Congratulations America on an historic day!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Whatever the relationship between yours and your new president's politics, his inauguration is an historic day for your country, and because of its influence, for the world. Congratulations! May it signify a step towards a better future for all.

PS No, I'm naive naive or optimistic enough to believe that anything will really change, but one must hold out hope...

PPS Please don't use this thread to get into a political slinging match - that is not the point. The point is that less than 50 years ago your country had segregated schools and open racial discrimination, and today you have an African-American president. Obama's election signifies an incredible transformation in your country that should be celebrated.

PPPS I am not shit-stirring, I am sincere. The world outside the US is very happy today. :)

[Slydragon]

So everyone over there is happy? I'm just curious as to what other countries really think and not what the media says they are thinking.

[whottt]

Thanks Ruffy, the sentiment of the words couldn't be more sincere if Peter Garrett himself were uttering them :tu.

[samikeyp]

Sly....great sig!

[alamo50]

Racism is a world issue. So the entire world is happy.

[FreeMason]

The Australian markets are more free than America's.

[S_A_Longhorn]

So everyone over there is happy? I'm just curious as to what other countries really think and not what the media says they are thinking.

Well, watch Fox News for the "fair and balanced" news.
















:lol

[polandprzem]

A new president is an historic day?

Every 4 years you've got a new president

[tlongII]

It's odd how this is celebrated so much globally when America is probably the only country where this would happen. Do you think a native aborigine (sp?) will be elected as Australia's PM anytime soon?

[Darrin]

Whatever the relationship between yours and your new president's politics, his inauguration is an historic day for your country, and because of its influence, for the world. Congratulations! May it signify a step towards a better future for all.

PS No, I'm naive naive or optimistic enough to believe that anything will really change, but one must hold out hope...

PPS Please don't use this thread to get into a political slinging match - that is not the point. The point is that less than 50 years ago your country had segregated schools and open racial discrimination, and today you have an African-American president. Obama's election signifies an incredible transformation in your country that should be celebrated.

PPPS I am not shit-stirring, I am sincere. The world outside the US is very happy today. :)


We could cure cancer and end world hunger and this day would still be a top-10 moment of the century.

[Grizzie]

Whatever the relationship between yours and your new president's politics, his inauguration is an historic day for your country, and because of its influence, for the world. Congratulations! May it signify a step towards a better future for all.

PS No, I'm naive naive or optimistic enough to believe that anything will really change, but one must hold out hope...

PPS Please don't use this thread to get into a political slinging match - that is not the point. The point is that less than 50 years ago your country had segregated schools and open racial discrimination, and today you have an African-American president. Obama's election signifies an incredible transformation in your country that should be celebrated.

PPPS I am not shit-stirring, I am sincere. The world outside the US is very happy today. :)

Yeah it is a historical day, but I find it funny that he was raised by a white mother and his real father left him. Why is it so historical....because he has some black in him?

[CosmicCowboy]

It just shows how time changes things. 200 years ago Australia was founded by hard ass convicts that got dumped on the beach and today it's populated by pussies like you.

[Grizzie]

It just shows how time changes things. 200 years ago Australia was founded by hard ass convicts that got dumped on the beach and today it's populated by pussies like you.

Hey, I am happy for you...just think it's a little overboard.

[romad_20]

It's odd how this is celebrated so much globally when America is probably the only country where this would happen. Do you think a native aborigine (sp?) will be elected as Australia's PM anytime soon?

Very good point. I find it quite funny that the "world" is so happy we've elected a black man when no other country in the world has the diversity and tolerance that the United States has.

[Slydragon]

Sly....great sig!

Thanks. I was not even born yet but I still like seeing how things used to be.

[dirk4mvp]

It just shows how time changes things. 200 years ago Australia was founded by hard ass convicts that got dumped on the beach and today it's populated by pussies like you.

:wow


:lmao


:wow

[ZStomp]

Are "people" excited about this historic day with our first Black President or because George W. Bush is OUT??


HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[baseline bum]

Are "people" excited about this historic day with our first Black President or because George W. Bush is OUT??


HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

It's not an either/or thing. Both are pretty great.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

So everyone over there is happy? I'm just curious as to what other countries really think and not what the media says they are thinking.

Not everyone, but the vast majority is happy, yes. I don't personally know anyone who thinks it's not a good thing.

It's a great relief to most of the world that GW is gone (he was a disaster internationally), and on top of that there is the symbolism of Obama's race and what that means for change in America, and the promise of a new direction for American domestic and foreign policy. Like it or not, America still leads the world in so many ways, and with the economic and environmental challenges of this century, the world needs America to take the lead. We're all hoping Obama may be part of that.


Thanks Ruffy, the sentiment of the words couldn't be more sincere if Peter Garrett himself were uttering them .

Cheers mate, I am sincere. :)


A new president is an historic day?

Every 4 years you've got a new president

Re-read what I said - it's historic because of how far race relations have come in the US. Many African-American people never thought this day would come.


It's odd how this is celebrated so much globally when America is probably the only country where this would happen. Do you think a native aborigine (sp?) will be elected as Australia's PM anytime soon?

I doubt it, but mainly because Aborigines make up such a small % or the population (about 2.5%). Your analogy is a little Spurious because it suggest that Obama is a Native American, so the real question is could someone not of Caucasian origin become Oz's PM in the near future, and I say yes, absolutely. Race relations in Australia are excellent by world standards - perfect by no means, but for most young people (under 45) race isn't an issue at all. There is a lot of racial intermixing, and most people don't think twice about another person's race.


We could cure cancer and end world hunger and this day would still be a top-10 moment of the century.

It is a milestone for the most powerful country in the world, so probably.


Yeah it is a historical day, but I find it funny that he was raised by a white mother and his real father left him. Why is it so historical....because he has some black in him?

Because it's a symbol of the change in race relations, as I stated. Before it happened, a lot of people thought it never would.


It just shows how time changes things. 200 years ago Australia was founded by hard ass convicts that got dumped on the beach and today it's populated by pussies like you.

I'm not a typical Australian, nor a typical human being, so don't make generalisations based on me! :lol

As you well know Aussies are not pussies, and as you probably don't know, nor am I. I just have a sensitive side that I am not afraid to express, unlike most men.


Very good point. I find it quite funny that the "world" is so happy we've elected a black man when no other country in the world has the diversity and tolerance that the United States has.

Don't overstate things. There are plenty of countries with race relations as good as or better than the US, but the US has come a helluva long way since Rosa Parks.


Are "people" excited about this historic day with our first Black President or because George W. Bush is OUT??

HMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Both. ;)


It's not an either/or thing. Both are pretty great.

Exactly.

:toast to all.

[EricB]

I full support him and want him to do well.

That being said, the campaigning and and catchy words and cool t shirts with "hope" on them won't turn the country around.

Lets see what hes got. I just think alot of these star struck people in this country are gonna be let down.

[whottt]

Cheers mate, I am sincere. :)


You're very welcome old foot...and remember, DL1 can be yours :king

[PuttPutt]

It's great that we have taken a step forward for those that were discriminated against, but it's sad that we have to still label someones color or race. He is just a man that is now our president. It's just too bad he will always be labeled as a black man & not just a man who did or did not do good for our country in his term(s).

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I full support him and want him to do well.

That being said, the campaigning and and catchy words and cool t shirts with "hope" on them won't turn the country around.

Lets see what hes got. I just think alot of these star struck people in this country are gonna be let down.

Totally agree that winning this presidential election was a poisoned chalice, and that he has a MONUMENTAL task ahead of him - so many short and long-term challenges that no-one really has a coherent answer to yet, and probably never will.

Civilisation has become vast and complex, and combine that with the nature of the political system (4 year terms and such), and crisis managment seems to be about all any government can do today. Govts all over the world are having real trouble planning for future contingencies, they're just trying to keep it all going FOR NOW. Obama may turn out to be no different, maybe he's hamstrung to begin with, or maybe he'll actually be a great leader and make real change for the better. Who knows? We shall see. He can't do much worse than the last guy... :lol

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

It's great that we have taken a step forward for those that were discriminated against, but it's sad that we have to still label someones color or race. He is just a man that is now our president. It's just too bad he will always be labeled as a black man & not just a man who did or did not do good for our country in his term(s).

Agreed.

However, the broader point is that race will sadly always exist, it is a part of the human condition, and Obama is a symbol of a move towards what you describe. Slow steps, my friend, slow steady steps in the right direction will get you where you want to go eventually.

[tlongII]

I doubt it, but mainly because Aborigines make up such a small % or the population (about 2.5%). Your analogy is a little Spurious because it suggest that Obama is a Native American, so the real question is could someone not of Caucasian origin become Oz's PM in the near future, and I say yes, absolutely. Race relations in Australia are excellent by world standards - perfect by no means, but for most young people (under 45) race isn't an issue at all. There is a lot of racial intermixing, and most people don't think twice about another person's race.


Sounds like a bit of a cop-out to me. It certainly hasn't happened yet.

[urunobili]

Racism is a world issue. So the entire world is happy.

:tu

HOPE over FEAR for the whole world!

:toast

[Southwest Texas Fan]

Whatever the relationship between yours and your new president's politics, his inauguration is an historic day for your country, and because of its influence, for the world. Congratulations! May it signify a step towards a better future for all.

PS No, I'm naive naive or optimistic enough to believe that anything will really change, but one must hold out hope...

PPS Please don't use this thread to get into a political slinging match - that is not the point. The point is that less than 50 years ago your country had segregated schools and open racial discrimination, and today you have an African-American president. Obama's election signifies an incredible transformation in your country that should be celebrated.

PPPS I am not shit-stirring, I am sincere. The world outside the US is very happy today. :)



I salute you man. I think the US has come a long way in terms of race relations but still has a long way to go, but Obama is a good start. :toast

[romad_20]

Don't overstate things. There are plenty of countries with race relations as good as or better than the US, but the US has come a helluva long way since Rosa Parks.

That may be true, but I don't think I'm overstating the fact that America is made up of a very diverse group of people who have a very large number of differences and are, in general, quite tolerant of all of them. Those other countries that have better race relations are not dealing with the number of people or cultures that America does. America also makes changes when necessary, and quickly, relatively speaking.

That's not to say America still doesn't have problems, but to act like we're catching up with the rest of the world on race relations is simply not true.

[Darrin]

Yeah it is a historical day, but I find it funny that he was raised by a white mother and his real father left him. Why is it so historical....because he has some black in him?

Bush laid down his power, for one. Two, he is the first to have any African blood to be in the office (American slavery, segregation, racism, and bigotry). Three, he's the first without a traditional nuclear family. Four, he's not from money or power. Five, he sounds like a Politician who truly loves the United States. Six, he's a man who speaks of conviction (without idealogy).

The man just broke some big barriers. He's the embodyment of the American idea that we can come from anywhere if we all live freely and in equality.

[tlongII]

Bush laid down his power, for one. Two, he is the first to have any African blood to be in the office (American slavery, segregation, racism, and bigotry). Three, he's the first without a traditional nuclear family. Four, he's not from money or power. Five, he sounds like a Politician who truly loves the United States. Six, he's a man who speaks of conviction (without idealogy).

The man just broke some big barriers. He's the embodyment of the American idea that we can come from anywhere if we all live freely and in equality.

I don't agree with that AT ALL! The dude's from the corrupt Chicago/Illinois political machine.

[DarkReign]

...I just cant get over the thread title and the use of "an" before a word that doesnt start with a vowel.

No offense.

[DarkReign]

That may be true, but I don't think I'm overstating the fact that America is made up of a very diverse group of people who have a very large number of differences and are, in general, quite tolerant of all of them. Those other countries that have better race relations are not dealing with the number of people or cultures that America does. America also makes changes when necessary, and quickly, relatively speaking.

That's not to say America still doesn't have problems, but to act like we're catching up with the rest of the world on race relations is simply not true.

This. Australia doesnt have near the minority population of the US taken as a percentage of poulation.

I had to google it....:lmao

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Australia#Ethnic_groups

Their largest, non-Anglo population are the Chinese at a whopping 3.37% of total population!

Yeeeah, our race relations would as awesome as Australia's too if our largest minority was less than 1 in 20. Its gets a bit more complicated as those numbers rise, I'd imagine.

For America's makeup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States#Race_and_ethnici ty)

1 out of 5 people are either of African or Latino descent.

[Jekka]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2094/53/24/25402431/n25402431_34962184_3884.jpg

It was pretty awesome.

[v2freak]

Yea thanks. So glad we are finally being met with some approval.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Sounds like a bit of a cop-out to me. It certainly hasn't happened yet.

And, as I said, it's unlikely to happen due to the very small indigenous population. Also, you continue to ignore the fact that your analogy is spurious anyway - Obama is not a native American.

What we do have is a number of Aboriginal members of Parliament, and about 1/4 of Parliamentarians are women including the Deputy PM.

I don't even know why I'm responding to your BS anyway, as I know you just enjoy shit-stirring.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

...I just cant get over the thread title and the use of "an" before a word that doesnt start with a vowel.

No offense.

Don't you know the rule - "an", not "a", technically goes before words starting with "h".


This. Australia doesnt have near the minority population of the US taken as a percentage of poulation.

I had to google it....:lmao

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Australia#Ethnic_groups

Their largest, non-Anglo population are the Chinese at a whopping 3.37% of total population!

Yeeeah, our race relations would as awesome as Australia's too if our largest minority was less than 1 in 20. Its gets a bit more complicated as those numbers rise, I'd imagine.

For America's makeup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States#Race_and_ethnici ty)

1 out of 5 people are either of African or Latino descent.

Yeah, actually, not true. You wikied it - go to primary sources. That 3.37% number probably accounts for 1st generation immigrants only, an untrue picture of the true racial mix of the country, which should look at ethnicity.

From a 1999 paper on Australian ethnicity:

"...the Anglo-Celtic share has fallen from 90% in 1947... to 70% in 1999"

http://elecpress.monash.edu.au/pnp/free/pnpv7n4/v7n4_3price.pdf

Australia has been importing 100,000-300,000 people a year since WW II, first Greeks, Italians, Serbs, Croats and other Eastern Europeans post-WW II, and for the last 30 years mostly south-east Asians (particularly Chinese, Thais, Vietnamese), with more and more central Asians (Indians, Pakistanis) and Middle-easterners recently. Most of our current refugee intake seems to be coming from the Sudan, whilst we also have an open door policy with NZ (which has an open door to the Pacific islands), so we also have a significant population of Pacific Islanders - Fijians, Tongans, Samoans, Maoris.

Walk down the street in any of the major cities and about 3/10 of the people you see are not of Anglo origin, and about half of the non-Anglos are of Asian descent. We have a diverse ethnicity because we are a nation of immigrants just like the US.

If you add ethnically Asian Americans to those of African and Latino descent, you'd probably reach that 3/10 mark too! ;)


http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2094/53/24/25402431/n25402431_34962184_3884.jpg

It was pretty awesome.

Incredible! :)

[baseline bum]

...I just cant get over the thread title and the use of "an" before a word that doesnt start with a vowel.

No offense.

It's usually pronounced with the h silent in this phrase, so using an makes sense.

[tlongII]

And, as I said, it's unlikely to happen due to the very small indigenous population. Also, you continue to ignore the fact that your analogy is spurious anyway - Obama is not a native American.

What we do have is a number of Aboriginal members of Parliament, and about 1/4 of Parliamentarians are women including the Deputy PM.

I don't even know why I'm responding to your BS anyway, as I know you just enjoy shit-stirring.

You're responding because you can't handle the truth.

[tlongII]

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/australia.html

The site above cites the Australian white population as comprising 92% of the total.

[tlongII]

http://www.mdaa.org.au/publications/ethnicity/angloaust/general.html

Another 92% reference.


Name of Country Australia

Population Over 20 million (July 2005 estimate).

Government Democratic, federal system with the British monarch as head of state.

Ethnic Groups Caucasians dominate Australia's population at 92%, Asian peoples make up 7%, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) people less than 1% of the population.

Religions In NSW Christianity is the dominant religion (over 72%) with Anglicans and Roman Catholics accounting for 50% and other denominations 24.3%. Other significant religions are Buddhism (2.3%), Islam (2.2%), Hinduism (0.8%) and Judaism (0.5%). Over 11% of the State's population declared they had 'no religion' in the 2001 Census.

Languages English is the official language. About 20% of the population speak a language other than English at home. There were over 260 inter-related Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, the vast majority of which have disappeared, mainly as a result of government assimilation policies.

Life Expectancy Almost 80 years, but 20-50% lower for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

[DarkReign]

Don't you know the rule - "an", not "a", technically goes before words starting with "h".

Please dont take any offense to that comment, especially since I was dead wrong. :)


It's usually pronounced with the h silent in this phrase, so using an makes sense.

No, I havent. But I guess if you two say so, I must have missed that day in 3rd grade English. Still doesnt look or sound right to me, but meh. I'll take both your words for it.

[DarkReign]

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/australia.html

The site above cites the Australian white population as comprising 92% of the total.


http://www.mdaa.org.au/publications/ethnicity/angloaust/general.html

Another 92% reference.

Yeah, Ruff. I googled australian demogrpahics (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us&q=australian+demographics). Not a single source comes close to your 70% figure.

Heck, CIA Factbook (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/as.html#People) has Anglo's over 90% as well.

Its not nearly as diverse as you claim, seeing as your link is the only link that says otherwise.

[Darrin]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2094/53/24/25402431/n25402431_34962184_3884.jpg

It was pretty awesome.

I'm green with envy. I was there in 2005 and didn't get anywhere near that close.

The sea of people was breathtaking watching it on C-SPAN.

Congratulations on surviving the trip! I hear it was cold!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

That 70% anglo figure comes from a university paper from 1999 which I linked you to, the other links are from the UK and the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW? C'mon, read the paper I linked you to, it's by an academic who specialises in ethnicity.

If you don't want to believe me, take a walk around an Australian street some time. We have a highly multicultural society.

Anyway, this thread was not meant to degenerate into a pissing contest so I'll leave it there.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

You're responding because you can't handle the truth.

You are such a tool. Your trolling is of the weakest variety.