Shall We Continue to be Divided?

@ZephyrSun (7381)
United States
November 7, 2008 4:28pm CST
John McCain said in his consession speech: "These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face. I urge all Americans ... 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, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited." I still see much bitterness and a lot of McCain supporters still trash talking Obama. So do you think that John McCain was wrong? That we should not come together to make this nation better, should we continue to be a divided nation? What are your thoughts on this?
6 people like this
15 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I believe that we can come together but it's going to take a little bit of time since this was such an intense campaign...emotions are still raw. There are those who will question every appointment Obama makes, every decision but, as results are seen, we will feel better as a nation.
4 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I think you're right. I've noticed the same people that thought appointing a cow lover to the Ag department was an awesome idea but Clinton administration people being appointed to the Obama administration is stupid lol
1 person likes this
@kerriannc (4279)
• Jamaica
7 Nov 08
If I was living in America and was able to I would congratulate McCain on this wonderful concession speech. His supporters should see that what America needs right now is unity. John McCain has does his country well and he knows that it is time for unity. Having a divided nation will not bring back the glory of America and this is what all wants so they will soon wake out of their slumber. I know that McCain and Obama will make a good team. Don't worry.
4 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I really liked McCain's speech as well. It was refreshing after all the mudslinging. I hope the McCain supporters that have not understood the words he said that night will figure it out soon.
3 people like this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Great topic, Zephyr. It often seems like some so-called supporters can really make the person they claim to like so much look bad! I'm sure there are some particularly thorny McCain supporters who will never give up the trash talk. I'd LOVE for McCain to read some of their posts, I have a feeling he wouldn't really approve at all. Annie
3 people like this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Annie, the problem is that the trash talk has continued on both sides. Need I remind you that you yourself started a discussion bashing Sarah Palin barely 24 hours ago? It's a two way street. Wounds don't heal if you keep jabbing at them.
1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Annie you're so right. I think McCain would being using some of those choice words that makes him look like such a hot head. lol I could just see his reaction to sleeper cell agent lmao
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
7 Nov 08
I think it's very important that people come together and work to make our country a great place. That does not mean we should stop questioning our leaders though. There are many in this country who never gave Bush a chance and the same will be true for Obama. I sincerely hope he does a good job as president and leads this country in the right direction. Keep in mind that a lot of this divisiveness is due to the fact that people are still smearing Sarah Palin, even on these boards. I've also seen attacks on Joe the Plumber continue. McCain has pretty much been left alone since his concession.
2 people like this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Yes, you are right there is still a lot of trash-talking done on both sides, not just people bashing Obama. I'm thinking in about a year at the latest, there'll be some Obama supporters who do some bashing, too. The media is now watching his every move and the gloves are off. If he messes up, we'll be sure to know it. They already didn't like his Rahm pick although they tried to smooth it over a bit. They can't help themselves, scandal sells, and we are gullible for it anyway. And people will switch their support unless they are die-hard Obama fans.
1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Obama said his issue once and Palin continued her idiocy in every small town she went to. Did you notice that while campaigning she mainly went to small towns and while there talked about how American those towns were. Oh of course not because you're so stuck on Palin you're completely bias.
1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
10 Nov 08
Whatever taskr most here can see how you are.
1 person likes this
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I agree with McCain that we should come together, but so far Obama's choices are heading in the other direction by choosing a very devisive chief of staff. In fact many of his choices make it look like Clinton was who won and not him. Even if Obama tries to tend toward the middle, Pelosi and the other liberal Democrats in Congress will not go along with it.
3 people like this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I had the same thought when I saw his picks. Surely the change he had in mind is not just copying Clinton.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Nov 08
I agree. If the democrat controlled congress just starts rubber stamping their agenda without trying to find way to compromise so that both sides are happy, then you will see the divide get worse. But if they decide not to abuse their power and try to represent ALL of hte people of this country Conservative and Liberal than I think things will go a long way to bridging the gap.
1 person likes this
@schulzie (4061)
• United States
9 Nov 08
No, we should not stand divided - this is the United States of America. We as Americans should all unite as one people and one nation working towards our common goals together. We should not stand divided. United we stand, divided we fall. Have a nice day and happy myLotting!!!
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
10 Nov 08
I hope that we will rise up soon and learn to help each other rebuild this country. Thanks for the great words.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
19 Nov 08
Many times it continues to upset me all the people who continue to be upset that Obama won, and try to trash him and say the Economy will get even worse before even wanting to give him a chance. For me, to think there is still such Racism, etc. out there here in the United States still is so wrong. And why is some of the many out there in the Christian world still wanting to condemn as well? I feel that Honestly there is not much more worse that can happen in the United States right now, and we do need change, and if you are a Christian who does not agree with Obama winning, why condemn him? They should be Praying for him and our Country and offering up hope and place of peace as well. To me, this still shows how backwards we are as a country still, and I think it is time to bridge the divides and look forward to a new day and a new time for something we all are needing so desperately in our lives and country as well.
1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
19 Nov 08
I really happen to agree with everything you stated. Christians should be praying and remember the words that God is the Judge, not them. Give him a chance to get into office before they make their judgements.
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I was going to start a discussion similar to this zephyr. This is what is really driving me nuts, Obama was elected. End of discussion, there were no "hanging chads", non of the election day drama that we've had in the past. The majority of the American people have spoken. But yet we are still hearing divisive talk on conservative radio, and from some McCain supporters. The same people who were complaining about the Democrats that were wearing t-shirts with Bushes face and "Not MY President" on them are now engaging in the same behavior they condemned. Like it or not it is time to rally behind Obama. Personally I'm ecstatic that he won, and I think we will see some really good changes over the next four years. But you know how it goes with change, people get fearful. The whole "Who Moved My Cheese" thing.
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Zephyr, people always make those guarantees. Didn't Pawlenty guarantee Minnesota for McCain? If McCain had won Minnesota would you have then accused Pawlenty of somehow helping him cheat? Bill Richardson also guaranteed New Mexico for Obama and I heard not one complaint. Some people are just looking for excuses to blame someone.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I think it's unfair to make that comparison. Obama hasn't even been president-elect for a week yet and feelings are still raw. Liberals hated Bush from the day he won the election and many never gave him a chance. To this day I STILL hear liberals even on mylot complain about the 2000 election and how Bush supposedly stole it. The fact that he won without question in 2004 did nothing to change that. Give people time. Four days just isn't enough for most people to move on.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I agree soccermom. Taskr the problem with a lot of Liberals especially the ones from Ohio, we all remember Ken Blackwell on national television saying some like, Mr. Bush we guarantee you will win Ohio. Why should we have voted when the secretary of state was stating it didn't matter the vote Ohio would go to Bush, we have since found out that Mr. Blackwell was heavily invested in Diebolt and there was a call from his cell to the "counter" number on the night of the election. So for people of Ohio to be pissed off it's an understatement.
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
8 Nov 08
I fear we may in fact. You can see it in hear. I am seeing gloating from some Obama supporters and I'm seeing bitterness from McCain supporters. Leading up to the elections, I saw hatred in thins country like I have never seen in my existence on this planet and it looks like it is going to continue, It runs much deeper than who won and lost or dem's and rep's, I don't understand why no one seems to see that, aty least in the main stream of america, or maybe people do and just can't come to griops with it. the sparks ignited bu the lead up to the elections were just that, sparks, a catylist, we're only witnesing the beginning. I consider myself an outsider now, as I am not a member or supporter of either of the 2 main parties so maybe this puts me in a slightly different position to observe thngs. Or maybe I'm just paranoid, lol.
2 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
LOL I can understand where you are coming from. I don't think you are wrong with your observations. I just wish people would understand that the only thing that as a divided country we are more at risk than ever before from our enemies. I really hope that many people read your response. It's an awesome view of what is currently going on.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Nov 08
The John McCain I saw during the concession speech is the John McCain from 2000/2004. While I am a die-hard Democrat & Obama supporter, I believe this is the McCain who should have ran this time. The race would have been a lot closer. This speech, unlike his campaign, was very inclusive instead of divisive. He believes that it is time to come together as a nation & get the work done. He is so very right. No more "paling around with terrorists", no more accusing Obama of being a Muslim (not that there is anything wrong with that) & no more Palin bashing. She is back in Alaska doing her thing. I felt that she wasn't ready to be VP & I had many disagreements with her policies but it is time to let that one go. Barack Obama is our President-elect & it is time to come together as a nation & help him turn this country around. He has huge challenges ahead & Congress needs to get together & help him get the job done. Enough of the last eight years.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
10 Nov 08
Bravo collie! Now, if only we could get everyone to believe these words. The election is over and this country has so many problems right now that we need to fix ourselves, then worry about stuff that doesn't really matter.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Nov 08
I was always taught to respect the position but not always the man. B.O. isn't my president, he is however the president of the usa so I'll support his position. The aisle has been divided too long and the only thing that will make either party reach across the aisle is the american people, but first you have to help them find common ground. But it also comes from respect, if it wasn't taught at home it won't be carried into the streets and thats where people live. We don't live in washington d.c., and that is where we are not being represented so yes we will stay divided until the people we elect do what they are supposed to do, sad to say, but its true.
2 people like this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Well said!
2 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
What you type is very correct. It's too bad that we as a nation cannot see what we are doing to this country by staying divided. Maybe our children will learn from our mistakes.
1 person likes this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
8 Nov 08
It was a great speech. However, it'll take a while for people to move on. This campaign was just too emotional for people. I will give Obama the benefit of a doubt. Still, there are people like me who don't support many of Obama's political visions. I will live with them, if they come true, but I don't have to support them. Same as people chose to support or not support the Iraq war under Bush. Disagreement, passing judgement, that's all part of the political process. You cannot and shouldn't expect all people to embrace Obama and take all his decisions without questions. Free speech provides us with the right to criticize the President. It's part of the checks and balances. I don't think it is dividing us just because some like him and some don't. It never has since the civil war. Look at how many people trash-talk about Bush. I'm sure Obama is perfectly capable of taking the heat, so should his supporters. Obama is already making important decisions in regard to his administration. These decisions are indicators of how he will govern us. They are also indicators of whether a true change is upon as in the way his supporters expect it. If I don't agree with his choices, I should be able to state that same as if I approve of them. If he talks in public, I should be able to state whether I liked what he said, how he looked, how he behaved, what he wore. That kind of scrutiny is part of being a public figure. The media has coddled him, but already the gloves are coming off. If he doesn't deliver they'll trash-talk about him and rip him apart worse than any McCain supporter could have ever done. Do I want it to come to that? No! I hope that the worse fears spread around don't come true, never really expected them to come true. For me Obama is deep down a socialist but he will not be able to implement those policies in this country, not now anyway. Will I keep a watchful eye? Yes! As I have with every other administration. As Americans, we'll come together but like in every good family we'll quarrel. That doesn't mean we'll be divided. People will get over it, things will calm down, but Obama's every move will be watched for mistakes, just like with every other President nowadays. Lol, people like the scandals and the gossip, and yes the trash-talking.
2 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I have no doubt that Obama can stand the "heat" he proved that thoughout this election cycle. Everything about this man was questioned and I have never seen that happen with any other candidate. No one questioned the Bush's ties with the Bin Ladens. My main reason for this discussion was that the disgusting rumors about Obama that even most conservatives have dismissed as rumors/untruths.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Nov 08
Well I would say the ball is in Obamas court. He is going to have to show us that he is willing to work with us and compromise with us to make things work. If he just tries to ram policies down our throats than yes we will be bitter. But if he honestly works with both sides to come up with compromises and common ground than yes I think we will all be just fine. It just depends on how flexible both sides will be.
2 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Everything you just stated is what the Republican party has been doing for 6 of the last 8 years and, they have gone so far as saying that if Obama won't play by their rules they are taking their ball and going home. It's that attitude that is killing this nation and pushing people away from the Republican party.
3 people like this
• Philippines
8 Nov 08
Foremost, the question is will that still bother? I mean you cannot do away with all those trash talkin from the supporters for they themselves are very much disappointed. I think most of them cannot still overcome the idea that a Black president will be assuming the so-called "Most Powerful" position in the world. An ordinary American can only see the event as something which is really not worthy but something which is more or less another turnover of power with the feeling of indifference. I realized that there is something which is not so much stable with American politics as compared to other countries in Europe, in particularly UK. Something which will make this country die in the next 50 years. That something is what you call as the political stability. In other countries which adopted parliamentary system as a form of government, the consensus, which is usually the parliament body, is the deciding factor. Unlike in America which is more of a partisan than of a consensus body, parliament system is non personality political system. Which means, there is nothing wrong as to who will become the head of state. In reality, that head of state is just another member of the parliament. Which is different with this kind of system America has. Consider the following, the American taxpayers are paying for advisors and cabinet members which is somewhat different when it comes to other governing bodies like the parliament. I could say, the only thing that America will survive in the 50 years is to invigorate the consensus. This can only be done by putting away with Presidential form of government which is more of a cult-like figure worshipping than a consensus voice which is going after the voice of the people.
2 people like this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
8 Nov 08
"I think most of them cannot still overcome the idea that a Black president will be assuming the so-called "Most Powerful" position in the world." That right there demonstrates your ignorance of our mainstream culture and of the issues people who didn't vote for Obama have with him. Race, with the exception of hate groups, which are largely marginalized in this country these days, has nothing to do with it, it is constitutional ideology. The "political stability" you describe in your European countries exists because of the stranglehold on power your governments have over its citizens.
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
8 Nov 08
"I could say, the only thing that America will survive in the 50 years is to invigorate the consensus. This can only be done by putting away with Presidential form of government which is more of a cult-like figure worshipping than a consensus voice which is going after the voice of the people." This demonstrates even greater ignorance. The president here has very little power, in fact, each body of government has very little in itself and the fedferal government has very little. the true power lies in states governments, take some time to read our constitution. As to abolishing our system, we have built in to our constitution, the right for citizens to fight against just that, armed if nessesary, in fact there are groups in each state, collectively numbering close to a million who's very existence is to protect against a government becomming as powerfull as you suggest, this is why america exists, because we rejected your systems. I will kill or die protecting what we have here.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
You sure have a vast knowledge of the problems in the US, it's always great to have someone outside of the US respond. It really gives us a true picture of what is going on here since currently this nation is so divided. Thank you for the great insight!
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
8 Nov 08
McCain had to say something like that. I doubt that he really meant it. As a politian he knew what Obama was like, and the Americans who owned computers and had internet connections could have found out for themselves. I think that Obama got in only because he was the media favorite and because he was far enough left to suit them. The only thing that can be done is to let him know that some of his policies go way too far and he has to tone them down. If his policies will put people out of jobs and change the recession to a depression, then he should not have been president. I am bitter, of course. If the campaign been fair and if the media had not been so much behind Obama, then I would have known he won because he was the better candidate, but he did not.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
8 Nov 08
His policies are a lot like Clinton's and the country had a surplus when Bush took office, now we owe everyone and their brother. The conservatives need to suck it up and get on with life for the next 4 or 8 years.
1 person likes this