Posted by Retro (anonymous) on January 14, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

An editorial from the London Daily Mail

Obama's Victory

A victory for the hysterical Oprah Winfrey, the mad racist preacher Jeremiah Wright, the mainstream media who abandoned any sense of objectivity long ago, Europeans who despise America largely because they depend on her, comics who claim to be dangerous and fearless but would not dare attack genuinely powerful special interest groups. A victory for Obama-worshippers everywhere. A victory for the cult of the cult. A man who has done little with his life but has written about his achievements as if he had found the cure for cancer in between winning a marathon and building a nuclear reactor with his teeth. Victory for style over substance, hyperbole over history, rabble-raising over reality.

A victory for Hollywood, the most dysfunctional community in the world. Victory for Streisand, Spielberg, Soros and Sarandon. Victory for those who prefer welfare to will and interference to independence. For those who settle for group think and herd mentality rather than those who fight for individual initiative and the right to be out of step with meager political fashion.

Victory for a man who is no friend of freedom. He and his people have already stated that media has to be controlled so as to be balanced, without realizing the extraordinary irony within that statement. Like most liberal zealots, the Obama worshippers constantly speak of Fox and Limbaugh, when the vast bulk of television stations and newspapers are drastically liberal and anti-conservative. Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said that just as pornography should be censored, so should talk radio. In other words, one of the few free and open means of popular expression may well be cornered and beaten by bullies who even in triumph cannot tolerate any criticism and opposition.

A victory for those who believe the state is better qualified to raise children than the family, for those who prefer teachers' unions to teaching and for those who are naively convinced that if the West is sufficiently weak towards its enemies, war and terror will dissolve as quickly as the tears on the face of a leftist celebrity.

A victory for social democracy even after most of Europe has come to the painful conclusion that social democracy leads to mediocrity, failure, unemployment, inflation, higher taxes and economic stagnation. A victory for intrusive lawyers, banal sentimentalists, social extremists and urban snobs.

Congratulations America!

Posted by Quiet_Wyatt (anonymous) on January 14, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But wait! There are so many other "victories" that were left out of the sore loser above's "plagiarized" comments!...

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to The London Daily Mail! A VICTORY for the newspaper overseas that actually wrote the editorial from the safety of another country, and someone here would have the chops to use it.

But how about a view from right here in Ohio....?

How about a Victory for UNITY? A victory for the HOPE that one man's journey gave to millions of Americans, both at home and abroad. A victory for facing adversity and standing tall in the tempest of the storm.

The 2008 Presidential election brought out scores of voters from all over the nation. White, Black, Hispanic, young, old, etc. They all came together with one voice and made a statement: "This is OUR America, and we're not gonna take it anymore!" It was a blow out. The election result wasn't even close. That's how serious they-THE MAJORITY- were. Many forget that our government had taken a turn for the worse. The International community no longer respected us. The dollar has sunk to the level of a joke. And we have borrowed so much money from China, that WE should be in collections. Many don't want to admit that for the last 8 years, we have been sinking further and further into despair. And those who try to ignore that fact are probably those who were profiting from others misfortune and pain.

So is Obama the Messiah sent to rescue us from all this? Certainly not. But everything must start somewhere. And I bet if he succeeds they'll be less people in line to thank him for it, than to condemn him if he fails.

As a soldier who served overseas, I learned what it was like to get out of my small town with my small town ideas. Things change-it's a fact. I learned to see things from the other side of a multitude of different fences. And you know what?... I learned that we all have to make our way in life, but it helps to have a friend to lean on when it gets rough. And in the GREATEST MILITARY MIGHT on the planet we fight together, side by side, regardless of race, religion, or creed. That's what America is SUPPOSED to represent to the world.

So I tip my hat to Ohio University Proctorville for wanting to acknowledge a tremendous moment in history. There is always gonna be some joker to have some uneducated comment to keep people down, and keep us stuck in that same stereotype. But across the country Tuesday, they'll be having all kinds of celebrations and broadcasting this event. I'm glad we can step into the 21st century and hang with bigger major universities. Maybe more people will stay home to go to school and put back into their own community. I say we start now. It's time to kill the mentality that all small town people are biased and racist. We may be small but we got a lot of heart. We gotta think positive and pray for this administration, no matter who leads. Ask yourself what YOU can do, just like Kennedy said. God bless OHIO...and the USA!

Posted by rachel21 (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think its a good idea what the school is doing. It makes O.U. seem like a place where even in a small town, we are in touch with the modern world. Plus its a great oppurtunity for our kids one day to look back and say "Hey! That was my mom when she was in college and this is how she felt!" It's pretty cool. I think that if I could have seen a video like that of my parents when Kennedy or Reagan were elected would have been a unique piece of history. It's a great time in our lives when we can record history with modern technology.

Posted by pryor11 (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Even though i didnt vote for Obama, i agree that now the election is over we're all on the same side. While there's no doubt that we will continue to have varying ideas on various positions the most important thing now is that we move forward together to solve the problems we face. This lady probably feels the same way, and seems to have a good idea about where to start.

Posted by tb3492 (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay everyone, glad to see that after that first comment that was so originally written, the rest of you have illustrated some common sense, something that I fear is running low in this country.

Anyway, to be finished with the negativity, I think this idea is one of excellence. A celebration not so much for politics, but for experience. A chance for the quaint little village of Proctorville to partake in history as it occurs. An opportunity for neighbors to get together and witness a first for this country. And to add to the first comment, a VICTORY for Americans because we get to celebrate something together. Sounds like unity to me.

Posted by jholtzapfel (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Personally, I believe that this is a great time for a our country.
I would assume that many would agree, no matter his or her political party affiliations. Capturing our thoughts and feelings at the moment could be very useful to future generations. To give them a tangible description our area's state of mind during this historic event, is something that our generation and future generations could really connect with knowing the changing would of communication and learning.

As for the first comment, I am not shocked to read this. Many people are still terrified of change and will hold onto what they know for as long as possible. No matter how bigoted it may seem. Like Ms. Bates said, "It is time to get behind the president, for people to come out and show support, to put down biases and barriers.”
I couldn't say it much better myself.

God bless.

Posted by NicoleBannister (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel that this event sponsored by Ohio University and spearheaded by Ms. Bates is a wonderful and thought provoking idea! I voted for McCain, (by the way) and I like others, have voted for people who have won and some that have not. But, once the election is over I support the man who has won.
We all live together in a diverse America and that is what makes us unique. To celebrate that, is what the American dream is all about!
So, I commend Ms. Bates and Ohio University, for celebrating with the man who won the election fair and square, inviting together old, young, rich, poor, (and yes!) blacks and whites to commemorate this momentous day in history.
THANK YOU, Ms. Bates for making Proctorville a part of history and not being afraid to state the truth! Thank you, Ohio University, for having the common sense to hire a woman of such moral strength and caliber. I hope this idea of unity and respect for each other is passed on to your students. Parents in the area, now you know where to send your children. Ohio University, not only for an education, but a place that instills a love of their own community and a love of history!!!

Posted by CorNan (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank Goodness, we have a black woman at Ohio University, that is community minded. Being acquainted with Ms. Bates, this is no surprise. She would, of course, want this area to participate in one of the most momentous and historical occasions. Having recently retired back to my home area, I am so thrilled to know that we have a person who wants to give our community the knowledge that will affect our children for generations. Having participated in an event organized by Ms. Bates, I know that this will be another example of her professionalism and expertise. I urge all of you to participate in this historical event. After all, Ms. Bates, looks to the future and is someone who goes out of her way to promote Ohio University in the most positive light possible.

Posted by gerlie (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with you cor-nan!

Posted by gerlie (anonymous) on January 15, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As you can see, my twelve year old grand-niece agrees with the above statements, as do I. She got on the computer while I was on the phone.
I would like to say, it was my pleasure to make the acquaintance of Ms. T.J. Bates at an Ohio University event. I found her to be a warm, intelligent, professional and a wonderful representative for the school.
I am not surprised that this event was her idea. She is (in my opinion) a woman who is forthright and honest. Her statement to show support for the president and rid ourselves of bias and barriers, is one that reflects her love for this area and it's people. She is not from here, so the fact that she has rallied the community and college in support of the Chesapeake Community Food Bank and other worthwhile causes, proves that she only has the well-being of our community in mind. I for one will be attending this historical event in support of: our new president, Ohio University, Proctorville, and Ms. Bates. Remember, you can be part of this event and be part of the time capsule, thanks to Ms. Bates and Ohio University!

Posted by osu (anonymous) on January 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

President Barack Obama! Enough said!!

Where'd pad go?

Posted by Chris (anonymous) on January 16, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before I say anything, I have to ask readers to suggest the removal of the first comment.

I for one will be in attendance in Proctorville and hope to document a singular moment in time that I will tell others about for many, many years to come. T.J. should be congratulated in her efforts to put the partisan politics of the election behind us. Divisive commentary such as the first comment is the sort of ignorant thinking that has divided so many in our world and caused so much blood to be needlessly shed.

Rock on T.J.!