Americans Need to Know Why This House is Important?

Good Morning Papamoka Bloggers - I wish I could stop writing about Bush altogether, but it appears that he keeps doing things that deserve a response from WE THE PEOPLE! This time it's about respect, or the lack of it.

Generally historians credit the Clinton/Bush transition in 2001 as being relatively smooth, especially when you consider the bad blood. The Clintons were extremely cooperative at the time, despite the bitter impeachment battle and multiple other Republican attacks. It is true there was some damage by employees, but like any office move, few transitions end without some damage.

Today's transition seemed to be going relatively smoothly, except for one very important new development: BLAIR HOUSE! The Bush family, above most others, knows that Blair House - across from the White House - is ALWAYS RESERVED for the incoming first family.

IT IS THE RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT at the time of transition. Unfortunately, it isn't this year, during this transition. The Bush family has decided to slap the Obamas in the face, forcing them to check into a hotel.

I'm sorry, the corporate media may be ignoring it, but I need to point out just how RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL the Bush family is for denying the residence. It is outrageous! The Obamas arrive in Washington this weekend and are forced to book into a hotel because the Bush Administration said the "official residence was full." OUTRAGEOUS!

For those who think I'm overreacting and think there are more important things to focus on, I would like to say that I agree with you. HOWEVER, this is IMPORTANT too. The inaugural celebrations are designed to turn a candidate into a president, and they were created as a process, and the incoming first family's residence is an important part of that process.

We might not be hearing much about it, but in Washington circles the Bush Administration has effectively thrown the new first family on the street. A hotel does not show them much respect, not to mention it offers little protection during celebrations where security risks are everywhere. They at least should have offered the Lincoln bedroom.

The President-elect traditionally prepares for the inauguration and the transition while staying at Blair House. It is the OFFICIAL government mansion, second to the White House and RESERVED for heads-of-state and incoming first families.

Obama was told to look elsewhere because the building was booked up for farewell parties and events to mark the end of the Bush administration. I must admit, it gets me VERY angry. I doubt the Obamas can do anything, but I wish they could.

I think it's important for us - or the PRESS - to find out WHO is staying at Blair House during the time the Obamas require the residence. We should CALL THEM OUT and SHAME THEM for staying, knowing the president-elect and his family need the residence.

Again, for those unconcerned, it's also worthwhile pointing out that Blair House is considered a safety zone by the Secret Service. This is a very serious breach of protocol that proves once again the lack of respect Bush has for the American people, the inaugural process, and the safety of the next president.

Wow, I'm getting tired of slamming the OFFENSIVE MORONS now living in the White House. I need Obama to take office so I can begin to focus on more important issues. Despite my misgivings, I still think it's important to document the lawbreaking, worldwide destruction, and basic lack of respect shown by the Bush Administration. They continue to offend the American people and the world, and we will ALL rejoice when they are gone.

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Obama Transition Selection

President Elect Barack Obama (I'm so happy to be able to type that) has to be very careful who he picks for his cabinet and transitional teams. As politics goes, he owes some favors to some people and he does not owe favors to others. That is just how the political system has always worked. Early reports are out that some of the star power he will be tapping have some serious credentials to back them up and it appears that President Obama (I love writing that by the way) is not just selecting Democrats and left wing liberals.

Colin Powell’s name has come up on various sites for either an education position or Secretary of Defense position. Former Congressman Rham Emanuel has been selected as President Obama’s (did I tell you I love writing that) Chief of Staff.

Anywho, election night television and internet reporting burned me out for most of the day today and I needed some serious veg time. Countdown had this to say on the transition to an Obama Presidency… (I still like writing that by the way)

Video Link



It isn’t hard to believe that President Obama (still like writing that) will not surround himself with people that yes him to death. If you followed his campaign over the last year or more he has said that would be how his cabinet would be formed. The best, the brightest, political affiliation did not matter, and the best man or woman would fill out his administration. I’m just guessing but I’m pretty sure that your qualifications to run an organization like FEMA would have to have more than just raising horses in it? You just might have to have some serious experience with disaster management. I’m just guessing though.

We can all be pretty confident that President Obama (you know, I like how that sounds) will surround himself with people that can get the job done in the areas of leadership he places them. He has to come out with a first rate team to manage the details of the respective government organizations so he can concentrate on the legislation and changes in our federal government that have been ignored for almost a decade. In the coming days and weeks very well qualified people will either accept his request for service to our nation or beg not to be chosen. We have a rough road ahead of us and some of the best and brightest paths may move them to decline the offer. I could actually see President Obama (I like typing that) offering Senator Hillary Clinton the position of Secretary of State and she could not decline such a high profile post. I could actually see former Mayor Rudy Giuliani asked to fill the position of top gun at Homeland Security.

In a separate thought, John McCain was a true American gentleman in his concession speech on election night. Honestly, I thought it was the best speech he ever gave. In my eyes he will always be a true American hero but we just disagree on politics and the issues and the election results showed that too. Now is the time for all America to come back together and face the problems front on! Even if the houses that govern us are lopsided we still need to have them work together for the betterment of the people of America and McCain nailed that in his speech. Check it out…

Video Link



Side bar thought, don’t be surprised if President Obama (Liking that more and more) might just tap Senator John McCain for a very high profile post. I could be wrong but it would be a ball hit out of the park if President Obama (Yup, that sounds so good) embraced John McCain and asked him to help us all though the many challenges we now face. That would heal many wounds in this long and nasty election and be a true unifying offer to the political party of John McCain.

Just to let you our readers know, President Elect Obama is not getting a freebie on this website, if he screws up then we will voice our honest and heartfelt opinions on it. We are Americans first here at Papamoka Straight Talk and if our newly elected leaders pull the same crap as Bush then God help them.

Papamoka