Good morning everybody. I know it doesn’t have anything to do with soccer but I felt it needed to be mentioned that the United States of America made history last night by electing Barack Obama president. Whether you voted for him or not, you must agree that his election marks a significant moment in this country’s history.
I will get back to the soccer shortly, but if you want to share your brief thoughts on the election, and on Obama’s victory, please share them below.
What a historic night. The country elected a socialist warmonger to replace a warmongering socialist. Change has indeed come to the country. Our savior has risen!!!
The world would be much better if people were healthy and had more financial freedom. Instead of trying to control , give the people this knowledge. http://www.mynikken.net/higdon
what? barack will being big government into health care? where do I sign up?
it’s amazing how many people hate government, isn’t it? and yet, they don’t seem to complain when they flush their toilets and the waste goes away. or when they turn on their radios and get a signal. or when they bite into a hamburger and don’t get sick. it’s remarkable.
don’t worry, without gubmint in the way, the food industry, the medical industry, the construction industry, they’ll all take care of you perfectly well . the banks did, right?
My humble musical letter to president Obama
http://www.writinghannah.blogspot.com
Best,
Hannah
Ahh last night was a think of beauty.Obama likes soccer too which is great,he supports west ham and said he tries to watch games whenever he can.just him supporting a team not in the top 4 is great. I think he will be in south africa for 2010!
Please people, enough with the God stuff.
So, so relieved that Obama won. I feel like we’ve been traveling through a dark, underground tunnel for the past eight years, and we finally exited the tunnel last night to a bright, sunny day.
Ives, while it is your blog and you CAN post about anything you want, I think you should spend a bit more time thinking about whether you SHOULD post about politics. Fresh wounds for some.
But I have heard that Obama is dangerous on set pieces.
Nate, VERY clever. I wonder if Beckham will now have to give some of his cash to LA’s less talented, underpaid players . . . fair is fair, no?
I voted third party. We all have to make Barack better and hold him accountable. I dont have high expectations of him and I’m afraid his alegiance will be corporate america/wall street.
No doubt, electing an african american is amazing and will help our reputation around the world. If any of you have been to Europe over the past few years you know people didnt really think much of us.
Right, Nick. And Hillary Clinton is a Yankees fan.
Guys, this is a soccer site. Forget the politics. This guy is one of us! He supports football! Has there ever been a US president before him that supports football? Word on the street is that he’s a absolute fanatic about West Ham United.
It’s been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Teddie Boy Eddie,
You are terribly confused. What Obama espouses is textbook socialism. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is the central tenet of socialism.
However, what republicans fail to realize is McCain’s policies are similarly socialist. Both candidates ran on platforms to take the wages accumulated through our hard-earned labor and tranfer them to the entity of their preference; be it urban minorities, single mothers, the military industrial complex, or the the Shiite theocracy now ruling in Iraq.
Teddy Boy, no argument that the treasure blown on the Iraq misadventure was very un-conservative.
He follows West Ham and enjoys the “beautiful game.” Would love to see Don Garber invite him to MLS Cup 2009 once he’s in office. I know he loves b-ball but he has passion for futbol which is awesome. George W. said he didn’t even know what a soccer ball looked like. This is 2008, and finally we have gotten with the program.
In the bad news column, Broduer is still hurt.
The good news is that I will be playing for them, soon enough, if these injuries keep up.
In seriousness… Yeah, it’s cool. Nothing’s going to change, but at least it’s going to look better.
A democratic party controlled congressed over the last 2 years has more to be blamed for than one man. Well fine, with no balance of power in Washington we get to watch first hand how a “Car Salesman” works. B.O. made alot of promises to the masses. His first 100 days in office will be crucial. So come April of next year I will be expecting that next check in the mail to cover expenses for my automobile, house mortage, etc. *wink* Oh yeah good times. I look forward to the dems falling flat on their faces. The man dangled a golden carrot to a desperate people and the idiots that voted for him are going to be very disappointed. Very sad. 🙁
A great feeling last night that, I think, could only be topped by the US winning the World Cup.
Love ya Johhny. 🙂 🙂
Socialist Obama. Spreading the wealth Right. What do you call that $700 billion that the government is divvying out to banks and maybe other companies like the automobile makers? If that ain’t Socialism, I don’t know what is. I’m not saying it is right or wrong, but let’s call it like it is. And this from the ultra free market worshipers.
And higher taxes? This always makes me laugh coming from Republicans. What do you call the Iraq war? That is a huge tax on the American people that has a huge negative return.
I just hope Obama stays safe and does some good. I’m so anxious that something will happen to him.
Very gracious concession speech from McCain. He really looked ugly in this campaign. I’m thinking Obama will reach out to him big-time.
Quakes in 2009!
It seems most posters on this board prefer style over substance. It is shocking, yet unsurprising, that someone will vote for a candidate based on his appearance or speaking ability.
I chose not to vote for either candidate, because they’re two sides of the same coin.
How does one suppose Obama is going to unite the country? The country is broke and in debt for trillions of dollars. Where is he going to get the money for his social programs? And this is not to let McCain off the hook, as both candidates shared an incapacity to comprehend basic economic principles.
Under Obama (as would’ve occurred under McCain), taxes will increase; federal spending will increase; the economy will continue to plunge; the value of the dollar will continue to errode; intervention overseas will persist; and the state will be empowered.
As Emma Goldman once said, “If voting ever changed anything, they’d make it illegal.”
Why congradulate someone for running a massive fraudulently financed campaign? Now that the W is in the bag the truth will come out on that cool 700 million financed with gift cards and other untraceable money. The United States has elected it’s first marxist trained President. THAT is the real history being made. Not his carefully packaged racial image. Of course those who disagree with these facts will just shout down dissent Obama campaign style. I guess dissent is no longer the greatest form of patriotism.
looks like wall street has already let their opinions be known: dow down over 100 all morning (currently at 210).
gotta love that spreading of the wealth during a recession!
“I really mad at didn’t rub it in when Bush won in 2004, not because bush won but just because democrats are acting so arrogant. next time the good guys win ill have to do that. on this site too.”
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I really laugh. . . HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. . . keep ’em coming folks. This is really good stuff.
http://yeswecan.spreadshirt.com
Based on reactions around the world, he is not just America’s President, I think he will become the world’s President.
This is good for the United States and somehow I think it will be good for US Soccer too. We sent a powerful message to the rest of the world that maybe we have grown up.
One more thing – the U17s play in France today. Does anyone know how well they did?
All kidding aside – you don’t need to be a knowledgeable student of history to know that this outcome was inevitable. As Carville said 10-15 years ago, “It’s the economy stupid.”
Incumbents (whether they be democrat or republican) will always pay the price when the economy is in bad shape.
You simply need to learn from history and apply it going forward.
Someone get him on the blower and see if he can get Soumare to be naturalized! We need to make sure we have as many great players ready to play for the MNT as possible…
Gino, the removed w keys was false, like everything about the last 8 years. The republicans had complete power for 6 years and their philosophy just doesn’t work. I’m amazed McCain got any votes.
Big-time Congrats to President-elect Obama. Mig, try some ginger ale, might help your stomach, but you’ve got bigger problems than that. Josh, you’re post was the best written Repub post I’ve read, well done.
The future is here people, faith and hope is what drove this lopsided victory. Not even Ronnie Reagan himself couldv’e saved the incumbent party after 8 years of the worst president in US history. The whole country is celebrating, and the entire world is applauding. What does that tell you.
congrats to obama, almost 60 mil voted to keep republicans in power…..absurd!!! go redbulls
I really mad at didn’t rub it in when Bush won in 2004, not because bush won but just because democrats are acting so arrogant. next time the good guys win ill have to do that. on this site too. 🙂 thats for the people making smiley faces that only 14 year old girls do.
Thanks for this post Ives.
It’s good to see something besides the “games” being discussed by yourself on such a day.
I’ll just sit back and continue to laugh at the “God” and “Socialism” comments. LOL.
Wow. There really are some silly and naive people out there and posting on this thread. Socialism? Really? Wake up. Obama’s policies are far from socialism. If you think they are, then you need to go back to school. So, you wanted at least four more years of irresponsible spending and running up debt? Funny, that doesn’t sound very conservative to me.
This country was built on the backs of middle class people, not the rich. There is no such thing as trickle down, except when the middle class and poor are being pissed on, as we are by the current economic crisis caused by greed and stupidity.
For the first time in many years, I am actually proud to say I am an American. Well done America!
Aguinaga – well freakin said!!!
I was wondering how bad things had to get before Americans left the bickering behind and saw the reality of where our country was headed. I thought last election was that moment. I hope this election is the beginning and no one forgets how they felt listening to that speech last night. Respect and dignity is back!
I’m certain this was the right thing for this counrty and everyone will benefit from the choice we made.
I predict Government subsidies to the MLS the salary cap goes up to 10mil Obama becomes the most popular president amongst soccer fans.
Mark it down 😉
Hey, anyone know where I can get one of those Barack Obama “Soccer Supporter” t-shirts?
Maybe Obama can convince Beckham to stay at LA Galaxy for the next 5 years….But he can let Landy go 🙂
RED BULLS!!!
FINALLY!!!
This day will mark the end of the neo conservitive movement in this country. Lets hope Obama acts on his words.
Posted by: rocky
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I agree. We have now become a Socialist Nation. The wealth will be spread around!
By the way, I hope you all continue to create that wealth so I can get some of it.
Good News: African-Americans will be prouder than ever to be Americans. My hope is also that any feelings of inferiority or inopportunity as a people will be greatly removed.
Bad News: Same old same old as far as how things will be run. Republicans and Democrats both have done a poor job running our country, increasing taxes, and increasing government control.
Bob Barr 2012!!!
P.S. – It’s o.k. to vote for a third party. Really. It is.
What I was wondering as I drove to work today: Now that it’s over, who’s going to clean up all those damn signs posted along every street known to man?
I couldn’t care less about the color of the president-elects skin.
I care more about the possibility of being taxed to kingdom come.
Its the policies that concern me. Didn’t give a single thought to the color of the canidate.
I vote Josh’s post the best so far, though I admire Nate’s efficiency 😉
As for myself, I’m still in shock actually. It hasn’t really hit me yet, that he has won. Do I feel a renewed sense of hope? Or is it just primarily relief? Do I really trust enough to celebrate immediately, knowing GW’s ability to F things up and that he has 2 months left still to do so? After the last 8 years of Bush running the country as a dictatorship, could it really be we have had a bloodless coup? Today I have hope for our next 4 years for the first time in 8 that has seemed more like 80.
We can’t begin to contemplate this moment in the history of our great country without first facing the issue of racial divide rather than running from it. For those of us of color, racial divide and contempt against us is felt in the present, in some cases even, daily, NOT in the past. For those of us who are white, racial divide is blamed on many of us who’ve never even had a say in the matter, illogically and ignorantly, without reason, fostering the very resentment, contempt, and fear that those of us of color most want to lessen. Therefore, to actually have the multiracial son of an African with limited experience and both international and Muslim roots elected to the highest office of a country where the majority of people are white and non Muslim seems like a fairy tale. It feels as if this country would’ve NEVER allowed that to happen, not because it wasn’t possible, but because the history and self sustaining cycle of racial divide and ignorance felt daily in 21st Century America just seemed too much of an obstacle to overcome. In addition, the impression is the power elite of this country would simply cringe at the thought of a president like Barack Obama, let alone one named Hussein, and do everything possible to never let someone NOT like them to take control. And yet, here we are. Is this real? Did democracy really work this time? What does this say about the widely accepted notion that despite its relative progress, America still suffers a huge racial handicap? Part of me has a very disturbing sense of anxiety that Obama’s most volatile enemies will yet find a way to stop him… Part of me feels that particular victory has already been won, and it happened last night.
I have so many hopes and wishes for change after what we’ve endured as a country under Bush that there’s no way Obama can fulfill all of them. I am an idealist and a realist at once. I know that realistic goals can come to be by first imagining the impossible, that dreaming leads to accomplishing. We need only to look as far as The Wright Brothers, Phillipe Petit, Harriet Tubman to understand that much. And I know that American, let alone world peace and prosperity, are not suddenly going to break out because we elected the best potential person for the job, indifferent of race, gender, age, culture, or religion. There needs to be unified effort behind him, from us, else his words truly become idealistic fodder, empty promises that can never be achieved. But in my opinion, it is his ability to do just that, motivate all of us despite our differences to unified action, to reignite hope and passion among so many here AND worldwide fuels my belief that we are seeing the type of charismatic leader of extraordinary potential that comes along just once, possibly twice in a lifetime. The kind of leader that can convert all of the problems facing us into causes to take action, instead of causes to divide us… raising hostility, and contempt for each other and from the international community in the process.
Ives, thanks for the outlet. In the spirit of Bill Shankly, this topic is also more important than life and death. 😉
Salud.
“MLS fans will be familiar with his economic policies.”
LOL.
It’s disappointing that Ives posted this. The comments are worse than a Guiseppi Rossi thread.
In any event, the only relevant question for this blog is: will Barack Obama be good for US soccer? The world may have hated George W Bush, but we got to the Quarterfinals of the World Cup during his Presidency. What will happen under an Obama Presidency?
Date back from Iraq? We will be there for next decade. At least 10k troops
Shouldn’t Barack be able to do something for Soumare? Cmon, he plays for his home team!
Obama’s top agenda item….getting world cup 2014 to the US
I am a republican that voted for Obama. I am really disappointed with the coverage this morning. I didn’t vote for him because of a race but that’s all that seems to be talked about.
If a minority can rise to the highest office in the country, than anything is possible: even RSL winning the MLS Cup and Portland getting an MLS team., One can really dream big now 😉
“Nate’s post IS quite clever.
I wonder how many people actually get it . . .”
Socialism, spread the wealth, we get it…
Points for a nice connection, no points for the message. 😉
FINALLY!!!
This day will mark the end of the neo conservitive movement in this country. Lets hope Obama acts on his words.
I think America was going to be the big loser last night no matter which candidate won. Obama has a record of extreme liberalism, even though he campaigned as a centrist. If he can stay in the center, he could be really good for America. He also has little foreign policy expieriece as he was only a Senator for about 200 days before he began campaigning for the White House. I think he is weak and we can get bullied by the likes of Iran, N. Korea, Venezuela, and the EU. I also fear “the timeline withdrawal from Iraq. No war in history has ever been won on time. I wonder what would have happened on Dec.25, 1944 if the Allies decided they didn’t make Berlin on schedule. He will also raise taxes on those who make more than $250k. Now, if you work for a private company and the owners make more than that, your bonuses and raises are going to be slim b/c they have to keep a bigger share of the pie to offset the loss in taxes.
McCain had no clue on the economy. It was as if he never had a plan in place to get things on track. He talked about getting Joe the plumber his business, but never gave a specific on how he would help. I was not a fan of his healthcare plan, but I wasn’t a fan of Obama’s either. I think McCain would have been tougher with other countries that needed it, and even if we weren’t extremely popular with the rest of the world, who cares. America and her citizens need to come first. And if that is the only positive you can pull from the two candidates for the presidency, then there is a problem. This election was trying to vote for the lesser of two evils, and that is never good for a country.