Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aka Dave]

Photos from the ramp up to the inauguration.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/18/us/politics/inauguration-photos.html#/770


http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/19/85551/6143/577/685892

[Ya-ta Boy]

When Nixon was elected with his Southern Strategy in '68 I was in Greeley, Colorado but had moved to Berkeley, California by the time of the inauguration. I've mostly been in a funk for the last 40 years, just waiting for this moment, which I knew had to come. Our country, at heart, is a progressive country, but we have to go on hold from time to time to let the foot-draggers catch up...or die off.

I'm just glad I didn't get hit by a bus before this time arrived.

(I think our history is a 'contest' between those who long for a time which never ever was and those who hope for a time that never ever will be.)

[Mdvl_lady50]

To the previous poster, I think our soon to be president was actually elected to the Senate. He ran against a joke black carpetbagger, washed up talk show host right winger Alan Keyes. In Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope" he points out that was the easiest election he'd ever encountered. Everytime, Mr. Keyes opened up his mouth, absurdity would spew out.

One of the nice things when I became an expat in the England was that I was able to escape Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield, etc. I could not believe that the American people could buy into their nonsense for another four years. Well, we did - and I am a proud American, but so much prouder for today. At least this president made his money by writing and can certainly articulate a sentence.

When I came back from England (off to Korea next month), my daughter's fiancee bought me a Xmas present from my cat Tootsie. Toots by the way has gone with me in all my travels and moves. She went to England with me and came back. Only problem was that I was moving to Arizona to teach ESL, and the weather and wildlife (I live in the sticks) conditions were not conducive to her suvival. So she lives in a penthouse apartment overlooking the Oakland bridge in San Francsico and is getting fat and sassy, while I still teach Hispanic children to read and write for a pittance:)

I took "Audacity of Hope" with me to Laughlin, Nevada shortly after Xmas in 2008. Actually it coincided with the Iowa Caucus. As I was reading in my hotel room and watching the results on television, I realized that this guy was real. I'd never really heard of him after living in England for three years. My daughters were appalled that I was not voting for Hillary in the primaries (they're raised left to center -- thank you very much). I told them the country needed a change, and more importantly the world. Now that the Dems have made nice with one another, I think Mrs. Clinton is going to be an excellent Secretary of State. I don't think any foreign leader or rep is going to want her to have walk across the desk to address an issue. She is a tough woman.

All I can say, it's a wonderful day to be an American. And to my Republican friends out there, I'm from a family of many. I wouldn't be surprised to see my Dad walk out of his bedroom this a.m. in a white sheet with slit holes with his hood. Sad but true.

[Wisconsinite]

HUGE OBAMA FAN!!! There is an excitement in the air in America. Today has been amazing. Watching the crowds in DC was awesome! Millions of people, peacefully hanging out for the greater good. Watching Obama/Biden take the oath of office was amazing.

No matter your feelings on the new or old president, this is a great day in American history not just because the first black president has been elected but because it was on the platform of change and reconciliation. Of changing the world starting with us first. A change for the better...I can't wait.

I hope you all got to watch it in Korea...it was worth the wait!

[suki]

Thank you Jay-shi!!! It is nice to read a positive post on Dave's and also to feel the support of a neighbor...(I grew up on Canadian t.v.!)

You are right about Americans - we are more good than bad, and we share so much in common with Canada. We're equally privileged and dream big dreams. The difference is the scar of slavery and the fear of reprisals. And now we are having this watershed moment in history, hopefully it will signal an end to leadership that lets fear rule their lives.

Forty years ago I was put on a plane against my will and forced to live with strangers I'd never met, who were to become my parents, in a foreign land called America. I did learn to love America. And I do, as you say, consider it my pride and duty to be a good will ambassador and impart a message of equality and freedom to the hermit kingdom mono culture of my birth.

I am glad I was here in America for this historic day, and as I try to squeeze yet one more thing in my suitcase for my flight tomorrow, I go to Korea full of hope. Because just like America, Korea today is an amazing evolving experiment that has experienced stunning growth and even more stunning cultural growing pains.

For this flight, I go of my own free will. And maybe it is by design that I have never been fully accepted or rejected by either country, so that I can better plant one foot on each shore. I will build connections and be a bridge.

[Jandar]

[Joe666]

Jay-shi is one class act through and through (Cliche, Shit). I am not convinced it is our time at this point. I fear our time as solid trustworhty "world leaders" might have passed us by. This mass arrogant stance of the last 8+ years might have been the heavy straw!!

[Godhasbeengoodtome]

So far Obama is starting out well. But can he remain upcorrupted and root out the rampant corruption in our government? Or will he?

Time will tell and Christians should pray.

[agentX]

I was watching it live on Korean TV with dualcast dialog. It was kinda goofy around the part of the fumbled Oath. Roberts got it wrong, Obama jumped a little early, and the translators got a little flummoxed as well.
Well they got it right earlier today. What's that saying "Fix it in Post"?

[I'm no Picasso]

[moosehead]

[moosehead]

WORD is Obama and his posse will take an active role in the community there in DC which is also a long time comin'

yep, like so many others, am a proud American these days