There Is Writing On the Wall
As I read my friendly neighborhood news blogs this morning I found myself bemoaning to my husband the fact that I wasn’t American. Now, never in our history together… nor my own individually, have I EVER uttered those words. And it’s likely I shan’t ever again… however….
As I perused this morning, after nearly a month almost completely out of the loop, there was a distinct feeling of envy for this populace and their potential to create REAL change in their political reality- certainly juxtaposed to our own lacklustre, uninspired election and a resigned acceptance to status quo. As everyone, the media and individuals alike, keep saying, this is “historic”, the “election of a generation” and it’s exciting, not to mention just downright, fitfully entertaining, to watch it all go down. In my early hours, by the glow of my laptop screen, I experienced a sharp, intense pang of wanting to be a part of it.
Despite my lack of participation, I am still married to an American. I am also a citizen and resident of the United States’ largest trading partner… so the campaign and subsequent election cannot be reduced entirely to merely entertainment. But, in all honesty, as I’ve watched, riveted, for these many months I have had little trust in my neighbors to the south to actually be able to take the leap of faith and common sense and support Obama. I was certain they could still be manipulated by fear (of terrorists and socialists, alike) and McCain would get the votes as a result… but it seems I may be wrong.
Day by day, Republican mutiny by Republican mutiny, I am reassured that common sense has not abandoned the American public. High profile, long-time, even life-long, Republicans are seeing the error of their ways, or at least John McCain’s. Sure, you can blame his choice of train-wreck, Sarah Palin, if you wish- while initially a tremendous boost to the campaign she is currently nothing but an embarassing albatross- the diminishing support has to be placed at the feet of the man, himself.
John McCain, a Republican I might have actually voted for, if I’d been able, back in 2000- and believe me, I would have rather had my toes roasted and devoured by Rush Limbaugh than have voted Republican- given his progressive and firmly moderate position on most things I consider to be important… say, taxation, gay rights and abortion- or at least, the woman’s right to choose. He has shamelessly turned fundamentally on almost every issue, whether it was for the sake of his base, or the grind of a challenging campaign- first in the Republican leadership and now the Presidency- and he is losing respect and support within the party at break-neck speed.
It is of great relief to be rid of the idiot that is George Dubya… it is of tremendous pleasure to witness probably the most Canadian of Americans elected to the highest office of the land… but it is with enormous sadness and regret that we see a great American clumsily orchestrate his own humiliating and bloody political demise.
