We got so many responses to our request for musicians to comment about the election of Barack Obama as the next Commander-In-Chief of the United States that we've written up a second post for the latest batch. Click more to read what members of Cattle Decapitation, Born From Pain, Animosity, Armored Saint and others think about the president elect.
Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Today is a great day in history. Thankfully, enough of the country has gotten beyond the rhetoric and have decided to vote in a way that makes sense. We got past the fact that he doesn't look like all our other presidents. We got over that he has an exotic name, even one which sounds similar to a couple of our enemies.
Obama's campaign is not just about voting for a black president, although the sociological implications of this are not to be underestimated (or as the current president would say 'misunderestimated'). It's about having someone who is educated and intelligent enough for the position and has advisers whose collective experience easily shoots down the argument of Barack's lack of experience.
Our new president elect(!), Barack Obama, has not only the charisma, but the substance and potential of a John F. Kennedy or Franklin D. Roosevelt. Don't take my word for it. Someone much more qualified to say so, JFK's own daughter, said the same thing here.
It wasn't enough that we've had an administration that, in eight years, has managed to destroy the foundations of our civil liberties and ruined our government's credibility. It wasn't enough that the opposition, John McCain and Sarah Palin, ran an embarrassing campaign and would have continued this devastating path for our country. No folks, sadly, it took all this and a crumbling economic system to make it possible to elect someone finally deserving of the the job, who just happens to be our first African-American president. But I'm just happy it happened.
The Obama campaign was about very real issues: Health care. College tuition. Mortgages. Economics.
The McCain campaign, meanwhile, was about a whole lot of nothing. Mavericks. Hockey Moms. Joe The Plumber.
In the Oct, 20, 2008 cover story for Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, wrote a brilliant article on the economy called "The Bright Side." While the article is diplomatically non-partisan, there is one part which struck a chord: "Look who is advising Barack Obama -- Warren Buffet (the world's most successful investor and as of this year, wealthiest American) Paul Volcker (Federal Reserve Chairman under Presidents Carter and Reagan) and Robert Rubin (Treasure Secretary under President Clinton). It is more likely that what will come from their efforts will be a better-regulated financial system that, while producing less-extravagant profits, will be more stable and secure.
It is my hope that part of what happens as a result of recent events is a country that is better informed and better educated. It is paying attention which has caused a majority of our country to wake up and realize that they've been cheated by Bush/Cheney and this would continue under McCain/Palin. Perhaps this is why education is so ignored by the GOP campaign.
Besides, they can't devote their energy to education. They're too busy questioning other peoples' patriotism. While we're on that subject, let's talk about the right wing fringe of the country, which makes a platform of questioning the Americanism of their political enemies. This group includes Sarah Palin, Bill O'Rielly, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter etc... I'm willing to bet you that, no matter what Barack Obama achieves as president, even if he saves the U.S. from slipping into turmoil, there is nothing he can do to get a positive word from any of these people. Similarly, there has never been a positive word uttered from them about Bill Clinton, his administration or the state of the U.S. during that time, even though a vast majority of Americans feel things were much better under Clinton. Nope, these people would rather have our country be slowly destroyed than admit they or the politicians they support are wrong. They would gladly take eight more years of Bush/Cheney if they could, and continued erosion to the foundation of the United States. They risk the future of this country for their conservative ideology.
I don't know about you, but to me, that behavior sounds pretty, well, Un-American. I would never bring this up except that these are the people who base their careers on saying that about others. Blind support of your ideology is not true patriotism. Barack Obama and the current Democratic party, do not need to stoop so low as to question other peoples love of their country. They have real, meaningful things to deal with. They see the potential we have to lift the country out of this mess and reaching our full potential. That's patriotism.
Today, I'm really proud of the U.S.A. Obama's victory represents of true positive change in the country, something we haven't had since the 60's. Of course, our moment of joy is short lived, as there is so much for him to do and he arguably faces bigger challenges than any incoming president since Lincoln. He will be held to higher standards for that, as well as the fact that he is African-American. But this great moment is happening now and for that, we should all be proud.
Cattle Decapitation vocalist Travis Ryan (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Oh well, I simply couldn't bring myself to vote for that old man. We'll see if Barack can handle it. We're doing a tour of the Southern U.S. in January and February. This should be interesting.
Nile frontman Karl Sanders (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Does this mean foreign journalists will finally stop spending my interview time and print space asking me endless George Bush questions and acting like I am somehow accountable for anything and everything Bush did over the last eight years?
Armored Saint and Fates Warning bassist Joey Vera (to HeadbangersBlog.com): It's about time Americans took action over apathy, this was long overdue. The key for us now is to keep that sense of action and get off our overweight asses and do more! There is a long road ahead but at least we can say that we had actually taken part in something that will go down as a uniquely historic event.
Animosity vocalist Leo Miller (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Yesterday was a HUGE success for me, my family, my country and the whole world. Today, ALL of the a--hole racist, loudmouth, Fox News pundits and similar d--kheaded c--ks can officially get F--kED! I am so happy and hopeful to have taken these monumental steps forward, to desert the Bush era and to elect Barack Obama as the president. Having worked hard on the Obama campaign in Nevada and in California, door to door, this victory feels amazing knowing that all our time paid off. The celebrations that broke out in streets worldwide and here in San Francisco, swinging with all different kind of people, just flat our partying and rejoicing in the change that has come and the barriers that we have broke, have literally brought tears to my eyes. Beyond the obvious triumph over the sour history of racism that this country was built on, this election will restore our relationships and reputation in the world -- a world that adamantly hates bush and McCain alike. We can finally be proud. In a similar fashion, the grassroots local campaign for District 11 supervisor of San Francisco, that my brother managed and my whole family worked on, handily won over this piece of s--t that spent way too much money in attempts to smear us.
This was an equally exciting an emotional trouncing for us. Just less than a day after the polls have closed, I feel so relieved; however, there is still so much work to be done. I dedicated my time, energy and vote to Obama, but I know that he will not be able to solve the bulk of this country’s problems. Proposition 8 seems to be passing which is a California measure to ban same sex marriages, led by evangelical freaks who know nothing about the world or politics. Even in the face of our staggering victory, this kind of blind discrimination really sickens me. Religious fundamentalists are the worst, so what else is new? I don't know why, but it usually takes a long time for people to claim their equal civil rights, so I am confident that in due time, this will no longer be an issue. That all being said, this was a great election and we are fortunate to have made history.
Echoes of Eternity (to HeadbangersBlog.com): All of us in Echoes of Eternity are stoked about the future with Obama as president. Most of the band was spellbound by the election drama over the past two years and are relieved that the right candidate prevailed.
Paths of Possession bassist and vocalist Randy Butman (to HeadbangersBlog.com):
I voted for Obama via absentee ballot from Prague. There was no way I would miss this election. It is time for someone new. To see and hear the views of the people over here has really opened my eyes to the fact that the whole world is paying attention.
Born From Pain singer Rob Franssen (to HeadbangersBlog.com): The people's choice for Obama is a logical one, I guess. They are sick and tired of the past eight years and have a real hope Obama will bring better times for the U.S. However, whatever president is in power, it being Obama or whether it would have been McCain, these people are puppets in a game that is way bigger than them. Obama got 5 times the Wall Street money support McCain got. The powers that be behind the scenes have put their money on a new "democratic" horse, since it has a much friendlier face and does not, in a really obvious way, represent the policy of the Bush administration. Once the cheer is over and the honeymoon's over, it is back to the strategies the big capital behind Obama needs to push their plan further. Obama's camp already speaks about Pakistan as a "dangerous" nation and possible action against it, which means a new war in Asia. The Obama camp has spoke out against Russian "aggression" over the past few months and possibly acting against it. They've been talking about centralizing all monetary traffic, regulations and administration (the same thing for other resources) worldwide. And they want htem to be administered by big global banks and companies from a central location. THAT is what the neo-conservatives were working on for years. It's called a new world order. It is orchestrated by big bankers and other multinational players. Obama's administration represents that just as much as the Bush administration did. It is absolutely great that the people in the U.S. so massively want change... I just think they (and the rest of the world) will get very disappointed.
Epica guitarist Mark Jansen (to HeadbangersBlog.com): I'm very happy that Obama won the election. The influence of the U.S.A. effects the whole world, so it's a pity I couldn't vote myself. Ever since Obama was running against Hillary Clinton, I've been supporting him. Of course, we have to see if he really can make the promised change, but at least it's already a huge psychological effect. If McCain would have won, there would have been a pessimistic vibe about wars, nature, and the economy. Now that the flame is burning with Obama, let's take all our responsibilities and work hard for a better world ourselves, too. All tiny bits make a difference too!
Neaera bassist Benjamin Donath (to HeadbangersBlog.com): The historic proportions and impact of this event cannot be overemphasized, not only for the United States as a country, but also for the whole world. This is because the “American Dream” does not only exist in the United States itself, but is something that the whole world cherishes. This is especially true of my home country, Germany. We have a special relationship with America and know that we owe the U.S. a lot, from the liberation from Nazi oppression to the Berlin Airlift to the fall of the Berlin wall. Given our (justified) disagreements in the recent past, it simply feels great that after eight years of a criminal administration which has turned its back on the people, confusing arrogance with strength, fear with respect and isolation with inspiration, the world will soon be able again to look to the United States for true leadership. Barack Obama is an outstanding figure because the exceptional story of his success and the way he has mobilized and energized many, especially young people. That must make everyone realize that what you do actually has a profound impact on your life and that you can change and shape your own life that way. I hope the great feeling of motivation and transition that this democratic process has sparked can be conveyed on a larger, global scale. This is a victory for everything that’s right about America.
The Rotted vocalist Ben Ben McCrow (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Although I'm British, I still took an interest in the outcome of this election, because of the way it was going to affect the whole world, so it's still relevant to us all. The increase in the amount of voters over the past elections is a good indication that people want change, and are sick of the way things are being run. Working as a whole, people can make those changes and we can all get something to hope for. It's great to see a decent human being finally come to power!
Early Graves vocalist Makh Daniels (to HeadbangersBlog.com): This is probably one of the greatest things that has ever happened to this country. No joke and hype aside, I feel things may actually have a fighting chance of changing for the better. My politics are 20 miles to the left of the Democrats but with that said, I think people are ready for a new beginning and no more of this Bush dynasty bulls--it. I mean, there were even some gun toting, Christ worshipping, "America for Americans" militia guys who voted for Obama. That's f--kin' crazy to me. That's when the Republicans must’ve been like: (looks at picture of bush saluting, shakes collective heads. "Damn homie…we f--ked up).
The Crimson Armada guitarist Kyle Barrington (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Basically the outcome of the election was great for me personally. I have always had a strong liking of Obama but never thought that he would win simply because America and its people are all so messed up and prejudiced I thought it would be IMPOSSIBLE for a black man to become president. Glad to see that America has proved me wrong. Obama is the kind of person that knows what he wants to do and how he is going to go about doing it, unlike McCain. Obama is more than just a good speaker, he is a good american, and is 100 percent into the economy of America and trying to make that better. I believe that Obama will steer this country in the right direction and clean up all of the past presidents mishaps. Obama was a great candidate to be elected as our new president. Although, I am still VERY interested in seeing what the democratic party is going to do with our healthcare system....very very shaky on that topic. Either way anyone who is going to be elected as president is going to have their good sides and bad sides and their good actions and bad actions. I think it all goes down to Obama being the lesser of the two evils. GO OBAMA AND GO AMERICA.
Molotov Solution vocalist Nick (to HeadbangersBlog.com): Obama's landslide victory was a clear message that the American people really do want change, just as it was two years ago when the American people voted the Democrats into the House and the Senate. My question is will we really get it this time?
Two years ago, before even being appointed Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi said "impeachment is off the table... it’s a waste of time." And over the last two years, impeachment was not the only thing that was never pursued. American troops are still dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, and legislation like the Patriot Act and Military Commissions Act still threaten our liberties. Now that Obama is president elect, will the war criminals of the last eight years finally be held accountable?
Will our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan finally be brought home? And additionally, will our foreign policy be completely reshaped in a manner in which we are not sending them off to die in other nations for the military-industrial complex? Will the prison-industrial complex and its "war on drugs" finally come to an end? Will legislation like the Patriot Acts, Military Commissions Act, FEMA executive orders and all other threats to our liberties be thrown out for good? Will the police state we currently live in continue to expand, or will it finally diminish? Will our financial and economic problems finally be treated at the source (rampant government overspending, the federal reserve system and a flawed monetary policy) instead of temporary quick-fixes that get us all to fall back to sleep until the next economic crisis (or eventually a complete economic meltdown)?
These are just a few of the concerns I have. I fear the answer to most of these questions, if not all, is "no." But this is not simply because I distrust or dislike Barack Obama. In fact, if this is the change he delivers as president, I will be the first to eat my words. Rather, I don't believe this kind of change is going to occur because I think the American people (myself included) are irresponsible and lazy.
Even if Barack Obama is the messiah so many believe him to be, the idea that the American people can take a 20 minute break from their fast food and reality TV show one time every four years to push some buttons on a voting machine and expect the one guy they elect to fix all of their problems is the most irresponsible, lethargic idea I've ever heard (which makes complete sense as to why it is so appealing, and why turnouts for presidential elections are massive, and minuscule for local elections.)
Think about it. Once every four years we flip to CNN or FOX during the commercial break of the TV show that we were watching to catch a little bit of what the establishment-run media wants to tell us about the two establishment-owned candidates, and then we pick the one we dislike a little less than the other. We vote, and then we fall back to sleep for another few more years. Most of us don't even take the time to research the candidates beyond what we are fed through the television (which is why third party candidates only get single percentages of the vote. They never get national TV airtime, and God forbid we have to actually search for information about a candidate).
The bottom line is, the American people have to be the change they want to see in this country, and that means staying active in political affairs on a regular basis. One vote every four years is an insignificant amount of involvement, and so I believe the American people are going to see an insignificant amount of change. So my question to everyone that voted this election (myself included) is, now that Obama is president, will you fall back to sleep, or will you continue to stay active and effect real change yourself?
Molotov Solution guitarist Sims Collison (to HeadbangersBlog.com): From the beginning, this election was controversial; it takes race and sex issues to catch the attention of most of the American people. This campaign marked the first time black men, Senator Keyes and senator Obama, were campaigning for the Presidency. Of course, Alan Keyes didn't get too much publicity but our new upcoming President gets help all the way to the top. He was getting a lot of support, and just because he puts the word "CHANGE" into his campagn and spends billions of our dollars making pretty little posters to hand out and leave at doorsteps, he gains the support of millions of people in our nation.
This election was the same as all elections. The stage is set, these puppets are set up one on the left and one on the right (literally). And here's the part that bothers me, as soon as I start talking down about one of the candidates, everyone assumes I must be voting or supporting the other candidate. As soon as I say "No, I'm voting third party," I'm bombarded by comments like "Why would you waste your vote?" and "He will never be the President" and "I'm voting for McCain because I talked to my uncles and they're in the military and they know what they're talking about."
Start voting for something you believe in rather than the lesser of two evils, that is truly a wasted vote, because that is exactly what the people running the country want you to do, vote for the lesser of two evils because they run the 2 party system, they've harnessed it so that they can make it look like two opposing sides when in the end they have the same plans.
I think it's time for America to start thinking outside of the f--ing box. The elections are fake. As soon as Hilary Clinton was out of the race, the people behind the scenes controlling the whole show had to have McCain get his pretty little poster child Palin, so Joe the Plumber says, "F--k yea! It's a black guy against a woman again!” First, it was all about the war, then our economy problem revealed itself after years of preparation. We don't hear too much about the war anymore because we have to be kept entertained by our own country’s tragedies. All over the news for months, all this money and makeup that these lying politicians are flaunting are just so that the general population can pay attention for more than one minute while watching the six o'clock news with their families so that the bull--t propaganda can be forcefed into our minds. It's popular to act like you're into politics at a young age, going around talking about taxes, and tax cuts and Obama is gonna do this, McCain is gonna do that, then voting for the presidency based off of three minutes of research, then realizing there's a lot more to vote for on the ballot than just the president and just kind of guessing who you're voting for at state level issues.
Neither of the candidates are going to do anything that they say and taxes are a problem, but there's so much more to pay attention to. The value of our dollar is decreasing, and the people printing the money are just making it worse, and that's exactly how they want it, stealing from the American people right under our noses. And those same people are the ones who gave McCain and Obama their fame. Sure, Obama and McCain have their right wing or left wing views on subjects like like socialized health care and lowering taxes, the typical issues that add to the grand illusion and that the mass majority can just barely get a grip on understanding. But the people with the money are the people with the power, and they make the American people think that we're fighting for something within our democracy. Democrats or Republicans!, they're working together.
Romans guitarist Justin Gonyea (to HeadbangersBlog.com): I'm excited. With the President, Senate and House of Representatives all controlled by one party things are going to happen fast. We're all hopeful things will move in a better direction. The next year will tell all.
Edguy and Avantasia frontman Tobias Sammet (to Headbangersblog.com): I have been to the States many times. I love the country, but many things seemed to be quite fucked up. All my cool friends in the States deserve better, and I thank god Obama made it. I don't wanna say that everything is gonna change next year, but I am optimistic… this is a giant leap in the right direction. The Conservatives are responsible for distorting the perception of Americans for the rest of the world, which is not very fair ‘cause part of the most recent reputation doesn't represent what America stands for, I think. Now Obama will hopefully make it all change for the better. I hope it will also improve the relationship of Europe and America. I think the world will become a little more peaceful as long as the weapon lobby doesn't put a gun to his head and push his back against the wall. I think it's good - for me, for the world, for the upright American people!
Paria bassist Dustin Treinen (to HeadbangersBlog.com): It's really amazing to have gotten to take part in such an important historical event. Obama has got a lot of weight on his shoulders to clean up the mess that George Bush made, but I think he's the only man fit for the job. I think that his ever-striving ambition has boosted the spirits of so many United States citizens by giving us all hope for change to save us from the economic depression that we are headed towards. I, for one, am very pleased with the outcome of this presidential election.
From a Second Story Window vocalist Will Jackson: Honestly, this election was no surprise to me. I am a Democrat and have sifted through the stench of this government and its leaders for the last eight years just like every other Democrat beside me. This election was our turn. Barack Obama is our representative, and he truly stands for change and hope in this country, cliché as that may sound. Our world has been turned upside down in a mere eight years, and who is to blame? Our president and his constituents. They have taken a prosperous nation, and through misused veto power (more than any other president in history, I might add) and blatant self-fulfilling profiteering schemes, have created the largest debt in American history, along with some of the largest economical turmoil seen in years and years. So, Democrats rejoice... and hope that our new leader of the nation will stand up to his blustering promises and ideas/ideals, and give us the chance to be the country that we all know we are capable of being. GOBAMA! YES WE CAN!
Comments