Thanks for coming Marie,

The photos are great and really tell the story of the event. In addition to Susan Jordan's announcement that she had filed to run for her husbands Assembly Seat, Pedro announced his intentions to run for Attorney General. I wish them both luck and offer my support.

Sorry I missed the party. I had planned to go, but felt a cold coming on so I went home and rested. Throughout the day I had U2's "Beautiful Day" playing in my head and my fellow facebookers were constantly updating from the innaguaration ceremony. The diversity among them (even some republicans) who were there to celebrate was so impressive. Never before in my life have I felt so happy with an incoming President, nor have I ever felt so much pride in being a US Citizen. Change, Change, Change! My new mantra.

Looks like you had a great time! We need to do more of these. Thanks for telling us all about it.

Thanks for reminding me about Pedro, too, Brian. I just added it in the text. I finished up the entry around 2 a.m. and was forgetful. I didn't get a photo of Mary Pallant, but she was there, too. It was nice seeing her again.

You guys did a great job with the party. It was packed.

Jason: I am very, very envious that you went to the real thing in D.C. I have enjoyed your dispatches over on Dennert's blog.

Other locals traveling to D.C. included VUSD School Board President Mary Haffner, Ventura Council member Bill Fulton, Ventura City Manager Rick Cole and Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett.

Hi Jason,

We will do many more events like these and you will know about them. I look forward to seeing you at the next one soon.

Thanks,
Brian

The only thing apparently missing was Rham Emanuel and his magnificent social skills.

Rahm wasn't there stabbing tables huh?

I'm sure you guys had a blast, and despite our vastly differing political views I am an American first and hope Mr. President Obama brings our economy out of the tank. Have fun celebrating because the honeymoon is going to be over quicker than you'll realize.

I was really clear in saying that I know Obama cannot solve all the world's problems. Right now I will just settle for a change in tone.

And you can't blame Democrats for being happy. Eight years ago our guy won the popular vote and lost the Electoral College due to a court decision. It was a bitter pill.

Many of us thought a Bush administration would be a disaster and we were proven right in ways we couldn't even imagine. But I feel no satisfaction in having my opinions validated in such a way.

John McCain is a good man. But his VP pick made me really question his judgment. He was too old and he did not perform well under pressure in the campaign. None of this inspired my confidence.

HaHa,

You do know where the tabling stabbing reference is from, yes?

Yes, the "change in tone" usually only occurs when the whiners finally get their way - same as children. For the record, Mr. Clinton never won the popular vote either, Marie. Thank God Al Gore lost. As to your view that the Bush administration was a disaster ( a typically knee jerk lib view based on ??????:His surge worked
( despite idiot stick Dingy Harry Reid's whining ); he humiliatingly defeated al Qaeda, which enabled The One to say Tuesday " you cannot outlast us"; he was right to take the war on terror to their neighborhood; he was right to "strengthen the military and intelligence, to creat tools to monitor intelligence, to freeze their assets, foil their plots and kill and capture their operators". He was a unilateralist with aid to Africa, bringing lifesaving antiretroviral drugs to MILLIONS of Africans(do you hear this from the NYT ?). He cut income taxes for EVERY AMERICAN who pays taxes. He cut taxes on capital, investment and savings, resulting in 52 months of growth and the strongest economy of any developed country. He matched tax cuts with spending restraint. Clinton's last budget increased domestic nonsecurity discretionary spending by 16%, which Bush cut to 6.2%, then to 5.5%, then to 4.3%, then to 2.2% and then below inflation. He modernized Medicare with prescription drug benefits through the private sector - not through the government.It is costing 40% less than projected because market forces dominate (Karl Rove). Since he passed No Child Left Behind, reading and math scores have risen more in the last five years than in the prior 28 years ( what's your response, teachers, beside whining that you are suddenly accountable ?). He was right not to respond when losers and liars among Democrats called him a loser and liar. The price of trying to change the tone of Washington was often to be hammered by lesser men and women. Few presidents have had such hostile media and opinion. Much is anti-Christian-driven. Much is pro-abortion-driven. Bush wil go down as the finest president in the last 100 years. Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Freddie and FAnnie will go down historically as the precipitating causal connection which will lead this country inextricably toward socialism ( which has nevr worked anywhere, you dumbest 52% )and into the trashbin of history with other socialists - at least until the soon-to-be-enlightened public strikes back.

Welcome to the mindset of the 5% of the world who has been hiding under a rock and thinks Bush is great.

R.W. Fruitcake, Esq. : The only thing refreshing about Obama is his color. We have now as a president a man who voted "present" over 130 times - while still in the Illinois legislature. We're supposed to give him a "chance" to exhibit his "leadership" -the only leadership he's so far shown has been to sign a couple of executive orders to shut down Guantanamo - effectively in four years. Oh, and he organized a campaign. If you are going to give this "African-American" any credit - give it to his late ( white ) grandmother - who taught him whatever he knows.

Is Susan Jordon going to use the Nava name? Would make sense she would want to capitalize on it. Worked for the Stricklands.

Keep digging that hole for yourself.

Juandeveras you are sounding particularly deranged today, I must say.

To answer Katie, Susan is a force in her own right. She uses her own name and has an impressive resume, unlike Ms. Strickland.

I was refraining from getting into this one, but anyway, I changed my mind for what it is worth.

The One is another shoe-in; much like the latest Billy Clinton was; virtually a nothing-from-nowhere, and made a Democratic hopeful and nominee for President; then officially elected by the Electoral College system [which, by the way, should be dumped...this is not 1780 anymore!].

With so many negatives that are actual material evidence in The One's background, nevertheless, the group of voters in the US, albeit Hillary Clinton's turnovers for The One, certainly popularized this "young", new, fresh, responsive, articulate, and average IQ guy [125 only] now set to work as President and Commander-of-Chief of all Armed Forces, without an ounce of experience in that, nor most any other field to be seated into the office for President! His standing on life [the abortion issue], immigration as well as the economy cannot work, folks...not in theory nor in practice.

I certainly hope for a better way, but my perspective is not positive; although I wish it to be! The One certainly deserves to get his chance. We ought to allow him this. It IS a great day for Democrats once again, and enjoy your parties, it's later than you think.

If the guy can get himself elected in a country with thinkers like juandeveras he can do anything.

Juan,

I would like to see your defense of Dick Cheney now. His approval rating is around 13%. In your answer try to work in Iraq, Katrina, liberal media, and an attack on the 87% of Americans that don't support him.

For an extra challenge see if you defend the first few lines on this website that claims the "job growth" we are facing is because of Republican policies.

http://www.nrcc.org/issues/default.asp?ID=47

".... Eight years ago many of us thought the Bush administration would be a disaster and we were proven right in ways we couldn't even imagine..." Marie

Marie: Really? What "disaster"? Since you offered no facts, I took a little time to help you out. In response, you have no response - so call me "deranged". Great, Marie. When there no facts, get personal. Is this your idea of a "thoughtful and lively discussion" as noted at the top ?

Brian: Who cares about VP Dick Cheney's approval rating ? It's about where Pres. Truman's approval rating was when he left office.

As to "job growth" as noted on the undated referenced site, Republican policies have, during the Bush Administration, created 52 continual months of economic growth in this country, hence job growth. Th recent downturn in the economy is a direct result of the worldwide unravelling of the financial market, which resulted directly from the actions of Barnie Frank, Christopher Dodd and, among others, Barack Obama, the three highest paid people in Congress by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in forcing banks around the country to make loans which they should not have made under the threat of not being given financial support by the government. These bad loans were bundled and then sold around the world, causing worldwide bank disasters. Ask Barney, Barack and Christopher - your Democrat pals caused the lion's share of these problems.

Juandevaras, your comments directed toward Mr. Obama with regard to race and how his white grandmother deserves all the credit for his success were greatly offensive to me.

You are posting under a pseudonym (so nobody knows who you are) and you are intentionally trying to be inflammatory. I think you were bored yesterday. It was raining and you woke up and thought, "I know, I'll go over to the Making Waves blog and go pick a fight with the liberals."

I hope it entertained you.

In the mean time, please go watch this 8-minute video, it will tell you everything you need to know about why I feel the Bush administration was a disaster:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJeFJHtGXWA

Marie,

I regard the election of Obama as good. He is extremely bright and I hope this will carry him through. His color is a big deal ( ie. a positive - it is a refreshing thing to see - got it ? ). Other than that, he should be judged as any other. That's my point. Obama has stated publically that his grandmother "poured all that she had into me and I wouldn't be the person I am without her ". Marie, I am not attempting to be "inflammatory" -just intellectually honest ( they are two different things ). In today's society, there are certain people who claim to be "offended" simply because they do not agree with what another says. I do not know if that is true with you, but, it cuts off conversation. It's an attempt to control the dialogue, usually by liberals, who did invent the phenomena known as "PC". Referring to me as you did as "deranged" was, even if in jest, not appropriate, you must admit. Your initial comment about the Bush Administration being a "disaster" was your opinion - fine - I don't agree - but give us some data. So I'll taka a look at your tape when I have a chance.
Hope your new year is successful. For your information, I have opinions about a lot of things should you care to Google my pseudonym. In the spirit of Obama's desire for common ground, I hope that you being a liberal and my being a conservative we can find areas of common agreement. Regards, Juandeveras

Juan,

The website doesn't have a date on it.

You really think Bush did a great job? I understand you think he would have been better than a Democrat, but a great job overall?

What letter grade would you assign him? Did he do a better job than Ronald Reagan? Bush Sr.? Do you think he handled Katrina well?

How many Americans died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, in the eighth months of the Bush administration's watch and after more than ample warning? It is amusing to hear his advocates assert his having protected us from terrorists since 9/11 and ignore the ineptitude of that day.

How many Americans died in New Orleans as a result of Katrina, another disaster made worse by the incompetence of the Bush Administration?

How many Americans have died in Iraq as a result of the unnecessary war to remove one of many tyrants from power? Another example of incompetence and deceit.

What was the state of the economy when Bush took over? What was the state of the economy when he left?

You don't think torturing people in violation of the Geneva Conventions is a diplomatic disaster?

Most of the answers you suddenly inquisitive students demand have been answered in my previous remarks.

Brian: Kindly read my comments above. To date I have seen no data as previously requested by me from any of you 52%'ers. - simply hyperbole and rhetorical questions.

BWAD: What " more than ample warning" might that be ? Any specifics come to mind? Might not the "wall" created by leftie loonette Jamie Gorelick have generated that particular problem ( do you know the significance of what I am talking about ? ). Katrina was "made worse" by your buddies in the media and your buddies who were supposed to be running that historically most corrupt state in the country. Why do think the new governor is the first Republican, Bobby Jindal, possibly ever? It appears the former governor and the wacked mayor of New Orleans had no clue and did all they could to blame everybody else - especially Bush. The local cops either quit en masse, were caught stealing from vacant homes or holding people up. Their city's hundreds of school buses were allowed to go underwater - they had plenty of time to activate them - forcing the Feds to provide other buses, instead, which took the homeless to Bush's home state of Texas, where they proceeded to elevate the crime rate. Louisiana does have a state National Guard for such matters. Where was it? As to the "state of the economy" question , read my previous remarks: 52 months of consecutive economic growth. Learning to read is a basic requirement here.

Define "torture", please . All tactics and techniques for coercive interrogation were legally correct and approved in advance. Check with your local court system if you do not understand. Facts do matter.

Now, let's hear some original, factual thinking based on actual factual information.

Marie: These inquisitive critters do not identify themselves, either. I trust that doesn't bother you.

So it takes juandeveras 13 hours to watch an 8-minute video? Your answers are all there.

I know you didn't expect this but water boarding has been defined as torture around the world and dates back to at least The Spanish Inquisition. I don't care if Bush had a lawyer to say it was legal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterboarding

Do you think water boarding isn't torture? How did you come to that conclusion?

1. My flash is out, SloLo. Suggest you create some action other than waiting at your screen for me. Where is the original thinking from your collected 'minds' on the multiple questions requesting data?

2. Certainly not by ingesting anything from wikipedia. Does "around the world" have jurisdiction in U.S. Courts ?

Upgrade your Flash - it will take you a minute or so - and report back.

Juan,

We signed treaties outlawing torture. They have the force of international law. Just answer the question: Is waterboarding torture?

I am sure at times some people in some countries have redefined words but that doesn't change reality.

Did you read the article from Christopher Hitchens where he wasn't able to take 15 seconds of it?

T.C. - You upgrade your manners.

Q: Hitchens was given a hand and a sign verbal signal to indicate he'd had enough. He did neither. He's a self-confessed severe alcoholic with a weak constitution. Obviously he had to write something - so that is what he experienced. Malcomb Nance administered the procedure to "hundreds" of SEAL trainees at Coronado. Where are the hundreds of lawsuits claiming the procedure was "illegal"? Nance said it could be illegal if administered in a particularly severe manner. Wre you there ? Was I there ? No. So from what I have gathered ( and to shut you up ) it is not illegal, according to those who have been there, except under very unusual cirmstances. Abortion, however, has depleted this country of 30,000,000 actual lives, so I consider that, especially third term abortions, which are illegal, a genuine crime. Did we sign a treaty about that ? No we are now acting unilaterally ( to borrow a favorite derisive lib term for Bush ) and providing abortions for the whole world. I will no longer respond to your lib-ism questions/demands until mine have been addrssed. All the best.

We're waiting for you to fix your computer and watch the video. Your attitude is beyond repair.

yeah, I do know the back story to Mr. Emanuel's table stabbing. I was just making a joke because in another thread he was brought up and I mentioned it, so this was kind of what stand-up comics would call a callback, I guess.

And Obama's grandma does deserve a lot of credit (not to say Barack Hussein Obama doesn't deserve some credit as well, but we don't know since he won't release his transcripts) for helping make sure he got the education that resulted in his eventual presidential election, but I guess we live in a P.C. world don't we? ...

But, blaming Bush for Katrina is so Passé. Mayor Naygan deserves a lot of blame for his lack of preparedness. Also the extensive welfare and housing projects in Louisiana left a lot of people sitting there wondering, 'They told us to leave, but where's the bus to take us out?' That one goes to the Democratic governor.

Sometimes I wonder if people in Indonesia blame the Jews for Tsunamis.

Hey juandeveras, you have the nerve to say "The only thing apparently missing was Rham Emanuel and his magnificent social skills." ? I have to tell you, since you're apparently blind to it, but BuSH was an embarrassment to this once great nation when he spoke - in 8 years, not once did he pronounce nuclear properly - it was always nuculer! I have never seen a more vocally bumbling public official, let alone our President.
Now, you want to know what Disaster your BuSh league Admin. produced ? Here's my Post to John T. in another post. Included within are but a few of the major disasters BuSh, Dick & Rummy created:
I am an Indie & while I see too much pork in this bill, I still say we need change, as BuSh & his oil loving, tree cutting, gun lusting cronies have ruined this once great nation. We need to give this party a chance; after all, the majority of the Nation's people voted for him & the new Congress & the GOP had 8 years & did nothing but drive this once great country into the ground !
I mean, who was in charge to have created this financial meltdown ? Who was in charge; whose President, VP, Sec. of Def. all lied to the American Public, re: the nowhere to be found WMD ? Who was in charge that began a war in Iraq when the entire world knew they had nothing to do with 9 -11 ? Who was in charge, who took the largest surplus in history & turned it into the largest Deficit AND Debt in history ?
Yet all the GOP is doing is collectively ignoring all the facts & whining that the President won't add all their useless tax cuts - hey Neo Cons, you had your 8 years, shut the hell up & at least try & act like you feel Bipartisan Politics may work. The BuSh regime opened thousands & thousands of pristine acres of forest that Clinton had set aside, so they can stimulate their timber lobbies. And who won the largest contract in Iraq ? If you said the GOP, you are right. Why would this President & party listen & include your garbage, that clearly has been an 8 year disaster ?
In session today, many Neo Cons tried Amendments that would help & on one, the Senator did right in one part of it, but then he added that big business gets a better tax break - bunch of hypocrites!
Again, I feel President Obama & Dems need to get some of their pork out of this bill & increase many times over, the amount for infrastructure.
I am also sick & tired of the Right complaining about the Stimulus Bill, as Republican John Thune spoke, the Deficit is already 1.2 Trillion, BEFORE the Stimulus Bill, yet he, nor any other GOPer has made mention who was in charge when this Deficit grew to a record high ! Not once have I seen or heard, Mitch, John, Chuck, etc. at least take responsibility for their party's reckless Budget habits these past 8 & esp. these past 2 years !
They are all crying about what's before them on the Senate Floor, yet not one of these whining weasels has mentioned that they were in the White House & most all Cabinet positions, during this financial meltdown! And all day long, the Republicans made some good suggestions for Stimulus, BUT, they also did the same as those they are complaining about - they would add in their own pork - hypocrites!
And this doesn't even count the multitude of Republicans who were & still are under federal investigation!
And before you bring up the nominations by Obama & their tax troubles, this is disgraceful for sure! But as an Indie, I can see both sides objectively & am not jaded & brainwashed as you seem to be.
President Obama, good luck as you're gonna need it, in light of the disaster you were left with.