I channel hopped like a fiend this afternoon, trying to keep up with the US Election results. I sat in front of the damn TV with my laptop, glued to it all afternoon, not even doing homework. I despaired over lost states, rejoiced over the good ol’ blue areas, and cheered out loud when states converted. After several hours, I went to pick up the kids - reasoning that it would be at least an hour before the official result was announced - and by the time I got back, Obama had owned McCain.

I missed it. The most important moment of the entire election, and I missed it(1).

Despite that, I still cried when I found out. President Obama. It seems almost unreal to me, that the Americans learned from their mistakes and elected someone who appears to genuinely want change, someone who appears strong, decisive and capable. I don’t agree with all of Obama’s policies, but I agree with most of them. Perhaps more importantly, I agree with the messages he is sending, about the United States, about the world, about people. I believe in him.

Up until a few months ago, I didn’t really see a reason to care. I didn’t get it. Now, I do. I GET IT. I understand that each and every person who voted in this election helped bring about a change that will someday be in history books. I understand that although a lone voice can be easily silenced, when a large group of people speak at once, they are heard. I care, because Australia is the pampered bichon frise sitting on America’s knee. We need their firepower, their trade, their support - and America knows it.

So, I care about who extends the hand that feeds Australia. Not only that, but I suddenly care about who’s running my country, my state, my local council. I feel the need to inform myself, to learn about who exactly ‘they’ are, those nameless people who control my life, my freedom, my money. The 2008 US Presidential Election has finally awakened my interest in politics(2). I understand now why America is so caught up with patriotism. I was so proud, so happy, so relieved; politics really can bring people together.

Well done, America, and thanks for voting.

—–

(1) Thank god for cable TV, 24hr news channels, Twitter and YouTube.
(2) It’s actually all Sarah Palin’s fault. Really.