So, I thought there would be posts about the inauguration.

[Robin Garr]

Who had 22 hours in the office pool?

Don't be sucked into the delusion that anything will actually change.

Actually Mark things already have changed. Millions of Americans woke up this morning to discover that their half empty glass containing despair and disillusion had been replaced with a glass that is now half full of pride and hope. Conversely a few Americans woke up this morning pis*** off because they realized they no longer owned the glass. Based on your comment I sense that you may be among the latter.

That's funny Mark, you didn't sound in the less bit pis*** off to me. Maybe just a little more realistic than others are at this moment, that's all.

Don't be sucked into the delusion that anything will actually change.

Who had 22 hours in the office pool?

I am a big Obama fan and agree that we've already seen extraordinary change, but I really do laugh out loud (LOL) when I read about lack of progress so far. One of the better ones:

The Clock is Ticking
By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 10:52 AM
It is well past time to ask the question: What has Barack Obama really accomplished as president, anyway?........
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012200822.html

Don't be sucked into the delusion that anything will actually change.

Who had 22 hours in the office pool?

I am a big Obama fan and agree that we've already seen extraordinary change, but I really do laugh out loud (LOL) when I read about lack of progress so far. One of the better ones:

The Clock is Ticking
By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 10:52 AM
It is well past time to ask the question: What has Barack Obama really accomplished as president, anyway?........
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012200822.html

I like to laugh (LOL) at both the people who claim to have seen extraordinary change AND those who complain about the lack of it thus far. Of course I haven't actually heard anyone complain about the lack of progress yet. I don't think that is what Howard Kurtz was doing. I think he was just pointing out the the media got a little drunk on Obama and that Obama has promised "change" and now we're all waiting. I wish him luck I wouldn't want to be in his shoes after he talked all that "game".

Whether or not we see any major changes quickly (though I have been a serious Obama fan and was estatic to win people over to his side), or that Americans as a whole will even notice seeing as many are sadly in the dark in regards to existing policy that shape their very lives, I have seen one significant impact already: hope. It's been something missing for quite some time, to many people almost a forgotten emotion. I don't know about the rest of the people here but I deal with all walks of life and social classes on a everyday basis and this is something that strikes me significantly because it has in all appearances been universal. Maybe that isn't much but to me is worth more than any cynical remarks could mar at this point because for once I don't see people showing anything but despair for what will happen next in their lives. Our economy is in shreds, jobs are few and far between (one thing I am thankful for is that at least healthcare workers will always be needed) and I have had to go home at night and try not to cry (and at times fail) because of the heartache I feel at seeing elderly people become sick and sometimes die because they have to choose between food, electricity, and their medications. Or go without because I gave my last dollars to a family I know needs it more than I do because they can't even afford to feed their children. For the first time in a long time I feel like I have something to look forward to. Things certainly weren't getting done under the old regime, it's time for new ideas and fresh faces. I don't know how many here have heard of Organizing for America http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/17/obama-launches-organizing_n_158750.html but I do know that I will do everything possible to support the movement as I think that it could further unify this country and give voice to the people, which has been so longly needed. Tonight I go to bed no wealthier or personally better off than yesterday, but I sleep better because of that one thing finally restored to me- hope.

Oh dear, just realized how long that was....sorry about that, I guess I feel a little, *ahem* strongly on the subject. Oh btw Marsha thought you would like this, I almost fell out of my chair laughing when Lambert and Lindsey read it off the morning of the inauguration! http://nextround.net/2009/01/16/the-inauguration-day-drinking-game/

Mandy-
Long or not, I know how you feel and I agree. My daughter called me from London when Obama was elected to say folks there were dancing in the streets. When I asked why?, what investment did they have in the election, she said "Mom, it's their investment in in the world. And now, the USA at least is looking sane."

Mandy, thats the best post I have read in a long time. Thanks much.
Hope rocks!

Mandy, thats the best post I have read in a long time. Thanks much.
Hope rocks!

I agree - Mandy rocks!

Well said, Mandy.

Don't be sucked into the delusion that anything will actually change.

Actually Mark things already have changed. Millions of Americans woke up this morning to discover that their half empty glass containing despair and disillusion had been replaced with a glass that is now half full of pride and hope. Conversely a few Americans woke up this morning pis*** off because they realized they no longer owned the glass. Based on your comment I sense that you may be among the latter.

That's funny Mark, you didn't sound in the less bit pis*** off to me. Maybe just a little more realistic than others are at this moment, that's all.

I'm not the least bit pissed. Actually I'm just curmudgeonly cynical and place little or no faith politicians as a whole. I'll go back to my rat-hole now.