Elections

Yesterday being Super Tuesday, people are buzzing around here about the elections... How much do you guys hear about this? Do you have any thoughts/opinions at this point?

I read an interesting article in Time magazine the other day. (You can find the link below...)
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1708570-3,00.html
The title was Why Young Voters Care Again (And Why Their Vote Matters)...

The article talks about how my generation is using their right to vote more than in years past. I think a lot of people have become a little disillusioned with the government in general, and November will bring the possibility to turn things around, to bring the key word of everyone's campaign: "change." The article brought up the point that for the 18-25 year old voter, he/she has never really known (or at least remembers) anyone besides a Bush or a Clinton in office. Which I hadn't realized, but is entirely true.. Even just by the very fact that Obama is a new face and name, he seems to emulate the change and inspiration that is so desperately needed.

I have to admit, to my own self, that I do not know as much about the individual issues themselves as I should. But I agree with what Carolyn Kennedy wrote in her endorsement of Obama:
"I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved."
Obama has demonstrated the spirit that I think we really need. As everyone can feel, Washington has become so divided, and I believe that Obama can instigate a certain healing process. I was talking to someone in the office about this, and he said he wanted to be able to "go to Europe and other nations and wear the American flag with pride," like his Canadian friends can do.. and I think we should all want that. I guess apart from any particular policies (and I don't mean to imply that the particulars are unimportant), to me this is what will matter in the upcoming election.

On the other, somewhat more cynical hand, I wonder if the enthusiasm that the Time article outlines has to do with our generations' desire to be a part of history - to have a hand in electing the first black or the first woman president. Is it this novelty that makes both candidates so appealing? Is this right? I suppose in a way it follows our general desire for change. Either way, the support that both campaigns have rallied so far is remarkable.

Would love to hear some of your thoughts. The forecast this week is rain, rain, rain... keep your chin up and stay dry ;)

E