What does the world think about Obama?

The BBC website has an interesting section today where people around the world are commenting on the election of Obama to the position of President of the United States of America. Here are some of the comments I found interesting, in no particular order:



I heartily welcome the fact that with this election America will cease to be a nightmare to the world and will hopefully once again be able to live up to its potential for good.

Bernhard, Dublin


Test of Obama abilities, intellect and vision starts now, he won a historic election. He has to work a load to make it real history.

Asif Chaudhary, Lahore, Pakistan

Martin Luther King wanted people not to be judged by the colour of their skin. Yet this is exactly what has happened in America with Obama being supported by virtually all blacks purely because of the colour of his skin, whilst whites voted according to their politics.
What does that tell us about America? And what would Martin Luther King really think, or does equality only work one way?
I suspect when the infantile euphoria dies down from blacks & liberals, America will face internal strife.

Ken Cunningham, Newcastle, United Kingdom

With the popular vote split at 52% to 47% it shows what a divided country the USA really is. What this election really needed was a third choice to avoid this polarisation. And if the BBC's reporting last night is correct and McCain picked up a mere 3% of the black votes then racism still lives on, but not just with the whites.

dave h, camberley, United Kingdom

Now blacks will at last be helped from poverty and have the same rewards as whites. Black America will stand proud in partnership with Africa and Asia.
wasim khan, London, United Kingdom

Or... Maybe they could help themselves from poverty and reap the same rewards that have always been there whether you are white, black, green or purple.

[Coprolite], Vancouver, Canada


Whatever else this day has been about it will always be seen as the first major step towards healing the discrimination of the world

helen smith, Inhambane, Mozambique


A sad day for America. Not at all because an African-American won candidate won (the best candidate on the ballet was African-American but it wasn't Obama; it was Alan Keyes). It marks a significant step for people turning to the government to solve all of our problems rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing it themselves. It might even mark the beginning of the end of the great experiment of what made America unique.

Peter, Monterey Park

This election stands to be yet another example of how bipartisan politics in the U.S. will continue backed by misinformed and often oblivious voters. The election of Mr. Obama suggests that people are more moved by a simple campaign slogan and a few nice words than past judgment. Corporations will continue to rule policy within the new, strongly democratic leadership of the country. I dare anyone to find more than one in five voters who somewhat checked a single candidate's voting record.

Kyle B, Wilmington

America is the greatest democratic Country in the World and this election proves it to rest of the world. We made our mistakes before but now we are determine to fix it. We will gain our respect from the world; we will be friend to the world not enemy. As a same time we won't tolerant any bad doing by other nations. As John McCain said, “Nothing is in Inhabitable here, Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history we make history”

I am glad that Obama won the election

Dewan, Bronx


America is not ready for a socialist government. When taxes go up jobs go down. Why would anyone want to work when his earnings will go to support the drug habits of people who do not want to work because they figure it is easier to get a handout from the government.

James Flaggert, Boerne


Obama may be a very good man and yes, it is a difference that he is non-white. However, one day in the future we might look back and realise that to repeatedly emphasise his skin colour is merely to repeat colour prejudice. How else can you describe a whole cadre of people voting for him precisely because of his skin colour, other than prejudice? For now it's seen as a positive thing in the US, but it's selection (or discrimination) on the basis of skin colour all the same...

Ben Green, Poynton

Present.

Marty

Worst day for America as a whole, I could never imagine America would elect a novice Chicago politician over a veteran American hero, I would have rejoiced the election as a minority if this candidate had the stature in the likes of Collen Powell or Condoleezza Rice

Vin Raj, New York

It is a sad state when this country elects a euro-socialist promising empty platitudes of "change, hope". American exceptionalism is what makes this country the finest, most properous in the world. It has taken America a little over a quarter of a millennium to far surpass the socials country's of Europe while providing our citizen and out standing quality of life. Rehashing the failed redistributionist views that are decades old is going to be a huge setback for the worlds lone superpower.

Tyler, Columbia, Columbia

I see this result in a very positive light. Obama has inherited a dreadful legacy from Dubya and will require all the resources at his command to rectify the errors of the last eight years. Also - as one word of caution: remember the national mood when Blair won the UK General Election in 1997. He will go down in history as one of the worst prime ministers this country ever had. Please don't get carried away by the euphoria. There are tough challenges ahead for the USA and the rest of the world.

Peter, Pirot, Serbia

To a world that seeks peace and respect of human rights,
That oversees race and political boundaries,
That reaches out to those in need,
That strives for the good of every human soul,
To you, I give Barack Obama, the 44th President elect of the USA.
Congratulations to you son of the African soil.
Adhere to the values you were raised with till the end.

Keletso Setlhabi, Gaborone, Botswana

Imagine if a President was voted in because he was white, there would be uproar. Obama was voted in by hundreds of thousands of previously unregistered black voters who elected him solely because he was black, no other reason. This combined with a celebrity led liberal movement desperate to jump on the "I'm not racist you must be if you voted McCain" bandwagon.

Jock, Edinburgh

Am I happy for the result? I am happy that America has broken the glass ceiling of race-oriented leadership. The election might prove to be the beginnings of one-party rule in the U.S. for quite some time. Hard work, self-determination, and leadership by example have been placed on the endangered species list. Like it or not, Obama is a political creature of a very large machine, not unlike the one which drove Bush to the presidency. We'll soon find out the price of their support.

David, Arlington

During this campaign, Obama showed what the democrates are good at - SPENDING!!!

Plus he promised us more taxes.

Reagan was right ... tax and spend democrates

Terry Sides, Irving

To the Americans on this site - you did it. You drank the kool aid and voted for a person with no experience. You voted for higher taxes, bigger government, and a weaker military. After the honeymoon is over I suspect buyers remorse will set in fairly quickly.

To the non-Americans on this site - I wonder how long it will take before you begin your anti-American rants again. I have to be honest, I hope it's soon, because I kinda get a kick out of it :-)

Ron Wilson, Milwaukee


This is the worst thing that could possibly happen to America and the World. Say goodbye to Israel, Obama won't support it; and as Israel goes, so goes the West. So say goodbye to the free-loving Europe we all know, Sharia law is coming to town! Say goodbye to Canada and the US, because again, Sharia law is coming to town. Obama will be so complacent in securing our borders that radical terrorists will be able to hop on over. So, say goodnight now, soon it will be time for evening prayers.

[DanielS82], Chicago, United States

I evaluate Mr. Obama's election as celebrity over substance. There was a sense of entitlement among his voters -- a debt due by electing Mr. Obama. In addition, Mr. Obama promised entitlements to many, which will be at the expense of others. Mr. Obama's economic/social plans will penalize those who work and who are sccessful, and reward those who do not and are not. I advocate a level field, but do not subscribe to digging a hole so we are all at the same depth. God help the USA

D Mark Robertson


You know, having read the comments on here, it's obvious that this 'race' thing is still a big issue. What does it matter what coulour skin he has? Whether he's black, white, mixed race or whatever, or whether he came from planet Zog (well, he wouldn't have been able to run for the presidency then would he?) All I'm saying is, if he gets the job done that's all that matters. And who said that raceism is dead?? Just listen to yourselves. Shame on you!

lucieanne, Boston


People say things will be different; that he's different ... actually, he's American. How different can things ACTUALLY get? There pretty much isn't a single American that doesn't worship the Dollar. He, like every other American, knows which side his bread is buttered. He ain't no Ghandhi.

sud, Enfield


America will come of age only when black candidates are prepared to choose a white candidate over a black one as readily as whites are to choose a black candidate over a white one.
It seems racism is still overt in USA but only in black circles.
I wish Obama all the best but I see big trouble ahead. the man has no experience and cannot fulfill his rash "motherhood" promises.
The penny will drop when reality dawns !

Ken Cunningham, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Maryland Election Rule Changes for 2008

Here are some changes to Maryland Voting laws and policies from the last election. These are from a friend of mine who is an election judge in Frederick County, MD.

1) Maryland (like everywhere else) is expecting very high voter turnout and has a lot of new voters. This probably means that there will be long lines. I know Frederick County has greatly increased the number of voting machines (The number is almost doubled) but especially at popular times there will be lines

2) There has been a court ordered change in 'Provisional Voting'. In the Primary and in the 2006 election voters were allowed to cast a Provisional ballot if they showed up at a voting location outside their home precinct. This is no longer allowed. So if you were planning on going to a polling place near work instead of home and using a provisional ballot it will not be allowed

3) Although the deadline for requesting an Absentee ballot be mailed to you has passed you can fill out a 'Late Absentee Ballot Application' and TAKE IT IN PERSON to the Board of Elections and get an Absentee Ballot. You can the fill it out and turn it in or take it home and mail it in (Make sure it is postmarked by November 4)

http://www.elections.state.md.us/pdf/2008_Late_Absentee_Ballot_Application.pdf

4) If you are voting absentee the absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before November 4 or turned in at the Board of Elections by 8 PM on November 4. You can not turn it in at a polling place (I had someone try and do that last election) because the folks at the Polling place will not have it back to the central Board by 8 PM (when the polls close)

Please take the time to vote on Tuesday.

My Review of REI Monarch IV GTX Hiking Boots - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

Amazing performance, fit and durability for wet weather. These waterproof hikers handle mucky trails with ease and are a true value.

REI Monarch IV GTX Hiking Boots - Men's

I Can't Understand These Boots...

By CrazySanMan from Baltimore, MD on 9/8/2008

 

3out of 5

Pros: Waterproof, Comfortable, Breatheable

Cons: Poor Traction

Best Uses: Hiking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

These boots are very comfortable. They fit true to size and width. I once wore them on an 18 mile, single day hike on a rocky section of the AT along the VA/WV border and didn't have a single problem. My feet stayed comfortable in them during several overnight trips in Shenandoah National Park in 90+ temps this summer. I would estimate that I put 150 miles on them this summer.

What I don't understand is that while the waterproofing is excellent, the wet traction of the soles is abysmal. I was on the AT in a HEAVY downpour on the 4th of July and the boots repelled the rain and mud but my feet slipped almost every time I placed them on a rock or tree trunk. I was the only person slipping on the trail, and one other person was wearing a pair of trail running shoes without slipping.

Dry traction is what you'd expect from Vibram soles - close to approach-shoe level. But when there is even the slightest coating of water I might as well be walking on ice.

I have slipped and fell every time I have worn these boots when it is wet. I've slipped on dew and condensation, in rain, during stream crossings, in the splash area of waterfalls, you name it.

These boots are like a double-edged sword because they keep my feet bone dry when it is wet but they are so slick I cannot wear them when it's wet.

(legalese)

P.O.D. - Picture of the Day

Black Rat Snake

Here is something to hold you over until I finish my entry about my most recent hiking trip. I have to leave for work at midnight all this week so I'm not getting a lot of free time. This black rat snake was on the side of the trail leading to the Cave Falls waterfall that I saw on my hike. I was trying to get the snake to strike to get a more dramatic photo, but it wouldn't. Black rat snakes are very docile and almost never strike. Unfortunately most people don't understand this and kill them on sight.

P.O.D. - Picture of the Day

Bear Country

They sure aren't kidding!

This was taken at the Big Meadows picnic area in Shenandoah National Park. I went backpacking there this weekend and I'll have a blog entry about it in a day or two. I had 11 separate bear encounters on my trip.

P.O.D. - Picture of the Day

A Self Portrait at the National Vietnam War Memorial

The other day I went into work very early and I got out early. I took the Metro from Greenbelt to the Archives so I could look up some of my ancestors on the U.S. Federal Census of 1830 and 1820. After that I walked around the National Mall for several hours. As usual, I took a bunch of pictures.

Appalachain Trail (Keys Gap) - Loudoun Heights Loop Hike

I'm finally starting to get over my pleurisy and I have been dying to "get out there" so yesterday morning I did a little research on line and found the AT-Loudoun Heights Loop hike in WV-VA-MD. This 12.1 mile hike starts at the Appalachian Trail at the Keys Gap trailhead, goes north and loops around Harpers Ferry, WV, then joins the AT again and retraces south back to the Keys Gap trailhead.

"Perfect day hike" I thought. It was a little long for my first exercise in over a month but I would walk slowly, take breaks, and enjoy being out. I planned on the hike taking 6 hours - 2 miles per hour.

I brought a daypack with an internal frame that also holds a big Nalgene reservoir. I had a lot of snacks and some jerky for protein. I brought my Columbia sandals with me as well. These sandals have a super-grippy Vibram sole and they are great for hiking. They give good traction. You don't get blisters of hot spots because your feet get plenty of air. You can cross creeks and rivers by just walking through them.

I started out on the trail along an old wire fence.

On the AT at Keys Gap WV 7-5-08

and then the trail left the fence and headed deeper into some forest. The trail was very rocky and at some points the trail looked like someone came by and dumped large 1-2 foot wide rocks all over the trail. I believe that for the first four miles I stepped on rock more than I stepped on dirt.

At one point the trail entered a meadow that was a clearing for large high-tension power lines. I've never been under power lines like this before and I could hear the electricity humming and crackling very loudly. It was kind of eerie. I passed the power lines again when I was returning to Keys Gap. Here is a shot of the power lines each time:


A long Day


After four miles the AT joins the Loudoun Heights Loop Trail.

Which Way?


I turned left and continued to follow the AT on a series of switchbacks down a very steep hill. I crossed a road and continued the steep descent. Here and there stone steps were placed on the trail to aid the descent.

Rock Stairs Compliments of PATC


The trail finally came to the bridge on Route 340 that crosses the Shenandoah River. I walked on the side of the bridge and made an immediate right toward Harpers Ferry. As soon as I made the right there was a small trail entry blazed white that went up a steep embankment and climbed to the bluffs above Harpers Ferry. At the top of the bluff I took a blue-blazed side trail that led me through the Storer University campus to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters. This is the organization that owns all of the Appalachian Trail land and maintains the trail.


ATC HQ

Here I got a drink, talked to some SOBO backpackers, and read a little about the history of the Appalachian Trail. Then I followed the blue blazes back to the AT and promptly came to Jefferson Rock.


Jefferson Rock

Jefferson Rock sits high above Harpers Ferry and from here you have an excellent view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Thomas Jefferson was so impressed with the view from this rock that he wrote "this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic". See http://www.nps.gov/archive/hafe/jeffrock.htm for more of Thomas Jefferson's dramatic description of this view.

The View From Jefferson Rock

This is the Potomac river as seen from Jefferson Rock.

The trail then goes down into historic Harpers Ferry. There are actually white AT blazes along the street. I've never noticed them before. Once through the town you walk along an old iron railroad bridge to cross the Potomac. On the other side of the bridge is Maryland and the C&O Canal towpath. The AT follows the towpath for about a mile to MD 340. Here you leave the towpath and climb up to 340. The 340 bridge has a very narrow walkway and you use this to cross the Potomac again, into Virginia. The trail has you follow 340 against traffic on the left hand side for about a quarter mile. Then there is a small path with a sign that says "Loudoun Heights Trail".

The Loudon Heights trail is blazed blue and it begins climbing immediately. Through a series of steep switchbacks it climbs 300 feet to a rock outcropping across the rivers from Harpers Ferry and 600 feet above sea-level.


The MD 340 Bridge Across the Potomac



Harpers Ferry seen from Loudoun Heights

After leaving the bluff, the trail continues climbing up to 1200 feet and follows this ridge line back to the Appalachian Trail where I initially turned left. When I got to this point I was completely exhausted. I felt like I couldn't walk anymore. I checked my GPS and the trip computer said I had gone 13.7 miles. It sure felt like it, but the whole loop was only supposed to be 12.1 miles and I had 4 to go.

I took the last four miles very slowly, walking easily. The sun was getting low in the sky and the trail was starting to darken. I passed four tents set up on this leg of the Appalachian Trail- through hikers who were stopping for the night after another hard but rewarding day on the trail.

When I made it back to the car I checked the trip computer on my GPS again. 17.8 miles. I was hoping, (or not actually) that my GPS was inaccurate and measuring mileage shorter than it really was, but the GPS, the sign that said 4 miles, and the guidebook were all right about this distance. It sure felt like I had walked nearly 18 miles. The trip took me 7 and a half hours and the GPS said I averaged 3.1 mph when I was moving. I went farther and faster than I set out to do, and I have been very sick for the past month.

I want to do this loop again sometime soon, but hit the Loudon Heights early in the morning. As it was I was shooting into harsh sunlight and a lot of haze and my pictures toward Harpers Ferry were very bad. In the morning the sun would be to my back shining onto Harpers Ferry instead of above it shining into my lens. I really want to see the view from there at peak color in the fall...