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Four Long Years
Author: TriSec
Date: 01/20/2013 13:57:09
Good Morning.
Just stealing a little of Vel's thunder this morning. I'm sure she won't mind.
Four years ago on this very day, We were on the National Mall with about 2 million of our closest friends. It was an amazing day, and you could probably look back for our accounts of it, lo those many years ago.
Not quite a month after the inauguration, I was laid off, and that precipitated a now four-year odyssey through many jobs, contracts, unemployment, and underemployment.
I also blogged a while back about how I was NOT better off than I was four years ago. But better than 3 years ago? 2 years ago? Last year? Well, HELL YA!
And so here we are again. President Obama will be sworn in at noon today, just like always, but in a private ceremony. Tomorrow he'll do it again in the big public ceremony. I'm sure the crowd won't be quite as big, but here's hoping that it's just as happy and civilized as last time. (Incredibly, nobody was arrested for anything four years ago.)
This year....with a not so new job under my belt (One year on Feb 8), full-bore medical insurance, and now cancer in remission.....there is a distinct possibility that that Hope and Change promised us a few years back might personally come to pass.
(And just imagine if the GOP was more interested in the United States than in maintaining their power....remember, they call US fascists, but everything they do is leading us down that path now, isn't it?)
Just stealing a little of Vel's thunder this morning. I'm sure she won't mind.
Four years ago on this very day, We were on the National Mall with about 2 million of our closest friends. It was an amazing day, and you could probably look back for our accounts of it, lo those many years ago.
Not quite a month after the inauguration, I was laid off, and that precipitated a now four-year odyssey through many jobs, contracts, unemployment, and underemployment.
I also blogged a while back about how I was NOT better off than I was four years ago. But better than 3 years ago? 2 years ago? Last year? Well, HELL YA!
And so here we are again. President Obama will be sworn in at noon today, just like always, but in a private ceremony. Tomorrow he'll do it again in the big public ceremony. I'm sure the crowd won't be quite as big, but here's hoping that it's just as happy and civilized as last time. (Incredibly, nobody was arrested for anything four years ago.)
This year....with a not so new job under my belt (One year on Feb 8), full-bore medical insurance, and now cancer in remission.....there is a distinct possibility that that Hope and Change promised us a few years back might personally come to pass.
(And just imagine if the GOP was more interested in the United States than in maintaining their power....remember, they call US fascists, but everything they do is leading us down that path now, isn't it?)
Comments:
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Comment by 
Raine on 01/20/2013 15:15:46
Raine on 01/20/2013 15:15:46
It's amazing to me that 4 years ago we were here on the Mall, In wonder of everything around us, and then, much like you, a few weeks later *poof* Bob was let go by his company.
Less than a year later we found ourselves taking yet another big leap in our lives -- and we moved here to DC.
What an amazing journey these past 4 years have been. Not just for Bob and I, but for this little tiny corner of the universe.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
and 
Less than a year later we found ourselves taking yet another big leap in our lives -- and we moved here to DC.
What an amazing journey these past 4 years have been. Not just for Bob and I, but for this little tiny corner of the universe.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
and
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 15:21:41
velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 15:21:41
Oh thank you for stealing TriSec!! I overslept. :rofl:
Comment by 
BobR on 01/20/2013 16:15:47
BobR on 01/20/2013 16:15:47
It's pretty amazing. I remember standing in that cold with you, Raine, Mala, Mrs. TriSec, and Javi and feeling the sense of relief and feelings of goodwill washing over us. Interesting that I too lost my job one month after the inauguration (thanks Dubya!), and 8 months later found myself "underemployed" in DC.
Now I too have a better job and we're living in the belly of the beast, and will be attending tomorrow's festivities as locals, not tourists.
The night before the inauguration 4 years ago, Raine and I were walking around the White House (around - not "in", LOL), and thinking "wouldn't it be awesome to live and work here?". It was a rough journey, but someone was listening, and granted us our wish.
Now I too have a better job and we're living in the belly of the beast, and will be attending tomorrow's festivities as locals, not tourists.
The night before the inauguration 4 years ago, Raine and I were walking around the White House (around - not "in", LOL), and thinking "wouldn't it be awesome to live and work here?". It was a rough journey, but someone was listening, and granted us our wish.
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2013 16:20:54
I remember we watched the Bush family leaving the White house.
One of the daughters stuck her tongue out at the crowds.
Raine on 01/20/2013 16:20:54
Quote by BobR:
It's pretty amazing. I remember standing in that cold with you, Raine, Mala, Mrs. TriSec, and Javi and feeling the sense of relief and feelings of goodwill washing over us. Interesting that I too lost my job one month after the inauguration (thanks Dubya!), and 8 months later found myself "underemployed" in DC.
Now I too have a better job and we're living in the belly of the beast, and will be attending tomorrow's festivities as locals, not tourists.
The night before the inauguration 4 years ago, Raine and I were walking around the White House (around - not "in", LOL), and thinking "wouldn't it be awesome to live and work here?". It was a rough journey, but someone was listening, and granted us our wish.
One of the daughters stuck her tongue out at the crowds.
Comment by velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 16:28:13
Of course she did.
She is so Klassy.
velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 16:28:13
Quote by Raine:I remember we watched the Bush family leaving the White house.Quote by BobR:
It's pretty amazing. I remember standing in that cold with you, Raine, Mala, Mrs. TriSec, and Javi and feeling the sense of relief and feelings of goodwill washing over us. Interesting that I too lost my job one month after the inauguration (thanks Dubya!), and 8 months later found myself "underemployed" in DC.
Now I too have a better job and we're living in the belly of the beast, and will be attending tomorrow's festivities as locals, not tourists.
The night before the inauguration 4 years ago, Raine and I were walking around the White House (around - not "in", LOL), and thinking "wouldn't it be awesome to live and work here?". It was a rough journey, but someone was listening, and granted us our wish.
One of the daughters stuck her tongue out at the crowds.
Of course she did.
She is so Klassy.
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2013 16:38:20
She was riding behind Her parents in a silver SUV. It was really bratty if you ask me. I believe it was Jenna.
Raine on 01/20/2013 16:38:20
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by Raine:I remember we watched the Bush family leaving the White house.Quote by BobR:
It's pretty amazing. I remember standing in that cold with you, Raine, Mala, Mrs. TriSec, and Javi and feeling the sense of relief and feelings of goodwill washing over us. Interesting that I too lost my job one month after the inauguration (thanks Dubya!), and 8 months later found myself "underemployed" in DC.
Now I too have a better job and we're living in the belly of the beast, and will be attending tomorrow's festivities as locals, not tourists.
The night before the inauguration 4 years ago, Raine and I were walking around the White House (around - not "in", LOL), and thinking "wouldn't it be awesome to live and work here?". It was a rough journey, but someone was listening, and granted us our wish.
One of the daughters stuck her tongue out at the crowds.
Of course she did.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 16:49:18
Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 16:49:18
Good morning, bloggers!!
I was in Phoenix four years ago, renting a room from someone who had a few issues and far too many cats and pet pigeons. In some ways, I am better off. I am getting more interviews and may be working soon. I have friends that I did not have before. Still, it has been a long road.
As for the next four years, I guess that the GOP will have to decide if they wish to help govern this country or merely obstruct and offer up ideas which rally the base but have no chance to pass. (See the Paul Ryan austerity budget for details.)
It is cold here and I will be making a quick grocery trip later before settling in to watch some football games. I get to sleep in as my schools are off tomorrow in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth.
I was in Phoenix four years ago, renting a room from someone who had a few issues and far too many cats and pet pigeons. In some ways, I am better off. I am getting more interviews and may be working soon. I have friends that I did not have before. Still, it has been a long road.
As for the next four years, I guess that the GOP will have to decide if they wish to help govern this country or merely obstruct and offer up ideas which rally the base but have no chance to pass. (See the Paul Ryan austerity budget for details.)
It is cold here and I will be making a quick grocery trip later before settling in to watch some football games. I get to sleep in as my schools are off tomorrow in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 18:17:08
Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 18:17:08
A recent study by Oxfam International shows that the increasing concentration of wealth in the past 20 years has not "trickled down" to the masses. Indeed, the wealthiest 100 people in the world now have enough money to resolve extreme poverty four times over. From the Guardian UK:
Milton Friedman's economic theories, the policies of Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, George W. Bush and the austerity hawks have failed. Trickle down economics is indeed as George H.W. Bush candidly said is "voodoo economics."
Billionaires' fortunes hinder fight against poverty, says Oxfam
Charity says $240bn amassed by 100 richest people last year would be enough to end extreme poverty four times over
Phillip Inman, economics correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 19 January 2013 02.01 EST
Billionaires' fortunes hinder fight against poverty, says Oxfam
Charity says $240bn amassed by 100 richest people last year would be enough to end extreme poverty four times over
Phillip Inman, economics correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 19 January 2013 02.01 EST
The vast fortunes made by the world's richest 100 billionaires is driving up inequality and hindering the world's ability to tackle poverty, according to Oxfam.
The charity said the accumulation of wealth and income on an unprecedented scale, often at the expense of secure jobs and decent wages for the poorest, undermined the ability of people who survive on aid or low wages to improve their situation and escape poverty.
Oxfam said the world's poorest could be lifted out of poverty several times over should the richest 100 billionaires give away the money they made last year.
Without pointing a finger at individuals, the charity argued that the $240bn (£150bn) net income amassed in 2012 by the richest 100 billionaires would be enough to make extreme poverty history four times over.
............
The report said the issue affected all parts of the world. "In the UK inequality is rapidly returning to levels not seen since the time of Charles Dickens. In China the top 10% now take home nearly 60% of the income. Chinese inequality levels are now similar to those in South Africa, which is now the most unequal country on Earth and significantly more unequal than at the end of apartheid."
Milton Friedman's economic theories, the policies of Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, George W. Bush and the austerity hawks have failed. Trickle down economics is indeed as George H.W. Bush candidly said is "voodoo economics."
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2013 18:53:29
Raine on 01/20/2013 18:53:29
Have all the snack ready for tomorrow's festivities!
Today football and tomorrow we go see the big shindig!
Today football and tomorrow we go see the big shindig!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 20:12:20
So far, the Atlanta Falcons seem to have brought their A-game.
Will in Chicago on 01/20/2013 20:12:20
Quote by Raine:
Have all the snack ready for tomorrow's festivities!
Today football and tomorrow we go see the big shindig!
So far, the Atlanta Falcons seem to have brought their A-game.
Comment by velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 22:18:47
velveeta jones on 01/20/2013 22:18:47
I am watching the futball game. Falcons. Go Falcons. :yawn:
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/20/2013 23:16:45
livingonli on 01/20/2013 23:16:45
Somewhere I think I might have heard: Poop.
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2013 23:38:04
Raine on 01/20/2013 23:38:04
Poop. 
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/21/2013 02:24:34
TriSec on 01/21/2013 02:24:34
And double poop.
Comment by bird on 01/22/2013 17:47:11
trisec, i hope things continue to improve for you. the same for will from chicago.
as to being better off that question is null. not because it doesn't mean anything in the here and now but rather because it is grounded in the concept of infinite growth. infinite growth is a fallacy. resource scarcity, poor resource management, wealth concentration, so-called free market capitalism et al combine to forge a system that has either exceeded its limits (i believe it has) or will exceed them shortly. as a small but telling example i believe we are now in an energy bubble as related to fracking. the numbers spouted by people regarding "exceeding saudi arabia" and enough natural gas to last for 100 years all fail when run up against the laws of capital formation, er/ei and economically recoverable vs technically recoverable. this bubble will bursts and when it does we will be in a world of hurt.
sorry to be such a downer.
and go 'niners! (i grew up in cleveland. screw the ravens.)
as to being better off that question is null. not because it doesn't mean anything in the here and now but rather because it is grounded in the concept of infinite growth. infinite growth is a fallacy. resource scarcity, poor resource management, wealth concentration, so-called free market capitalism et al combine to forge a system that has either exceeded its limits (i believe it has) or will exceed them shortly. as a small but telling example i believe we are now in an energy bubble as related to fracking. the numbers spouted by people regarding "exceeding saudi arabia" and enough natural gas to last for 100 years all fail when run up against the laws of capital formation, er/ei and economically recoverable vs technically recoverable. this bubble will bursts and when it does we will be in a world of hurt.
sorry to be such a downer.
and go 'niners! (i grew up in cleveland. screw the ravens.)