Saturday, September 20, 2008

It Makes Me Smile

Note: please don't take the following post too seriously. I really don't know much about what I'm talking about, it's just my opinion at the moment. And I hope all my American friends know that I'm not talking about you!

It's no secret that I am fascinated by American politics; I think it comes from all the American history/government courses Carole and I took. This race is going to be one of the highlights of my fall! I find it entertaining and enlightening. I remember watching Barack Obama give a speech while I was living in Illinois. I'm really fuzzy on when exactly it was, but I think it must have been during the 2000 Presidential elections (the whole Gore/Bush confusion) because there were a lot of us sitting in the lounge watching the political news. Anyway, it was a great speech! Here was this guy with great ideas and inspiration who seemed bipartisan and international, and I remember thinking "Why don't they make this guy president?" And now there is finally the sense that maybe, just maybe, if he is elected, America will be able to salvage the threads of their reputation around the world. Although it doesn't seem like many Americans care about that! Anyway, when it comes to the Republicans, I am beginning to think that, if they are elected, we might as well just give up on the US. I've found the policies, opinions and beliefs of the American government (and average Americans) disturbing and sometimes terrifying over the last few years. And if America is crazy enough to elect copies of the previous administration, then it really is the fall of the Roman Empire. And the Sarah Palin element is mind-boggling to me. I read an article in last week's Globe and Mail that really explained it well and was fun to read. My favourite fact? She got her first passport last year, and she's going to be meeting foreign heads of state and influencing foreign policy! And then this morning I watched this news clip from Yahoo news. Hilarious. I was laughing out loud. I know Carole will get it, but I hope everyone can understand how crazy some Americans are! I'm so proud to be Canadian, and the Canadian reporter they talk to in the clip should get a bonus (you can tell he was rolling his eyes at the nutcase American broadcaster). I guess the point to all this is that, as much as I like watching the US elections for the drama, I am so, so glad for our Canadian elections! I guess I should decide who I want to vote for, eh?

2 comments:

retton61 said...

Hi Kathleen, I feel like an ease-dropper, because I clicked on "next blog", from my daughter's blog, and clicked a few times and your blog looked interesting. (I am a GOOGLE addict, too.) So, here I am--a 63 year old U.S. grandma of 9 who agrees with you and has thought more than once of moving to another country! I am not sure what is making people lose their minds here, but it is worthy of study!! It's weird here--welfare for corporations, but so many unable to have medical insurance. The wider and wider gap between rich and poor. Our huge sin: another opportunistic war--Iraq (we do write letters and stand on the corner every Wednesday night with signs saying STOP THE WAR!) I think the left and the right are prompted to fight and get more extreme just to keep us busy while our country gets looted by?? It is confusing. But, your apartment is lovely, and best wishes on your new adventure at college. Think good thoughts for your pathetic southern neighbors.--Sincerely, Grandma Toni

Maureen said...

Okay, that is seriously the sweetest random comment I've ever read. Grandma Toni has somewhat restored my spirit toward our neighbours to the south.