Today former rivals President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain met today and had a cordial discussion over ways they might work together on climate change, immigration, Guantanamo Bay and more.
After such a long and bitter campaign, it's promising to see that there is hope for a more unified approach to the many serious problems facing not only the U.S., but the entire world. Comprehensive immigration reform was also part of the discussion. Our editorial in today's paper urged attention to that issue.
After the meeting, the two issued a joint statement saying: "At this defining moment in history, we believe that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time."
This united front harkens to each man's words on election night:
"These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him [Obama] tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face. ," said Sen. John McCain. "I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world ... Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans."
And these were the words of President-elect Barack Obama: "So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other. ... In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people."
I am hopeful that these words, followed by today's actions, signal the beginning of a new way of doing things in Washington, D.C.
McCain is an awesome man and it shows that he is willing to work wioth Obama just as he has shown in the past working across the isle.
But Sarah Palin already has declared war on the incoming, mostly democrat congress. Jackie Krage; what is it going to be with you? You can't be in two places at the same time. In this case you cannot champion McCain and Palin at the same time because they are headed in opposite directions. McCain toward solving the nations problems, Palin toward creating them for the next four years.
Isabell,
Dont you get it, they are Republicans. Back-up who ever they are and whatever they say because they are simply R's.
Interesting comment! Since when is running efficiently a state and balancing a budget considered "creating problems"?
Isabell... McCain should leave the Republican party now that the election is over and become the Democrat he so longs to be.Palin on the other hand is part of the future of the conservative movement which I hope will be relentless in exposing Obama and the Democrats for the socialists they are till the next election.Jackie...reaching across the aisle just means he's willing to go along with their socialist game plan. If that is what you support...then McCain is your guy.
Brian this is great news if you and the Party believe Palin will be the "future of the conservative movement".
T.C., would you favor balancing our state budget the same way Palin balanced Alaska's - by squeezing more money out of the big oil companies?
a round table dinner with all the posters above would be more exciting than a day of NFL football. i can't get enough of the drama between you guys!
We are the political GUMs ( Gurus of the Millennium) and the PIMs (Psycho-Intimidators of the Milenium). "mdub420" may have too much sane sport on his mind to have recognized us bloggers nonpareil. hahaha!
Palin pulled a *robinhood, not by stealing from the oil companies, as Mike D. suggests. She simply rooted out the corrupt kickback system going on between dishonest lawmakers and oil companies, who were giving oil companies sweetheart deals for various personal payoffs.
Now, thanks to Palin, Alaskans are the one's benefitting, get a fair share ($$) of the revenue generated by the natural resource they rightly own, as Alaskan citizens. She takes WE THE PEOPLE more seriously than any politician I have ever heard of. That's why Alaskan's, and a big chunk of American's as a whole, love her.
Robinhood: This storybook character did not steal from revenue producing businesses, and redistribute it to those who did not earn it (socialism). He stole from the government (King), who was robbing from the people with high taxation, then gave it back to the folks who earned it. This contrast illustrates the difference between socialism, and what Palin is doing in Alaska.
She gives power back to the people! Go Sarah Go!
Rich
Could you offer something of substance, instead of your continual patronizing comments.
Still sounds like "wealth redistribution" to me redpeach.
Indeed, Adam. I wonder why Redpeach loves socialism in Alaska so much, but despises it so much in the lower 48.
Red,
And your last post has substance or unfounded political extremist views?
To Redpeach: As a conservative, you need to learn a little more about Alaska's economy before extolling its virtues. Alaska is the closest thing to socialism you'll find in the United States. Every state resident -- man, woman, child -- gets a fat paycheck every year just for living there. There's no state sales tax or income tax. So who pays for everything? The oil companies. Fine, you say, that's because of Alaska's natural resources, which are owned by its citizens. But can you imagine if California did the same thing with the food it grows? (And which Alaska couldn't sustain itself without?) Why doesn't Alaska's oil belong to the country as a whole? Add to the fact that the state is one big fat pork barrel earmark, and you've got blatant hypocrisy: the celebrated Alaska "conservatism" that ends up relying on government handouts. Oh, and by the way: We'll see how beloved Palin will be now that the price of oil is plummeting and she has to cut the state budget to shreds.
Thanks DW, I had submitted a post earlier where I mentioned to Red that Palin is taxing the oil companies, very similar to like what Obama wants to do. Red, and several others here, like to call Obama a socialist. She doesn't realize that she and her family have always benefited from some socialism that's been a part of this country for most of it's existence. However, my post didn't get posted up by the staff though because I didn't say it very nicely. This one is nicer.
So yes Red...your statement:
"Robinhood: This storybook character did not steal from revenue producing businesses, and redistribute it to those who did not earn it (socialism)"
That's exactly what she's doing, only she's not stealing, she's charging.
Yes these same people would've rather drive the highway system on dirt roads as well.
Where are they now, memorizing the next right wing talking point?
Rich...I've noticed a meaner, more disrespectful tone from the leftist bloggers since the election.Is this the "Change" we were promised?
Brian, maybe the mean, disrespectful tone of the right-wing bloggers is finally starting to bring some of us down to your level of discourse.
Mike D...Thanks for your input.I hope you're right and that's all that it is.
Brian,
No bloggers like me will remain the same "change" means a different course of policy decisions coming from the White House things like bi-partisanship, open discussion including Congress and Senate on public policy decisions.
You know, things opposite of Bush's authoritarian rule.
I don't recall Obama saying anything about so-called "leftist bloggers" in his speeches, if so please direct me specifically to this.
Rich...you are right.Obama said nothing of the sort.Best of wishes with your fairy-tale ad ministration and I'll just have to tolerate the mean spirited leftist bloggers around these parts.
Brian,
Sorry people have hurt your feelings, but I think your like a moth drawn to fire on these issues (I think thats great) although you keep getting burned.
Rich...Burned, how so?I think you are trying to be clever with your analogy but it has to fit to be so and being that you are faking concern for my feelings it would not be a reach to think your analysis of me is also tainted and mean spirited.I've changed my interaction with you and your ilk but the leftist bloggers continue their disrespect and attacks against me so one might surmise that I'm not to blame for the nastiness in your personalities.I suggest you consider forming a group to deal with this because...I am sincerely concerned.
"Rich" Are you concerned anout yout mental hygiene? I am not about mine. I think we can safely continue to be "bipartisan" bloggers...the nuts and the un-nuts.
Isabell,
Maybe it's time for all the psyco analyzation to be within the Republican Party. Maybe they need to re-tool it's message to the American people and come back in 4-8 years.
Brian sounds like he should be on Opra Winfry show. Since when did he find his sensitive side, after the elections? I hope he realizes politics is not for the faint of heart, or emotional instability.
Isabell...The first step in healing is getting past "Denial".Best of luck.Between you and me,I'm going to make an even greater effort to overcome the negativity of the left while offering a more positive alternative and... maybe holding you and others accountable for ,what I think are, questionable statements is a fruitless pursuit and use of time that could be better spent elsewhere.In closing I would say I take no offense at being called "Nuts" but some "Nuts" may... at being associated with me.They may feel libeled.
The false accusation you made against me could cost me my job. That is libel. It was uncalled for and mean spirited. I did not FEEL libeled, I was libeled. Come down off your high horse and take responsibility for your actions.
Kim...I think I have struck a nerve and I may not be the only one who questions how PEU members operate and what they receive as compensation at taxpayer expense.You are over reacting and have nothing to fear if you're truly operating above board.Most taxpayers are in the blind as far as what goes on with PEU members compensation,the poor results they generate and the actual burden they represent to the state budget.Thank you for shining a little light on your personal situation.My guess is you are an exception to the rule based on my interaction with state employees and PEU members.In closing I have compiled a list of the top three things I like about Kim...1.She's a good mom(trumps anything I've done)2.She's employed 3.She's a productive member of society.Take care of yourself..."Darlin".