Meet the new boss, same as the old boss, We all got fooled again.

[Jeanette in FL]

I am officially done.

911, Al Queda, 911, Taliban, 911, Flight 93, 911, We didn't ask for this fight, it was brought to us, 911, President Karsi, 911.

If George Bush was giving this speech, we would all be agreeing that he was just parroting the evil Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld cabal.

What do we say now?

There is no difference between either party.

None, Nada, Zip, Zero.

Send in more of our young. Bring them home in Pine boxes. Let the Mothers cry.

Sorry Mr. President, This is exactly like Vietnam.

I feel exactly the same way that I did, 40 years ago.

I had hope. I thought I could make a change. It meant nothing. Nothing I wrote, meant nothing. I called Congress. It meant nothing. I protested in Washington. It meant nothing. Nothing.

Nothing.

It was all an illusion. Tonight I finally realize it at 54 years of age.

The Grand Illusion.

[polichick]

1. It is astonishing. nt

[TwilightGardener]

2. First bridge-jumper. WILL THERE BE MORE???

Stay tuned...

[saras]

3. WE were fooled?

You mean you didn't hear anybody saying this before Obama got elected? Where were you? In a monastery?

My understanding was that Obama was going to try to actually do the things that Bush failed at, or that Bush joked about while handing the country over to his looter buddies. I don't recall anyone saying Obama was going to try to accomplish different goals...

[azmouse]

4. buh bye

I won't miss you.

[Junkdrawer]

5. Doncha know that all 9/11 lies are sacred...

and only "Troothers" look past the surface.

[malaise]

6. I think there are fundamental differences between

Obama and the Bush gang. What never changes is US foreign policy and I don't know why you expected that change. Obama never made that promise.

[Jeanette in FL]

11. I know that is true

It is the US Foreign Policy that never changes. I hoped that it would change. I had hoped that Obama would bring a change in our(US) policy. I know that he always said that the war was in Afghanistan, so I knew he would concentrate our(US) efforts there. But I had hoped that he would see it was futile and make the change. That is not going to happen.

:pals:

[crim son]

7. I think you mean "It changed nothing."

That may be true, but it wasn't meaningless because you did what you believed you must. I've lost faith in Obama too and if I have a choice, I will not vote for him again.

It's just sad. No, it's also a fucking disaster.

[Toucano]

8. George W. Bush would have never given this speech.

Even though I am not convinced the conclusion is the right thing to do, I have to testify that it was obviously something that was THOUGHT about.

If you can´t at least give Obama that much, you´re not being fair.

[xiamiam]

39. we've heard that speech before..it was just reworked by obamas speechwriter

that's what is so depressing...we have heard it before and hated it...

[liberal N proud]

9. How did we get fooled?

Obama said in his campaign that he wanted to concentrate on finishing the job in Afghanistan.

I do not agree with more troops but he said he would do this.

[Joe the Liberal]

10. 20-30 years from now it will be the same shit all over again, just watch......

except it will be in a different country, in a different part of the world and terrorists will be replaced by some other boogy men. The republicans will weasel their way into office to start the process all over again as usual, Rinse and Repeat.

[NYC Liberal]

12. What do you mean WE? I was not fooled

because I, unlike you, actually paid fucking attention all throughout 2007 and 2008.

You may disagree with the actions but don't claim "We" were fooled.

"I am officially done."

Bye.

[havocmom]

21. +1

[Seen the light]

23. I paid attention to. He said 10,000 more during the campaign, not THIRTY thousand n/t

[NYC Liberal]

30. Like that would make a difference to you.

Mr. "Obama will go down in defeat in 2012 to anyone but Palin. Can't say I'll be that disappointed when it happens"

[Seen the light]

31. I stand by that

Disastrous first year. I can't see a single way that this country is better off a year after Obama was elected than it was before he was. Can you?

[NYC Liberal]

32. I can see almost 100 ways:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=433&topic_id=8763

Quote

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending

2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices

3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women

4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB

6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information

7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family

8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act

9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible

10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House

11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration

12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date

13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan

14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research

15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research

16. New federal funding for science and research labs

17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards

18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect

19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools

20. New funds for school construction

21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out

22. US Auto industry rescue plan

23. Housing rescue plan

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan

25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying

26. US financial and banking rescue plan

27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed

28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards

29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops

30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010

31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols

32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic

33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions

34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office

35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job

36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast

37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles

38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales

39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government

40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program

42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones

43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions

44. Expanding vaccination programs

45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters

46. Closed offshore tax safe havens

47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals

48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back

49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices

50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources

51. Lower drug costs for seniors

52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings

53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel

54. Improved housing for military personnel

55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses

56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals

57. Increasing student loans

58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program

59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy

60. Established a new cyber security office

61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.

62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts

63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness

64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient

65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced

66. Improving benefits for veterans

67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration

68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud

69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco

70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules

71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports

72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons

73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive

74. Making more loans available to small businesses

75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare

76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court

77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans

78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000

79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel

80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan

81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan

82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans

83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production

84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters

85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket

86. Held first Seder in White House

87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured

88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform

89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform

90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

From: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/19/805925/-90-Accomplishments-of-Pres.-Obama-Which-The-Media-Fails-to-Report

[AngryAmish]

35. "Held first Seder in White House"

That is the change we all voted for.

The world was made anew last january.

[Seen the light]

38. I didn't ask for a list of minor things

Can you name one way that this country is significantly better off now than it was a year ago?

[dflprincess]

43. 47,000

he authorized an additional 17,000 last February.

Gee, if he'd only sent in more then the war might have been over by now. :sarcasm:

He's already said there's going to be cuts in domestic spending - besides the military personel and their families how many other people is he going to hurt so he can be a "war president" and convince the right wing he's tough?

[Bobbie Jo]

13. Speak for yourself...I wasn't. nt

[Individualist]

14. The speech was exactly what I expected it would be.

A Bush speech without the verbal screwups.

9/11, terra, terra, USA, USA.

[tnlefty]

15. 'Hey, hey LBJ...how many kids did you kill today?'

And it's 1,2 3, what are we fighting for? Don't ask me I don't give a damn, next stop is...

eerily similar and I was young then...

[LibDemAlways]

16. I'm sure McCain would have been worse, but really, it's only

a question of degrees.

Given this war, a pathetic excuse for health insurance reform, a stimulus that has failed to produce jobs, and big giveaways to bankers, progressives will either stay home in 2012 or start shopping now for a candidate. If this is the best the Dems can do, we are in deep, deep shit.

[Blue-Jay]

17. Can we please stop quoting that fucking song?

I'd really appreciate an original thought.

No more "under the bus" either.

[boston bean]

18. truth hurts and sucks, huh?? nt

[Blue-Jay]

26. Hurts? Not at all.

Sucks? Yeah, the lack of an original thought kind of sucks. Stop boring me.

Be aware that I'm not trying to throw anyone under the bus. I'm just sick of people speaking in cliches. It's the written version of a Bob Ross painting.

[Jeanette in FL]

20. Why? It fits perfect

I would like a president with an original thought.

[Blue-Jay]

27. perfectLY

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. The New Boss has met the real bosses and caved.

[xiamiam]

29. that is exactly right...whoa !..it was surreal listening to the same buzz words..his speechwriter

was handed this speech...wow

[spanone]

22. you obviously didn't listen to his campaign speeches...he's been pro-afghan war all along.

[Jeanette in FL]

28. Oh I paid attention, plenty

I thought/hoped/prayed that once he saw the actual truth he would tell it to us and act accordingly.

What we, the unwashed masses, smarter than he is?

[Fire1]

24. I was not fooled. See ya! n/t

[Fire1]

25. dupe.

[ingac70]

33. Yeah, I'm sure John McCain woulda....

passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act right away.

:eyes:

[FailingParachute]

34. I am so sorry for you tonight

Some of us knew it long ago so we were neither surprised or disillusioned, but for those who really thought this time things would be different it must be heartbreaking.

From a political standpoint, one of the hardest things I had to do last November was to finally realize that there is indeed NO fundamental difference between the two parties, and that superfluous fringe "change" is what both sides steadfastly hang their respective hats on.

I voted Green, and in lieu of this latest farce of a speech I now know how right I was.

Bring it on, Mr. President. Watch Iran explode next, then Iraq, then back to Afghanistan, as the level of anti-American hatred you just ramped up 10-fold plays hide and seek with the confused folks who sat as war props behind you this evening.

What excuse will there be when Iran explodes again? Another 50,000 'remedial" forces, perhaps? Exactly how do "remedial" forces die? Do they do it differently than conventional ground forces? The mothers and widows will want to know.

What a disgusting excuse for an opposition political party.

Then again, "opposition" is indeed The Grand Illusion.

[Jeanette in FL]

36. Deep down I knew it all along too

I was still holding on to the "dream" That we were a democracy, where we would be heard. This is really not a big surprise.

Welcome to DU!

[FailingParachute]

37. Thank you, and RIP to the "dream"

That is all it will ever be from now on. This country has been defined in a way that literally makes me sick.

There is no chance now to ever go back - if back indeed ever existed.

I always used to laugh at the "write or call your congressperson" folks - now all I can do is pity them.

It's a giant sick joke, and unless this country has an absolute grass-roots awakening and stops believing the bullshit then you will see class division that will make ancient Rome look like a solidarity meeting.

If the poor do not die from inadequate medical care over here, they will die from bullets and inadequate medical care over there.

Welcome to Changeville, and don't forget to feed the donkey on your way out - it's always hungry, and it never pays for its own meal.

[BeHereNow]

40. You are not alone- my empathy is sincerely offered.

I remember when I realized there was no two party system.
Just a well produced Hegelian/Delphi Technique-to-control-the masses charade.
It is sad to fully comprehend and frightening to ponder the implications
for our collective future.

All I can tell you is; you are not alone.
There are people on DU who got it years ago.

BHN

[Jeanette in FL]

44. Thanks

I am old enough to know better. Most of me knew it was just an illusion, but there was a part of me who wanted to believe in the dream.

Thank you for the support. LOL

[Richardo]

41. Should have paid attention during the campaign

:hi: bye!

[Jeanette in FL]

42. I did and I am not going nowhere

:hi: to you too.

Did you really think that Obama would take us down the escalation road?

[nsd]

47. Yes, I did. /nt

[HughMoran]

45. buh-bye

:hi:

[Jeanette in FL]

48. Hugh, your making me feel like I am OMC

:hi:

[FrenchieCat]

46. No. You got fooled........

the smart folks got it during his first campaign speech.


Vietnam and a draft,
the folks fighting today signed up
knowing there was a war going back 8 years.

Soldiers aren't embryo,
Fighting in Afghanistan is not an Abortion,
and you are not pro-life.


So go and do something else.
See ya!

[goldcanyonaz]

49. You haven't claimed your parting gift.

<img src="" />

[Raine]

50. "Fooled" maybe you were but Obama put it all out there

about Afghanistan, you just weren't listening. I admit I was fooled because I believed him on health care and the environment but I wasn't fooled for a minute on his plans for Afghanistan ... it's the one thing he didn't lie or BS about.

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Luciferous]

53. And yet we all laughed at the Bush supporters who

stood by Bush while he fucked up this country. Why should we stand by him when he is doing the wrong thing?!

[lib2DaBone]

52. The Speech.. read it and weep...

1 War on Terror

2 Bring Em On

3 Smirk

4 With us or against us

5 Axis of Evil

6 Stay The Course

7 WMD's

8 Military Pride

9 As Soon As We Are Done it will be better

10 Fighting them there....

[TexasObserver]

54. Recommend

[bevoette]

55. good grief

:eyes:

[nc4bo]

56. Can't really say we were played. He consistently said he'd go back to Afghanistan

but it darn sure doesn't mean I or anyone else should completely agree with his policies.

I think it's the same for a lot of people. We heard his words loud and clear but hoped for otherwise.

Iraq and Afghanistan are giant clusterf*cks, imho. There is no winning in either place.