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election
July 2009 
Gaia's Election Week Update
Posted on Nov 7th, 2008
by 
Gaia Team
Gaia Team
Hello Wonderful People!
Jessica here.
Wow. What week it has been. There was been a lot of political energy on Gaia during the heated campaign for US president. We've had members on all sides of the debate, but I think we might all agree that we are part of a historic moment. I am moved by the messages of unity from Senator McCain and even George W. Bush. I am awed by the record participation and impact of this election on the world. Tuesday was an inspiring day. Obama's acceptance speech focused on reaching out to all United States citizens and the world. He talked about the need for our involvement and partnership in facing the obstacles at hand.
And, whatever you might think of him, I was touched by current President Bush when he said:
No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation...(more)
But, it's not just Americans who are proud. Today I asked Jodi, one of our South African Team members, about the reaction to the election there, she said, this means so much to every African child. Every child can look up to Obama...and believe they can achieve anything. Wow.
Now let's here what you had to say on Gaia about this election and leadership:
"Yes we Can" (If we keep the following in mind), Otter
11/4/08, Chris (our Gaia dev guru!)
Back on Track, Patrick (the view from Europe)
Presidency 2008, Crystal
It's Election Night in America, Sterling
This is Your Victory, Meenakshi
A View of Leadership, Jo
Jessica here.
Wow. What week it has been. There was been a lot of political energy on Gaia during the heated campaign for US president. We've had members on all sides of the debate, but I think we might all agree that we are part of a historic moment. I am moved by the messages of unity from Senator McCain and even George W. Bush. I am awed by the record participation and impact of this election on the world. Tuesday was an inspiring day. Obama's acceptance speech focused on reaching out to all United States citizens and the world. He talked about the need for our involvement and partnership in facing the obstacles at hand.
And, whatever you might think of him, I was touched by current President Bush when he said:
No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation...(more)
But, it's not just Americans who are proud. Today I asked Jodi, one of our South African Team members, about the reaction to the election there, she said, this means so much to every African child. Every child can look up to Obama...and believe they can achieve anything. Wow.
Now let's here what you had to say on Gaia about this election and leadership:
"Yes we Can" (If we keep the following in mind), Otter
11/4/08, Chris (our Gaia dev guru!)
Back on Track, Patrick (the view from Europe)
Presidency 2008, Crystal
It's Election Night in America, Sterling
This is Your Victory, Meenakshi
A View of Leadership, Jo
Thanks for making your voices heard, Gaia. I'm inspired by the depth and understanding. I feel so proud to be part of this community. And, if you have Election blogs that are not listed here, post 'em in the comments below :)
In other, not-so-political Gaia news from the Dev Team desk:
New bits:
* Added to sidebar: Invite (friends), Gaia Hubs (old homepage), Help (on Gaia tab), Gaia Mail, MyGaia, user Title
* Option for non-members to join pod when they click 'post new topic'
* Fixes to search page so searches can be more easily repeated. Yay!
* Add welcome message to visitors of Quote pages to share about Gaia.
* Speed improvements for team blog page!
* Speed improvements for pod messaging!
* Fixed an issue where librarians couldn't delete quotes :)
* Small fix to blogs/tagged page to show entire tag
* Fixed whitespace on photos page
* Former members can join groups now
* More functionality to flag suspicious users
Again, please give three cheers for the Dev team and all the magic their working behind the scenes. I am always so impressed with them and their wizardry!
Thank you all for tuning in for this week's update. You are amazing, and we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences from this week, so please share below ;)
In other, not-so-political Gaia news from the Dev Team desk:
New bits:
* Added to sidebar: Invite (friends), Gaia Hubs (old homepage), Help (on Gaia tab), Gaia Mail, MyGaia, user Title
* Option for non-members to join pod when they click 'post new topic'
* Fixes to search page so searches can be more easily repeated. Yay!
* Add welcome message to visitors of Quote pages to share about Gaia.
* Speed improvements for team blog page!
* Speed improvements for pod messaging!
* Fixed an issue where librarians couldn't delete quotes :)
* Small fix to blogs/tagged page to show entire tag
* Fixed whitespace on photos page
* Former members can join groups now
* More functionality to flag suspicious users
Again, please give three cheers for the Dev team and all the magic their working behind the scenes. I am always so impressed with them and their wizardry!
Thank you all for tuning in for this week's update. You are amazing, and we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences from this week, so please share below ;)
Access: Public
Not sure if this is where I should post this…
President-Elect Obama launched his new website. He's the first President to do this! It's pretty awesome too. I have a good feeling about this man!!
the website is:
http://change.gov/
Thank you for your inclusive writing. I can only imagine the day we elect a woman to lead us. The day in which little (and big) girls everywhere around the world see that we are equally valued, too. In the meantime: http://isledance.blogspot.com/2008/11/in-memory.html
Thank you for these blog updates !! I love hearing about all the things the devs are doing. It helps me be patient about all the things I wish they were doing !!! I know their list is very looooooong.
I notice that I now have to scroll down to reach some of my most-used sidebar links under the Me column, like Groups and Blogs. I could wish some of the general Gaia stuff were further down and those were further up…..
Anyway, you all are awesome, Team, and very precious treasures in my life.
Blessings, OM Bastet
Hi Jessica, thank you for posting links to inspiring election blogs around gaia. Reading various perspectives on this major event is yet another perk about being part of this community. My perception of the election has certainly been enhanced by what's in the heart & mind of you american gais, in ways that the media coverage over here in denmark cannot provide.. thank you all for that.
I'm pt reading through blogs in my network & would like to link you up to:
Peridot's posting of a great article, Tears to remember &
Dawn's celebration of a new dawn, a new day, a new life.
And cheers, cheers, cheers! to the dev team <3
and Jeannie's yes we can and we did
and keith's no red america, no blue america, just one america & tears
WELL DONE AMERICA and if the job's worth doing …
flowerchildatheart, that's awesome. I think the President Elect's website is a sign of a better democracy. This new-fangled internet is absolutely amazing.
Isle dance, I hear you. I look forward to a lady taking office too. We were close this time. It was a historic race all around. I think all parties, and the independents showed they were willing to choose candidates of all colors and genders. Progress continues.
OM, ah yes! The devs are always always working hard and doing many things to improve our Gaia lives. If you are having any troubles or even have suggestions, you can always email support (at) gaia (dot) com. And, I will also pass your request along.
Tara, I am glad you are enjoying the Gaia-coverage and thank you for posting those other blogs. They are great too.
Michael, thank you for the positive vibe :)
I am very proud of both John McCain and Barack Obama. I am proud that Barack Obama raised the bar and let alot of us know that we can do anything that we put our mind to. I am also proud of the fight that McCain put up. He also overcame alot of obstacles as well. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us all.
I was here in chicago for the election!… the streets were crazy! and hearing obama's voice echo over chicago was amazing!… there were so many ppl… it's awesome to be a part of history!
I'd like to shamelessly call attention to my post-election blog Optimism Isn't Easy. And the important comments to it.
I am willing to be shameless because I believe the blog contains useful info and is offered in service to Changing the World.
Blessings to all, OM Bastet