With a little help from our friend ...

[ProfessorDemetri]

*applause*

[rozeboosje]

@ProfessorDemetri Thanks

[HeavyTrafficAhead]

IN the future you may want to try looking at CSPAN's archives and just avoid the whole problem together. Just a suggestion. The irony is that a lot of these news organizations use CSPAN footage, which is public domain, and it becomes copyright as soon a they slap their logo on it.

[rozeboosje]

@HeavyTrafficAhead the funny thing is that I don't think it would have mattered. The footage I used clearly and unmistakably came from MSNBC.COM. First ITN claimed it was theirs, so I bitchslapped them and they went away. Now "Washington Post Newsweek Interactive Content" claim it's theirs. They can fuck off too.

[NCLUSA]

I wouldn't buy a used car from Obama ) : Anyone can stand up and say all kinds of good things, but what good things has he done?. He got elected because of all the poor and ignorant people (some just ignorant) believed he would give them a house and pay their bills. When a person stands up and says things that they know they can't do, it's called lying. As for the creation of earth, I believe Carl Sagan, he said "There must be some intellect behind it, it couldn't have just happened"

[rozeboosje]

@NCLUSA Meh, he's no different than any other politician in that regard, but his promises raised expectations to an astounding level and the comedown is all the harder for it. I'm just glad I don't live over there [grin].

It certainly didn't "just happen", but I see no reason to think that anything other than natural processes were involved. I can't find any reference on line of Carl Sagan saying anything like that.

[spuddy83]

@NCLUSA When did Sagan say that? Cant find that quote anywhere.

[NCLUSA]

@spuddy83 He said it on the Johnny Carson Show, must have been in the 70's I think?. Johnny caught him off guard with the question, the question was "do you believe there is a God" ? and Carl had to think for a moment and then he said what he said. It pretty much is like walking into the woods and finding a pocket watch (hope you have heard that one?). Carl Sagan said that for all things to just happen was just too impossible, he believed there had to be some "Thing" with a plan.

[Youanden]

1:38 seriously? So its a strength that we don't fix problems, but simply subdue them until a later and more serious date?

[rozeboosje]

@Youanden I don't care what you think about the guy but don't quote him out of context. He's talking about America's "patchwork heritage", not about what you guys are or aren't doing about problems.

[Elenkhos]

Well two years later and we are still waiting on these promises.

[rozeboosje]

@Elenkhos You didn't think he would be different from every politician that went before him, did you?

[Elenkhos]

@rozeboosje Does chocolate taste like vanilla.... I don't think sO.

[rozeboosje]

@Elenkhos wtf?

[Elenkhos]

@rozeboosje  Lol...I love you roz...

[NCLUSA]

@Elenkhos Yeap!,,,the hope and change ain't what we thought it would be , is it? (:

[Cassandrea007]

In 2008, Podesta authored his book The Power of Progress: How America's Progressives Can (Once Again) Save Our Economy, Our Climate, and Our Country. In it, he articulates a vision of progressive values based on four core lessons: 1) Progressives stand with people, not privilege; 2) Progressives believe in the Common Good and a government that offers a hand up; 3) Progressives hold that all people are equal in the eyes of God and under the law; and 4) Progressives are evil and want to destroyUSA

[rozeboosje]

@Cassandrea007 huh?

[pjm5057]

Yea! Science and Nonbelievers!!!!!

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[Holmes245]

Obama does acknowledge God in his speech as well so this doesn't say anything about science being restored to what you may think it will be. The fact is, most schools in America teach Darwinism. Many people who believe in God (me being one of them) do hope that science will be restored to it's rightful place. I'm just not convinced that this universe and everything in it happened by chance and came out of existence from nothing. If you're an atheist, you have to believe that.

[rozeboosje]

> I'm just not convinced that this universe and everything in it happened by chance and came out of existence from nothing. If you're an atheist, you have to believe that.

You're just parrotting the propaganda there, my friend. I would suggest you check out my play list on Ontology.

view_play_list?p=0A62B7CD0FB87­C13

You assume that just because something extends a finite amount of time into the past it must therefore have a discrete "starting point" and it must be caused. Why? Think about it.

[eragon2121]

Ok, so you say that it is way to unlikely that humans and everything came without the help of some god. Well I would say that a magical god that can do whatever it wants is a bit more far fetched.

[Holmes245]

Yes, I must assume that in a material universe. The fact that you believe the universe is infinite is a matter of faith, my friend. That IS NOT science telling you that, that is faith.

[rozeboosje]

You really aren't listening to what I say, are you? I actually use the word "finite", and I never stated that I held a particular "belief" in any alternative hypothesis. All I am pointing out that there ARE alternatives on the table that you cannot reject out of hand.

[rozeboosje]

Can't say fairer than that.

[x71isnwor]

im surprised he said nonbelievers. however it was last of course putting us in our place i guess. we shall see how things will go. as long as he doesn't start up with faith based science initiatives ill be happy.

[rozeboosje]

It's a start though. When we become the largest majority we will naturally be mentioned first ;-)

[TheUnmaskedMagician]

true but atleast he said nonbelievers.

[BMS1974]

I hope the optimism expressed concerning Obama is not mistaken.

[rozeboosje]

so far so very impressive. Guantanamo due to close, reversal of the erosion of rights. I like.

[BMS1974]

I do agree, lets hope for more progressive policy deciscions, but at the same time remember that he is an accomplished lawyer highly trained in sophisticated rhetoric, as such I have decided to suspend judgement until we have more than words(though I do have hope that I am wrong, and some of his early policies are promising). But, at least he is willing to recognize non-believers are of (at least) equal import to followers of religion.

[makaisenki]

Biden is a gun owner so i'm sure they've had many talks about it.

Obama isn't against guns, he's against gun violence and ways of decreasing it.

I'm unsure about Obama and taxation, but then again that's too complex a subject for < 500 words anyway.

Do you really want Obama's hands off the constitution? Even if he were trying to restore it to the former glory by removing all of the burn marks that Bush put on it?

I know Obama won't overturn EVERY anti-constitutional law but he won't add more

[Paxmax]

makaisenki said: "(Obama) he's against gun violence and ways of decreasing it."

So Obama is against reducing gun violence?

I just had to remark how you phrased this, it's kinda funny!!! just for the humor, ok? not putting you down in any way =o)

[lazyperfectionist1]

In one vid of this, someone left a comment calling for his assassination.

The funny part was that he misspelled the word.

[rozeboosje]

wow. Do you have a link for that? (PM?)

[rozeboosje]

I'm cautiously optimistic, but I've lived long enough to see that such optimism is usually unwarranted. Still. For now.

[rozeboosje]

Yes indeed. It's not the first time he has made nods to this section of society. He has also made statements about science in the past. But it's great to hear that he takes those things seriously enough to ensure they get repeated in this seminal speech.`

[julzabro]

No, we can't trust him 100% yet but I think there are clear signs already that he is going to be different than our last 8yr mistake and, just that, is a step in the right direction. I like the fact that he is all about transparency and that we can communicate with him via their website. Let's utilize this.

[rozeboosje]

Yes indeed.

[phenixwryter]

Its going to be a tough stretch of road for a while as we work to recover from the massive financial earthquake that is still throwing aftershocks. I have confidence in Barack, but he's no magician and he can't do it all alone. We are going to have to work towards keep our wagons rolling until we get out of the mire and muck of so many problems, but we can do it. Yes, we can. :)

[rozeboosje]

And we'll watch

[wolfeedarkfang]

I just HAD to fav this ;p

[rozeboosje]

Thank you!

[patflix]

My country has finally emerged from the dark void that was the George W. Bush administration. Thanks for this Pino.

[rozeboosje]

You're welcome

[MassZombicide]

Yeah, that was good

/watch?v=wZ0KXmJpPOs

[rozeboosje]

This evening....

[tmafkap]

Can you imagine what McCain would have said in that place? "We will restrict science to it's rightful place..."

Thank all the gods which dwell in our holy brains for this man with the coolest name a president of the US ever had!

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[BGenerous]

It is such a relief having a president with obvious intelligence for a change.

By the way, in case you need it, there is a public domain video at watch?v=3PuHGKnboNY

[rozeboosje]

Thanks!

[kornfanphx]

Well, during the campaign I couldn't truly say that I had supported either of the candidates, but after having seen this, I feel a sense of hope for secular humanism.

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[woweeez]

The night the election results came in I was actually proud of my country. The only misstep I was aware from his entire inauguration was his choice to say the opening prayer. The man who did the closing prayer at least isn't a homophobe.

[rozeboosje]

yup

[Paxmax]

"..and restore science! ... "

*utter silence* "... to improve heathcare..."

*yeeei! goes the crowd*

[rozeboosje]

yeah, I know. But some of us heard.

[beenpimped31]

secretly i think obama is a smoking atheist like myself, only i've been out of the atheist closest since '96

[rozeboosje]

Yeah, I'm still secretly hoping that one day when he reckons it doesn't matter anymore (so probably after his term has ended in 4 or 8 years) he'll finally admit to it. Preferably after 8 years with an approval rating of 90+ ;-)

[makaisenki]

Hey wolf16. I find it funny that you have ookami as your username. My PSN name and most of my internet names are Makaiookami :P

That's all besides the point though. I'm just glad that we finally, finally, FINALLY have a president not scared to say that non-believers are people too, and that no 1 religion has a monopoly on anything (except for probably scientology and pure nutzo cult crazies)

[Noonooooo]

lets just pray his words come true ;p

[makaisenki]

... how about we hold him accountable to those words?

[rozeboosje]

Ramen to that!

[rozeboosje]

LOL

[ShortbusMooner]

I didn't get to see the speech, yet, but I did read the transcript. I was a little disappointed with all that religious crap, but I did stop short when I read "non-believers". I does make me feel more included. :)

[rozeboosje]

I dare say all that stuff is so ingrained that people would probably notice and make a fuss if it was all clearly deliberately taken out. So in order not to rock the boat they decided to stick with the tried and trusted formulations. Well, that's my hypothesis, anyway.

[nckrver]

I'm not a non-believer,

I'm an atheist.

[rozeboosje]

I hear ya, bro. But I think in the context of what he was saying it's fair to look at "non-believer" in the sense of "people who DON'T believe in the gods worshiped by those I just mentioned". And that does include us. Well, I'm willing to give him the benefit of ambiguity on that one, anyway :P

[JesusSavesAtCitibank]

I will not deny that while watching his speech live on last Tuesday, when I heard the president include me as part of the American patchwork, I wept with a joy that had been completely missing for eight long and painful years.

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[premed2]

I expected the policy shift with regard to science. It was signalled in advance. And now back to the inaugural...

[premed2]

So help you God. So help me God. So help you God? So help me God! The Lord... With God... Under God... This great nation which the Lord... Lord help us... With the help of the Lord...

Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and [pause]

...nonbelievers... [YAY!]

the God-given promise... the knowledge that God calls on us... with eyes fixed on the horizon and Gods grace upon us... and with God's guidance... God's will... The Lord willing... God's good graces... In the light of the Lord...

etc.

[rozeboosje]

Of course. But I wonder who put those phrases in there ;-)

[rozeboosje]

yeah. That's why when he started his wee little list my immediate thought was "is he going to say it? Now? On THIS occasion!?". I had just decided "maybe not" when he actually did :-)

[premed2]

Its interesting how inclusive Obama is being. Rev. Warren & a gay minister invited to speak for example. Also interesting is that Obama changed his position on gay marriage shortly after he started to see an opening into the national scene. There are many other indications of his shrewd political instincts. Its a tough balancing act.

[rozeboosje]

Yup. But even the fact that he realises it's worth doing is a good sign.

[DavidRandallCurtis]

The only way it could have been better is if he had mentioned "Glurb" too! :p

Seriously, I about had a heart attack when he said it. Maybe there is some hope...

[rozeboosje]

cling on to that with all yer might :P

[qwertyuiop726]

He's definitely a smart and insightful guy, and I think he'll do a good job. I don't quite understand the common viewpoint that politicians are all the same corrupt, dishonest, power-hungry beast painted different colors. From where I'm standing, some leaders are quite obviously and objectively better than others, and I'm confident we're looking at one of the better ones here.

Time will tell, of course- but this kind of fashionable cynicism is (I feel) worse than useless.

[rozeboosje]

Exactly. The guy is not even in office a week, and look what he has already done and/or set in motion. Them be good omens.

[falsificationism]

I was there in the crowd. It was very noisy and the speakers weren't always loud enough. But this part came through loud and clear!

A fellow atheist and I were SHOCKED when he included 'non-believers.' We both looked at each other in amazement and for once felt included. I couldn't have been happier.

[rozeboosje]

Yup

[Namari12]

I was at the inauguration... when he said 'we are a nation of christians and muslims, jews and hindus, and NON-BELIEVERS"... I won't lie, I teared up. I suddenly felt.. I don't know.. included. Wanted. My grin stretched ear to ear.. x3

[rozeboosje]

So did mine, even though I was a continent away in front of my telly.

[AtheistDiscGolfer]

pessimistic> ill believe it when i see it.

I "pray" his words come true.

[rozeboosje]

teehee, but I agree. Say it with me:

"Oh FSM, extend thy noodly appendage and touch this potentially great leader."

[sometimesido99]

This made my day :) I'm still kind off stunned...almost to many good things in 1 speach.

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[chimera15]

I missed the speech, that was amazing. Thanks.

[rozeboosje]

It was a good speech, I thought. Nothing earth-shattering. No killer lines like Kennedy managed to produce, but just expressions of good solid common sense. Plenty of digs at W too, which was greatly satisfying to watch.

[cehbeach]

I saw an e-insperation poster that went like this:

Thoughts

Our New President Has Them.

Amen

P.S There are some in Wingnuttia making a big stinkaroo about this. All I have to say to that is:

watch?v=Xg0wiOHc9tI

[rozeboosje]

Nice :-)

[celtic426]

YAY HE INCLUDED US !!!

[rozeboosje]

Huzzah!!!!

[rozeboosje]

Exactly. I heard him say this life, and he went "Christians, and Muslims ...." and I thought, "no, don't tell me he's going to say it", and he went on... "jews and hindus", and thought, "hm, maybe I was hoping for too much here", and then he said it: "non-believers". And I was just floored. I knew he had said it before, but it's quite something so say it in the auguration speech. Kudos to him.

[rozeboosje]

> I heard him say this life

liVe. (rolleyes)

[ThetaOmega]

It's good to see the USA elect a president who isn't a complete moron/douchebag (so far as we know.)

You go Obama! Yes you can!

[rozeboosje]

I think his first few decisions give us some justification to being optimistic.

[rozeboosje]

Yes indeed

[Xenithan]

Definitely the highlight moments of the speech for me.

[rozeboosje]

I'm an old cynic, but those two moments hit me in the mushy spot.

[Xenithan]

That's good to hear, man. Especially after that speech by Prick Warren.

[Loreleila]

I just hope it's more than rhetoric. Many a politician has spoken fine words.

[rozeboosje]

Me, too, but including non-believers in the speech was definitely a well received touch. It's been a long time coming, and I for one appreciate this. It's a sign of the times. He has similarly always stated his intent to rehabilitate science into its rightful position. I'm very optimistic.

[delphinus404]

So many people have critised this speech. George Hook said he was utterly disappointed with it. I think future generations will regard it up there with the best of them. But only if he follows through with his rhetoric. It's very early days but so far he has.

I'm both conscious of the fact that being good at making speeches doesn't make you good at anything else... and that cynicism isn't necessarily warranted. But so far he is saying and doing the right things. I hope it continues.

[rozeboosje]

I thought the speech was excellent. These two snippets were the highlight for me, with my bent for science and my atheism, hearing him say these two things was like a breath of fresh are after the 8 years of kotowing to the religious lunatic fringe we have had to witness.

[BipedalHumanoid]

that was me BTW. Logged in under the wrong account :o

[rozeboosje]

I thought as much :-)

[Marcusisit]

Even if the man can fix a tenth of what the last eight years of dubya has fucked up, I will be impressed. The man has a tough road ahead.

[rozeboosje]

Ramen to that

[SouthernRaisedAtheis]

until I see him do something, I'm still going with new boss same as the old boss

[rozeboosje]

Well, I think if his first few decisions are anything to go by you can rest assured that new boss is going to be very different. I'm optimistic.

[Danmill23]

Right on.

[rozeboosje]

yes

[WizardJim]

The poor sonofabitch has alot on his plate to sort out, and there's no way he can do it all, but nevertheless this speech is encouraging.

[rozeboosje]

Yup.

[UntamedBlueLight]

Big talk... I still doubt that he will be able to accomplish all that he says he will. Only time will tell.

[rozeboosje]

Of course. Let's keep our fingers crossed, shall we?

[mbruck77]

Fingers crossed? You could as well pray...

[rozeboosje]

eewk

[thien0995]

expressions, expressions.

[rozeboosje]

hm?

[thien0995]

mbruck77 (46 minutes ago)

Fingers crossed? You could as well pray...

I responded to him.

[rozeboosje]

Ah. This cursed commenting section. Once a few people join you completely lose track of who said what to whom. Thanks for the clarification.

[thien0995]

you're welcome

[mbruck77]

I suspect the Christian "I will pray for you" is nothing more then a figure of speech either.

[thien0995]

No, because they actually believe they're doing something.

[mbruck77]

What I mean is: Do they actually pray for every time they claim to do so?

[thien0995]

NO, it makes them feel like they've done something to help.

[addmoreice]

I have always seen obama with cautious optimism. And each time i hear his words or see his actions...I feel like my optimism is rewarded.

Only time will tell if my caution is warranted or not. Let us all hope it's not.

=D

[rozeboosje]

There is no shame in being cautious. But I'm becoming more and more cautiously optimistic.

[addmoreice]

never said i was ashamed. Caution is the smart response.

I'm just surprised i have optimism in me when it comes to presidents.

[rozeboosje]

Ah, sorry, no I didn't mean "there is no shame in" in that sense. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[addmoreice]

=-D

[thruthem]

Good work! Featured!

[rozeboosje]

Thank you!

[lothrazar]

I am glad he values science.

And I just noticed the end there 'non believers' thats great. I suppose 'atheist' is a politically violent word, but we cant have it all... yet.

[rozeboosje]

Well, he made his statement fairly broad and inclusive, and I for one am happy to be listed as a non-believer on this occasion.

[lothrazar]

I agree. On another note do you ever think rondowerssavesus will ever be back? (I may have spelled that wrong)

[Orygyn]

Now that's more like it.

[rozeboosje]

:-)

[theowarner]

Outstanding. And I agree.

[rozeboosje]

Thank you and thank B.H.O.

[theowarner]

Things are looking up.

[kurisu313]

I think I became an obama lover over the course of this video!

[rozeboosje]

:-)