why are we so broke? :(

and would you be wanting him to cut the cheese first?
Better not, Japan is famous for the Fart Battle after all.

Then why are we so broke? :(

Because you're not rich. In Soviet America, you make capitalism rich.

We'll see what kind of a president he really is after the 20th. 'Till then, the only thing we can judge anything by is his image and let's be honest, that crap's been flowing out of every tap for the last year or so.

for good or ill can we actully let him get into office before we start rating him.

No we still hate you

Great. Care to justify that statement with anything? I'm interested in hearing this, I'm a natural debater.

By the way, I believe that Obama will change some things, but je certainly won't be the end-all-be-all.

Great. Care to justify that statement with anything?

Humour, can he justify it with humour, since that's what he was aiming for.

I'm interested in hearing this, I'm a natural debater.

Hmm, you'll be taking a contentious position then...

By the way, I believe that Obama will change some things, but je certainly won't be the end-all-be-all.

My, that is a contentious position.

I counter by arguing that Barack Obama will do some things but not other things, en garde!

I'm a duel US/Canadian citizen. Does that make me non-American for the purposes of this thread?;)

Lets play a game. That game is called "lets wait until something actually happens before we form an opinion on the man.

I'm a duel US/Canadian citizen. Does that make me non-American for the purposes of this thread?;)

Ironically, I think theres a big push on this Forum to make Candians Americans anyway, lol...

Ironically, I think theres a big push on this Forum to make Candians Americans anyway, lol...

I'm torn between squeeing with glee at the prospect of Canada joining the USA, and screeching in horror.

Horror because most Canadians really don't want it and their political and cultural perspective is better kept preserved.

Glee because at heart I'm stupidly over patriotic in stupid ways. :(

Absolutely. It signals that the pendulum is swinging back from the 'batshit insane' side of things towards the 'predictably douchey' side, a la Clinton administration.

I'm torn between squeeing with glee at the prospect of Canada joining the USA, and screeching in horror.

Horror because most Canadians really don't want it and their political and cultural perspective is better kept preserved.

Glee because at heart I'm stupidly over patriotic in stupid ways. :(

Lol, they dont wish to actually be governed by us, just share our Name...

For people that supposedly cant stand us, they desperately want to share in our Image...

Lol, they dont wish to actually be governed by us, just share our Name... No.

For people that supposedly cant stand us, they desperately want to share in our Image...
FUCK no.

Does it hurt to be so deluded?

No.


FUCK no.

Does it hurt to be so deluded?

lol...Clearly you havent seen the infamous "USian" posts...I was just making fun of them...

No.


FUCK no.

Does it hurt to be so deluded?

Well, I dont know if he is serious, but I do enjoy telling Canadians how much they look up to us and want to be like us, because it makes them angry:p

for good or ill can we actully let him get into office before we start rating him.

I think we can grade some of the things he has leaned while waiting for him to be crowned

lol...Clearly you havent seen the infamous "USian" posts...I was just making fun of them...

Um...

How does me calling you a USian mean I want to, as a Canadian, use your 'Name'?



Well, I dont know if he is serious, but I do enjoy telling Canadians how much they look up to us and want to be like us, because it makes them angry:p I'd like you to say it to my face one day...

I'd like you to say it to my face one day...

1. Im sure youre cute when youre angry
2. Im sure the results would be hot:p

Um...

How does me calling you a USian mean I want to, as a Canadian, use your 'Name'?


In the sense that you would feel the need to differentiate, if you, yourself dont consider yourself an American, or Canadians, Americans then why would you wish to use the term for yourself?

I'm going to laugh hard when people become disillusioned with Obama.

1. Im sure youre cute when youre angry
2. Im sure the results would be hot:p

I want to be present to witness this exchange. I enjoy watching human suffering.

I think we can grade some of the things he has leaned while waiting for him to be crowned

but if some red neck gets a lucky shot off America's image is going to hell.

I'm going to laugh hard when people become disillusioned with Obama.

Not as hard as I laugh every election when the libertarians get...what is it...2%?

but if some red neck gets a lucky shot off America's image is going to hell.

There are people who think our Image hasn't gone to Hell?

Not as hard as I laugh every election when the libertarians get...what is it...2%?

I really wanted to vote Libertarian.....But I just couldnt stand the thought that McCain actually might win.....

It was only afterward that I realized that if i didnt vote McCain, my vote wouldnt count anyway....Damn Electoral College....

I think the real disillusionment won't come until he has the air force bomb the shit out of somewhere - probably in the third world.

And don't say he won't do that, because American presidents always bomb the shit out of somewhere. It's part of the job.

Ironically, I think theres a big push on this Forum to make Candians Americans anyway, lol...

If that happened, it would lead to the final death of the Republican Party. You would basically be adding a good 20+ million voters who, bye and large, make Obama look Conservative.

However, I doubt most Canadians want any part of the current US economy and debt, or even the temporary loss of their free Health Care and better schools.

If that happened, it would lead to the final death of the Republican Party. You would basically be adding a good 20+ million voters who, bye and large, make Obama look Conservative.

However, I doubt most Canadians want any part of the current US economy and debt, or even the temporary loss of their free Health Care and better schools.

Rights in Canada that are taken for granted would also would now be under the constant threat of change (abortion, for example). They do however gain our Constitution. But have to deal with it being routinely ignored.

If that happened, it would lead to the final death of the Republican Party. You would basically be adding a good 20+ million voters who, bye and large, make Obama look Conservative.

However, I doubt most Canadians want any part of the current US economy and debt, or even the temporary loss of their free Health Care and better schools.

Rights in Canada that are taken for granted would also would now be under the constant threat of change (abortion, for example). They do however gain our Constitution. But have to deal with it being routinely ignored.

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

I really wasnt being serious, just presenting the logical fallacy of wanting to be considered "Americans" without wanting to be "Americans" lol...


But, it has been asked before....

1. Im sure youre cute when youre angry
2. Im sure the results would be hot:p They always say that. Then it's all "bitch! You broke my nose!"

In the sense that you would feel the need to differentiate, if you, yourself dont consider yourself an American, or Canadians, Americans then why would you wish to use the term for yourself? Is this some sort of stupid joke on the 'us' part of 'USian'? Cuz I am not fucking amused.

They always say that. Then it's all "bitch! You broke my nose!"

Sounds sexy.:p

Sounds sexy.:p

I know I'd enjoy it.

How's this...any time you want some bitch to break your nose, you give me a call, k?

I know I'd enjoy it.

How's this...any time you want some bitch to break your nose, you give me a call, k?

lol

No, it's a stupid joke about the fact that "American" can refer either to a person with American citizenship, or one who lives on one of the American continents.

Not as hard as I laugh every election when the libertarians get...what is it...2%?

Yeah, but at least they're fun to party with. Not as fun as accountants, mind you, but pretty good.

You're clairvoyant? :rolleyes:

Potato Boy must be, given how he's constantly declared the Obama Administration a Total Failure even before the man's been sworn into office.

:D