Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Roger in France on November 06, 2008, 10:30:35 am
-
As nobody has commented yet....
I congratulate all our American Members on their new President.
I have been following this election avidly and greatly admire the excitement and fervour which was evidenced throughout.
Maybe this appointment will see a genuine renewal of good relations with France.
I was privileged to be in the USA in 1968 and witnessed the process at first hand. However, the election of "Tricky Dicky" did not impress me at all!
Good luck to Obama, good luck to the USA and good luck to the world.
Roger in France.
-
I second that, Roger, and huge congratulations to the democracy of the American voters for enhancing the lott of the human race in making such a brave and long awaited step forward.
Well Done, America :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
-
i cant believe he has made american history i was actually glad he won the election i wanted him to win it :-)) :-)) :-)).
hannah ok2
-
...about time the majority of a country had the vote, living next to the good ole'USof A as I grew up just abit north of there, we were always in fear of things flying over head. It warms the soul to think that such a fine orator calms a nations' woes in such tumultuos times, good luck Barack!
-
Yes I must admit i was going for McCain as I read his war record and what he had to endure as a POW. Although saying that I have no idea about US politics accept what is filtered down to me from the media. I do know that the system of voting is differant to ours and that the landslide of victory is not what the popular vote showed, I think there was about 4-5% difference and that would be considered pretty close in our system. But congrats to Obama. He has his work to do with the Change he promissed. I only hope that the American people are patient as this change cant happen in one term. Time will tell. It is history in the making and we can say we observed it.
Regards David
-
I just hope for the sake of our american friends he is not a Tony Blair clone.
Colin H.
-
Well he's off to a bad start on his "need for change" so far, with picking the Clinton people from slick willy's time in the Whitehouse. He also picked a slime ball former Michigan politico to work on his transition team. The SOB always had his hand out and was one of the three slime balls that were kissing up to Saddam before the first go round. And was voted out of office. Since most all our elected officials are lawyers. And God had a plan when he had the words lips, lawyers,and lying all start with the letter L. It was to remind us in the states that if a politician is a lawyer, and his lips are moving, he's probably lying.
And as I understand it lawyers here in the states are different than yours over on the other side of the pond. They are already discussing what are his pit falls are going to be. ( as a side note you my not know that most of the talking heads on our news cable channels and reporters are mostly lawyers) And the talking heads all agree that his two biggest enemies are going to be Harry Reid and Pelosi. If he steps out of line and goes against what the far,far left's agenda is. So he does have his work cut out And I hope his magic wand works. And he can get the Chinese to buy up more of the bonds they what to sell to bail out the big 3 auto makers here.
There was a lady in the store talking about what she going to spend her check from Obama on today. I really had to bite my tongue. To keep from laffing out load. As your Brits say she is a silly sod. to bad that we have to many here that would prefer the dole. Instead of working.
He is going to need a lot of prayers in the next 100 or so days. Even before he takes the keys to the Whitehouse.
But as of right now he isn't making any changes that he talked about in regards to the lifers in Washington. He is bring them back by the bus load %% {-) %% {-)
Found out after the election, and never heard a word before it that in Pelosi's home district they were voting on legalizing prostitution in the San Franciso bay area to help bring in tourists. It didn't pass
-
Red necks out the human race in.
During the election I notice lots of white faces in the crowds supporting Obama,No black faces for McCain says a lot.
-
Too bad that we have too many here that would prefer the dole. Instead of working.
You haven't got that on your own, we have lots of them here in Australia too. >>:-(
Looking at things from the other side of the world, it seems to me that John McCain had two major obstacles to overcome... one was his age (why would anyone want such a thankless job at age 72?) and the second was his poor choice of running mate, in Sarah Palin. She appeared to be a major liability, with little political awareness, and complete ignorance of many other matters. Comedians must be disappointed she lost, as they would have continued to have an absolute ball for the next four years.
The world now waits to see what happens, but Obama's election seems to be a step in the right direction.
Peter.
-
i voted for obama as he seemed to have the least flaws
1) he's onlly 47 not 72
2) he' a boy not a girl
3) he want to tax us for the next two years
4) his middle name is hussain
5) well the old school white guys messed things up real good <*< <*<
-
Politics - I think having a bit of a grumble is OK, but surely this is not the place for a rant.
Colin
-
Comedians must be disappointed she lost, as they would have continued to have an absolute ball for the next four years.
The world now waits to see what happens, but Obama's election seems to be a step in the right direction.
Peter.
It won't take them long to jump on Obama, as they did with Clinton. Now that all there favorites are gone.
And I can't see why anybody of any age would want that job because at any one time you will be making 1/2 the people mad. And with most of the problems that you have to give guidance or direction, people aren't going to be happy! The cable news shows and the talking heads are already second guessing him as to what he is doing.
And one of the entrainment news show, is already hyping what they will be covering in the coming year. As far as Obama and his family in the Whitehouse. I feel sorry for his kids, as the press will drive them goofy. As I said he will need all the prays he can get. And its to bad the press won't give him a break and go back to covering, murders, kidnappings and high speed car chases in LA :police:
I do wish him luck, but now the hunt for the real baggage has begun. And what ever he and his extended family has done will now be tabloid news.
I can't wait for the pictures of him and the aliens with the flying saucer on the Whitehouse lawn on the cover of the supermarket tabloids, as they did with Blair, Bush,your Queen and everybody else. :}
-
There was probably a lot of thinking along the lines of "McCain is 72. Will he last? Who will be in line? Ah. Vote Obama"
-
may i say it a black kennerdy hope so regiment
-
According to the news I heard on the radio today. The African American voters who supported Obama have rather unrealistic expectations brought on by what was not said rather than what was said during the campain. One supporter interviewed said that "Now all the poor black people of America will become more prosperous" I cant see how this type of expectation can be a realistic one. There will always be poor people either black or white, pink or purple it is not a colour thing it is just a fact of human life there are rich and there are poor in any society. But I do hope that life becomes better for the change.
Regards David
-
He is a politician.
All promises BEFORE taking office.
With policy not over impressed with either.
I am however impressed with the first non-white president.
Bob
-
As an Republican & former McCain supporter, I voted for change this time & am very happy to see our nation finally break these shackles that have saddled us with the past few hundred years. Call me a Mickey Edwards Republican, in reference to the former Oklahoma Congressman who co-founded the Heritage Institute, served as an adviser in President G. W. Bush's first term & recently came out with his book Reclaiming Conservatism. He, along with many other prominent Republicans & prominent business leaders, voted for Obama-Biden.
I can only shake my heads at Joe the Plumber™ & those other ignorant souls who continue to spout that "socialist, communist & tax increase" mantra from the failed campaign's talking points. If only they'd stop & think of the troubling issues that lay ahead for the USA & learn to work with the incoming administration.... well, that certainly won't happen since the talking heads on talk radio & Fix News will see to that. If only a few of my countrymen would take the time to read their history & take a few economics courses, we might be able to save ourselves after all! {:-{
As Winston Churchill so aptly proclaimed: "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."
Chuck
-
Chuck
I don't know to much about US politics, However it is my impression that US political history seams to indicate that the American people don't really warm to Socialism and as such the two parties are right leaning but one more so than the other. Would that be a correct assessment or have I miss read it?? I can only judge other countries political systems through my understanding of Australian politics.
Regards David
-
For the most part the Dems are left of or have what here is called tax a spend big government. The Repubs are right of and smaller government, less regulation less taxes.
then each of the two major parties are divide into three groups the moderates or center types a little of each items that are necessary. Them move to either the far right or the far left. With the wayest out there people on both ends.
In most countries dems are referred to as Social Democrats, or just social leaning dems. Due to a lot of things the word socialism is still a dirty word. and isn't generally talked about. The fact that the Chicago Socialist party came out and supported and endorsed Obama was hardly reported no matter how hard the groups leader tried.
It was sort of funny because here in the US whether it was Clinton or any of the others in politics. The poll is king and queen.They will take a poll on everything, and then they react accordingly. The old joke with Clinton was that him and his wife took polls to find out when to go to the bathroom to relive themselves. {-)
With most politicians in the US lawyers of one form or another, It always amazes me how they re-elect the same slime balls whether they do anything or not for the home turf. The other thing is they really don't spend time with the people that elect them for the most part As they are in Washington or overseas on fact finding missions. Our Governor in Michigan was in on the meeting with Obama yesterday as an Advisor I hope it was to see what she has did wrong as this state slides toward the black hole of a waste land. Because she has did such poor job, she also will need a job in Washington as from the sound of it she won't get re-elected :o But stranger thinkgs have happened.
As somebody said in a previous post, What they promise to get elected and what they do afterward are two separate items.
The ones that think Obama is going to give them checks. Don't understand that it won't be a continuing thing. And may not happen but once if that. A lot of people here are too worried about what the Brittney's and other stars are doing. To really care much about what the thieves, and criminals in government are doing. As the mayor of Detroit did, ( he is serving his 120 days in jail) they announced today to cover his legal bills,and the other messes he left they are planning lay offs and cuts to services. But I can tell you if he ran for re-election he would win in Detroit.
I was told by a polictico insider years ago. Look they are all thieves, the important thing is its OUR thieve that wins!
I have come to the conclusion, like sports politics may be little understood but it is something that people feel they can belong to a group. Or they are like the guy that lives down the street he had both of the parties signs on his lawn just to "xxxxx" the people off.
Or be like me and try to figure out which one will do the least damage.
And I know that some of the pole workers don't like the independents label because we can pick and choose who to vote for. And not vote a straight party ticket,To make sure that no matter how crooked some of the people are they get re-elected.
-
Does the fact that Obama only had 147 days experience in the Senate before deciding he was good enough to be President of the USA not concern anyone?..
-
From what I heard and seen It only concerned Me %%. :}
-
Does the fact that Obama only had 147 days experience in the Senate before deciding he was good enough to be President of the USA not concern anyone?..
Probably a plus point?
-
Does the fact that Obama only had 147 days experience in the Senate before deciding he was good enough to be President of the USA not concern anyone?..
The British prime Minister has said he welcomes Obama's victory and he only said a few weeks ago that this was no time for novices!
Make of that what you will
-
Does the fact that Obama only had 147 days experience in the Senate before deciding he was good enough to be President of the USA not concern anyone?..
Not as much as Ronny R, when he had his finger on the Big Button..
Good luck to Him , he can't do any worse.. Can He !!
-
Browns buzz word of a few weeks ago was Diversity. Now Mr Obama has been made president elect it has immediately changed to Inclusivity. Hmmmmmmm
I may be wrong but I read this as 'I don't want you in my club' but boy 'I sure want to be in your club'.
Colin H.
-
In a deliberate attempt to hijack this topic:
One of our longstanding members has suggested to me that we should not carry explicit political discussion on Mayhem as people often hold strong views and the outcome can easily become contentious and divisive. I think maybe he has a point, this is essentially a model boat forum after all.
No reason why we can't continue to express our "Grumpy Old Git" views on the state of the nation but maybe we should keep off discussing specific politics.
What do people think?
Colin
-
Chuck
I don't know to much about US politics, However it is my impression that US political history seams to indicate that the American people don't really warm to Socialism and as such the two parties are right leaning but one more so than the other. Would that be a correct assessment or have I miss read it?? I can only judge other countries political systems through my understanding of Australian politics.
Regards David
David,
Your spot on, but you also have realize we're not about in anyway to go socialist anymore than what FDR, Johnson or Nixon (yes, I did say Nixon) did in the last century. Considering the magnitude of this financial crisis / crash / fiasco we're in, the only way to extract ourselves out of this mess will be through government spending, & I'd much rather see us grow our deficit at this point to keep jobs & put people back to work than suffer the consequences of another depression. Even if the new administration was given a blank check & opened the flood gates to new infrastructure, WPA, home loan restructuring, auto industry bailout, universal health care, etc... programs its important to understand that Ronald Reagan ran a higher national debt to GDP ratio than anything you would EVER see today, & it certainly won't approach the record 125% we had at the end of WW2 that ushered in 30 years of economic growth. Of course, that doesn't change the path that we're headed on which isn't anything one party or the other can change. Kevin Philips work, Wealth & Democracy & his new book, Bad Money, should be required reading in American high school civics & economics courses.
The funniest part I find about all this rhetoric being thrown about is that if one looks back over the past century, you'll find higher economic & job growth under Democratic administrations than Republican, & yet all you hear about is taxes, taxes, taxes from the other side. Considering that all this talk about a "tax increase" is not an increase at all, but simply allowing the present Bush tax holiday to expire as it was meant in 2010 resulting in a net increase of 3% for those in the uppermost income bracket. Hardly something that will bankrupt those hardworking middle class tax payers who are supposedly going to be paying for this "new socialist agenda" that is purportedly coming at us.
Again, I'm a fiscally conservative, socially moderate Republican who wants to see us get back to what the party used to be like in the days of Eisenhower, Goldwater & GHW Bush. Its a damn shame those running the GOP can't see the benefits of that.
Chuck
-
Colin
It is after all General Chit Chat and that is what is happening here. As long as everyone knows the boundaries of the forum anything can be discussed in a civil manner. You can not gag a topic if someone gets over excited on a topic or stands his ground. If everyone just remembers that this is a forum for all members and we all have differing opinions and they must be respected.
Chuck
Thanks for making it a little clearer. To an outsider the US political system seems quite difficult. In our system the Prime Minister (equivalent to your President) is the leader of the Party who has the majority in the House of Representatives (Parliament). The Ministers in charge of departments such as treasury, defence etc are selected from those of the same party as the PM who have been elected to Parliament. As apposed to the US system where the secretaries of departments are chosen by your President and are not elected members. In regards to Bush, I really do think that half way through his tenure he just gave up. What with wars and economic downturns costing billions. I would think he is glad it is all over.
Regards David
-
Colin
It is after all General Chit Chat and that is what is happening here. As long as everyone knows the boundaries of the forum anything can be discussed in a civil manner. You can not gag a topic if someone gets over excited on a topic or stands his ground. If everyone just remembers that this is a forum for all members and we all have differing opinions and they must be respected.
To make it clear.
This is a discussion of a suggestion of one of our members, to ban politics as a topic.
-
Colin
It is after all General Chit Chat and that is what is happening here. As long as everyone knows the boundaries of the forum anything can be discussed in a civil manner. You can not gag a topic if someone gets over excited on a topic or stands his ground. If everyone just remembers that this is a forum for all members and we all have differing opinions and they must be respected.
To make it clear.
This is a discussion of a suggestion of one of our members, to ban politics as a topic.
Precisely my point it is a general topic of conversation. Those that don't like the subject are quite free to not enter the debate. I for one think politics is a very interesting topic and like to hear others views on the matter especially as this forum is world wide and have differing systems. You can not ban subjects that are normal daily discussions. I agree that banning some subjects which are bad taste or the like is needed but not every day topics. Thats my view anyway.
Regards David
-
I understand why some may prefer not to discuss politics. However, this is "Chit Chat" and I entirely agree with "bigfella".
I would add that we live in a world where politics is our chosen system of government and with all its problems nobody has proposed an alternative/better system. As it infiltrates most thing how do we avoid it? As a Moderator I would find it very difficult to decide with some issues if there was or was not a political slant.
Some would argue we should exclude discussion of religion for the same reasons evinced in the Member's suggestion.
How about excluding sexuality; ageism; gender? The list could go on for ever depending on one or another member's viewpoint.
This Forum is a kind of club and I do not know of any club where members with a common interest also do not also discuss other matters which are of interest to them, provided such issues do not swamp the purpose for which the club was formed. One great advantage we have in an Internet Forum is that we do not need to read everything, i.e. it is easy to escape the club bore.
So long as we keep discussion civil, courteous and to the point I would strongly resist any subject being forbidden on Mayhem. I learn so much from being a Member of Mayhem and not just about model boating.
However, we must remember this is Martin's Site and he always has the final word.
Roger in France
-
Bigfella.
It looks like I singled you out. Not my intention sorry.
I did see that you caught the meaning.
By quoting I was in fact trying to re-inforce what you were saying.
And at the same time point out that the notion of a ban on political discussion was not raised by the moderators, but by a member.
-
No problems TT :-)) :-)) :-)) I new what you meant and was just putting my thoughts into the debate.
Regards David
-
I can appreciate the points made above as how do you decide what is "political" and that if you ban one subject then what about others?
So it comes down as Roger says, to people being reasonable and courteous in presenting their views and arguments. If we do have a controversial topic then it does need to be monitored carefully and people who get a bit carried away in expressing their views must expect to run the risk of being moderated in the interests of harmony on the Forum.
Colin
-
Colin
I think that what you propose is fair to everyone. Another thing to all members is if you do find the topic offensive to yourself, please let it be known to the Moderators and not post your displeasure on the offending thread, as has happend before, slanging matches start and people say things that they wish they hadn't. Some members find subjects offensive that others may not. There is so much diversity on this forum that it is hard to know what everyone finds OK or not.
Regards David
-
I think banning a specific topic would be almost impossible to control anyway and we don't want the atmosphere on the forum to feel like we have too many rules to comply with. The freedom of our speech is importnat to us all but the rub is of course that it must always stay within our standards of decency etc.. which is where it can become difficult to moderate and the accusations of censorship can occur.
I notice on another thread posted recently that some may feel that moderation can sometimes be percieved as against the individual. Obviously we try very hard not to let that happen but we are sometimes accused of censorship and over moderation, usually of course by the very people who have overstepped the mark and consequently feel aggrieved.
So to further Colins opening question of whether we should allow all topics to be discussed if we want this to remain this leads us to the thought of moderation and so I would like to ask what the membership generally feel about the levels of moderation that we currently have and whether it is effective.
Obviously I am looking for something constructive and generic here and not opening the door to any rantings about specifics!!! %)
-
Colin B has had to bring the content of one of my post's to my notice in the past and when I read it again I could see why. I had said something I did not mean to say.
We must have moderators and personally now I read my post's at least twice before hitting the button I have absolutely no problem with the level of moderation and I hold some very strong views on certain subjects.
To The Mods I say thanks for your work and keep it up (the work that is).
Colin H.
-
I rather like the contentious topics as they show that whatever our differences we are all united in our liking for model boats. One of the good things about the net is that is lets so many people of many races creeds etc find common ground on something. When Stu on the Aprilia site was in hospital for his bypass he got get well messages from 24 countries!
An interesting thought for Remembrance Sunday?
I suppose BO is now a good thing? good luck to him and America.
-
Trying to move on......
I was at Warwick show today and they had the 2 minutes silence at 11 - 11 - -11... interesting to look at the expression
on peoples faces; sadness, reflection, respect, boredom.....
-
Now back to the topic. Why would anyone want to be president of USA. Not being smart here, but the annual salary is only $400K and really that would be a months pay for a top CEO in one of the big companies. That $400k must just go into the pocket as what is the outgoings for a Pres. No rent, no food, no travel, no staff to pay no expenses at all. OK you "Want to make a difference" but seriously in bad times like these is it worth the stress. On the otherhand it could be after the job that is so inviting. Lets see free travel free office free this and that for the rest of your life and a comfortable retirement. GWB will certainly never want for anything in his dotage. The same can be said for Prime Ministers, we have 5 past PMs that have their free travel a fully staffed office, a fantastic superannuation and who knows what else they are entitled too. This must put a strain on the public purse and although I don't mind that after serving their country they are recognised for the hard work why do we have to pay for everything they do. Why cant they use single ply toilet tissue like the rest of us instead of triple ply {-) {-) {-) {-) {-).
Regards David
-
David,
My thoughts exactly! I've said to one during the campaign that no matter who won this election they had better be able to simultaneously walk on water, turn water into wine while feeding the masses with one loaf & a fish! Our youthful-looking president-elect will soon look more like Morgan Freeman with what he's got to deal with.
No matter what bennies come with the office, its certainly has to be one's devotion to the country & an unfathomable commitment to service for one to take that job. The notion of having unbridled power combined with huge ego doesn't hurt either.. ok2
Chuck
-
Chuck
If I was a politician I would certainly not want to be the Number 1 where the buck stops. Somewhere in the middle with all the perks and non of the headaches. Those that do want to make a difference would probably be better of in local council where you actually meet your constituents now and then instead of having someone meet them for you.
"My thoughts exactly! I've said to one during the campaign that no matter who won this election they had better be able to simultaneously walk on water, turn water into wine while feeding the masses with one loaf & a fish! Our youthful-looking president-elect will soon look more like Morgan Freeman with what he's got to deal with" {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) Very funny i nearly pi55ed myself
Regards David
-
Trying to move on......
I was at Warwick show today and they had the 2 minutes silence at 11 - 11 - -11... interesting to look at the expression
on peoples faces; sadness, reflection, respect, boredom.....
I'm really pleased that they did observe the silence and I trust that everyone complied. One of the reasons I was later getting to the show today was that I wasn't sure if the show would observe it so I attended Church in Southam to take part in a shared 2 minutes and also had the opportunity to hear again Laurence Binyon's words "They shall not grow old as we that remain grow old....... etc" and share in the response "We will remember them"
Guy
-
To show our cousins across the pond how humor can help bridge this divide from the past election, take a look at this video posted on YouTube called Air Force One 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIClfAu2MOA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIClfAu2MOA)
I haven't heard this song in a loooooooooooooooooooooooong time & found this clip, edited from Soul Plane, to be hilarious! {-)
Chuck
-
I think banning a specific topic would be almost impossible to control anyway and we don't want the atmosphere on the forum to feel like we have too many rules to comply with. The freedom of our speech is importnat to us all but the rub is of course that it must always stay within our standards of decency etc.. which is where it can become difficult to moderate and the accusations of censorship can occur.
I notice on another thread posted recently that some may feel that moderation can sometimes be percieved as against the individual. Obviously we try very hard not to let that happen but we are sometimes accused of censorship and over moderation, usually of course by the very people who have overstepped the mark and consequently feel aggrieved.
So to further Colins opening question of whether we should allow all topics to be discussed if we want this to remain this leads us to the thought of moderation and so I would like to ask what the membership generally feel about the levels of moderation that we currently have and whether it is effective.
Obviously I am looking for something constructive and generic here and not opening the door to any rantings about specifics!!! %)
A perfect example of trying to ban something that will have unwanted results that would not occur if the subject had been left alone is the decision by "our" Home Secretary to make it illegal to buy sex....but not to ban women soliciting for it. I think there are some crossed wires here!
-
(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll184/andyn_01/baracksl3.gif)
-
Here you go, on change from the new old administration! Its from a Arizona newspaper. At least some of the people in that state are glad that the governor is now gone.
And since they all are politicians, if their lips are moving they are lying. I never understood why people believe either side of the political spectrum. During the primaries as they don't believe a word after they are elected. But I guess hope springs eternal in Human kind.
And political business goes on as always, as it has since the days in Rome.
%%
-
President of the US of A. The one job that everybody recons they can do better than the next, but when it comes to it, no one does better than the last. This actually applies to Prime ministers and other heads of state, come to think of it.
I always say, lets see how hard the dog bites, before we shoot it.
Give the man a chance and lets see what happens.
One thing I bet we will hear when his time is done:-
"It could of been worse, it could of been a woman!......" {-)
I'm just hoping that the US starts worrying more about its own problems and stops trying to save the world.
-
I'm just hoping that the US starts worrying more about its own problems and stops trying to save the world.
Its not necessarily that they're trying to save the world, as much as it is trying to make it in their own likeness................remember manifest destiny. Once they got their portion of the NA continent converted, they set out to do the world.
John
-
I'm just hoping that the US starts worrying more about its own problems and stops trying to save the world.
Its not necessarily that they're trying to save the world, as much as it is trying to make it in their own likeness................remember manifest destiny. Once they got their portion of the NA continent converted, they set out to do the world.
John
True enough.
I just have a problem with a nation that says to the world dont do this and dont do that, when the short version is, Its nothing they have not done them selfs at some point in history.
Not wishing to get this tread closed, or banned from the foum I will leave it at that and finish by just saying one thing that I feel quite strongly about.
Sweep your own yard before you start sweeping everybody elses.