“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” – Martin Luther King
BU joined many media sources during the last months to write extensively on Obama’s journey to the White House. We will therefore not rehash views. We again extend our heartiest congratulations to the first African American President who will take the oath of office later to day. May his coming help the world to chart a new path.
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Yes, we all wish Barack Obama well.
He could save America from becoming – if it isn’t already – the biggest disfunctional nation on earth.
After he closes Guantanamo, bans torture and starts investigating Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld for war crimes he must cut the obscene ties to Israel.
So, as we listen to Obama’s soaring rhetoric today, think about this:
Rebuilding the Gaza Strip after Israel’s three-week offensive will cost billions of dollars, the UN has warned.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been left homeless and 400,000 people still have no running water, it says.
As the saying goes, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
Inauguration Day, 2009:
A Day of Mourning
For the victims of future wars, and for our old republicby Justin Raimondo
When Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated, he sought to dismantle the evolving Federalist tradition of pomp and circumstance. In a ceremonial sense, royalism seemed to have been restored, or so it appeared to him. As this blogger put it, “Dressed in simple attire, Jefferson walked over to the Capitol with a phalanx of riflemen, friends, and fellow citizens from his home state of Virginia.”
In these last days of the American Empire, such austere republicanism would be considered impossibly quaint. Having long ago morphed into Jefferson’s worst nightmare, the closer we get to the end, the more glamorous our inaugurals become. The poorer we are, the more millions we’ll throw at a ceremony that is really the crowning of a monarch – and not just any old king, but an emperor bestriding the globe.
Appearances must be kept up. Like a bankrupt living on a palatial estate – one step away from foreclosure – we bask in imperial splendor even as the repo man comes knocking at the door.
At a time such as ours, the spectacle of jeweled and gowned courtiers feasting on inaugural canapés is beyond tacky. The Bourbons partied, too, right up to the eve of the French Revolution. Amid all the sounding of trumpets and the hailing of the chief, however, there is something hollow about all this unseemly extravagance.
The Obama cult has imbued our new president with superhuman powers: they expect and enjoy the spectacle. Yet the relentless lionizing of this messianic figure is ironic, because here is an American chief executive who will doubtless become aware of his own limitations rather quickly. America is a bankrupt empire engaged in two overseas wars, with troops on every continent and bases ringing the globe. It’s unsustainable, and our ruling elites know it.
May his coming help the world to chart a new path.
Only two men will have the effect of helping the world to chart a new path.
1- THE ANTICHRIST
2- CHRIST himself
Obama is niether of these. The global Obama mania does, however, help me to understand how the antichrist will rise to power and control the world.
It is obvious to me, that the era of the USA as a super power has come to an end. Nations rise and fall. America’s fall has begun, whether we like it or not. Watch and see.
I posted a link to the Google video by University of Ottawa economics professor Michel Chossudovsky a few days ago on an earlier thread that seemed to have run its course. So I thought I would just repost here, as it gives another perspective on the global economic problems Obama will be facing. It’s not about conspiracies per se, it’s just some views on economics and globalisation that you wont’ get on Fox, MSBNC, CNN or similar mainstream, establishment media outlets. Run time is 1hr 18min.
Google Video Presentation:
THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS
The Great Depression of the 21st Century
with Michel Chossudovsky (Professor of Economics, University of Ottawa)
Causes and consequences of the financial meltdown;
The speculative onslaught;
Financial fraud and the “bank bailouts”;
Bankruptcy of the real economy;
Impacts on employment, wages and social services;
Towards a spiralling public debt;
The economic crisis and its relationship to the Middle East war;
The centralization of corporate power;
The concentration of wealth;
The globalization of poverty.
What are the policy alternatives?
Watch it here (some introductory comments in Spanish but lecture is in English approx 1hr 18min):
http://www.globalresearch.ressourcequebec.com/Lecture/January_14-2009.htm
The greatness of Barack Obama’s achievement is not necessarily what he might do, but that he is President Of The United States Of America. Thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of people of colour around the world will believe they can.
The feeling of worth, ambition and justification for their place, is worth more than can immediately be calculated.
That is the measure by which we judge Obama’s achievement; he has plucked the thorns to make the branch easier for others to grasp.
I salute him without reservation.
sarahpalin // January 20, 2009 at 8:15 am
So, as we listen to Obama’s soaring rhetoric today, think about this:
Rebuilding the Gaza Strip after Israel’s three-week offensive will cost billions of dollars, the UN has warned.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been left homeless and 400,000 people still have no running water, it says.
===========================
The major challenge President Obama faces is not Gaza; the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is not one any U.S. president intervenes in unless he wants to experience pain. As we have explained, that is an intractable conflict to which there is no real solution. Certainly, Obama will fight being drawn into mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his first hundred days in office. He undoubtedly will send the obligatory Middle East envoy, who will spend time with all the parties, make suitable speeches and extract meaningless concessions from all sides. This envoy will establish some sort of process to which everyone will cynically commit, knowing it will go nowhere. Such a mission is not involvement — it is the alternative to involvement, and the reason presidents appoint Middle East envoys. Obama can avoid the Gaza crisis, and he will do so.
Dr.George Friedman
Obama’s Two Unavoidable Crises
———————————————–
The two crises that cannot be avoided are Afghanistan and Russia. First, the situation in Afghanistan is tenuous for a number of reasons, and it is not a crisis that Obama can avoid decisions on. Obama has said publicly that he will decrease his commitments in Iraq and increase them in Afghanistan. He thus will have more troops fighting in Afghanistan. The second crisis emerged from a decision by Russia to cut off natural gas to Ukraine, and the resulting decline in natural gas deliveries to Europe. This one obviously does not affect the United States directly, but even after flows are restored, it affects the Europeans greatly. Obama therefore comes into office with three interlocking issues: Afghanistan, Russia and Europe. In one sense, this is a single issue — and it is not one that will wait.
Dr. George Friedman
I doan kno’ bout wunna but I feel proud as ass as a black person. Left all de rhetoric fa a nudda day. Time to rejoice man. Dis is indeed an Historic occasion. I use up a whole box a kleenex a’reddy. Watch CNN man. Humans like sanddddddddd.
OBAMA, I LOVEEEEEEE YOU.
A Christian friend wrote me this nonsense !
I DIDN’T WANT TO BUT I CRIED…
What a historic moment!!!
As I watch the Obama’s come out of that limousine I thought WOW…
Well I just had to share that
But I can’t help but think of a greater day that is coming..
WHEN WE CROWN JESUS – KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS!!!
Blessings & love,
My response was simple
I am not at all interested in Obama’s inaugaration but I look foward to
WHEN WE CROWN JESUS – KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS!!!
Growing up I learned about the charisma and influence the Antichrist would have when he appears, and wondered what it would be like.
I see all the hype about the rise of Obama as instructive of the charisma and influence the Antichrist would have when he appears…….but he will be a liar.
May the Lord come soon, so that we can worship a TRUE HERO- THE ONE WHO REALLY DID SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
HE DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD & THE WHOLE WORLD OF SINS! WOW!
OK now people
Obama is ready to be the savior of the world!
Did you hear him speak today?
The psychiatrists call that DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR!
@another view: “Obama is ready to be the savior of the world!
That was not *my* impression.
@av: “Did you hear him speak today?
Yes.
@All… Please forgive me for this. I had hoped to remain silent and simply absorb (and enjoy)…
IMHO… We, today, witnessed a great historical event.
Obama recognizes that he has become greater than himself. But, he’s very comfortable driving himself from immediately beside. (And he has *very* good advisers…)
Imagine finding yourself where he finds *himself*.
What would *you* do, if you found yourself *there*?
@another view: “Obama is ready to be the savior of the world!
That was not *my* impression.
IT IS THE OPINION OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Do you know what delusions of grandeur is, Sir?
IMHO… We, today, witnessed a great historical event.
FYI history is made everyday.
HISTORY IS A FACT OF LIFE happens everyday.
some of us fuss about some of it ……. and some of us ignore what we dont want to
@All… Again, please forgive me for this. I had truly hoped to simply remain silent…
So… I walked by one of my “real-time” video streams tonight.
I found myself observing two young, well dressed, apparently intelligent black people walking down a street.
They appeared to be being followed by many “black” cars. With flashing blue and red lights. The road they were walking down appeared to be occupied by many, many cheering individuals…
I seem to remember a somewhat (but not entirely) similar situation, approximately eight years ago…
From what I remember, some white dude jumped out of a limousine, trying to take this same walk. Said white dude then quickly jumped back into said limousine…
Perhaps someone might remind me… Just who was that white dude?
And, why was he not confident to walk down that same road?
Today it was the President of the USA
8 years ago it was also the President of the USA.
On both days history was made. On was the inauguration of the 43rd President the other was the inauguration of the 44th President.
On both days history was made, irregardless of who walked down the street and who did not.
The white dude couldnt save the world, and the black one wont save it either.
@av: Ah, but eight years ago the President of the United States of America *could* *NOT* walk down the same street as today’s President.
As I understand it, it had something to do with Weapons of Vegetable Matter.
WVM? Close enough to WMD to satisfy Bush’s mind.
I would laugh. But, really, it is too sad…
and your point is?
@av: “and your point is?
My point has been made.
I’m sorry if you didn’t catch it….
My point is that you have no point IMHO.
Dear another view:
Why don’t you go take your anti-depressants?
FYI
I am on no medication. OK
And you are not qualified to comment on antidepressants.
I have every right to opine on this forum. And I have given my opinion whether you like it or not despite your ad hominem comments.
HERO WORSHIP IS IDOLATRY!
‘another view’, the thing is I’m at a loss to see why he’s regarded as a hero. He has n’t done anything, yet!! In my view, it’s much too, soon to be seeing him as that, but people are so impressionable!! I guess they need something to get excited about, whether it’s truly, justified, or not!!
He will not cut ties with Israel and I hope he NEVER will
@another view: You are too heavenly minded to be any worldly good. We should plan our future but be ready to leave when it’s our time. Obama has brought M King’s dream to reality. He has brought hope to the American economy. He has given the world a vision. What’s so wrong with that? No one is taking anything from Christ. Has he not had a hand in this? Everything is for a season with God deciding when that season begins and ends. Do you really think Christ wants us to concentrate on heaven when he knows that many of us have to live in this world for many years and have to solve problems, raise families, establish careers? We look forward to Christ return but He expects us to be good citizens of this world. The New Testament was written 2000 years ago and thhe disciples expected Christ to return in their lifetime. Read it carefully again. They saw Christ again but not in this world. They went to Him. Yes He could return today and thank God if He does but more than likely – you will go to Him before He returns. He might return 100 years from now. Are you going to continue acting as if you have no interest in what’s going on in this world? You are responsible for your children’s future just like the world sees Obama as being responsible for changing the economic strata. Do not get me wrong, Obama is not the anti-christ but he is the man for America for this period in time. So if your friend weeps, what’s so wrong with that. The Atlantic Slave Trade was abolish in 1808 and in 2008 – 200 years later a man who in 1808 was treated as less than human, stood on the podium of America and now is responsible for the welfare of that country. Martin Luther King’s dream has been fulfilled – Obama made it a reality.
Slaves like Frederick Douglas, Olaudah Equiano, Mary Prince, Hariette Jacobs etc who wrote of their horrible experiences because of the colour of their skin must be cheering Obama on from the other side. In the 17th century, it was blasphemous for a slave to even suggest he was human. Look how far the black man has come. Many of us wept today and tell me, do you not think that Christ wept with us too?
HERO WORSHIP IS IDOLATRY!
Bet you dont think so when you are on your knees praying to that blue eyed blonde guy on the wall eh?
@queenam…….
I would like to frame your comment….can I??
You all seem to keep forgetting, he is not a black man, his mother is a white woman and the family that raised him were white. This probably made him more likeable, than if both his parents were pitch black and poor as dirt.
Man I vex is ass this morning! Imagine I got up and Obama is in the front of the newspaper ON ERROL BARROW DAY STUPSE!
I am so sick of our BULL SHIT!
It will be interesting to see how AIPAC and Obama hit it off.
The Power of AIPAC
Who Runs America?
By Brian Crowley
January 19, 2009 “Counterpunch” — Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt were pretty close, politically and personally. They led the fight against fascism in the early 1940s, and although they had their disagreements they got on very well. They were both blunt in expressing their views, but there was no doubt who was the more powerful : Roosevelt called the shots, although Churchill had a lot of influence on him. But it would have been unthinkable for Churchill to have behaved in the way that the present (though not for long) prime minister of Israel did with the present (though not for long) president of the United States.
Prime minister Olmert of Israel, who has been forced to stand down because of allegations of corruption, telephoned President Bush to make the latter alter his orders to his Secretary of State to support a mild resolution in the UN Security Council that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The barely believable transcript of Olmert’s boasting of his success is on public record. He said:
“I [Olmert] spoke with him [Bush]; I told him: You can’t vote for this proposal. He said: listen, I don’t know, I didn’t see, don’t know what it says. I told him: I know, and you can’t vote for it! He then instructed the secretary of state, and she did not vote for it.”
There is no other head of government in the entire world who could say such words to the president of the United States. And will Olmert’s successor be able to speak with Bush’s successor in the same way and with a similar result?
In all honesty // January 21, 2009 at 10:12 am
You all seem to keep forgetting, he is not a black man, his mother is a white woman and the family that raised him were white. This probably made him more likeable, than if both his parents were pitch black and poor as dirt.
————————————————
HA HA HA well said!
@JC
Interesting observation. The editors at the Nation would have been torn between the global significance of the inauguration of Obama and our local celebration. Now what would BU have done? ummmmm
It reminds us of the CWC2007 date.
@ Technician: Go ahead frame it – do what you want to do. however, you must understand – I have never nor never will have a picture of who might be DaVinci’s cousin or someone else’s imagination of what they would love Jesus to have looked like. Frankly, I do not care, I believe that he had brown or black eyes, olive skin and his hair was maybe fine and curly (my opinion only). I am totally disgusted with what I see portrayed as Jesus. But I worship a spiritually being and for me, He has no physical features – I leave that to the day when I shall see Him
@ Technician scoffed HERO WORSHIP IS IDOLATRY! Bet you dont think so when you are on your knees praying to that blue eyed blonde guy on the wall eh?
NO I DON’T.
@ JC
I can understand your ire that Obama is in the front of the newspaper ON ERROL BARROW DAY! All Bajans whether Bee or Dee should feel this way. Barrow was the father of our Nation. Obama is the first black President of the USA. So what? Why did it take so long? It tells you that the USA is a racist place. It is so even in the church!
Your observation is indeed interesting as David opines. I am not sure what the editors at the Nation were torn about. This whole nonsense about globalization is diabolical. God initiated the nations for a reason. The coming back together of nations- so called globalization will facilitate the agenda of the Antichrist, who will soon be revealed. The global Obamamania alerts us as to how easy it will be for Antichrist to ascend to global power.
@ Green Monkey
It will indeed be interesting to see how AIPAC and Obama hit it off. With all his rhethoric Obama will have to tow the line as set out by the Jews in the USA. After all money makes the mare fly. I predict that if Obama refuses to do as he is told, there will be a flight of capital from the USA (the ultimate flight of capital that will put the USA on its face) to the European Nations.
Queenam is correct! Obama will not cut ties with Israel because he cant! The most powerful man in the world my foot! I laughed loudly every time I hear the Americans spout that nonsense!
David
I think that we have this equation wrong. The power of Obama is not what he can do, but what people believe he can do for them. This is very powerful.
If you have as much faith as a grain of mustard seed??? I leave that there for now. Time will tell; and no long time either.
Martin Luther King’s dream has been fulfilled – Obama made it a reality.
********************
That’s funny ‘queenam’!! ’cause I can’t recall Obama making the slightest, reference to ML King!!
I think, ‘somebody’s in need of getting-real!!
You keep referring to President Obama as NOT a black man. What colour is he PINK?
Today in Barbados, we celebrate the birthdate of one of Barbados’ National Heroes, The Roght Hon Errol W. Barrow. He is considered as one of the BEST black leaders in the Caribbean. His grandmother was a WHITE woman and she was very much responsible for his upbringing, very similar to Pres Obama. If Mr Barrow is considered BLACK why must Pres.Obama not considered the same?
Queenam
You just preached a powerful sermon. All I can say is AMEN
Queenam wrote
The New Testament was written 2000 years ago and the disciples expected Christ to return in their lifetime. Read it carefully again. They saw Christ again but not in this world. They went to Him. Yes He could return today and thank God if He does but more than likely – you will go to Him before He returns. He might return 100 years from now.
===========================
It is true that the New Testament was written 2000 years ago and the disciples expected Christ to return in their lifetime. This concept is called the IMMINENCE of his return. The disciples were partially correct in their belief then, because immence means that he could come at any time, rather than immediately! The imminence of the Lord’s second coming is certainly very clearly taught in the NT in texts such as Philippians 4:5….Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. And James 5: 8….Be ye also patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth near.
The NT clearly teaches that the Lord can come at any time at the rapture. Paul certainly spoke of the rapture as a definite possibility within his own lifetime for on two occasions he reminded believers of the likelihood that they would be changed without experiencing physical death. Significantly he included himself as one of those who might be transformed without dying [1Thes 4:17& 1Cor 15: 51 &52]. The rapture is certainly imminent.
Jesus exhorted us to watch expectantly for his return as though it can occur at any time in Matt 24:42- 44 where we read “ watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come: therefore be ye also ready for in such hour as ye think not the son of man cometh.” From the time of the early church until now believers have been looking for and expecting Jesus soon return. Notice we say soon rather than immediate. Hebrews 10:37 states yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry.
It is clear from the teaching of scriptures that there is now nothing to prevent the coming of Christ for his saints at any moment. No prophetic event or events now await fulfillment prior to the coming of Christ according to a correct interpretation of the Scriptures The return of Christ might occur at any moment now and interrupt the activity of the day. Jesus could come today. Before the day is over we could here the shout of His voice and the trump of God and we who trust Christ as Saviour and who are looking for his return [IThess 4:16-18 & Heb 9:28], would be caught up immediately into His presence.
Although it is true that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s coming, we may know when it is at hand (Matt. 24:36-42; 1 Thes. 5:15). A proper study of the Olivet discourse, indicates that one can predict the onset of the Tribulation and great Tribulation periods. Since scripture clearly teaches that the rapture precedes the tribulation by 7 years, the more evident the signs of the tribulation appear the more obvious is it that the rapture is most imminent. Many things are in place in the world today that indicates that the second coming of Christ is more imminent than ever before. These things indicate that “now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11b). These things indicate that THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST IS IMMINENT
Good point, Scout!! But I thought sermons were for churches!! Just putting us back on track!!
What an OBAMINATION! And he caused all both great and small, black and white, rich and poor, blind, deaf and dumb to fall at his feet and worship him, to take the mark.
queenam
You know nothing about me, and really are in no position to decide if I am too heavenly minded or to opine about how worldly good I am. You do not know how I am occupying till he comes, which is what we ought to be doing.
I can tell you that my life has been nothing like how I planned it when I was planning my future. Many have planned their futures before, and never realized their dreams.
I didn’t know that King’s dream was that a black man be President. If that was the extent of his dream he was a sorry soul.
I laugh at the nonsense you write. You said Obama has brought hope to the American economy? How? What has he done so far in this regard? With what effect? Tell me? You think something has changed on the streets and homes of the US today?
You said He has given the world a vision of what? You think something has changed in Zimbabwe today? What has changed in Barbados?
How do you know what provision I have made for my children’s future, both spiritually and temporarily. How do you know what interest I have in what’s going on in the world? I have the right not to follow the masses of the world in Obama- mania, and in idolizing a mere man. When all is said he is just a man.
How do you know that I am not a good citizen of this world even as I look forward to Christ’s return. Christ expects me to be a good citizen, not an idolater. I dont have to share yours or the world’s views about another mere man.
You wrote “Many of us wept today and tell me, do you not think that Christ wept with us too?”
NO I DON’T THINK HE WEPT FOR THIS NONSENSE. HE PROBABLY WEPT, HOWEVER, TO SEE THE MASSES OF HUMANITY THAT ARE ON THEIR WAY TO BELIEVING THE LIE DESCRIBED IN 2 THESSALONIANS 2.
THE WORLD IS WELL ON THE WAY FOR THE RISE OF ANTICHRIST. THAT IS THE THING THAT HAS IMPRESSED ME MOST IN ALL THIS.
Hopi you have hit the nail right on the head! What an OBAMINATION!
Whereas I dont think that Obama is the Antichrist, your quotation from Revelation is very fitting for the current situation, as we saw it on television.
And he caused all both great and small, black and white, rich and poor, blind, deaf and dumb to fall at his feet and worship him, to take the mark.
GP
The Kingdom of God is always at hand. Wonder if we understand this statement?
“The Kingdom of God is at hand” was a statement made by the Lord Jesus and recorded in Matthew. It meant that the Kingdom was at hand, because the King, the Lord Jesus was present.
This is not the same thing as the statement in Philippians 4:5….Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Whereas Jesus is the King and is the Lord these two names, and these two passages do NOT in any way relate to the same thing. Certainly when Paul wrote to the Phillipians, the Lord was not physically present as the King was, when Jesus spoke of the Kingdom.
Note too that the phrase the kingdom of God is used only by Jesus and to Jews, whose theology called for a king to come and rein on David’s throne.
We all wish Obama well, but there are 2 points I need assitance with.
Obama rode on a crest of change, but:
1. There are very few Blacks in his
cabinet (George Bush 11 did better)
2. He is surrounded by a host of
Clintonites
Perhaps Obama is a mere figurehead, fronting for, perhaps – The Kennedys.
Give me your take
I agree with Trevor Marshall wholeheartedly when he said (On the radio yesterday) that Obama’s White side endeared him considerably with the White vote.
Not that there is anything wrong with it, but I believe he was forced to push that part of the family tree in order to make mass – appeal.
Someone said that Obama calls himself Black. That may be true; but I also heard him referring to himself as Mulatto.
GP
The Kingdom of God is at Hand? Come again.
I love the speech given by Errol Barrow known as the “mirror Image Speech” GREAT MAN!
LONG LIVE OBAMA, THE GREAT. YOU HAVE GIVEN HOPE TO THE HOPELESS. KING OBAMA, I WORSHIP YOU. I LOVE YOU YOUR HIGHNESS. YOU ARE A PRODIGY.
Let me declare my hand early, I followed Obama career from the time he made the speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004, so I may among the trees and may not be able to see the forest. But we have to see the significance of his election and not think that he will be the saviour of the world. I don’t see him as that. What I see is an intelligent black man who is a good politician and who is a refreshing change from 8 years of George “a man u can have a drink with” Bush. Intelligence has returned to the white house. Therefore, I expect that better decisions will be coming from the white house and these decision will redound to the benefit of the Caribbean. We are inextricably linked to the US like it or not.
On a slightly different note, Errol Barrow’s mirror image speech was one of the best speeches I have heard in my lifetime and I am mystified how the BLP was able to seat 3 members in parliament in the 1986 election after that speech. It will be a long time before we another PM like him. May he continue to Rest in Peace.
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