Year in Review: What do you think of '08? What's ahead in '09?

2008 saw the nadir of the ruination of America.

After taking away our economy as well as our freedoms there was no more damage to be done, so Rove and Cheney abandoned their steaming mess for the rest of us to deal with.

I'd like to be happy about the elections but there's no way out that i can see; America is already ruined.

2008 was a horrible year for me personally. Lost my father in May, Lost my job in September, lost a couple of friends in death....... I just can't wait for it to be over.... I'm not saying anything about '09 becuase I dont want to jinx myself...

As far as it being a historic year.. I think it was forced either way... we'd either have a black president or a woman vice... big deal.  This economy and country are in shambles (hence I lost my job). It's gonna be quite some time before its all fixed. I dont care if the president is white, black, green, woman, man or dog.. just fix it!

2008 not too bad!  Fair share of ups and down, economically, emotionally and some scary events during the year which caused many Americans less ease than in the past but I've had worse years such as 2004 when I lost 6 close relatives month by month including my beloved father and several fav uncles, aunts and cousins or the year of Hurricane Andrew when I lost everything tangible.  Yep, the economy is bad, inflation/recession looms large but apparently I made it through, possibly a bit scared but not broken and looking forward to 2009, with the problems and the good times.  I saw a bit of it all in 2008.  Difficuties, illness, pain, history and still managed to make it.  So I say yippe for resiliance (msp) and prayer and actually I will probably remember 2008 for the rest of the time I have left of my life.  I'm not overly optimistic nor am I over pessimistic.  It is what it is! 

2008 is the beggining of a conscious awakening, the book, A New Earth, help guide some...The inspiring campaign of PE Obama help to guide others.  Many are seeking a new understanding as they are faced with difficulties weather economic, or catastrophic they are moved toward a new beginning.

2008 is a one year!

For those who believe that numbers hold occult power, the number one represents resurgence and a new beginning after emerging from the end of a long cycle.

The number one’s promise of renewal is symbolically suggestive of a metamorphosis.

On the positive side, the number one holds the budding energy of independence, and fosters a strong sense of self-reliance. It also promotes leadership, mastery, self-development, courageousness, inventiveness, assertiveness, self-sufficiency, and emboldens the ability to stand alone.

Under the cosmic ripple of the numeral’s metaphysical essence, the belief is that people, alone or in groups, will be driven by unseen divinatory forces to develop pioneering ideas, set trends, sustain a determination to lead, unmask the self-motivated drive to accomplish more, and be willing to embrace an awareness of the oneness with all.

copied from a post by ShaunV of newsvine Jan 04, 2008

2008 started out for me in August of 2007.  The bridge in Minneapolis fell down and the whole country started going with it.  I lost my spouse, my mom is really sick and I am frightened.  I try to be up but people are losing their jobs, then their houses and I don't think we have seen the horrific consequences of that yet.  Greed is taking this great country down and that makes me very sad.  Happy New Year!

For me personally, New Years Eve this year will not be so much welcoming 2009 as it will be saying good riddance to 2008, perhaps the worst year of an already horrible decade.

UBS lost $254,499.00 for me in the meltdown but all in all it wasn't a bad year the warmonger bush/cheny duo will no longer be president and when you hit bottom there is nowhere else to go but up. So lets all put the past behind us and look forward to a brighter future.

2008 was a good year because I was healthy.  Not having someone feed, wash or dress me means all the world's wealth to me.  Was 2008 without its downs?  No, I was severed from my job, and that was a disappointment.  But as usual, God is good, and has been good to me.  One's health is worth all the money and assets in the world, and although I'm looking forward to a better year in 2009 (a good paying job), I am thankful for my home and food on the table.  

I just read a story about a judge jailing a muslim woman for not taking off her head scarf, okay if you don't go by our laws then you go to jail. What makes them think they can come over to our country and change our laws to suit them. NOT. If we went to their country they should wouldn't give a care about US or our feelings. I am so sick of people coming over here and telling us what we should or shouldn't do in our own country. If they don't like it here go back home. Don't try and change our counrty to be like theirs. Sherry

The President is not even American. Just to start his name is not American

2008 was a horrible year for me  and many of my fellow Realtor friends. It's been a long,tough,financially stressful, 365 days..and I've sweated every one of them. I'll be glad to wave good-bye.

With three family deaths, loss of my job, a close friend stricken with ALS disease, a nationwide economic meltdown and disgraceful acts of public people (Illinois governor, Wall Street charlatans, etc.), 2008 has been a year that I can't wait to end. 

I can only hope that 2009 will result in an upward turn-around for everyone adversely affected this year.  For sure, there will be the long-awaited exit of the Bush Administration, to be replaced by President-Elect Obama and his well-chosen Cabinet.  I wish them courage, wisdom and compassion with their very difficult challenges lying ahead.

2008 was a year of change for me. I came home to help my mom after my dad passed away in August 07. I moved home in Jan 08 and my life changed from what it was. Since my child was grown and out on her own, I had been focusing on me: my career, my life, what I wanted. All that changed when I came home. I now started focusing on helping my mom, taking her to the doctor, getting things done around her house and doing little things for her that either Daddy had done for her or she could do for herself before her health really took a nosedive.

I now spend more time outside. I walk more, play with the dogs I have acquired, work in the yard more. I work from home (thanks to my workplace) and I am no longer in the "rat race." I don't commute and have time for things that matter in the long run.

The year has had its low spots: mom's numerous hospitalizations, dealing with an alcoholic spouse and trying to help him, struggling to pay bills, not having my dad here. But I have much to be thankful for: I am employed with good benefits, I still have my mom and we have grown closer, I have a daughter with a strong moral compass and sense of compassion, I am healthy, and I get to live a simple life and enjoy simple pleasures.

I look forward to our new President and have not felt this much hope for our nation in a long time. Was the year a good one? I don't know, History will judge and declare it good or bad but 2009 will be a year of hope!

My husband and I were lucky and made a change in 2008 that saved us from the same fate millions are now experiencing, foreclosure.  we sold our home and bought a piece of land and put a manufactured home on it and decreased our monthly debt by 50%.  If we had not sold the home in exactly the month we did, we would have lost it by now, so we are extremely lucky and thankful.

The election of 2008, the mortgage crisis, the financial meltdown and the domino effect caused by all of those things is taking us into a new year filled with apprehension.  People are angry at the mess we are currently in and few see any hope in change for sometime to come. 

Soon to be President Obama will need to inspire all of us.  He will not be able to change the country's situation over night but he can pull us together as we saw during his historical run for the presidency.

Inspiration in tough times will be essential for this great country.  2009 may be worse that 2008, but I have hope that we will at long last have leadership in our country, something that has be sorely lacking for the last 8 years, that will make us believe we can overcome the hard times and move forward to better times.

I have seen much in the half century I have lived in this country.  The good and the bad.  At my age, there is one thing I know for certain.  Things will always CHANGE.

2008 is definitely unforgettable as this is the year when I became an American citizen and didnt have to wait long to cast my vote in a presidential election.  An American by choice, despite the harsh reality that the US prestige worldwide had been deeply compromised by a war that was premised on a lie. The current financial downturn has hurt  the US too as more and more countries learn to be self reliant and break away from too much dependence on American bussiness sphere of influence.  As a painter/sculptor living an artist's life in New York, I honestly can't ask for more as the  colors and excitment of this great city made my life more meaningful.  The economic crisis has hit the Arts terribly and most artist are finding it more and more dificult to pursue their art careers; depending on how people look at it, the current predicament can also keep artist fired up to produce more serious work and be more true to themselves and their Art.  The years of a Van Gogh with an SUV is over and its back to the basics again.   I find the whole American experience more worth living and remembering than hold on to that "American dream" which is more of conspicious consumption than anything else.   I admire Americans when they uphold the Dignity of Labor and respect other people's right be themselves and their endless pursuit of  Freedom and happiness.

2008 was a hard year for me.  I spent the year recovering from surgeries while living in my vehicle.  The bank took my home in 2007 after I hurt my back.  I can walk again now, and drive for short distances, so I hope to make my way back to Michigan next summer to see my grandchildren.

This was the WORST yr of my life. And almost the last at my own hands.  First my wife got hooked on pills, then went to rehab. That changed her so much to the extreem that we are now getting divorced.

  Ya I know so the same has happened to millions of others. Well on top of this BOTH my parents passed away. My Dad from a bad heart and my Mom from cancer. I now have no credit due to the wife. need some place to live while the soon to be ex stays in my house with our two children.

 Things couldnt be worse And I'm waiting for a miracal. This "hope" and I

m NOT religious is the only thing keeping me going; but it's SOOOOO hard.

I must say that this has been an unforgetable year for me.  I have been so uplifted and amazed at our wonderful country.  Forgetting blame, forgetting ourselves and looking at those who have been severly affected by the world's econonmic crisis.  I have noticed and have been confirmed in my thinking by talking to many people from around the country that for the most part we still have great love and compassion for one another.  I have noticed less decorations for the Holiday's, less overspending on themselves but rather people are actually helping others and forgetting about themselves and the stress of their situation in life.  I have had several great humbling moments seeing this actually happening before me.  Yes I am very religious and I do beleive in My Lord Jesus and have found that although many are not affected by our Countries Crisis, more are, and are getting the help from all the people that can possibly offer it.  I am not saying that people are shelling out tons of cash but I am talking about being there one for another.  Knowing situations people are giving from their heart and seeing the sufferings of others has inspired "LOVE" once again in our wonderful Country.  I am so very proud of all of you who have this compassion and loyalty toward humanity.  I thank God that this year, this Holiday Season, that God is still in control even if it seems so hard and such a struggle, the great compassion and charity of Love sent from God is still overwhelming each of use with Love for one another.  This is a true blessing and lesson for us all.  I don't believe that one single person or entity did this to our country but rather evil greed and corruption and loss of charity and love did this.  I thank God that once again he has prevailed with Love that compasses all things and is the overcomer of that which will destroy us if we allow it too.  I strongly beleive that God is pouring out his Love to us all in these last days of Biblical fulfillment and in that we are heeding and accepting this love and spreading it from one to another.  People where ever you are and what ever you are doing, we seem to be on the right track and that is Charity and Love, this shows me that the all Powerful Love of God and his Son Jesus are still within us and still calling to us and we are adhereing to this.  Good is not evil, nor is evil good but being evil and doing good is by the grace of God and it is there, the heart felt need to help doesn't come from evil nor it does come from our "being",  but rather from our Heavenly Father who is sent of Love for all.  I am so thankful that this year, this season is renewed hope that God is in complete Control!  Feed the hungry, Give to the Poor in spirit and heart, help those in need!  I see this happening, just look around and you will see it too!  Just ask and you will hear it.

2008 has been a sad year for many Americans, the loss of so many jobs, the foreclosures, small businesses going broke, the war in Iraq, who can possibly feel good at this time of year? All of these sad situations have such a tremendous impact on families. Listening to the nightly news has just become so depressing, we see the stock market crumbling, auto workers being out of work, retired couples loosing their hard earned nest eggs. Who can possibly think of celebrating the holidays? There is no Christmas tree in my house this year, no cookies being baked and decorated, no presents, no outside lights it is now just another day. The sadness of where are country is at overshadows the joy that we have always felt. So many children will not experience Santa this Christmas as parents are just trying to survive. It is very hard to be optimistic about 2009, President Elect Obama will not be able to cure all of our woes. I feel there are more hard times ahead and the only hope for this country is that we try to help our neighbors as much as we can, as all the citizens of this country will need to stick together to get through all of this.

It was a so-so year.  Not really looking forward to 2009 but it will be what it will be.  Lots of people are going to suffer next year so not a great year to look forward to.  Just going to have to take it month by month.  My family and I are very blessed so I will continue to pray we can make it through.  I will continue to give to the reputable charities in hopes that will help others.

Going to have to watch out for my neighbors as several are already struggling.  Guess I can grow more vegetables and help them that way.  I can't help but think that we are paying for our choices we have made in the past.  Too much greed. 

Can only hope that Mr. Obama has a plan.  I don't really believe he will bring any change given his inclinations.  A lot of people will have their hopes crushed as they will see exactly how much influence the President and Congress really have on the economy.  I really hope I am proven extremely wrong but I doubt I will be.  I wish every one God's blessings as we head into the new year.  

"Thank-You God for thinking about me I'm Alive and doin' fine". Haven't worked at home since the end of March but I still have my house (thanks to bad credit) My family is healthy,and, most of all, 2008 and George and his groupies are almost gone. Iwill pray for a speedy recovery of America and it's inhabitants.

As for the scarf incident she needs to remove it to make sure of our saftey in this country, she can put it back on when it,s been determined that she is not a threat.

The new bridge in Minneapolis is really nice

The only way to go is up

Rember to buy "Union made in America" the job you save (with health insuance and a retirement package) may be your own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008 - The year of the Rat.  Big ugly changes, but it's what to expect in this year of the rat. 

in response to Kevin-778596.  Asking a muslim woman to take off her head scarf in public like that is like asking your wife to take off her shirt. 

If a person has ALWAYS dressed a certain way, then changing it feels like being naked.  People must understand that and be more open and accepting to a woman choosing to wear a scarf on her head, neck, arms, chest, whatever. 

People need to get over that fear really quick and be more respectful to other's differences and beliefs. 

I realize that the norm in this country is NOT to wear a headscarf, but when this country became established women were still wearing bonnets, so how is that any different?  Same concept - CONSERVATIVISM. 

It's a RIGHT specifically written in our beloved U.S. Constitution and if you have a problem with it, write your congressman.

Think about how this year was and is for those serving abroad on continuous tours.  If we think we had a bad year........................................

Although a lot of things in 2008 sucked (you know, the economy...the scandals...mostly everything in the last 3 months) there are some things I'm very grateful for.

1. 2008 was the end of an era of corruption and the beginning of an era of total accountability.  People will no longer be allowed to get away with anything they can.  People will be more careful with their investments and their credit. 

2. Although the economy sucks right now, for lack of a better word, I think sometimes a good Depression is just what a country with over-high prices on EVERYTHING and over-greedy lendors and investors  needs.  We're getting it right now, and 10 years down the line, we'll be better because of these hard times.

3. Hard times have made me personally, and I would bet others, begin to appreciate the simple things in life.  The days of Keeping Up with the Joneses are coming to a close and now we're just trying to keep in touch with each other and to keep close to our friends adn families.  I think people had forgotten how important those things are in their fervor to get the bigger house, the nicer car, the North Face jacket...and I'm glad to see people turning to a simple Christmas ham and families around a fire this year rather than running out to Jamaica.

4. Those three things aside, I'm also grateful that 2008 is drawing to a close...let's all pray that 2009 is better.