Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Inaugural Awe

LOL! I think the fall of Communism trumps everything else for most people when it comes to Reagan.

But I agree with you that he messed us up pretty badly economically with deregulation. (And I was pro-Reagan, though I was too young to vote.) Though it is notable that EVERY president since then went along with what he started, Dem or Rep. It was accepted as common sense, even! Then the rug slipped out from under us and suddenly it wasn't such a good idea anymore.

I think I was just glad to hear someone saying what I have been saying for YEARS: we need to start changing the way we do things--LOTS of things!--or we're digging a deep hole for ourselves, our kids, our grandkids, etc., etc.... Political leaders just haven't said that. It's true, but it's not exactly a feel-good message!

Of course, then Obama plans a tax cut...That's not exactly what I had in mind in terms of sacrifices! <eye roll>

Don't get me started on Communism. I focused my masters on the cold war era. So you could be opening up a big can of worms! Specifically, I was very interested in WWII in the promise of the second front and how the political undertones of the triangle (Churchill, FDR, and Stalin) really set the stage for the aftermath of the cold war.

Sounds like an interesting can of worms!

I hear ya K-Mom, I'm just trying to be optimistic. I wish we lived closer! We could have some very fun coffee dates!!!

I love that you want to be optimistic and I hope you are right for everyone's sake. And I have to say there are few people on this board I would love to have a sit down with: You, Kriston, Grinity, Dottie to name a few. (I probably shouldn't start a list because there is so many and I would leave someone who I appreciate off and feel bad so I will stop it there) I think all of you are strong intelligent individuals. It is why I come back to the board to see where the conversations are going. Yes we have that special link with our children but a lot of boards exist for this purpose. I think what makes this board one of the better ones is the uniqueness of the group that contributes. I appreciate intellectual conversation. So brew up a big pot of coffee and have the chairs ready ... we will be there!

You know, I realized that I didn't add one of the biggest things that I feel awe about every Inaugural Day: the bloodless revolution.

The incredible wisdom and civility of our system that has the outgoing and incoming leaders *meet for coffee* before a completely peaceful transfer of power is just mind-blowing to me every time it happens.

Genius! It brings tears to my eyes every 4 years!

I just had a conversation with my friend about that. I believe my comment was in reference to our 'democracy' as such and how the one thing I can applaud is how we can have such a peaceful transition even when the two can be so different. So when we preach democracy to the world I roll my eyes and go on and on about there is no true democracy and you can't give democracy from outside it has to be a driving force from within but the one thing I can say is we are the tops when showing the change of guards can be a peaceful one. So thank you Kriston from bringing that up. I couldn't be prouder of our government and country when we do it right.

Yikes, I hope I did not offend anyone, if I did I apologize that was not my intention. My comment about Carter was that when he was running (and yes I was old enough to remember) There was a big deal about how he was going to "change things" I remember this because I was 12 and we had a big thing at school about it before the election. When he took office it seemed like he did alot of talking but didn't get anything done. Anyway that's what I was refering too, I guess I'm the old bird here and just assumed most would remember as well.

Did you all read the Agenda regarding Education on the new white house page? Here's an excerpt of the No Child Left Behind (aka No child gets ahead) portion:

NOTE: Bold formatting is mine, not theirs.

Sounds promising....

skylers' mom: Not me! I dig that kind of analysis. I wanted to know where you were coming form. Though, I do admit, Carter wasn't my favorite president. I have very conflicted feelings concerning his presidential contributions.....

It's never black and white, but surely, a lot of fun to discuss.

At least, for me.......