Casting my vote...

I know, I know, I don't get to vote today but I wish I did.  

Not since the 1994 elections in South Africa have I wanted to cast a vote SO much. Unfortunately this is not one I get to participate in but there's no doubt that I will feel the effects of the result. Almost everyone in the world will, in one way or another.

What an important and exciting time to be a voting US citizen. A historical time. My thoughts will be with you today.

Voting is the exercise of such a wonderful privilege and responsibility, isn't it? A very personal choice that has a direct national and (in this case) international impact. That's a powerful and empowering thing.  And it's a private choice, something that one can do without having to declare it, or even really justify it.   Although I've never understood why someone - who can rationally defend their choice - should need or want to keep it secret. Except in situations where a declaration could lead to personal safety issues. Not everyone is cut out for activism. I get that. But otherwise, isn't it just a matter of integrity?

I've been following the presidential campaigns closely.  I've watched all the debates (including the VP's, which was frankly excruciating), and lots of the interviews on both sides... Read a heap of news, researched the political histories of each candidate, listened to a slew of response and commentary in the US and world press, spoken to some people on the ground, and tuned in to what's floating in the blogosphere... And depending on who I have been listening to I have felt myself feeling alternately incredulous and a little scared, or deeply inspired and hopeful...

And now, when the day has finally come for people in the USA to cast their votes, I will be watching with interest.  And I wish I could say that I feel confident about the way it will go.  But I don't. I couldn't believe what happened in the 2004 election and I fear a similar close result. Regardless of which side one entered this race on, I would hope that one would be prepared to consider anew - openly and rationally - the choice that is about to be made.  And I find it incredible that - after the past 7 or 8 weeks especially - there is still the possibility of it being a close-run thing. John McCain seems not to be the man he once was?  And although I appreciate that it's about more than just the pair who will lead the party, and that from a distance one can never have full insight, how can anyone risk Sarah Palin getting anywhere near the White House? Frankly, it's a terrifying prospect. 

But, still...  I do feel inspired.  And I do feel hopeful. And I sense that millions and millions of American voters feel the same, in a way that has not been true for some time in the recent history of their country. And these are important feelings when one selects a leader. Someone who is passionate and eloquent can stir strong emotions and that's no small thing. All the best leaders in history have been inspirational. But rhetoric is not enough. There needs to be substance too. 

So, I have to say that - most of all - I've been convinced. Rationally. I feel I could defend my choice. And, based on all I have seen and heard and, as a citizen of the world, here, today... what I believe we all need from the leader of the United States determines that if I were able to participate, I would be casting my vote for Obama. Definitely.  And it's not a close-run thing.

Good luck America, Good luck World!

{Art works from Fauxtograph and eddeezy at Etsy,and the Manifest Hope Gallery}