Barack Obama is Our Country's 44th President!

I absolutely agree with you :)

I am not in America but I am great happy that it is the new president of USAS. While we Sarkozy they see it not making thing big. - _ - "

I watched the inauguration today, to me, it is the sign of a new beginning for America. For a start, possibly one of the worst American presidents is finally out of the White House. Secondly, Obama's speech was intelligent, passionate, and powerful, everything just rolled perfectly off his tongue which shows that what he is saying truly comes from his heart, rather than reading from a card. Thirdly, I was surprised how much it meant to the American people that there is now a black president, personally, I wouldn't think twice if it happened over here (UK), as it is the person, the policies, and the beliefs that matter, not race and religion. I'm sure many people would be unhappy with a black Prime Minister over here, but nothing of the sort that America has struggled with. Fourthly, it means that the republicans are finally out of office, which just by itself should bring around a large change in affairs.

However, it is hard to feel uplifted when there are still many problems to face; ending the Iraq war; dealing with the economic crisis; upholding freedom by removing both Patriot Acts; dealing with the situation in Israel; recovering the trillions of debt the USA has; prove or disprove climate change; implement renewable energy sources. In comparison, we don't have quite as much to do as the US; leaving the Iraq war; dealing with the economic crisis; implement data security and sort out the Home Office; staying out of wars as much as possible; disposing of our leeching of America; create jobs and industries; prove or disprove climate change; implement renewable energy sources.

There is so much for the World to face, therefore my heart goes out to Obama who has the herculean task of rebuilding America from the travesty that was the Bush presidency. For the sake of the World, and America, I wish you all the good luck I can, as you will need every bit of luck you can get!

I also like the changes that Obama has promised to make in Science, like allowing the use of stem cells, differing from the all-out ban from the Bush regime.

I do find it upsetting however, that on the day that has been marked as the start of change, that China wishes to have stronger military ties with the US, and that is not the kind of change anyone wants.

Do not forget that although the entertainment industry might seem infantile, it is an industry that creates jobs, entertains, and provides more money for the government. Therefore, it does have its good points.

For anyone who wants to read the speech, please click my name!

Please, Mischa, don't cry, smile! This is the change the US and the World needed, which is something to be very, very happy about!

I agree with Mischa, too. I'm very, VERY happy to see Obama as a president of USA, even when I'm living in northern Europe.:)

Hi again, Mischa!

I've got a lot of friends in America, and they all say the same kind of thing as you. Some of them are even old enough to remember JFK, and they say that the feeling of optimism now matches what people felt back then. The past few years has seen some horrendous mistakes of policy (both domestic and foreign) by America, and those have really badly damaged America's reputation around the world. And you're right, those mistakes have also made people think differently about Americans as individuals. While the popular stereotype is sometimes true, and I've encountered that stereotypical American myself, I know that probably 90%+ of all the Americans who know that there actually is a world outside their borders and take the time to visit it are quite genuine and decent people. (Never having visited America in person, I can't say anything about those who don't travel...) And most of the ones I've encountered over the past few years have all gone out of their way to apologise for what the Bush Administration (both parts 1 and 2) has done.

And I'd like to say that I'm proud of the freedoms we have here in the UK - But, sadly, Tony and his cronies have done their best to make sure we don't have any left that are worth mentioning. I'm INCREDIBLY proud of being British, because of all the great inventions we've given the world, and the stands we've taken against true evil, but I'm as mad as hell about what our government has done this past few years in association with America. Maybe Obama's election is a sign that we've got a change for the better heading our way in the not too distant future as well...

So yes, I've got my fingers crossed that Obama is going to bring the changes we need to be happening in the world right now. Sadly, he's been left so many problems and headaches that it's going to be a very long and sometimes painful road - Anyone expecting things to suddenly get better overnight now he's changed his address to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC, is going to be very disappointed.

But, at least the hope is there now, and that can be a VERY powerful catalyst for change. What we need to do now is all pull together (both Americans and non-Americans) and harness that feeling, directing it in the right directions and making it the force for good we all want it to be.

So I'm glad you're feeling hopeful about this - I am too, and I've got a good feeling that the change we've all been waiting for has finally come.

All my love always,

Adrian.

I am so in love wid u Mischa I cannot think of anything except u...;-)))

Love you heapzzz

Teja

"Had he not won, I would not be proud to be an American any longer"

What the hell! Then you should have never become an American in the first place. What a horrible thing to say.

Hi Mischa,

Well, I hope that Obama is really going to make changes, because there's a lot of people suffering as you mentioned ( economic crises ) and I'll add the War !! I wish that he stop the war, and let the troops back home, and leave the people ( Iraqian ) getting a life!
Obama please try to be subjective, stop supporting Israel killing children and destroying the poor families home...

We all are looking for peace, as you always say : YES WE CAN ! so show us the difference!

Mischa, nice picture by the way :-)

Nora

Wow, what a pathetic and sad commentary that you would not have been proud to be an American had he not won. That speaks volumes about your character. In becoming an American, you should always be proud of your country, even if you don't get your way. You sound like a spoiled brat.

Hi Mischa,

I saw this event in the TV and it's really INCREDIBLE !!!!
Unfortunately in France, and I agree with Christelle, Sarkzoy is very bad. It's the same politic like Bush, Berlusconi and Poutine.

Mischa, oui nous pouvons !!! (Yes, we can !!!)

Kiss from Grenoble.

Hey Mischa,
I must admit, I had tears in my eyes too, and I'm not even American. Barack has a lot of work to do as the newly appointed president of the United States. But don't feel too down about the seemingly worthless questions you answered - it means a lot to your fans to know that you are in touch with universal issues and that you care deeply for what Obama stands for. On another note, it is understandable that it would be hard to keep the faith had Obama not been elected, but try not to think so negatively.
It's a hard task for any president and a lot of your fans would have voted for McCain.

America is not about one man... one president. It is about the people. To say that you wouldn't be proud to be an American if Obama hadn't won is just wrong. You can and should be a "proud American" regardless of who the president is. The president does not define America or her freedom... The people do! May God bless America.

I´m not American, but i´m a supporter of Barack Obama and i agree with u Mischa :)
Lots of love
Caro

"Unfortunately in France, and I agree with Christelle, Sarkzoy is very bad. It's the same politic like Bush, Berlusconi and Poutine."

Sadly, we seem to be living in a period where we have a lot of very poor politicians all in positions of great power. Hopefully, Obama's election is the beginning of the end of that...

To "WTF":

""Had he not won, I would not be proud to be an American any longer"

What the hell! Then you should have never become an American in the first place. What a horrible thing to say."

Hang on a minute - Isn't it the "American way" that people have the right and freedom to hold different opinions and beliefs?? Oh no, hang on a minute - That was the PRE-Bush America, wasn't it??? According to The Shrub, "If you ain't with us, then you're against us..." (Usually followed by a quick "Yeeeehaaaawwww!"... He really did bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "cowboy diplomacy", didn't he??!!!) And people have other reasons for becoming a citizen of a certain country - Such as making it a lot easier to travel to and from that country, or wanting to have the right to vote on issues which directly affect them as permanent residents in that country.

And to Jenny:

"In becoming an American, you should always be proud of your country, even if you don't get your way. You sound like a spoiled brat."

No she doesn't - And "always be[ing] proud of your country, even if you don't get your way" just shows that you don't have the mental capacity for independant thought. Any decent person will always question the policies and motives of their government, and actively oppose those they don't agree with. After all, isn't that the very basis of a certain principle America claims to hold very dear - called DEMOCRACY???? I think you need to understand the distinction between being proud of your country (native or adopted), and being proud or ashamed of what those in power running your country are doing with or to it. As I've already said before here, I'm VERY proud of being British, because of the amazing history we have and what we've done in the way of inventions. But, at the same time, I absolutely HATE what the Labour Party has done to it by getting involved in ill-advised wars led by crooked oil-hungry religious fundementalists, and I feel totally ashamed of that...

So, before anyone else jumps down Mischa's throat for making that comment, can we all understand that she's talking about politics here, and not the ordinary "person in the street" or the country as a whole?

I've enjoyed your blog but I felt the need to comment on this.

What concerns me with your post is the idea that you would not be proud to be an American if he had not won. It's one thing to be disappointed as to who your President is but to not be proud because of who is elected because you didn't support him, shows that you don't understand the American process.

Based on the voter registration records in California, you did not register so you did not vote - the most simpliest right you have as an American citizen.

The idea that you live in France for the freedom America once offered (I thought it was for privacy) is also a little scary. America is a free country. Our rights have not changed. I would be interested to know what freedoms America no longer has that forced you to flee to France. Becoming a US citizen is a privlige, one you seem not to appreciate. Why not give it back.

Okay, you have faith in Obama, but he has to work with a lot of people to bring about change and better days. Have faith in the system. And try to figure out why the hell you live in France, your answer keeps changing.

She didn't even register to vote.

But i'm a dumb moron who has no life, what do I know?

"She didn't even register to vote."

Uhh,'june', when did she ever say she voted? Just wondering. Why do people come on here and just write negative comments?

GOSH! I love you Mischa!!!

Bush, Berlusconi and Poutine??? WTF?! You mean that Poutine the same politican like Bush?! are you mad?! You know how much he made for his country??? America made so much bads for Russia, and russian people dont like amerikans (and the other countries dont like amerikans too), and your new president must correct the situation. or America can be The World Evil.

nothing personal.
Sam from Deutschland

I knew it was only a matter of time before someone did that! It was pretty clever of the person concerned to type "Adrian", and post a comment that would seem blatantly obvious to anyone that views these comments for no more than 5 minutes, that this was totally out of character. They couldn't even make it look convincing, disappointing really ;-).

Too true:

"To "WTF":

""Had he not won, I would not be proud to be an American any longer"

What the hell! Then you should have never become an American in the first place. What a horrible thing to say."

Hang on a minute - Isn't it the "American way" that people have the right and freedom to hold different opinions and beliefs?? Oh no, hang on a minute - That was the PRE-Bush America, wasn't it??? According to The Shrub, "If you ain't with us, then you're against us..." (Usually followed by a quick "Yeeeehaaaawwww!"... He really did bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "cowboy diplomacy", didn't he??!!!) And people have other reasons for becoming a citizen of a certain country - Such as making it a lot easier to travel to and from that country, or wanting to have the right to vote on issues which directly affect them as permanent residents in that country.

And to Jenny:

"In becoming an American, you should always be proud of your country, even if you don't get your way. You sound like a spoiled brat."

No she doesn't - And "always be[ing] proud of your country, even if you don't get your way" just shows that you don't have the mental capacity for independant thought. Any decent person will always question the policies and motives of their government, and actively oppose those they don't agree with. After all, isn't that the very basis of a certain principle America claims to hold very dear - called DEMOCRACY???? I think you need to understand the distinction between being proud of your country (native or adopted), and being proud or ashamed of what those in power running your country are doing with or to it. As I've already said before here, I'm VERY proud of being British, because of the amazing history we have and what we've done in the way of inventions. But, at the same time, I absolutely HATE what the Labour Party has done to it by getting involved in ill-advised wars led by crooked oil-hungry religious fundementalists, and I feel totally ashamed of that...

So, before anyone else jumps down Mischa's throat for making that comment, can we all understand that she's talking about politics here, and not the ordinary "person in the street" or the country as a whole?"

Personally I think she might have been talking about the ordinary "person in the street" as well, as it is the collective view of Americans that elects the President. It is understandable that she would have lost faith in the American people if Obama was not elected in. Let's face it, it was pretty much a no-brainer, the only real negative about Obama is his lack of experience in politics at the highest levels. If Obama wasn't elected in it would have probably led Mischa to question the character of the people who didn't do the right thing.

To Sam: Every country hates Russia, not USA. Russia is disgusting, full of toxics, stupid wars and stuff. Medvedev is just Putins pathetic little puppet, only matter of time when he's on the authority again (as a president).

Oi Mischa !!!
Sempre linda!! Tenha um bom dia!
Kisses do Brasil!!
Marcella

I'm from Australia and watched at 4.00 in the morning to see the inauguration i'm in awe of Obama and his family their amazing people. The crisis the world is in right now is like a storyline from a movie if we weren't living it we would think it was fictional. I hope Obama can repair the damage and abuse of power that the government has been for so long!!!!

Stay in France...

Adrian:

And to Jenny:

"In becoming an American, you should always be proud of your country, even if you don't get your way. You sound like a spoiled brat."

No she doesn't - And "always be[ing] proud of your country, even if you don't get your way" just shows that you don't have the mental capacity for independant thought. Any decent person will always question the policies and motives of their government, and actively oppose those they don't agree with. After all, isn't that the very basis of a certain principle America claims to hold very dear - called DEMOCRACY???? I think you need to understand the distinction between being proud of your country (native or adopted), and being proud or ashamed of what those in power running your country are doing with or to it. As I've already said before here, I'm VERY proud of being British, because of the amazing history we have and what we've done in the way of inventions. But, at the same time, I absolutely HATE what the Labour Party has done to it by getting involved in ill-advised wars led by crooked oil-hungry religious fundementalists, and I feel totally ashamed of that..."

While I thoroughly appreciate your condescending and patronizing tone, I am entitled to my opinion, and I DO think she sounds like a spoiled brat. And speaking of "not having the capacity for independent thought"-- how about the people who drank the Obama koolaid? There were a lot of empty promises thrown around during that campaign, and many people who blindly bought into Obama's lip service. Now THERE'S a lack of independent thought.

She said "I would not have been proud to be an american." I was simply responding to that. You say "distinction between being proud of your country (native or adopted), and being proud or ashamed of what those in power running your country are doing with or to it." Great, but where does she say that? She doesn't. Maybe that's how you feel, but it's not what she said. She said she would not have been proud to be American. Period. If she meant something else, maybe she should have said it, no?

Maybe you should ask me more about my politics before you start telling me what I "need to understand." My only comment was to her attitude. I certainly understand the distinction between being proud of your country and being proud of certain leaders. (But again, thanks for being condescending!) But that's not what she said--she said she would not have been proud to be a citizen of this country. You know what? I'm not proud that Bill Clinton performed sex acts with an intern in the White House, but I was still proud to be American. Maybe YOU'RE the one who "needs to understand."

to vichy: You said like you never been in Russia...isnt you? Im sure you arent. Russia is the great country! Im studying in Moscow now. And Ive met Mischa, when she was here. She remeber me. And she like Russia too. And if you, vichy, are american...значит еще и полнейшая дура:)
World hates USA thanks to Bush...and possible people like you.
Russia is the great country, with smart and beautiful people.
"Who dont like us, just envy us"

to vichy: You said like you never been in Russia...isnt you? Im sure you arent. Russia is the great country! Im studying in Moscow now. And Ive met Mischa, when she was here. She remeber me. And she like Russia too. And if you, vichy, are american...значит еще и полнейшая дура:)
World hates USA thanks to Bush...and possible people like you.
Russia is the great country, with smart and beautiful people.
"Who dont like us, just envy us"

"(I know from past experience on Jo's forum that this is one area where we may differ, but...)

That may be the case if they had true "Proportional Representation" over there. However, the Electoral College system they use tends to skew the process quite a bit, with the result that it seems to tend to favour the Republicans, rather than the Democrats. It's the same as here in the UK, where the Parliamentary Constituancy system tends to favour the Conservatives, as rural constituancies (where they're traditionally strong) have fewer people in them than the urban ones where Labour have been traditionally strong, and yet all carry the same weight when it comes to the number of seats in Parliament. If you look at the political map of the US, you tend to see that most states on both coasts pretty much always vote Democrat, while the Republicans are stronger inland. I guess that's a reflection of their differing world views - It's those on the coasts and near Canada who know there's a world ourside of America, and so tend to vote for the party which has the more balanced world view, while those inland seem to have less direct experience of the world beyond America, and tend to be more insular and support the party with that view. (And before anyone says anything about stereotypes, I'm speaking from my own personal experience here. I know plenty of Americans myself, and 99% of them are from either the east or west coasts or states bordering Canada - Very few are from the Mid-West or the south... And they all share the same view of the US political system as I do.)"

I'm not denying that the democratic process is flawed in both countries, however it still bows down to the same thing, the voters. Certain states may be inherently biased, but people still have their own mind and their own free will, meaning that they can vote for anyone. I mean, my parents vote for different parties!

The point I am trying to make is that it is still the people that decide, therefore, if the people choose Republican, it is the view of the people, it should not be about what they have previously voted (although in this case, it would be a positive for the Democrats), it should be about the candidates; the policies; and how it would benefit you and the country. This is why I think Mischa would have been upset if McCain had been voted in, as Obama is, and should be the popular choice, regardless of prejudice. If Obama was not voted in, it would display the failings of the people to make the right decision. Therefore, this would disappoint Mischa (I presume). SOme clarification would be excellent!

"And besides, as we all know, the American people didn't really elect Bush Jr!!!! ;)"

Possibly even twice :-#! I also meant to mention the absolutely catastrophic failure of the Bush administration in both 9/11 (if what they are saying is true (which I don't believe)) and Katrina.

Bring on the era that hopefully will be remembered as "The Great Recovery"!

I just got back from D.C. and I stood in the freezing cold for the concert on Sunday and the Inauguration yesterday.

For the 1st time in my life I no longer feel like an African-American but simply an American. Mischa Barton's entitled to her feelings and opinions as they are shaped by her own experiences just all of ours are.

I think there's a lot of sour grapes coming from the right wing right now but they'll get over it.

At the end of the day Barack Obama himself didn't win the election because of his own devices or charisma or because he's some demagogue or the anti-christ or all the other crap idiots talk about. He won because he was a catalyst for the discontent of countless legions of people who stood and watch the twilight zone nightmare that was the last 8 years. He was in right place at the right time and he made the most of it.

Yesterday wasn't a victory brought on by one man. It was a victory and a celebration of the people. And it's the people themselves who will bring change to American and the World.

I thought I was gonna cry too, because I was really overwhelmed and ecstatic, and I still am, and for the first time in 8 years, I'm proud to be an American!

my goodness adrian and g-man could you waste anymore time commenting on mischa barton's blog. i didn't even read all of it because it's too exhausting hearing your stupid brown-nosing banter. everyone knows this is a touchy subject and seriously i think you're wasting time spilling your political guts on here. and it is a fucked up thing to say "I wouldn't be proud to be an American anymore" for any reason. Jenny had the right idea, mischa sounds like a fucking idiot.

"my goodness adrian and g-man could you waste anymore time commenting on mischa barton's blog."

I presume that neither of us have wasted any time, as we both have enjoyed our time here!

"i didn't even read all of it because it's too exhausting hearing your stupid brown-nosing banter."

If you didn't read all of it, then how would you know?

"everyone knows this is a touchy subject and seriously i think you're wasting time spilling your political guts on here."

Yes it is a touchy subject, but democracy and free speech means we can talk about the positives and negatives of political parties, unlike somewhere like China. You should appreciate these freedoms and utilise them to the fullest!

"and it is a fucked up thing to say "I wouldn't be proud to be an American anymore" for any reason. Jenny had the right idea, mischa sounds like a fucking idiot."

No it isn't "a f**ked up thing", it actually makes a lot of sense. As a result, you seem like the idiot.

Dear Mischa,

I have a strong feeling that Great Mischa Barton is much more thoughtful and far greater than Barack Obama. May the Force be with you.

Inu-keep/Japan

Concerning Mischa voting - I'm thinking she lied - she's not listed as registered. Her sister however is registered.

Yay g-man! Exactly- I was expressing my freedom of speech! America is the best country ever and I think Mischa offened some with her opinion in the last paragragh of her blog. Therefore readers used their freedoms to express otherwise. No HUGE deal. And it's called skimming... I skimmed through you twos long drawn out comments & got the jist of it. I am no idiot and I never said you were, I just thought you wasted time, as I am doing now. Go to a political board if you are so passionate about this subject. It's not like Mischa is going to have a real conversation with you or any of her fans for that matter through a blog.

As one Mischa big fans.. I am rebpilican.. so please don't say anything bad about us.. To tell you the turth.. Bush is outstand man... As a great heart.. He is from texas just like me! He great man! He wasn't bad president what so ever!

I have nothing against Obama.. I wish him the best. He def outstand speaker. He young and I do not think he ready... People can peach but can the back up what comes out of their mouth??? I am goverment class right now. So I am learning alot about what goes on in the white house... Though out the year Dem people have alot of say so... Most of the congresses man are Dem and they have been in white house. Thats why Bush couldn't do what he wanted to do... Because of them! Bush at least clean up who know... 42 president crap!!! Who was a Dem and was deff are wrost president... I am not nothing against Obama. I think he can make change. But, he upset me he made promises... Promise are so easy to break. Everyone should know that. Once again I wish him the best. It would be awesome if he can do things he said he was going to do. :)

Happy Brithday Mischa!!!!

Mine brithday is on Jan 18!!! :)

oh and I total agree with another person...

We just been in a bad place for 8 years... And its not Bush fought (my words). He try his best. Like every other president does... Obama was in the right place at the same time. He wouldn't won this, he people weren't tired of Bush. They would votes for Paylin and Cain!!!! I have so much repsect for Cain he was POW back his younger days... Any soilder who goes though that. Should be a proud American and understand what the pain those man have to go though just to keep our sorry butts feeling sorry for ourself not fighting with them! To tell turth Paylin was the only one who at less told turth while this whole thing was going on! Good LUCK obama... You'll need it! Just like Bush said!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kids are funny!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kids are funny!

kids huh? thats funny! i am 18! How many kids get on here? I am just wounding!

Mushy, you are vapid in the extreme. You didn't even vote - you weren't registered, so why lie about it?
And poor you having to undertake a tortuous press conference held in your honor - it must be SOOO awful to have to speak to people who generate publicity for you, ensuring that you - unlike the 'average Americans' you speak of - get paid tens of thousands of dollars for doing absolutely naff all. A shampoo advert? About all you're qualified to do, love. Be grateful anyone still cares!

haha- awesome embeme!

"I cried for the people being hit by our economic crisis, including my friends, and for the people who don't understand the spirit of good Americans."

"Had he not won, I would not be proud to be an American any longer."

Sounds like you don't understand the spirit of a good American. You make me want to hurl.

i didn't have time to read all of it but I caught the basic gist....

mischa is one of the only celebrities i care about, so i was checking out her blog and of course i had to read this one.

I think it is really cool that this isnt about stupid celebrity stuff, that you guys are talking politics.

I would like to say I personally am FINALLY proud to be an American, as I haven't been proud the last 8 years. Those of you saying Obama's campaign is built on empty promises and that mischa sounds like a spoiled brat saying she would be not proud of america if McCain one, i wish you knew how many of us there were.

ok, after writing what i wrote, i read the one by ashley, and (don't write back to me because i wont ever check this again)but seriously?????

Just because you were a prisoner of war, does not mean you are fit to lead a country.

there are some brainwashed people in this country

Yes his speech was great! I'm not an American but it just pleased me and also made me cry a bit. +Everything was pretty perfect that day and beautiful.
When looking at it on tv I just relized that being president is such a challenging thing to do, I mean, that's pretty hard, you have all the power, a great amount of responsability, you have to be a strong person to be able to do that. I wish him courage and hope he'll do what he promised to the American people.

Dear Mischa,
I thought Obamas speach was great I especially liked his theory about black American class distinction I personally think that he will make a difference to poverty in America what do you think???
email: scottsupremacy@yahoo.com.au

What ever happened to what you said about not wanting to disclose your political views? Was that all bullshit?

how the f*ck would you know anything about what it is like to be hit by the economic crisis? you think nothing of dropping $500 on a purse when people like myself WHO WORK HARD FOR THEIR MONEY can hardly pay for a box of macaroni and cheese or my rent to keep a roof over my head. you are disgusting, don't try to pretend you can feel anything for anyone other than yourself.

I appreciate your honesty about how you feel, so I hope you don't mind me expressing how I feel...I was fine with what you said up until the "Had he not won, I would not be proud to be an American any longer. I live in France for the freedom America once offered."

I understand why you said it. You hate how things are, so you are living elsewhere until they change. Great. Excuse my patriotism though; but I am an American when things are good and when things are bad. I am an American when we have Cowboy George or a young black man as our leader. I am an American when America makes mistakes and I am an American when America succeeds.

America has made her fair share of mistakes, but we have learned from them, and although we are not a perfect nation, we continue to strive to be by learning and growing...TOGETHER! We work together, we learn together, we grow together. You don't just take off to France and speak shame against your self-proclaimed home country just because she is in a fix. (Johnny Depp) Instead of abandoning her; you stick by her and do what you can to make it a better place.

I don't mean to offend, just practicing my 1st amendment rights. = ) And your pics are beautiful by the way.

when you are on the airport or on the flightplan, don't you get noticed by people???