President Obama's Address to Congress

[KillerWhiteMan]

I just finished watching Obama's address to Congress. I was left speechless when listening to Obama. He is a phenomenal speaker and has done a great job as President so far in my opinion. I voted for him because I believed that he would bring a much needed change to Washington D.C. I was glued to the TV listening to his plan for Healthcare Reform. It is a brilliant idea in my opinion and I think that he has given this a lot of thought. The healthcare changes he plans on bringing are going to be a great benefit to our country. I am also glad that he is going to make some changes in the taxes being paid by the wealthy, and that they will no longer receive a break on their taxes. I have never been more proud to say that I voted for Obama and I think he is one of the better Presidents to come along in quite some time. How anyone can have anything but respect for this man is beyond my comprehension. So did anyone else watch this? If so, what did you guys think?

 

[Rustwick]

Not being American, I missed the whole thing. I'd like to know what he's actually done for your country so far (this doesn't include what he plans to do, just what he has done to this point). Does he get all the praise just because of the promises that he's made or has he actually done something to justify it?

 

[Dark Scyth]

I'd like to know what he's actually done for your country so far.

I'd also like to know.

 

[Nimrod]

The speech was brilliant, watched it. Loved the fact when that Republican said you lie every booed him.

Ive also ranted on about Health Care Reform in the past

 

[Trebor]

Since when do politicians deliver on the things they promise Rustwick? Some would say they never have (in the UK at least). I think people are so enthralled with Obama because he's like a breath of fresh air at the moment and lets face it anyone coming after Bush's presidency is bound to look miles better, whatever they say, do or promise. If Obama actually gets things like the health reform into gear and the so called change does happen then he'll hopefully be remembered well for a very long time after his presidency ends. The fact that he got voted in was a good thing in the rest of the worlds eye. There was a report in the Mirror today that said he has a 90% approval rating in Germany and on average about 75% for the whole of Europe. Compare that to Bush and you can already see what he's done for America Would be nice for some people to give him some slack. Running a country in this economy we have right now and still managing to keep up a great image etc must be exhausting.

 

[KillerWhiteMan]

Thank you for the brilliant reply Trebor. It pisses me off to hear people say they don't particularly care for Obama because he hasn't done much so far. He has only been President since January and the fact is, you can't get that much accomplished in the time that has passed. The fact that he has the guts and courage to take on the economic crisis and tackle healthcare reform, shows me that he is one hell of a President and will do great things for the country. The fact that he has Republicans and Democrats agreeing on about 80% of his healthcare reform plan is pretty impressive. I quite enjoyed his subtle attacks on the Republicans last night. He was tactful, and very professional and did not stumble once. Good job Mr. President .

 

[cardo69]

HAS ANYBODY SEEN THIS YET??? THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE ABIT OF A STIR!!!

Bin Laden's deputy labels Obama a 'house negro' as he threatens U.S with a 'renewed holy war'Osama bin Laden's deputy has issued a threat to Barack Obama, saying the US president-elect is facing a 'renewed holy war'.

Ayman al-Zawahri also accused Obama of being a 'house negro' - along with secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice -

The phrase is a derogatory racial term used to imply that Obama is a black American doing the bidding of white masters.
Malcolm X used the term to criticise black leaders he accused of not standing up to whites.
The al Qaeda number two made the comments on militant websites today in what is seen as being aimed at convincing Muslims and Arabs that Obama does not represent a change in American policies.

Ayman al-Zawahri, centre, made derogatory remarks about Obama on militant websites
Speaking in Arabic, he uses the term 'abeed al-beit', which literally translates as 'house slaves'. But English subtitles of his speech included in the message translate it as 'house negroes'.
The message also includes old footage of speeches by Malcolm X in which he explains the term, saying black slaves who worked in their white masters' house were more servile than those who worked in the fields.

Al-Zawahri said: 'America has put on a new face, but its heart is full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always.'
He said Obama's plan to shift troops to Afghanistan is doomed to failure, because Afghans will resist.

Al-Zawahiri's comments were intended to tell his followers that the US under Obama would be no different than under George Bush
'Be aware that the dogs of Afghanistan have found the flesh of your soldiers to be delicious, so send thousands after thousands to them.'
Al-Zawahri did not threaten specific attacks, but warned Obama that he was 'facing a Jihadi [holy war] awakening and renaissance which is shaking the pillars of the entire Islamic world; and this is the fact which you and your government and country refuse to recognize and pretend not to see.'

SOURCE: Bin Laden's deputy labels Obama a 'house negro' as he threatens U.S with a 'renewed holy war' | Mail Online​

 

[Icharus_Falling]

uhhh, that thing where they called Obama a "house negro" happened a long time ago, i think it was before the election.

things he has done since becoming president:

closed guantanamo bay

saved the american auto industry (wasnt really worth it)

moved the country away from the state-of-fear mentality under the bush admin

released stimulus money that saved the banks (theyve already payed it back) plus stimulus money directly to the states, this stimulus funding many helpful programs, one of which is paying for my college degree (which benefits society as a whole).

FINALLY stopped the "war on terror" and "war in iraq" horseshit. we were at war with iraq for like 34 days back in 2003. war being a legal term to define military conflict between two recognized powers. this effectively strips our faceless enemies of the power they were given by bush claiming these were "wars" in iraq and afganistan. when in fact they are and have been for years now overseas contingency operations.

currently re-writing tax laws (which effectively encompasses millions of pages) while simultaneously drafting an 1100 page health care reform proposal, although its not being recieved very well. (he screwed up here by not listing the problems before hand, if he had come out and said "these are the problems, and this is how we're gonna fix them", he probably wouldnt have such bad feedback on it). unfortunately, people only listen to the bullshit theyre fed on the news, and you have idiots protesting, saying things like "keep your government hands off my medicare!"

the funniest part about obama-haters is that they think socialism is a form of government or even political party, when in fact its an economic system this isnt exclusive to any political system. no one cares that medicare, medicaid, and the VA exist and have existed for some time, all of which are nationalized healthcare programs that have helped many many people. yet they think private insurance companies are here to help them, when in fact they exist only to profit from them.

 

[Rustwick]

Cardo69 I think that news article deserves a thread of its own.

things he has done since becoming president:

closed guantanamo bay

saved the american auto industry (wasnt really worth it)

moved the country away from the state-of-fear mentality under the bush admin

released stimulus money that saved the banks (theyve already payed it back) plus stimulus money directly to the states, this stimulus funding many helpful programs, one of which is paying for my college degree (which benefits society as a whole).

FINALLY stopped the "war on terror" and "war in iraq" horseshit. we were at war with iraq for like 34 days back in 2003. war being a legal term to define military conflict between two recognized powers. this effectively strips our faceless enemies of the power they were given by bush claiming these were "wars" in iraq and afganistan. when in fact they are and have been for years now overseas contingency operations.

Thank you. This is much more informative and justifies some of the praise he's given compared to other "reasons" given. What's happening to the Guantanamo detainees?

I really don't understand why people would be against reforming there health care system because it sounds like it could only benefit people. Are people against it just because its Obama that’s put the idea forward or is it something more legitimate?

 

[Trebor]

I think the reason people aren't welcoming the idea of the health reform is that they're only seeing the rises in taxes that it could bring. They'd rather have their insurance cover them medically than paying a bit more tax helping other people who are in desperate need of medical help. God knows what would happen to these same people if they lost their jobs and their medical insurance. Where would they be then? Eating their own words I guess and suffering the consequences.

 

[Icharus_Falling]

well, healthcare costs have become insane. the healthcare industry claims its a repetitive cylce where citizen X who has no insurance goes to the hospital, racks up a $50k bill and ignores it, so the cost is spread out over all the people who do pay the hospital bill. private insurance comanies charge ridiculous amounts (i.e.: when i became unemployed, the state of Florida wanted to offer me supplemental healthcare coverage for $350 a month, which is fucking insane becasue im 26 years old, and probably wouldnt spend $350 a year in doctor visits. not to mention that im unemployed, which leaves me nothing to pay for this insurance.)

about 2 months ago, my girlfriend had to have surgery, she had to stay in the hospital for 5 days because of scheduling conflicts. they switched her to a different facility for 3 days. the bill for staying at that facility, just sleeping in the bed and eating the shitty food for 3 days was $42,000. that does not include any medical procedures. she couldve stayed in the penthouse suite at ceasar's palace for less than that. this is what needs to be regulated, and controlled. theres no reason they should be able to charge such amounts.

someone, somewhere, is making unbelievable profit from the healthcare industry, and its not the doctors.


to answer the question about the guantanamo detainees: theyve been in negotiatin with several countries who have offered asylum, but i dont think they wanna advertise who theyre bringing into their country and what they did. =/