This is it. I am taking a break from my regularly scheduled updates on my expatriate life to embrace my americanism and to talk about, what else?, the elections. Tonight we will elect a new president, just as we do every four years, and every four years with varying degrees we feel an unheaval of government as one administration is turned into the next. Sometimes the transition is more rupturous than others.
I am hoping for a big change.
I know that three years ago I willingly abandoned my political aspirations for more literary pursuits and that I left my country three months ago for one that I generally prefer, but I am still an American and my heart still races with new polling data--eventhough I know you can't believe polls--and I worry and wonder about the State of our Union after tonight. We've been through a lot in the past four years, under questionable leadership and now, since I am living abroad, I am realizing more and more that the US's place in the world is equally as questionable; Americans are not the only ones whose hearts are pounding in anticipation of these election results. The French, the Spanish, the Germans, the Brits, the Saudis, the Afghans, are all waiting to find out the fate of our nation and consequently THEIR world.
As an American living abroad, the first--and really only--question that I've been asked by french citizens is " Are you voting for Bush?" and my answer, to their overwhelming relief is "No. Absolutely not."
Let's hope my vote counts in Ohio.
This election is important for the future of the country and for our position in the global community. Right now, as an American it is NOT easy to make friends overseas. The french view, as it is the one I know best, is that we are fortunate to be responsible for the election of our president and that he is consequently a reflection of the soul and the volition of the American People. What does it mean if GEORGE W BUSH is the incarnation of the soul of America according to the French? They don't hate us because they are snobs. They hate us because of our President. Well, and because most American tourists are ABSURD, but that is another story.
So, I hope that you all vote today, follow your conscience, however it leads you and just know that your vote, your ONE vote has enormous ramifications within and without our Nation.
On a personal note, if Bush wins, I'm not coming home.
Jacques Chirac looks better by the minute.
It's not looking too good for Kerry now at 7:45 this morning. And if Bush wins, I agree with you, I'll be flying to France. Miss you!
Kait
Posted by: kaitlin | November 03, 2004 at 06:46 AM