I Wish I Was a Yank

I guess I should probably be pretty ashamed that I've only ever voted once in my life, and that it was for a person in a race that I can't even remember; it must not have been that important.  My reasoning was that as soon as a politician comes along and inspires me or interests me or says anything even remotely involving, I'd sit up and take notice.  Well, it never happened - until some guy in the US showed up and started saying things that not only got me interested in him, but in politics in general.  This might be the first time in my life I wish I was an American, just so I could cast my vote for Barack Obama.

I swang by the Roadhouse BBQ tonight, where the local chapter of Democrats Abroad hosted a shindig that allowed all who were interested to Obama's acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination.  It was a pretty packed house, with around 200 souls crammed around the screens among an environment that generated a significant amount of energy; the feeling that this is an issue that really, really matters was thick in the air.  Applause rang out at regular intervals, when I managed to take a few pictures with my phone (sorry for the bad quality, the light was low).

About 1/3 of the space packed with Obama supporters.I know I'm about the five millionth person to say this, and forgive me for sounding cheesy, but I've never been inspired by a politician as I have been by Obama.  Just something about the way the guy speaks - with conviction and intelligence and care - that gets me.  I've never said this about any politician before, but I just believe in the guy.  It sure is a far step up from the trained monkey that's been ruining running the USA for the past 8 years.  Here's to Obama, the one guy on the planet who I think has a legitimate chance to change things for the better.

People hardly took their eyes off the TV.Update: saw this shirt on the skytrain today and had to take a picture.

Where do you even find fabric like this? Awesome.

Comments

[Stuart]

I was at this screening as well. (Although I am not in either of your photos here :) Even though I had read most of the good quotes on the Internet earlier in the day, it was interesting to hear Obama deliver them himself. (Thanks, Democrats Abroad!)

I can't say anything that hasn't been said before, but I hope that Americans pick a unifier who wants to move forward, rather than a angry old man who supports the failed strategies of the last 8 years!

We'll see in two months...

[Greg]

Thanks Stuart, I agree with you 100%. It'll be nail-biter for sure... kind of like watching a really good movie, but with, you know, the fate of the free world in the balance.