Future

I think as of Sept 2008, I have spent a whole decade continuously in the USA. I have seen Bush gotten elected twice, and now, I am so scared of being disappointed again. Then again, this time it will be different, because if Americans say no to Obama, I think I won't just be disappointed, I think I will literally be devastated and to a large extent, disillusioned with the ideals of this country.

In the past four years I have gotten exponentially interested and well versed about American politics. It is a ruthless, complex space full of people with great character corrupted by the populist aspect of this democracy. Yet I am so utterly, almost embarrassingly enamored with Barack Obama. Early in the presidential campaign, I took one of those online politics test and my dot was smack in the forehead of Obama's. I agree with him on almost everything. On the few things that I don't share his opinion, I find myself respecting the difference, instead of feeling that his rhetoric belittles my position. That is no small feat in American politics. I identify with his journey as a sojourner. I am inspired not only by his rhetoric but his intellectual command, and his unifying charisma. I know as capable as he is, he won't be able to solve every problem (and there are a lot) this country faces in the future. Yet the unique way he has asserted himself on the national stage, fills me with such hope and optimism that I feel would be the ONLY way we all get over this state of affairs. He can't solve it for Americans, but he can, and has, lifted a lot of people out of apathy. He can inspire and lead Americans to find the strength and will within to come together again, to respect expertise again, and to do great things properly again.

Frontline recently broadcasted an excellent in-depth look at the biographies of both candidates. I didn't know that much detail about Obama's years at Harvard, particularly his impressive tenure as the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. It was very enlightening, and I have even more admiration for him afterwards. You should all see it here.

Larry David made a good post describing pretty much how most of my social circle feels waiting for Nov 4th. I think on Nov 4th, I should wrap myself in a Canadian flag and sit next to a mirror, and when I feel like Pro America Palin Nation becoming a reality then I can quickly turn to the mirror and be reminded that I am way more emotionally invested than I should be.