Thursday, January 22, 2009

A New Era

Seeing (on tv) close to two million people gathered at the mall in Washington DC was moving. It must have been really exciting to be there. What stood out to me in Obama's Inaugural Address was the message that we are all equal, and that in these tough times he is summoning all Americans to work together in a "new era of responsibility." In his speech, which was informed by history but made his own, he asked us to return to the values of hard work, family, and community that America once stood for. He is confident that tough challenges will be met and America is ready to lead once more. The speech was somewhat somber, but still very powerful. He stressed the importance of extending a hand to the world, especially the Islamic world. The Bush era is over, and so is the Reagan era when less government was the mantra. Now we need "more effective" govt. He mentioned the importance of science, and stopping global warming. It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!

With Obama's approval rating at 83%, and that was before the inauguration, I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle. Even though Obama has said he will be focusing on moving forward, I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration. I think it's important to cleanse the country of the bad things done by the prior administration if we are going to be respected again around the world. And what about the scary possibility of future administrations repeating what Bush did (ie torture), because he got away with it?

I am hopeful. Even though there are so many businesses closing due to the recession, record home foreclosures, a health care crisis, and we may even be in for a depression, I have confidence in Obama's leadership, and in the American people to rise to the challenge. So, let's get to work, together.


(Morning Call Forum post coming soon)

90 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration." -Mrs. Dottie

So would I, "quietly" though, not like the pointless and partisan and all about publicity GOP witch hunts that were Whitewater, Ken Starr, Monica-Gate, etc.

Anonymous said...

"It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!" -Mrs. Dottie

Amen.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Anon 10:36, I agree. An investigation would probably be done quietly, since the economy is so much in the forefront. But I think it needs to be done.
Ford pardoned Nixon, and look what his administration gave us: Rumsfeld, Cheney, and Wolfowitz.

jdg said...

Probably the only way to get the truth out of Dick Cheney would be to water-board him.

Anonymous said...

"I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle"

I certainly hope Republicans treat Obama exactly as Democrats have treated George W. Bush. Since you seem to be of the opinion that the Democrats were always pure in their motives, I would think you would wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Yes?

Anonymous said...

A girl I work with was at the inauguration and she said it was the best day of her life, even with the single-digit temperature!

Bill Villa said...

Anon 1:19, why sure, yes, absolutely, we um agree (wink wink) wholeheartedly with your statement. But seriously, don't worry, be happy! W flew away (and Cheney slithered away, hissing), happy (Democrat) days are here again! And for like the next 24 years! At least. Gotta love it.

Mrs. Dottie said...

"Since you seem to be of the opinion that the Democrats were always pure in their motives,"

I never said that. But your comment and the way you jumped on me just proves my point about partisanship. Obama is a D who is reaching out to R's. I think his 83% plus approval rating crosses over parties. How did Bush reach across parties?

Anonymous said...

I'm a Republican and sadly all GOPs must face the facts: W blew it. Major league big time. He'll be lucky if he avoids prison for the war crimes he recently confessed to. D-u-m-b.

jdg said...

"How did Bush reach across parties?"

The silence from the Right is deafening.

Jonah said...

" How did Bush reach across parties"

Let's see--No Child Left Behind practically written by Teddy Kennedy, his 2001 tax cuts passed with broad partisan support, Medicare Part D, oh and all those Dems who were for the war before they were against it.

I don't know why you say I jumped on you, I just felt the statement was made was hypocritical...I see your husband answered truthfully though---of course you don't want R's to treat Obama as Bush was treated--but to say so would be to admit the partisanship that was displayed--and it is done on both sides. This idea that now that Obama is in, we need to be civilized in politcs is hypocritical to the extreme. Let me ask this--if Bush had named as Treasury Secretary a person who knowingly did not pay his income taxes (and it turns out was actually reimbursed for taxes he did not pay) you folks would be jumping up and down screaming bloody murder and how Bush thinks the rules don't apply to him.

Honestly I would like to see civil discussion of politics--I try my best to engage in such discussions. You'll note I do not resort to name calling. I try to keep my statements factual, and not based on how I would like things to be.

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

Now that Obama's President, I'm confident we'll finally start getting somewhere in revamping education in a way that works better.

Jeremiah said...

Jonah raises some good points but his anger is a turn-off.

Jonah said...

Anger? Really? Seriously, I am not angry at all. I apologize if I came across that way. I was just making an observation, and had no intention of appearing to be on the attack or anything like that...but I sincerely apologize if it seemed otherwise.

Bill Villa said...

For the record, we now know that "Jonah" (wink wink) sometimes posts as "anonymous," as he did at 1:19pm here. Sorry for the exposé interruption, please continue ...

Mrs. Dottie said...

Jonah, NCLB was underfunded by Bush. It's a failure without funding, especially for inner city schools.
Well, we are D's and we are excited about Obama. 8 years of failed Bush policies, was way too long. Sorry if we offend you, but there are plenty of conservative local blogs. We like to express our D here. I think the majority of Americans are excited about Obama and his ability to lead, and reach across parties.
Oh, and over 8 yrs, Bush appointed his crooked, unqualified cronies to office, that's a lot worse, some were even convicted of criminal activity.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Rehired teacher,
I am not real thrilled about the continuation of NCLB, it does not work, it's "teaching to the test" so I hope they figure out some way to fix it. I'm not real excited when I hear about "educational reform" I think we need teachers with actual classroom experience making decisions about education policy, not administrators or corporate leaders.

Hayshaken said...

"I think we need teachers with actual classroom experience making decisions about education policy, not administrators or corporate leaders."

This could actually work.

Jonah said...

Wow, I really did not expect this kind of response (and I hope you publish my apology that I submitted earlier). Let me address these latest items--yes I posted anonymously at 1:19... just to see if it would be posted, since you moderate...once it was posted and responded to, I have signed all subsequent posts. I do not post attacks, or rude, disparaging remarks...frankly i was being lazy since i wasn't sure it would be posted. I cannot prove that i do not post attacks or name-call, so i just ask that you take my word for it.

NCLB is not underfunded. It is the single largest expenditure ever in the history of this country--that is a fact. The idea that it is underfunded comes from the fact that the legislation contained higher appropriations than was thought to be needed--just to cover themselves, and as is done with most legislation--but NCLB represents an incredible increase in education funding. But let's for the moment accept your view that it is not funded fully. Doesn't matter--you cannot find a single study that finds a direct correlation between increased funding and increased achievement. The Liberal idea is to throw more money at a problem. NCLB, while throwing more money, also attempted to find some way to measure whether the expenditures were actually making a difference. I say this all even though I am no particular fan of NCLB...I approve of setting standards, and goals to achieve but disagree with the way NCLB attempts to do so.

"we are excited about Obama" -- as well you should be...your guy won. I am anxious to see how he governs. I am sure I will disagree with much of what he proposes...but I will do so civilly, and argue on the principles.

"Bush appointed his crooked, unqualified cronies to office, that's a lot worse, some were even convicted of criminal activity."

Again with the name-calling...how about some evidence? Just who are you referring to as "convicted of criminal activity"? Scooter Libby? You all do know he was not convicted for being the leaker, right? Please tell me you know who actually leaked Valerie Plame's name...even Fitgerald knew it while he pursued Libby under the guise of trying to find the leaker. Yes Libby was found guilty of perjury...funny, I seem to remember a former President giving up his law license for the same thing.

I realize I make you folks uncomfortable by challenging your views. ANd yes I could go on a conservative blog and just agree with everyone there. But isn't it more fun to actually exercise your mind a little? Defend your beliefs, even just a little bit? Where's your feeling of bipartisanship? By openly and honestly discussing our views, we just may find some common ground along the way...is that really so awful?

Anonymous said...

" ... had no intention of appearing to be on the attack or anything like that...but I sincerely apologize if it seemed otherwise." -"Jonah," a.k.a. "Anonymous" (wink wink)

Jonah, oftentimes, it's not WHAT you say but HOW you say it that wins friends and influences people! Or not.

Take "nucular" (vs nuclear) for example. Saying it that way ("nucular") makes one seem like a complete idiot.

Bill Villa said...

"I realize I make you folks uncomfortable by challenging your views." -Jonah/Anonymous

Nah. We'll just have to agree to disagree on, well, everything discussed so far. Not to say we won't find something to agree on, someday.

Anonymous said...

Part of me would like to see the Bush neocons prosecuted for being the war criminals they were. But I think Obama is too much of a political realist to do that (not even quietly). Obama is not going to be so divisive, which may be why he will be so successful.
As for all the D's who were for the war before they were against the war, yes, I agree, how sad. And not all of them live in Oklahoma. They are the reason Bush got a second term. They are idiots and I don't forgive them. But because they slowly saw the light and Obama is now elected president, I will commute their death sentences.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Jonah,

I am not uncomfortable, and I love a good debate, especially about NCLB, since I am a teacher, and I know it's BAD for so many reasons, and my son is a student, and I see what is going on. I have a child to tend to , so I can't debate you right now but I can't believe how you can justify the many failures of the Bush admin. Thanks for commenting.

Bill Villa said...

" ... can't believe how you ["Jonah"] can justify the many failures of the Bush admin."

And that's kinda it in a nutshell for us blog host Dems here. We can't see anything "good" about the reign of George W. Bush and it's tiresome even listening to Bush's ever-shrinking micro-minority stalwarts anymore. We've been subjected to it for 8 years. Give it a rest already, and give President Obama a chance. Turn the page, like we had in '00 and '04.

Jonah said...

Not sure where I "justified" any failures of the Bush administration. You asked me to cite where Bush worked with Dems, and I did. You made assertions about NCLB (which in all honesty is more a Kennedy "accomplishment" than it is Bush's--but Bush claims ownership for it, he agreed to it, so it's part of his legacy), to which I responded, while noting I was not a real fan of it either. (I too have a background in education, although not to your extent...and have two children in the public school system, so I also share that with you).

I'm not exactly thrilled with the way his terms turned out, but certainly not to the extent you folks may be. I believe many of the failures have been deemed as such unfairly, although that is a debate for another time.

I hope we have the opportunity to debate again. Thank you for graciously allowing me to express my views on your blog. Hope I expressed myself properly there, Mr. Villa ;)

Bill Villa said...

Maybe we can talk baseball?

Jonah said...

"Maybe we can talk baseball?"

Aha!!! Common ground after all! See it is possible!

"Pitchers and Catchers report in XX days"---what finer words are there in the english language?

Bill Villa said...

Anon 5:10, well-said, you are probably right and I agree with everything you're saying.

You too, GOP anon 2:33, I missed you back there! I know quite a few Republicans who see things as you do, I only wish my many (ahem) NeoCon family members could see things as you do :( too

Bill Villa said...

"baseball?"Aha!!! Common ground after all! See it is possible!" -Jonah

Well maybe, let's find out ... will the Yankees win the 2009 World Series in a 4-game sweep or will it go 5, 6, or 7 games do you think?

Bill Villa said...

"Pitchers and Catchers report in XX days"---what finer words are there in the english language?" -Jonah

None, and I'm liking our common ground.

Mrs. Dottie said...

To the anon who said "Part of me would like to see the Bush neocons prosecuted for being the war criminals they were. But I think Obama is too much of a political realist to do that (not even quietly). Obama is not going to be so divisive, which may be why he will be so successful."
and to my hubby who agreed with that:

What is "divisive" about holding Bush accountable if he broke the law? Equality under the law is the foundation of democracy. Is Bush above the law? If Obama gives impunity to high level officials who commit crimes, then Obama will be violating his oath of office, to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed." Waterboarding is torture, which is a federal crime.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Bye Jonah, nice chatting with you.
I am going to check the facts on NCLB funding. Don't forget, Bush cut funding for federal programs like "Head Start" which greatly helps at-risk and poor kids to achieve. I have written about this before.

Mrs. Dottie said...

What I meant is Bush cut funding for programs (Head Start) that are necessary for the success of NCLB.
It's been a long day.

Anonymous said...

Re: "A New Era," Mrs. Dottie, you are Allentown's best essayist.

The Blanker

Anonymous said...

Is Jonah a Red Sox fan?

Mrs. Dottie said...

Blanker, You rock!

Anonymous said...

Merci.

The Blanker

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

I always thought "Jonah" was one of O'Hare's many "comment characters" (?) one he uses mostly at Bill White's blog (?)

Jonah said...

Sorry--incommunicado there for a while...let me catch up

Ynakees? In 4? nope, not gonna happen (and no I am not a Boston fan)--Yanks lose in first round of playoffs

I am a Phillies fan---hoping for a repeat, but jsut not sure if they can pull it off

I am absolutely not O'Hare. Yes I am anonymous, for personal reasons, but as I stated before, I do not abuse that--I am never disrespectful or mean-spirited, and do not engage in personal attacks. Please do not drag me into this whole sordid affair w/ Bernie and the rest, I have nothing to do with it, and want nothing to do with it...frankly I find the whole thing sad on so many levels.

I do post at Bill White's blog as well, under this name only.

Bill Villa said...

"Jonah," there's something I need to speak with you about, in person.

Please e-mail me and we'll set it up.

My e-mail address is alacarbv@aol.com

Anonymous said...

i am so glad that you didn't respond to aj's blog about you.

Bill Villa said...

Merci.

Anonymous said...

i am so glad that you didn't respond to Molovinsky's "bash blog" about you either.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Merci. Sour grapes make lousy whine ;D

Bill Villa said...

Bash blogs about us from jealous sour grapes whiners is the price we must pay here at LV Somebody for being the LV's Most Influential (and, Most Popular) Political Blog. And while it is a cross to bear, we are getting used to it. It's tough being #1, don't let anybody kid you (wink wink) ...

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

Villas, FYI, I just made a comment at O'Hare's "bash blog" (I was agreeing with another commenter) and O'Hare deleted my comment.

Bill Villa said...

A whole lot of comments have been getting POOFED from there lately. Achtung! Dissent is verboten!

Bill Villa said...

Very simple, Foo Foo ...
they can dish it out,
but they can't take it.
They like to start fights,
but if you retaliate, they cry, and file harassment complaints against you via DA's they're pals with. It's the height (or depths) of pusillanimous.

Bill Villa said...

"Obama is not going to be so divisive, which may be why he will be so successful." and to my hubby who agreed with that: What is "divisive" about holding Bush accountable if he broke the law? Equality under the law is the foundation of democracy."

Well, Mrs. Dottie, as with the Iraq war, where you were out in front of me (and the majority of Americans) regarding being right about that war being wrong, I can see now (after researching the issue more thoroughly) that you are out in front again, and right, about Bush's war crimes being prosecuted. Let's do it. And thank you as always for your patience with me.

Hayshaken said...

Villas, i just tried commenting at O'Hare's blog and he deleted my comment. "Dissent verboten" indeed.

Anonymous said...

I commented also (agreeing with Hayshaken), and O'Hare deleted my comment too. Truly a totalitarian regime over there, achtung baby.

The Blanker

Bill Villa said...

Hayshaken and Blanker, try to ignore them, that's what we do do to them and they hate that ...

Bill Villa said...

Foo Foo, sadly, I believe you're right (good likeness!)

Mrs. Dottie said...

BV, I knew you would come around on the war crimes. Just think if in the future during a different administration, there is a terrorist attack. Bush's unconstitutional tactics/crimes could be repeated again. I say there should be an investigation, and prosecution if crimes have been committed.

Bill Villa said...

While I do (now) agree with you Mrs. D, I also think we could prevent U.S. war atrocities from happening again-- without wasting time chasing Bush, Cheney, Condi, Scooter, Karl, etc., etc. However, since nailing them would be sorta fun (and, okay, appropriate), I now say let's go for it, s'long as it doesn't slow us down in achieving things like a permanent peace in the Middle East and Universal Healthcare here at home.

Casey Claus said...

People wondered why I ignored the attack launched on me last month. I have preached that he should be ignored, and the true colors of some would be revealed.
So tell me, whose actions are petty and childish, and who is acting like a responsible adult?
I didn't have to refute anything in any attacks. His own behavior proves it for me.

I think I win this one.

Of Course, once he sees this comment, I will probably get it again, but I don't care. i don't read his hate blog, but I'm sure on of the dozen who do will read it and forward it to me. Everytime he goes sanctimonious, the smell of his hypocracy (God, I hope I spell that right!) emanates throught the blog world and can't be ignored.

What's the quote from that movie?

"I could have been a contender?"

Bernie could have been so much, but now he's a caricature of an unhappy little man with a grudge.

How sad.

Bill Villa said...

Hi Chris, we're with you, ignoring them is the best strategy, and that's what we do.

I mean here we were Angie and me, minding our own business, not bothering anybody, just quietly being the thought leaders in our local blogosphere with posts like "A New Era," and "Mayor Books Interview With Us," and BANG, out of nowhere AJ lashes out at us, and then BANG, Molovinsky bashes us, and now today BANG, O'Hare manufactures an attack. They're just sooooooooo jealous, it's almost painful to watch them stewing in their own juices all the time. And that's all I'm gonna say. Now back to totally ignoring them and back onto our terrific topic!

Bill Villa said...

Yes, please everyone, let's not allow the Evil Allied Accomplice Blogs to throw us off topic ("OT"), that's their goal ...

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

Okay, I'm going "OT" but it's for a good cause and that good cause is for everyone to enjoy a good belly laugh, by reading the last half-dozen or so side-splitting hilarious comments at this post about Scott Armstrong at "Lehigh Valley Lies & Ramifications," it is just priceless comedy! Enjoy!

Politically Neutered said...

"the villa's continue to proclaim themselves victims, while their enemies are repeatedly called names through words and links on their moderated blog. -Mike "3%" Molovinsky, commenting at LV Lies 'N Ramifications

Hey Mike, you can dish it out
but you can't take it :)

Anonymous said...

I second that.

The Blanker

Bill Villa said...

I think we're starting to veer slightly into "OT" territory ...

McJudas said...

o'hare's secret is out and that's why he's freaking out

Anonymous said...

Re: war criminals.
Look what Obama did already, by ordering those trials halted and announcing that Guatanamo (sp?) will be closed down. We can correct the course without the distractions and expenditure of political capital that a "war crime" campaign would require. Yeah, it would be fun to put Cheney on trial. But I get satisfaction from knowing the neo-cons have been castrated so easily and quickly. And it's just the start. For example, Obama's executive order to re-fund abortion rights.

Casey Claus said...

The only thing that would make O'Hare and Armstrong happy is if they are appointed the only two members of a secret board to investigate Ed Pawlowski.
They don't want a "war Crimes" investigation, but they are all for investigating anyone they don't like. Maybe we should start investigating them. Wonder if they could bear up to the same scrutiny as they give? Doubt it!

Very Casual Observer said...

"I get satisfaction from knowing the neo-cons have been castrated so easily and quickly. And it's just the start." -anon 7:42

Maybe a tad harshly put, but yes, I too am enjoying seeing the pendilum swing the other way on the issues.

Foo Foo said...

"The only thing that would make O'Hare and Armstrong happy ..." -CC

Oh there's nothing that would make those two neocon goose-steppers happy.

Anonymous said...

"The Villa's ... on their moderated blog." -MM

What a deceitful hypocrite Molovinsky is. His blog is moderated too > Mike's Memory Lane

Mrs. Dottie said...

Let's get back on topic everybody. Sideline Note: Father Alec's sermon had us all rolling in the aisles this morning!

Very Casual Observer said...

Villas, fyi, I just tried posting this comment at O'Hare's blog (where he and Molovinsky are jealously weaving huge webs of lies about you both again).

O'Hare deleted it, immediately.

Here's what I tried to say there:

"B.O., you (and Molovinsky, Najarian, and AJ) can dish it out but you can't take it."

POOF. Dissent
(or Villas support)
strictly verboten!!

Bill Villa said...

Thanks for the Squeal-O-Gram, "VCO," and welcome (I'm still laughing from Father Alec's sermon too :)

It has taken a while, but it appears that the Evil Allied Accomplice blogs have been successfully, and totally, marginalized.

What with their laughably transparent lies, their blatant dissent quashing, their shameful Troll Parade, their obvious Morning Call selling out, their incessant "baiting" that everyone sees them continuously initiating, and the "comment characters" they employ almost exclusively now that the few readers they once had have run away in revulsion suppressing their gag reflexes, sadly, they've lost whatever miniscule "credibility" they may have once had and even that's doubtful.

Good Riddance-In-Progress I say and let's all take time to savor their descent and exit. I also must congratulate "Lehigh Valley Somebody" for so courageously leading the noble charge against them.

It's been a dirty job,
but "Somebody" had to do it.

Esq said...

Well done, Villas. In our majority neocon local blogosphere, you are two most welcome and luminescent beacons of truth, justice, honesty, and ... you're also "Thee Best Blog-Read On The World-Wide Interweb!" Bar none!! Keep it coming!!! I haven't been this hooked to an ongoing saga since "Mary Hartman! Mary Hartman!"

Anonymous said...

It truly IS a "New Era," thank you Villas.

Anonymous said...

This thread inspired me to check out O'Jerk's blog, where the same three idiots are having a meeting of the minds (what a terrible thing to waste). I love it. He still can't grasp that someone with other than a last name starting with "V" can disagree with him. Delusion. Denial. Dumb.

Jack Webb Lord said...

Dear "Lehigh Valley Somebody" Readers:

I am pleased to announce that after a 1-Week "exile" from the BlogNet News (BNN) Top 20 Most Influential Political Blogs in Pennsylvania rankings, The Villas are back in the Top 20 at BNN.

The significance of The Villas' Outstanding Achievement cannot be overstated.

Consider that the Evil Allied Accomplice Blogs spent literally hundreds of hours last week compulsively keystroking their own blogs upward and desperately trying to Game The Villas Out Of The Top 20.

They did not succeed because of the thousands of loyal (and legitimate) readers the "Lehigh Valley Somebody" blog proudly serves The Truth, day in and day out.

Thus "Lehigh Valley Somebody" is thee #1 Most Influential Political Blog in the Lehigh Valley again this week.

CONGRATULATIONS, VILLAS!

Mrs. Dottie said...

Merci.

Politically Neutered said...

"Evil Allied Accomplice blogs ... Good Riddance-In-Progress I say and let's all take time to savor their descent and exit."

I second this enthusiastically!

Hayshaken said...

Villas, CONGRATS on being #1 In Per Post Influence at BNN This Week!

Rehired ASD Teacher said...

I noticed that too! The Villas are on top of Molovinsky, Donovan, O'Hater, Varkony, AJ's Booger Vault, and LV PoliBlog!

Villas: #1 in The Lehigh Valley! Again!

Bill Villa said...

How bout that, we missed that!

Jack Webb Lord said...

(Oopsie), I missed that too! Congratulations #1 Villas! You're #1.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Merci ;D

Anonymous said...

Villas, Kudos!

The Blanker

Politicaly Neutered said...

Villas I just tried to post a comment at O'Hare's blog that "dissented" regarding the lies he and Molivinskli are weaving up there about you.

O'Hare deleted it right away. "Dissent Verboten."

Anonymous said...

O'Hare's a jackass and Molovinsky's "number two."

Jonas said...

I second that.

LV Househusband said...

Hey, didn't Heath Ledger play an exorcist priest named "Father Alex" in the movie "The Order?"

Anonymous said...

O'Hare is not a liar.

It is the other 50 people in his head that are the liars

Mrs. Dottie said...

"O'Hare is not a liar.

It is the other 50 people in his head that are the liars"

He's a complete FRAUD! I'm still waiting to hear from "Retired ASD Teacher" who allegedly knows me. I have a few questions for him, and would like to reconnect.;D

Anonymous said...

Don't hold your breath on that one Miss Dotty, "Retired ASD Teacher" is Bernie O'Hare.