A Message Of Congratulations And Reconciliation
The IowaHawk graciously salutes Obama's historic victory. A sampler:
It's also heartening to realize that as president Mr. Obama will soon be working hand-in-hand with a former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard like Senator Robert Byrd to craft the incoherent and destructive programs that will plunge the American economy into a nightmare of full-blown sustained depression. As Vice President-Elect Joe Biden has repeatedly warned, there will be difficult times ahead and the programs will not always be popular, or even sane. But as we look out over the wreckage of bankrupt coal companies, nationalized banks, and hyperinflation, we can always look back with sustained pride on the great National Reconciliation of 2008. Call me an optimist, but I like to think when America's breadlines erupt into riots it will be because of our shared starvation, not the differences in our color.
Steal Read it all.

It would be even funnier if it didn't hurt so much.
Posted by: Disillusionist | November 07, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Just a guy in the neighborhood. I hope, as the world gradually understands what a liar and fraud this flim-flam man is, that that phrase will come to the surface of the public's consciousness. This isn't Mr. Roger's Neighborhood we're talking about.
====================================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Read this last night. Funny and healing. It helped me get some sleep.
I truly wish Pres. elect Obama the best but I'm afraid I'll be sleeping with one eye open for sometime.
Posted by: ljm | November 07, 2008 at 08:15 AM
LOL
The onion has it about right.
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/obama_win_causes_obsessive?utm_source=embedded_video
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 07, 2008 at 08:46 AM
And how do you feel about the inherent attitude expressed in this piece of writing. Cheerful about the way the author has made sport of his attitude of alienation; his feeling that, by the mere choice of a President he disagrees with, the American project is doomed, doomed dommed? Or, are you shaking your head in dismay that the Iowahawk has the soul of Kossack, wedded to the writing skills of a Max Beerbohm?
Nothing wrong with comedy. I think it may be the best recipe for dealing with certain aspects of the Obama phenomenon. But, while I admire the timing, I dislike the approach.
We survived the 30s, WWII and the 70s, folks. 4 or even 8 years of Obama ain't gonna kill ya.
Posted by: Appalled | November 07, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Well, Appalled, at least you know which points in history to compare Obama to.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 07, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Appalled,
Democrats would like to enact programs to make the people dependent on the government, and they vehemently oppose anything that would enable the people to have independence from the government.
Whenever a Democrat can do so, we see a further entrenchment of government power.
With Obama, the ambition to do more of this, as rapidly as possible, is plainer than with any other Democrat I can think of.
And at some point, it will be impossible for those of us who prefer our liberty to retain it. We will have three classes in the country:
1. The elites
2. The bread-and-circus recipients
3. The people who actually work for a living (increasingly grudgingly, as more and more of our work product is taken from us)
In other words, we'll be just like Europe.
Posted by: qrstuv | November 07, 2008 at 09:14 AM
We survived the 30s, WWII and the 70s. 4 or even 8 years of Obama ain't gonna kill ya.
Speak for yourself. Hundreds of thousands of Americans did not survive WWII.
Posted by: Porchlight | November 07, 2008 at 09:16 AM
And that's an optimistic outlook on the future. Hang it up . . . we're all doomed and our once great Republic is headed for the abyss.
Posted by: rplat | November 07, 2008 at 09:17 AM
And how do you feel about the inherent attitude expressed in this piece of writing.Cheerful about the way the author has made sport of his attitude of alienation; his feeling that, by the mere choice of a President he disagrees with, the American project is doomed, doomed dommed?
Geez appalled, generally you're pretty reasonable even if usually wrong.
It's a joke. In fact, in many ways, it's as much a joke about conservatives who think the world came to an end on Tuesday as it is about Barry.
Posted by: Barney Frank | November 07, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Though lacking a sense of humour, appalled does seem to have a sense of history, and even he knows his candidate is going to be disastrous. This is your medicine for the fever of BDS. I know, it'll be bitter, but you'll be better for it. Now, down the hatch.
=================================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Where's anduril when the Russians rattle sabres in Obama's face?
==========================================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 09:54 AM
My sense of humor is pretty good, and I thought Iowahawk got off some good lines.
But message throughout seems to be the same on I heard being shoted out on Mark Levin (don't ask...I didn't change the station quick enough, and I was...um...fascinated by the ranting) -- this man is not my president, we're going straight to Godless, Godless marxism, everyone will be ut of work unless they are working for the government...etc, etc.
And I really do think that madness lies down that way. We've survived some pretty lousy Presidents over the years, and our Consitution has endured our politicians for a couple of centuries. We have the strength in institutions to keep going for many centuries...unless, people entirely lose their faith in these institutions. And that essential nihilism I see in Iowahawk's piece.
Posted by: Appalled | November 07, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I love how we're all being asked to close ranks behind Obama now, sing Kumbaya, come together as one to back this great and hopeful post-racial healer of a man. Only I don't forget so easily, and furthermore, I have no plans to close ranks behind Obama, support Obama, or do anything less for Obama than the Democrats did for Bush. And as far as I'm concerned, those who voted for Obama have imperiled our future and that of our children, and I plan to treat them accordingly as well. Anything I can do to help mitigate the damage, which by definition will involve opposing Obama, I'll be happy to do.
I thought the Iowahawk piece was funny.
Posted by: Extraneus | November 07, 2008 at 10:15 AM
You sound utterly humorless, Appalled, but I give you credit for recognizing Iowahawk has captured "the writing skills of a Max Beerbohm" I know I love his writing and I love Beerbohms's. I just never put the two together before.
Posted by: clarice | November 07, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Two institutions that have stood us in good stead, the separation of powers and the free press, don't have the stamina they once did. Look at Schumer's takeover of the Department of Justice, and Obama's conception of the Constitution as 'fatally flawed' for clues. Don't look to our free press for any guidance. They'll wonder at the coming storm, and wander about trying to blame Bush. Welcome to your world, appalled; it will be an appalling mess.
==============================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:34 AM
this man is not my president...
And I really do think that madness lies down that way.
Appalled, I think you nailed the left perfectly.
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Russia still has enough missiles to fry the West and far more than enough to bluff Obama into pusillanimity; China will have its hands full suppressing rebellion, and with no one to keep an eye on rogue Muslims, we've got trouble ahead. On top of that the poobahs seem intent on crippling us with encumbrances on energy. You should be appalled.
============================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:36 AM
unless, people entirely lose their faith in these institutions
Like they did with Bush?
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Mutually Assured Destruction loses it's insane effectiveness, once the mutual is no longer operative, and the Madman Obama hasn't the wherewithal to effectively bluff the opposition. For a closet authoritarian, he hasn't the slightest idea of how to play the power game on the world's stage.
In retrospect, Bush will seem like the velvet glove over the iron fist, and Obama will seem the builder of a house of straw.
==================================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:42 AM
bad, you're right; Bush Derangement Syndrome was aptly named, and look what the madness has wrought. Appalled, live up to your name.
===============================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Laugh now, citizens, while you still may.
Soon, all your internets will belong to the Man.
Posted by: E. Nigma | November 07, 2008 at 10:44 AM
and our Consitution has endured
Yeah, well, the Constitution is looking a little torn and taters, with lot's of littel judicial doo-dad add-on's. It's not the Constitution, it's all the extra-Constitutional stuff that has been done, and all the additional stuff that will now surely be added to the pile. The first one would seem to be Obama's compulsory Youth Service Act.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 07, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Bear in mind, folks, that appalled implicitly recognizes the recklessness of the choice of Obama. I'm glad the Australian dude can see it as an expression of our fundamental optimism, but we can only be optimistic because we are powerful enough to survive political disasters, like Obama's administration is already turning out to be. The signs are in place, and expectations have been lowered already. Who is going to inform the Obamatons? Oh, yes, MSM on parade.
Is that a Potemkin Village I see around the bend?
=============================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:47 AM
...compulsory Youth Service Act.
I was a farm kid. I know all about that act...
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 10:48 AM
And I really do think that madness lies down that way.
Go fuck yourself, you whiny bitch. I've put up with eight years of filth from your ilk about how Bush was the devil incarnate and if you think I'm gonna play nice-nice with pansies like you and the rest of your Hopey and Changey shitheads, you're even more delusional than I thought. Do me a favor and hang yourself; I'll think about it on Thanksgiving and won't be "appalled".
Posted by: Captain Hate | November 07, 2008 at 10:49 AM
We don't know enough about Obama to have a clear idea on how he will govern. What clues we have are not reassuring. He does not like criticism or anyone looking to closely into his past. For an example of that, see how he handled WGN and Kurtz. I suspect by 2010, people will be wishing for the openness of the Bush/Cheney administration. I don't imagine leaks will be tolerated by Obama. The NYTs will regret selecting this man for president.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I thought the Aussie was calling us optimistic idiots. Kindly and gently, of course.
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Good Lord Captain. That was a bit harsh. We can dissent without becoming them.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 10:52 AM
The hint of nihilism is there, appalled, because astute observers understand that even with a principled chief executive, with a steady hand on the tiller, the forces of political chaos have still just barely been kept under control. Too many of us are certain that the ham-handed idiotic idealogue that some of us have just elected is completely incapable of handling the challenges ahead. Obama and his crew are bad people and haven't a chance in Hell of doing well. Let us pray the American people have the sense to change Congress in a couple of years.
=====================================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I love Captain!! He is good for what ails me.
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 10:54 AM
bad,
I understand the sentiment behind Captain's words, but I don't want to see us become like Kos Kiddies.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Sorry Sue; I pondered not posting that but then decided to let it fly for better or worse. Maybe it was a mistake (and I apologize to anyone offended, save one) but I'm in no mood to turn the other cheek after eight years of biting my tongue. I'll be culling the herd of quite a few acquaintances between now and the end of the year, primarily those people with whom I don't agree politically that are going to expect me to be a good guy in contrast to the way they've acted. By doing that I may not be a nice guy but I'm sure not a hypocrite.
Posted by: Captain Hate | November 07, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I'm just as angry as you are Captain. Appalled's complete lack of insight when he talks about the 'road to madness' is inflammatory. The MSM has gone mad and given us a fool.
===============================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Captain,
You don't have to apologize to me. I was just sort of taken aback to see a Kos-style post coming from you. As I said to bad, I understand the sentiment, but really hope we can dissent as adults. That isn't to say I wont call Obama "Ears" or some other derogatory name, for payback of all those years of Bushitler and Darth Vader, and a year from now I may link to your post and say hell yeah, depending on how the country looks a year from now.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:05 AM
...compulsory Youth Service Act.
Isn't that funny? You can't make kids work for pay in middle school, but you can make them work for free.
Posted by: MayBee | November 07, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I don't want to see us become like Kos Kiddies.
No danger, we have IQs above that of a fungus.
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 11:08 AM
bad,
::grin::
True. I just don't think we should get into the "hang yourself" mode. Too easy to go down a path we won't like after somber reflection.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Palin's favorability rating among republicans...wait for it...it's coming...91%!
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Sue,
I'll drop the derogatory names until he earns them again. Should be about 6-8 hours so it's not much of a sacrifice. Does
Oseem particularly offensive?Posted by: Rick Ballard | November 07, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Oprah, Barbara Walters, Larry King. O'Reilly, all trying to get Sarah to chat with them. If I were Palin, I'd tell them to go fly a kite. And then I'd hit the conservative talks shows with a vengeance.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"Hobama" is my personal favorite.
Posted by: bad | November 07, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I was just sort of taken aback to see a Kos-style post coming from you.
Well that was a post of sheer id of which I'm capable on occasion. I usually self-censor (or take it to AoS) but didn't this time. The discussion here is very civilized and I try to adhere to that (I've erased a *lot* of posts following preview). I won't lie and say it won't happen again but the outbursts won't be frequent.
If I were Appalled, I'd take pride in how he/she/it got to me.
Posted by: Captain Hate | November 07, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Rick,
You can call him anything you want. I'm not the board monitor and didn't mean to come across that way.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:15 AM
CH:
Well, you sure did pick a good name for yourself, didn't you. Thing is, I could easily see that handle (and attitude) on a Kossack. If I were to bitterly cling the way you seem intent on doing, I would consider holding tight to your religion, rather than your gun.
bad:
I think when we begin assuming our opponents are, by definition, dishonornable evil people dedicated to the destruction of the Republic, we are going down the road to madness. So, I take your point.
clarice:
Iowahawk is very good at what he does. In this case, I just didn't like he was doing.
kim:
Aussie? I'm Georgian! Go Dawgs!
Posted by: Appalled | November 07, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Sue,
I certainly didn't mean to imply that you were performing as Mrs. Grundy. There are a number of posters here whose opinion I respect a great deal and you're on the list. Backing off for a few days won't hurt anything - it isn't as if Obama is going to acquire anything which might be considered a decent character in the meantime.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | November 07, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I'd be interested in a little more from Appalled about the need to 'survive' the next 4-8 years. Wouldn't you have been happier if we were in a situation where we might 'thrive' for that time instead? If the treatment of the 'madness' of you and yours requires a cathartic that we must 'survive', why don't you just get your head on straight and try 'thriving' for awhile.
=================
Posted by: kim | November 07, 2008 at 11:22 AM
If I were to bitterly cling the way you seem intent on doing, I would consider holding tight to your religion, rather than your gun.
Good grief. Right out of the box you make me want to erase my words. You aren't cute. You aren't smart. And you are plagiarizing Obama. At least give proper credit to your overlord.
Posted by: Sue | November 07, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.
And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.
Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
From Psalm 109 -- King James Bible.
Posted by: Amused bystander | November 07, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Well, you sure did pick a good name for yourself, didn't you.
As I've posted before, my nic was given to me by a coworker and I've never claimed it's a bum rap. Now stop comparing me to a Kossite or I'll tell you how much I enjoyed Urban Meyer calling timeouts at the end of that blowout on Saturday.
Posted by: Captain Hate | November 07, 2008 at 11:23 AM