I drove the kids into school and went to assembly, where we learnt some fun facts about bubblegum. Then, in our hippy way, we sang 'We Shall Overcome' in honour of the election result.
Had coffee (which rolled into lunch) with Exile #2 and we talked about all sorts of things including Jane Austen, vegetable gardening and the election. Later on I went and picked up the kids and took them for a playdate with the friends with the crazy dog. Dog still crazy. It tried to eat our shoes. Talked about the election.
And tonight I've been at my book group meeting discussing 'The Double Bind' by Chris Bohjalian (a cheery tale of homelessness and mental illness), and detouring off onto the achievements of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. And also the election.
I must have drunk a bit too much wine as when I came home I nearly went to the wrong house.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Bone of contention
Barack Obama is getting straight down to work, even though there's another couple of months to go before he is sworn in. Today he has started appointing officers, and of course there are a few pressing issues to be thinking about: how to shore up the failing economy, how to deal with America's ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, what to do about healthcare... And the biggest question of all, judging by the media interest here today: what sort of puppy to get for the kids. If you can be bothered, this is quite representative of the discussion.
An issue that rather slipped under the radar during all the post-election excitement was that of the votes against gay marriage in three states, most notably in California where same-sex marriage has been legal since May. I feel very sad that just as America is taking a giant step away from age-old prejudices by electing an African-American President, it is taking two steps in the other direction when it comes to recognising the rights of gay people.
Why on earth does anyone think that two gay people getting married is going to damage 'family values' or the institution of marriage? If it brings any couple happiness to get married and make that public commitment to one another because they love each other, then doesn't that simply add to the greater happiness of the world? How is that a bad thing?
An issue that rather slipped under the radar during all the post-election excitement was that of the votes against gay marriage in three states, most notably in California where same-sex marriage has been legal since May. I feel very sad that just as America is taking a giant step away from age-old prejudices by electing an African-American President, it is taking two steps in the other direction when it comes to recognising the rights of gay people.
Why on earth does anyone think that two gay people getting married is going to damage 'family values' or the institution of marriage? If it brings any couple happiness to get married and make that public commitment to one another because they love each other, then doesn't that simply add to the greater happiness of the world? How is that a bad thing?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The times they are a-changing
Many words have been written and spoken today about what last night's election result means for America and for the rest of the world, so I won't add too many of my own - except to say I hope Obama turns out to be a great President. Even just a fairly good one would be a nice change.
Meanwhile life goes on. It has been strangely warm all day. I took a walk at Five Rivers, and went and got my hair cut. I'd have talked elections with the hairdresser only it's a very cheap place I go to and conversation isn't part of the service. The Boy tells me my hair looks 'terrible', but he always says that.
Our clocks went back at the weekend (a week later than the UK). I haven't got round to changing most of ours though - intentionally, as it has made it easier to get the kids (well, the Boy at least) to bed at a decent time. But since everyone else is on Daylight Saving Time I guess I'll have to give in soon and admit the truth.
Meanwhile life goes on. It has been strangely warm all day. I took a walk at Five Rivers, and went and got my hair cut. I'd have talked elections with the hairdresser only it's a very cheap place I go to and conversation isn't part of the service. The Boy tells me my hair looks 'terrible', but he always says that.
Our clocks went back at the weekend (a week later than the UK). I haven't got round to changing most of ours though - intentionally, as it has made it easier to get the kids (well, the Boy at least) to bed at a decent time. But since everyone else is on Daylight Saving Time I guess I'll have to give in soon and admit the truth.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
They think it's all over...
...it is now. America has elected Obama. Thank goodness - it has been an anxious day.
Not having a vote here has been very frustrating. But at least I managed to get into a polling station, and the kids got right into a polling booth - a friendly, civic-minded neighbour took them in with her and her own children (five pairs of legs visible beneath the curtain) to show them the voting machine and 'democracy in action'.
It has been a long, long journey to this moment. I'll leave it to the pundits to over-use the word 'historic' - though for once they are right.
Not having a vote here has been very frustrating. But at least I managed to get into a polling station, and the kids got right into a polling booth - a friendly, civic-minded neighbour took them in with her and her own children (five pairs of legs visible beneath the curtain) to show them the voting machine and 'democracy in action'.
It has been a long, long journey to this moment. I'll leave it to the pundits to over-use the word 'historic' - though for once they are right.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Final Countdown
The Man writes...a few days after we arrived in America I watched a televised debate between the Democratic presidential candidates. (In fact, the first such debate was in April 2007). Tomorrow the process finally ends. What shall we think and talk about instead?
It's been fascinating if occasionally rather baffling to the outsider. Back in February, Mitt Romney warned: "If the United States does not change course we could become the France of the 21st century." What did he mean? In his final debate McCain commented: "If you like that [Obama's health care plan], you'll love Canada and England."
At the start John McCain was seemingly better liked by independents and Democrats than by many in his own party, but he has put all his efforts into trying to please the core Republican vote. It could still turn out to be the right policy. According to the "RealClearPolitics" website, a quarter of the electoral college votes are still in the "Toss-Up" category.
The presidential election has essentially passed New York by - Obama is ahead here by an average of 30% so campaigning is pointless - but some Democrats I know are literally sleepless with tension.
It's been fascinating if occasionally rather baffling to the outsider. Back in February, Mitt Romney warned: "If the United States does not change course we could become the France of the 21st century." What did he mean? In his final debate McCain commented: "If you like that [Obama's health care plan], you'll love Canada and England."
At the start John McCain was seemingly better liked by independents and Democrats than by many in his own party, but he has put all his efforts into trying to please the core Republican vote. It could still turn out to be the right policy. According to the "RealClearPolitics" website, a quarter of the electoral college votes are still in the "Toss-Up" category.
The presidential election has essentially passed New York by - Obama is ahead here by an average of 30% so campaigning is pointless - but some Democrats I know are literally sleepless with tension.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
American Girl
There was a party at the local town hall today to celebrate the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America. The Girl attended with the rest of her little Brownie troop for games, songs, cake and bingo. And ceremonies. Honouring the flag. Pledging allegiance. Singing about the land of the free and the home of the brave.
This is all quite startling when you're not used to it - and we are not used to it at all because of the kids going to a progressive school where, as you know by now, assembly tends to be a light-hearted affair consisting of a chorus of Puff the Magic Dragon followed by some fun facts about giraffes. There's not a stars and stripes to be seen.
The Boy has come up with a little picture quiz for you to start the week. Name that plant...
This is all quite startling when you're not used to it - and we are not used to it at all because of the kids going to a progressive school where, as you know by now, assembly tends to be a light-hearted affair consisting of a chorus of Puff the Magic Dragon followed by some fun facts about giraffes. There's not a stars and stripes to be seen.
The Boy has come up with a little picture quiz for you to start the week. Name that plant...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Fairy Who?
Fairy Hugh! - star of the now annual Hallowe'en Panto at our formerly-British friend's house. The Americans still didn't really get it (oh no they didn't!) but give them a few more years and they'll surely come round to this unique cross-dressing cultural treasure-trove. Or perhaps not.
For some reason this year's mini-panto had a bit of an election theme (spot 'Josie Sixpack', the Sarah Palin lookalike, lurking in the background of the photo). Hmm. Speaking of elections, I have to retract my fulsome praise for Arnie from a couple of days back - he's been on the stump supporting 'drill-baby-drill' McCain again. People are so contradictory and confusing sometimes.
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