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Letters, 11/7: Obama wins, America loses

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Friday, Nov 07, 2008 - 12:05:38 am CST

Hope.

Saturday night my Cornhuskers lost. They will survive.

The next day my Green Bay Packers lost. They will also survive.

Tuesday night America lost. Will we survive? I pray to God we will.

I pray to God that my grandchildren will learn the Pledge of Allegiance and be taught to place their hands over their heart. I pray that they will learn to love America and stand in respect when the national anthem is played.

I pray that they will know the value of hard work and would choose to work for less if necessary than receive welfare checks, and teach someone how to fish instead of just giving them a fish.

I pray that when they are the best qualified for a position they applied for, they will receive it.

I pray that my grandchildren will not be penalized for hard work, making good business decisions, hiring other people, becoming successful and lose most of it to the government so the government can share the wealth.

I pray that my grandchildren will be able to go to the church of their choice and use the Lord’s name in public.

I pray that they will know the value of human life and not endorse abortion.

I pray that when my grandchildren’s neighbor is hurting they will help the best they can instead of thinking it is not their responsibility but the government’s.

I pray that when my grandchildren are in a group of people who are preaching hatred they will get up and walk out instead of staying there for 20 years.

I pray that my grandchildren will realize that they live in the greatest nation in the world and do what they can to improve it.

I pray my grandchildren know they are judged by the company they keep.

I pray to God that the government will get out of their lives and allow them to succeed.

Gail Skinner, Lincoln

You get what you pay for

Jackie McCullough’s Local View column in the Wednesday Lincoln Journal Star provides important information and perspective on issues other than cost that are involved in the Antelope Valley Project.

These were missing from the Journal Star’s series of articles, which seemed focused only on the cost of this project. As anyone knows who has endured any major renovation project, having an experienced contractor who is competent to deal with any surprises is absolutely essential.

Such necessary expertise does not come cheaply, however. Moreover, as we all know from our own experiences, one generally gets what one pays for.

Certainly the cost of the Antelope Valley Project is newsworthy, but providing the perspective that educates voters regarding the reasons for what seem like cost increases (as done in McCullough’s article) is also essential.

Anthony F. Starace, Lincoln

Ayers beyond just radical

Two articles from Sunday’s Journal Star detail the recent William Ayers controversy and describe Ayers as a “former radical,” a “radical activist in the 1960s and ’70s” and “a 1960s and ’70s radical.”

Neither article reports that Ayers participated in terroristic activity and has never clearly repented or repudiated this activity.

There have doubtless been numerous “radicals” and “activists” from both ends of the political spectrum to speak at UNL.

The controversy is a result of Ayers’ notorious means of propagating his cause, not the content of his speech or beliefs. The failure to report this relevant information is at best a disservice to the Journal Star’s readers.

Jeffrey J. Springer, Lincoln


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adsf wrote on November 7, 2008 1:10 am:
" I pray I will not be judged by those with small minds. Who look for disappointment in other people, and judge not by the content of their character, but of fleeting opinions that are based on assumption. I pray that I will have the right to be myself, as well as the original letter writer can be herself, and that I will have the FREEDOM to enjoy my neighbors and this nation. "

Sarah wrote on November 7, 2008 1:17 am:
" Well, Gail, it sounds like you've written a pretty accurate portrait of Barack Obama there, so I think your prayers are going to be answered. Congratulations! "

Mindless Robot wrote on November 7, 2008 3:43 am:
" Oh my goodness, just look at the drama.
Sounds like one of those goofy e-mails that the Pat Robertson and James Dobson send out. "

Proud Liberal wrote on November 7, 2008 5:04 am:
" To Gail Skinner: I've also been doing a lot of praying for America recently. I pray that someday I can once again live in a country where our leaders inspire us rather than make us fearful. A country where I don't have to worry about my phone being tapped. One that doesn't torture our prisoners and send them to prisons in third world countries, and where habeas corpus is a guarantee. I pray that our country will return to the vision that produced the Marshall Plan, the GI Bill, Social Security, and the Emancipation Proclamation. A country that doesn't have a foreign policy of shoot first, ask questions later. I pray that America will once again be that respected beacon of freedom and hope around the world that I read about in history books when I was in elementary school.

How sad that you, at this historical moment in time, choose not to be inspired by the election to be president of a man who is the very embodiment of the American Dream, an event that has people around the world rushing to the streets to celebrate with tears of joy in their eyes. Instead, you choose to be cynical and fearful. Your letter reminds me that I also need to include you and your ilk in my future prayers. "

Ralph wrote on November 7, 2008 5:22 am:
" I pray that Gail Skinner decides to become a part of the country. One country, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. How about giving the president-elect a chance before you declare disaster... Even John McCain has stated that he will work with the new administration to turn this country around and get us back on the right track. I pray that people like Gail Skinner support our new president and don't judge him until he has had a chance... One country, indivisible.............. "

davidb wrote on November 7, 2008 5:27 am:
" From Gail's letter, it is obvious that the election was decided by Gail not praying enough. We now know where the blame lies. "

Me too wrote on November 7, 2008 5:35 am:
" I also pray that people respect the ideals that the Pledge stands for as much as the mechanics of reciting it.

I pray that real wages keep pace with increasing productivity, instead of stagnating while the distribution of income widens.

I pray that people spend less energy fretting over the lie that someone is trying to take away their religious freedom, and more energy on living their religious principals while repecting other's freedom.

I too pray that my children value human life, and reject torture in our name and the flawed application of the death penalty.

I pray that when the problems are too large for individuals or charities to solve on their own, that people realize that the government is just an extension of ourselves, and are open to government solutions when they make sense.

I pray that people walk in another's shoes lest their judement be clouded by ingorance.

I pray that fear and division recede and we work together to make this country even greater than it is. "

Joe wrote on November 7, 2008 5:39 am:
" Finally after 8 years a President who is more intelligent than the vast majority of the citizens of the United States of America. Gail, your God let the holocaust happen and George Bush destroy Iraq and the United States. Sit back it is going to be one heck of a ride. "

obviously America chose wrote on November 7, 2008 6:03 am:
" How sad is it that judgment has begun before Obama even takes office?? America's majority chose this man, so give him a chance. I PRAY that people do not judge lest they be judged. "

Wow wrote on November 7, 2008 6:14 am:
" Gail. Well said. Especially the 20 years of hearing hatred. "

Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 6:36 am:
" I pray for open minds, belief in helping one another, civil rights and common decency. I pray that others don't push their beliefs on my children. I pray that if my children choose a different path other than the one most traveled by people like you that they will not be punished. I pray that people stop preaching to others when they don't want or need it. I pray for tolerance. I pray for people like you "

Dan wrote on November 7, 2008 6:38 am:
" Gail, the USA survived the last eight years, don't worry about the next 4 or 8. After eight years of Bush, the future maybe bleak, but don't blame the incoming president. Sounds to me like maybe you need to change the radio station you listen to. Obama won't have to be very good to be way better than we've had for the last eight years. "

Leon wrote on November 7, 2008 6:44 am:
" Gail.
I think someone needs to pray for you. "

And Gail I pray wrote on November 7, 2008 6:48 am:
" ...that you start thinking for yourself instead of believing all the lies and innuendo about President-Elect Obama that have been distributed over the internet by reckless hateful smear merchants. I pray that you start paying attention to what's going on instead of listening to small minded hate show hosts on talk radio. And most of all, I pray that you stop worrying about the state of this country under President-Elect Obama. It's going to be a great eight years, much better than the last eight. And sorry about your Packers, but I'm a Tennessee Titans fan. "

Me too...I Pray wrote on November 7, 2008 6:50 am:
" To Gail...AMEN! "

joe wrote on November 7, 2008 6:57 am:
" gail gail gail

give the guy a chance. when GW won in 2004 the religious right said it was gods will, well guess what so is Obama. "

Thank you for rejecting McCain wrote on November 7, 2008 7:04 am:
" Obama is comfortable with people who dislike this country - good for him

Lyndon Johnson said that he would rather have "his enemies inside the tent urinating out than outside the tent urinating in". Abe Lincoln said "keep your friends close but your enemies closer". Agree with them or not, they were both very effective Presidents.

Compare that to George Bush. He is surrounded by yes-men brown-nosers and is so intellectually incurious that it would be surprising if he could ever make a good, balanced decision.

Only unreasonable people like George Bush are so rigid that they only want to hear ideas from their yes-men that support his own corrupt beliefs. God bless Obama "

MP wrote on November 7, 2008 7:13 am:
" GAil, none of the doomsday senarios you hear from the right wingnut talking heads will come true. If anything, this country will regain its strength and luster it has lost in the last 8 years.

I forsee the constitution being restored after being badly damaged by Bush & Co. We will no longer have the gov't snooping through our mail, snail or e-mail, listening to our phone calls or going through our homes without a warrant. Our rights to choose what we do to our bodies will not be restricted and we will be able to worship, or not and to whatever god, allah, yahwe or whatever as we please. And no, there will be no redistribution of wealth like some claim. The redistribution will come because of job creation here and not overseas. There will actually be a middle class. No more of the rich and the working poor that the current administration tried to force on us and McCain supported by giving all the tax cuts to the rich and none to the working class.

Hold you head up high because a bright, new future is ahead of us if you believe that we can work together for a better country. "

Common Citizen wrote on November 7, 2008 7:14 am:
" The citizen's of Lincoln have that Monster named Lincoln Public Schools draining our pocket books now we have Big Brother, (The Government) going to take even more. If taxes get any worse I for one won't be afraid to throw in the towel, let the bank have the house and my car and just walk away from it all.
I did hear on the radio that some folks think that now with the "Change" in progress that they don't have to pay for gas now, nor their mortgage, etc. I would like a piece of that pie. I just don't know how to go about it....... Oh well, back to work. "

Hey Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 7:21 am:
" Maybe you should spend less time watching football and more time educating yourself on our new president. You see - President Obama will reverse the Bush/Cheney curse - which has included the micro management of our personal lives - restore the seperation of church and state - which is for the most part what you are hoping and praying for! Amen! "

To Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 7:26 am:
" I pray for all of those things as well. But I also pray that our new president-elect will be safe. I pray that he will make wise decisions, and that the nation will do well. And I pray that we have some unity. "

TJ wrote on November 7, 2008 7:27 am:
" I pray that Gail Skinner will someday not have to be so fearful and will learn to hope. I pray that Gail will understand that when we as a nation support a war that we realize that it will have additional costs and we should pay more in taxes to cover it so that our grandchildren are not left with the bill. I pray that Gail will realize the value of government and that it can be more efficient and does play a part in our lives. After all without our government, he may not have the right to practice the religion of his choice or have a safe place to live in the best country on earth. I pray that we are not judged so much by the company that we keep, rather we are judge on our desire to join in conversations with diverse groups to learn more about them and to share ideas. "

STF wrote on November 7, 2008 7:40 am:
" Don't worry Gail. We have now entered into a world of take no responsibility for your life because the government will do everything for you. Just imagine the money we'll save because now we don't have to send our children to college, why would you need a college education to get ahead, the more successful you are, the more people you're going to have to support. We can all quit our jobs now because government will make sure we have as much money as the rest of the population. For those of us who want to work as a hobby, we don't need to worry about doing good in our job, because if we're fired, they'll be another job that was created by the government just waiting for us. Obama is already saying his economic plan won't help in the short run. Then a year into his term, he'll say it's still not enough time for it to work, give it more time. And the pod people will still be yelling "It's all Bush's fault". Don't worry Gail, teach your grandchildren the values you listed and hope that they save the country when they get older. "

Pied Piper of Chicago wrote on November 7, 2008 7:41 am:
" Based on the comments to Gails letter it sounds like a lot of you are on board. That is good. Follow me. "

I agree with Sarah wrote on November 7, 2008 7:58 am:
" I have to say that I am not suprised...some people are so caught up in what others have said is right that they fail to realize that everything they are asking for they have just recieved. I think that because of Obama that Gail will get everything and more for her grandchildren, I just hope thay are more open minded than she.And just one more thing Gail...we will survive and be better and stronger now than ever before. "

Jack wrote on November 7, 2008 7:59 am:
" Is it Sunday? Sure lots of praying going on........ "

Err wrote on November 7, 2008 8:02 am:
" America is not at war. America is at the shopping malls. "

Proud mom wrote on November 7, 2008 8:03 am:
" First of all, YOU had a moral obligation to make sure that you are basing your ideas about Obama on facts or smears, of course he places his hand over his heart when saying the pledge of allegiance and stands when the anthem is played..for goodness sakes

Your comments about fish, are puzzling? President Obama is all about hard work, have you not looked into what he has done with his life? Please explain to me how helping your neighbor, someone who perhaps...was ill, lost their job and is homeless...wrong? No one is asking for a handout...but I believe as Obama does, that we have a moral obligation to help those in need, just like Jesus preached to "help the poor".

I bet, your taxes will be lower with Obama in the White house

Obama honor's life, he is not PRO abortion, he believes that WOMEN not men need to make that difficult and personal choice, he wants abortion to be a rare thing, by offering birth control and education to those who are sexually active. WHY, DO YOU NOT HONOR Life already born?? PLEASE answer that....what about the thousands of children who have died in Iraq, by our occupation there?

Isn't it grand that your Grandchildren, now see many things are possible with hard work, that a black man...can become President...what a joyful thing for them!

My dear...Government has never been so entrenched in our lives as it has been for the last 8 years, their involvement in No Child left Behind is a good example. (Which by every measure is a failure) I suggest you educate yourself on facts and be grateful we live in a country that has the ability to think for themselves and go beyond the lies you have been fed.

For my children, I'm thrilled that we finally have a president committed to protecting our earth, for my children, I'm thrilled we now have a president with some intellect, for my children, I'm happy that we will have a president with GOOD judgment about our national security and a president that will raise our leadership globally. My children...soon will not have to be worried bout unsafe imports from countries whose safety standards are lax "

Outside the Box wrote on November 7, 2008 8:14 am:
" Many others have already taken Gail to task for his close minded letter, buy there is one thing that sticks out. Gail writes: "I pray to God that my grandchildren will learn the Pledge of Allegiance and be taught to place their hands over their heart. I pray that they will learn to love America and stand in respect when the national anthem is played."

I'm pretty sure the responsibility for these items begins at home. I learned the anthem and the pledge from my parents, and they instilled a healthy love and respect for country in me.

Unless President Elect Obama comes to your grandchildren's house or he issues a proclamation banning these items, you only need to pray for your continued capacity to do the right thing. "

regail wrote on November 7, 2008 8:29 am:
" good job gail

i pray that the cornhuskers beat the jayhwaks & that my latte' is made with just the right amount of sugar and isn't so hot that it burns my tongue. "

mitchy_v wrote on November 7, 2008 8:32 am:
" Tuesday America won, Obama doesn't like the BCS. Finally a playoff for college football. "

Papapotato wrote on November 7, 2008 8:32 am:
" Gail Skinner,
If you ever finish with your prayers, you may want to consider getting behind this president and working together to fix the immense problems created by the outgoing administration. You may find that the world will still make sense and nobody will be depriving you of your important values. "

Thank You Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 8:58 am:
" Well said! "

Smarty wrote on November 7, 2008 9:09 am:
" Lighten up, Gail.

I get soooo tired of people who vote based on one issue... namely their religion.

I'm sure you sat down and wrote this letter thinking it was turning out to be some literary masterpiece. It came off as comedy gold to me. LOL.

Here's an idea, how about you help raise those grandchildren you're so worried about to be good people, and quit being such a drama queen. "

Ted wrote on November 7, 2008 9:15 am:
" Despite what your AM rado dial may tell you Gail, America has won, in fact America would have won whether Obama or McCain won, See both are intelligent, reasonable, hard working and capable men who happen to have some philisophical differences about governments role.
Bush is gone, America wins. See, Bush may be a good guy, good father, good friend, good husband, he may even have Americas best interest at heart. But as president he is incompatent, lacks the intelligence to see the nuances of situations, and sourounds himself with inteligent but evil people who used their influence over him to start undeeded wars, deny children healthcare, run the middle class into the ground, all so they could line their own pockets.
Gail, if you listened to Obama, or even McCain instead of AM radio you would know that Obama shares your opinions "

JB wrote on November 7, 2008 9:17 am:
" America has lost the last eight years, it is time to win. "

Sodbuster wrote on November 7, 2008 9:22 am:
" How sad, Gail

You've got more faith, apparently, in the Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers than the United States of America.

It is sad to think that even people of the right-wing fringe (which apparently includes you, Gail) do not see the historic nature of this election, and that we have taken a huge and dramatic step towards being "a more perfect" union.

To Gail - and those who agree with him - remember that we live in a democracy which values freedom of speech and the ability of the citizenry to change our government by the ballot and not the bullet. On Tuesday, the people of this nation spoke in a very symbolic way. Even if you do not agree with the outcome, you should be proud of our nation. As I watched the images coming across the screen on Tuesday night, I saw a nation with renewed hope and confidence. A nation which now truly knows that perhaps anyone can become President of the United States. I saw a nation which had in large part rejected the politics of fear and division.

Gail - YOU are the one who needs our prayers now. "

CS wrote on November 7, 2008 9:26 am:
" Maybe the LJS was taking the middle, assuming that readers might actually go research him themselves before bloviating extensively based on conjecture, lack of facts, and no common sense. He isn't a criminal because he was charged and their case failed-readers can believe what they want, but under the laws that so many commenters say they cherish so much he is as innocent as you or me. He also isn't the first FBI top 10 speaker to be invited to Lincoln this year, so I really don't understand the big deal. A little consistency would be nice. "

James the Liberal wrote on November 7, 2008 9:29 am:
" There are a lot of thoughtful comments here from people with open minds. Unfortunately, too many Nebraskans prefer to be "ditto heads" for the wingnuts or, as one writer calls them, "small minded hate show hosts on talk radio". And just because it's not Sunday does not mean we cannot pray for Pete's sake. Every Christian (and Muslim, and Jew and Buddhist to name only a few of the world's religions) knows that! Obama needs our prayers every day just as all of us need to pray for our country and its leaders even when, or, especially when we disagree with their political and social ideas! Pray that they might have wisdom to overcome all the naysayers and rise above the attitudes of those who would infest their followers with hatred. "

T wrote on November 7, 2008 9:45 am:
" Praying and doing are two seperate things and I appreciate them both. But at some point people must act and take responsibility for the world they live in. Being mindful of ourselves in every moment would be a good step to a greater understanding of our world and of ourselves. We must realize that we are the only humans we know, this is our family. The realization of knowing who you are is the first step in knowing who your neighbors next door are, or your neighbors on the next continent. People's minds have become so cluttered with the grand illusion of money,fame, and technology that many have lost touch with the reality of what it is to just be. If we can reign our minds in then maybe, just maybe we can begin to turn not only our country but also the world into a place suitable for human existence. "

to gail wrote on November 7, 2008 9:45 am:
" thanks to you, i realize again that our world is not entirely enlightened. you must have experiened heavenly life with those 8 years with g. bush. i am really curious how he made you so happy. glorious power of ideology. "

Less Godverment wrote on November 7, 2008 9:53 am:
" You want government out of people's lives but yet you pray for some great governor in the sky to do everything for you. Here's an idea... stop praying and get out and participate to make this country better. "

OIF Vet wrote on November 7, 2008 10:08 am:
" Gail: Stop praying and actually do something. "

to the truth wrote on November 7, 2008 10:10 am:
" what does prayer have to do with any of that? Those are just examples of how we have let the governement rule our lives. "

DB wrote on November 7, 2008 10:28 am:
" Sorry The Truth, prayer in the schools won't help. Those values need to be taught at home and not at school. Parents might be stricter if they weren't afraid of gov't searching their homes without warrants finding they applied some disipline.

If you want your child to pray in school, send them to a parochial school. "

RE Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 10:28 am:
" You seem to have a lot to pray about. How about a prayer to take away the racism? Do you honestly think it would have been better with a bush clone? "

Well wrote on November 7, 2008 11:04 am:
" This is God's world, not yours, not mine. What God intends to do is His
plan and Will. Have you not read about the Great Flood, or Sodom & Gomorrah?? We can only study and live according to God's Will and be
thankful for His Blessings. Sometimes He answers our prayers and other
time He does not, we can only leave our lives in His Hands. Judging is
not what He put us here to do, but to know right from wrong we are to
learn from the Scriptures. "

ben wrote on November 7, 2008 11:15 am:
" To Follow by faith alone is to follow blindly. "

MarkyMark wrote on November 7, 2008 11:22 am:
" It takes more than praying to God for us to survive as a nation. That has been tried by Mr Bush, and so far has been a failure.

We have a President-Elect that goes to church, and uses the Lord' name in public.

We have a President-Elect that puts his hand over his heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegience, AND stands with respect when the National Anthem plays.

We have a President-Elect that will teach a man to fish, and then won't turn around and pollute his fisheries.

We have a President-Elect that won't refer to the working middle-class as welfare recipients and whiners, actually cares about the middle class, and won't mention them only on an election year. A real tax cut for the Middle Class is long overdue.

We have a President-Elect that cares about our children and grandchildren and will work hard to stop the chronic Republican practice of dumping trillions of debt in their lap creating a a blighted, depressed American future.

We have a President-Elect, who when in a large group of people preaching hate, will get up and walk out of the Republican Convention, or turn off AM radio.

We have a President-Elect who would not dream of lying to Congress in order to drum up support for a war to impress his daddy, or drive the price of oil through the roof for his cronies.

We have a President-Elect that will actually work hard to prevent any future terrorist attacks, rather than ignore it, until it's too late.

We have a President-Elect that highly values human life. He will not treat our soldiers as disposable pawns in a game of "Cowboy drives up oil", or kill off half the country we are "saving". He will get what's left of our troops back home to their families, as soon as humanly possible.

We have a President-Elect that will hopefully re-instate some of the regulations, to keep big business, and corporate crooks in check, to stop them from draining our hard earned retirement savings.

We have a President-Elect that will govern with positive things about America, rather than ruling and campaigning in fear in order to chase his agenda.

We have a president elect who is intelligent, ethical, and decisive.

America wins! Your prayers have been answered. "

hskred wrote on November 7, 2008 11:31 am:
" I am so tired of hearing everyone blame everything on George Bush. We still have the vast majority of those who also contributed to our economic downturn and other issues still serving in the senate and house, some republicans, many democrats. One man did not control everything that has happened to us, just like the recent election of one man is not going to cure all our problems. Both candidates made promises that they would not and will not be able to fulfill. It has already started with the "we may to rethink our timeline" statements. Obama is not the answer to everything and I am with Gail in so far as I hope that with the congress we currently have, we don't slide too far to the left. Middle of the road would be great for me and for our country. "

Dear Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 11:35 am:
" Doom and gloom do not become you. It's time to throw off all the political posturing and see what this guy can do. My guess is he is a better manager than our outgoing president. My guess is he is a smarter person than our outgoing president. And from his history, he has taken the cause of everyday people tried to find ways to make their lives as Americans better. Don't listen to the socialist baloney some where using to scare votes to McCain. Obama is no socialist.
Meanwhile: I pray that all Americans get to go to the church of their choice. I pray that the lives of all Americans are held in value instead of small, select groups of Americans. I also pray that your grandchildren will get up and walk out of rallys like Sarah Palin was sponsoring during the election. I pray your grandchildren will live the kind of lives that will allow the government to not have to oversee their behavior. And I already know your grandchildren will live in a country that is great and that keeps getting greater as it did last Tuesday. How ironic that those you claim they love this country so dearly, try so hard to keep it from becoming the land of the free. "

george wrote on November 7, 2008 11:37 am:
" No man or women ever believes that the Bible means what it says: They are always convinced that it says what he/she means

why do so many (definitely not all) Christians lack compassion & are filled with such hatred for people who don't think like they do? "

well not quite wrote on November 7, 2008 11:39 am:
" This is OUR would, not some Gods "

DearGail wrote on November 7, 2008 12:13 pm:
" You should have been praying eight years ago. During his 1st Inaugural Address Bush said "We will reform Social Security, sparing our children from struggles we have the power to prevent." How'd that work out? You didn't pray hard enough for yourself let alone your grandchildren, did you? He also said (Jan 29 2001) we'd "confront weapons of mass destruction." Look now at the mess that guy intended and indeed put upon us. Gail, please pray harder and louder. "

To Jack wrote on November 7, 2008 12:18 pm:
" Real believers do not only pray on Sunday. Real believers pray unceasingly. To always to in an attitude of prayer is better than praying once in a while when you are only asking for things for yourself. I have more hope in people who believe in prayers at times other than just on Sunday. "

Chad Miller wrote on November 7, 2008 12:18 pm:
" So what happened concerning the issue involving potential voter fraud in 14 seperate states with that ACORN orginization or allegations regarding Obama receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign interests abroad?Funny how those stories just conveniently managed to drop off the radar as election day drew near.Amazing they were even touched on by the mainstreamers at all in what sadly passes for our majority of news service orginizations these days.But then funny is a word that can encompass a lot of strange phenomenon surrounding this hellishly protracted presidential election season.There's a sense amongst the masses that there was something not right going on.Not just in the distorted ripples on the surface seen in mainly biased cable news coverage & on the printed pages of several national 'liberal' news papers.It was a hard to define feeling of wrongness.Like the barely perceptible scent of smoke preceeding on a wisp of breeze a blazing wild fire raging out of control a few miles away, but coming stright for us all the same.But what exactly is wrong?There's so much to choose from.Should we start with the indoctrination of political correctness into our nations collective group consciousness that has overseen the eradication of common sense as we once knew it?You've heard of lead by example?Yeah,just look at the 'trickle down' effect Washington's example has set as a standard in all corners of our society.From having listened to several man-on-the-street people speak out over the past several weeks & months explaining their support for Obama,I've become convinced at the validity of claims we've all heard over the years regarding the 'dumbing down of America' & the indoctrination of our nations young people in our public school system & Universities.Still that's an oversimplification in describing an overwhelmingly complex problem going on around us.Yet we haven't seen anything yet.It ought to be interesting to see just what type of change we'll all be introduced to over the next 4 years.There's something in the air...(*sniff*sniff*)Hmm,be careful what you wish for... "

Zoomie wrote on November 7, 2008 12:29 pm:
" Gail, you (and all the other conservatives) love to proclaim your love of nation as though you and only you understand that love. Yet for 8 years you've supported a President (and political party) which proclaimed the Constitution of the U.S. didn't apply to the President.

I, a liberal who loves my nation, am extremely grateful to now have as President-Elect a man who actually taught Constitutional Law to students in law school, and who I believe will restore respect and obeying our Constitution to the White House! "

Another Christian wrote on November 7, 2008 12:39 pm:
" I do definitly agree that we are a proud religious country and one's honor is worth so very much.But I also feel that anyone who has gone bankrupt has no room at all to speak of honor and hard work as something they have lived up to. My grandchildren will learn by family example , I hope your's won't. "

Fearless wrote on November 7, 2008 12:41 pm:
" Sounds like Gail has been listening to the "Talk Show Terrortists" who use their words and over-expanded ego's to produce cynicism and fear in the hearts of Americans who don't happen to embrace their particular Republican idolatry. Wow! Sure would hate to live in the house of "Gail!" What a downer! "

Ignignokt wrote on November 7, 2008 1:07 pm:
" Wow, CS really needs a lesson in law...maybe he can get one from Obama.

There is VAST difference between being 'not guilty beyond all reasonable doubt' and being 'innocent'. "

Doom and Gloom wrote on November 7, 2008 1:10 pm:
" If we have a dismal view on Obama's presidency and his ability to do anything he promised, it's because we learned it from the democrats. You'all are still moaning that it will take years and years and years to fix the problems that the republicans have caused. When are you going to stop dooming and glooming? "

g wrote on November 7, 2008 1:17 pm:
" So the cornhuskers lost to the sooners. Do you hate Oklahoma?
So the packers lost to the titans. Do you hate Tennessee?
So the Mccain lost to the Obama. Do you hate the majority of Americans?
Or were you talking about Prop 8? Yeah, America did lose that. "

jn wrote on November 7, 2008 1:40 pm:
" This is not our world, it is God's. If your president-elect is such a great chuch going person, I would ask then why does his associations for his entire adult life say the exact oppisite about they type of person he really is?? "

Godly thoughts wrote on November 7, 2008 1:59 pm:
" Funny thing is, Obama is a much more seriously practicing Christian, than McCain.

I'm confused Gail. You voted for the fornicating, adulterer. Then you put down the faithful Christian, in your ranting letter? Are you attacking Christianity or are you just confused? "

I wrote on November 7, 2008 2:10 pm:
" You know what? America voted; and by the majority, America chose the one they want to be the next president. Now quit whining and support the choice that America made. What will YOU do to help your country?

P.S. and I even voted for the other guy. But you don't hear me whining about how the country is going to curl up and die...because it won't. "

Linda wrote on November 7, 2008 2:10 pm:
" Pray is a good thing. I pray everyday. I believe in the power of pray. I also believe to turn the other cheek and judge not lest ye be judged. You can chant all you want, Let the man govern before you totally condemn him. This is a republican telling you this. Its time for people to come together and bring America back on its feet. Yes, you have the right to worry, but the blame and doomsday game is such a defeating attitude. The negativeness illustrated by Palin and McCain was suppose to 'frighten' the voters, but as you can see it only steeled those that wanted a better country. "

Kari wrote on November 7, 2008 2:34 pm:
" Please stop pointing fingers and realize at this point in history, we've got to come together to turn the country around. I'm tired of everyone thinking their way is the 'right' way...we're running in circles and repeating what we hear on our preferred station. "

Concerned wrote on November 7, 2008 2:56 pm:
" Just drink your Koolaid and follow the leader. 20 years of listening to hate isn't going to help. Having friends who conspire hate won't help. Having a wife who hates America won't help. Hang on to your shorts people it's going to be a rough ride. "

Darren wrote on November 7, 2008 2:57 pm:
" While Gail's letter shows that the anti-intellectualism of the recent past is not by any means dead, Obama's elction is at least, in part, a signal that many people have rejected it. Compared to the vitriolic name calling that tended to define message boards like this in the recent past, already there is a more civil level of discourse emerging, as many of these posts attest. If this alone is what the Obama presidency leads to, then let me suggest you add this to your prayer list: gratitude. "

Sam wrote on November 7, 2008 2:59 pm:
" No, Gail, America did not lose. Just your version of it.

The version of America that wraps itself up in the flag and sanctimoniously brays about patriotism yet fails to grasp the difference between that and jingoism.

The version of America that proclaims itself to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ but which ignores His teachings by promoting policies that make the rich richer at the expense of the poor and by pointing the finger of hate and derision at those who don't agree with your narrow minded politics.

A version of America that rationalizes greed and cares not about helping out those less fortunate, in direct contradiction to what Christ taught us.

The version of America that measures a person's love of country by whether he or she agrees with the agenda of the current president or wears a flag lapel pin (check out John McCain in the presidential debates).

The version of America that proclaims itself "pro-life', yet is only concerned with unborn babies but not the least bit with those already born into a life of misery and poverty and which supports capital punishment.

A version of America that pretends we don't need affirmative action to level the playing field for minorities after almost two centuries of discrimination.

A version of America in which the government is not in the business of improving people's lives unless they are white, rich, or members of corporations.

A version of America in which the government turned a record budget surplus into a deficit by providing a tax cut to the wealthy and by engaging in unnecessary hostilities against a country that posed no viable threat to our security and served no purpose other than useless political posturing.

And that version of America, frankly, I'd be very happy to lose. "

To Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 3:15 pm:
" Amen... Your letter spelled out exactly how I feel. Thanks! "

Formerly Depressed wrote on November 7, 2008 3:25 pm:
" I have to say, I am encouraged and delighted at most of the response to Gail's letter. Most of the recent comments on LJS have been so negative and divisive. Please continue to spread the message that we have nothing to fear and everything to hope for now. It is a big change from our previous mindset but we can do it! "

joseph wrote on November 7, 2008 4:05 pm:
" Criticizing Gail is like booing at the special olympics. "

ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:13 pm:
" Funny how none of the liberals felt the need to be as conciliatory to the current President as you think conservatives should be with the newly elected. One big difference will be that most conservatives will not speak against the President and our country when overseas.

Quote from Proud Liberal:"How sad that you, at this historical moment in time, choose not to be inspired by the election to be president of a man who is the very embodiment of the American Dream..."
My response is, "How sad that at this historical moment in time, that President Obama and his wife did not speak much about how they ARE the epitomy of the American Dream, not just for blacks but for everyone!"

As for other nations and how they react....I cannot even imagine that anyone should care who we elect anymore than we care who they choose. They don't live here, and we don't live there! Countries will work together, or not, as it benefits them! "

hopemonger wrote on November 7, 2008 4:17 pm:
" I feel that for the majority of Americans, our prayers have already been answered. Hope has won over fear. Gone is the day when our leaders played upon our fears over 9/11, to drag us into an unnecessary war over oil, or as a distraction because we couldn’t find Bin Laden. A war which has took thousands of our soldier’s lives over an unjust cause. Gone are the politicians who use fear or downright nasty negative campaigns (including inspiring hate) to get themselves elected. Gone is the use of torture which only served to give us “bad intelligence,” and ruined our standing in the eyes of the world. Gone are the people who sit and listen to our private phone conversations. Gone is the administration who believed tax cuts for the rich are more important than loading down future generations with twice as much debt as they started with.

I pray that we will now have a government who prefers to try to prevent wars before they start, rather than use pre-emptive strikes. I pray that our government will no longer be in bed (figuratively and literally) with lobbyists and the oil companies. I pray that we have a government which works for everyone, and not just the rich and large corporations. I pray that we will have a country were all men (and women) are created equal (including homosexuals). I pray in these hard times we will come together as a nation to work together to restore America to greatness. After all, there is not a black America or a white America; not a conservative America or liberal America; but a United States of America.

Gail, if you will actually listen to what Obama has to say rather than listen to the smears and propaganda, you will find out that a lot of what you think about Obama is false. Obama talks a lot about personal responsibility. He believes that if people are willing to work they should earn a living wage. He is not looking to give everyone handouts. He does not believe that government can solve all our problems. Obama states that nobody is pro-abortion, and we should try to reduce the need for abortion by reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, and promoting the option of adoption. He is not Muslim and is not going to take “your God” out of you or your childrens’ lives. Tuesday night, McCain lost, not America. We had more people become involved in our political process than have for the past 100 years. People were involved for both parties. And not just by voting, but even before then, by making calls, knocking on doors, and volunteering their time. America won. Gail, I pray for you and all the other small-minded people like you. "

ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:39 pm:
" obviously America chose wrote:
"...America's majority chose this man, so give him a chance."
How about he gets the same chance the last one got? Seems equal and fair to me.
MP wrote: "... We will no longer have the gov't snooping through our mail, snail or e-mail, listening to our phone calls or going through our homes without a warrant...."
What did you do to have them do that to you? They never did that to me. But, I don't think I was writing, phoning, or emailing anyone who would be of interest to them, nor did I have anything in my home they would want.
Common Citizen wrote:.."I did hear on the radio that some folks think that now with the "Change" in progress that they don't have to pay for gas now, nor their mortgage, etc..."
And, wouldn't you just love to be there when the light bulb goes on in the head of the little gal from FL as she realizes that Pres Obama isn't going to fill her tank and pay her mtg, as she thought?
Proud Mom wrote:..."Isn't it grand that your Grandchildren, now see many things are possible with hard work, that a black man...can become President...what a joyful thing for them!"
Do you not wonder at all why Barack and Michelle did not see that as a message worth giving over and over, instead of how they couldn't find anything to be proud of as Americans until he was nominated? It is wonderful...but, HE didn't give the message!
I was listening. What he is promising is not within the constrains of the Constitution. And, that is what we, as Americans, should be about. Not how fast we can get someone else to give us something...but,what we can earn for ourselves at whatever level we want to live.
Note: I was not given any choice on one side of the ticket. That was done for me by all the other states trying to impose their will. I was not a McCain fan.
Primaries for federal offices should be held, just as the General Election is held... all on the same day, and from the same hours local time. Let the state's do what they want with their issues at another time. And, one of the first things some states should figure out is how to let their people know they can vote absentee, and keep from standing in lines that may not end before 8pm, or else invest in more voting booths. "

Jason wrote on November 7, 2008 4:41 pm:
" To Gail Skinner of Lincoln,

It’s astonishing that you’re questioning whether America will survive with Obama after 8 years of Bush. In Obama we have someone who seemingly has the charisma of JFK, the integrity and intelligence of Jimmy Carter, the assertiveness and leadership of Ronald Reagan, and the political savvy and skill of Bill Clinton. He’s quite possibly the most solid and well rounded person we’ve ever had as president, and you’re worried he’s going to ruin the country that’s been run into the ground by maybe the worst president in history. Give Obama a chance Gail. I’m sure you’d expect the same thing from the rest of us if McCain had won. "

ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:43 pm:
" Liberals DO NOT believe in personal responsibility as is evidenced by all programs and bills they put forth. It is the exact opposite! "

To Joseph wrote on November 7, 2008 4:49 pm:
" As a parent of a special needs child who participates at the local level in the special Olympics, I find your comment highly offensive. Please leave our children out of your political tirade. "

Mr. T wrote on November 7, 2008 5:24 pm:
" How is it that Obama = hope and if he had been elected McCain = fear? This makes no sense. I really hope things do not change (much) because as far as I'm concerned, this is still the greatest country in the world. Who does the world still look to for guidence in hard times?

I'll support Obama as our President, but that does not mean I have to agree with his policies/views. Only time will tell if he can lead our country as well as he can speak about leading. My biggest prayer is that in 4 years our freedom is the same as it is now. "

Be very afraid wrote on November 7, 2008 5:32 pm:
" The Omaha World-Herald is calling the electoral vote of Nebraska's 2nd congressional district for Obama.

I guess a lot of Nebraskans will now boycott Omaha. "

why is it..... wrote on November 7, 2008 5:59 pm:
" Why is it that some people adamently say that they want the government out of their lives when government, like it or not, is necessary in our lives. If you lost your job, would you not want access to unemployment insurance until you got a new job? Do you want all senior citizens to lose social security? Do you want all highways, bridges, water systems, etc.... to be unmaintained? Those are all services that the government needs to provide.

Also, the government needs to have some control over those they govern. This whole argument against President-Elect Obama wanting to "spread the wealth" is no different than what our country's graduated tax system was designed to do. Those that make substantially more than others should pay a higher percentage of tax to fund the government programs which benefit all Americans. I just don't see how someone can argue against this? I mean, it's not like someone making $1,000,000 annually has to turn over $750,000 to the government because they exceeded the so-called "earnings ceiling". They will just have to pay a higher percentage of tax on that $750,000. They are still making substantially more money than most Americans even after they pay the higher tax bill. "

Jeff W. wrote on November 7, 2008 6:03 pm:
" Gail - those at my mainstream church prayed that God would guide the results of the election, and expressed confidence