Friday, November 7, 2008

Does Anybody Out There Even Care?

Right now, today, would be an incredible time to be in the United States.

I am not there. It's incredibly surreal to watch it on CNN, and to not be there.

On television, I can see the hope in people's eyes. I can feel the energy, even the news anchors seem to be beaming. I also have butterflies, I'm gushing. I have a spring in my step, but that might be from the MBT shoes I've hired for the week (that's Australian for rented, and that's another story).

So four hours after the election was over, at orientation for Kindie (that's Australian for Kindergarten), we spoke with people who didn't even know Obama had won; their indifference was inadvertently raining on my private Election Day Parade.

Well... ok, I'm actually still smiling, so apparently it didn't really bother me that much. I even giggle a little as I write this because I'm so damn happy, it doesn't even matter if any one here cares!

In closing I'd like to add that I'm almost positive it was Tina Fey at the concession speech and not actually Sarah Palin. And if that wasn't enough I'm also wondering if Ralph Nader is suffering from dementia? Just wondering.




Share

36 comments:

Rassles said...

You know, in 2000, I voted for Nader. Then when he broke away from the Green Party and just ran for president on his own, I was like, fuck that guy. I thought he was trying to change the party system, but no, he's just another egomaniac politician who wants to be in charge.

Laura said...

Rassles- It's 2am here and I had just seen that Nader crap on that channel o' jackasses (Fox). Ugh, he really needs to move on. At least he didn't cost the country another electionzzzzzzzzzz.

Gypsy said...

I feel beatific. :)

Mama Needs a Cosmo said...

I can't even begin to imagine what life is like for ex-pats right now. I'd be climbing the walls.

You and I are on the same wavelength today. I wrote about my father, who is a total bigot. And I had no idea that Nader had lost his mind. Or that he was a racist. Thank God for YouTube!!!

A Free Man said...

You run with the wrong crowd of Aussies! People that I barely know have been talking to me about Obama. When I went to lunch yesterday I saw a dozen people surrounding a TV in the mall listening to the repeat of the Obama speech. I've been amazed by how excited the locals are.

A Free Man said...

I just realized that my comment may have sounded snide and I didn't intend it that way at all. I guess the thing is that Obama is not the president of Australia and I have been impressed by how excited they were about the results. How much coverage it got in the news here. But they have a right to be skeptical and maybe not so excited. Bear in mind that they got dragged into a war based on false intelligence that had nothing to do with them. We've been so arrogant over the last 8 years and basically made it clear that we don't care what the world thinks. Obama has spoken about repairing our reputation in the world, but I think the Aussies are right to wait and see before they get too excited.

For me, blogging has been a godsend because I feel connected during this moment of history, so if I don't get it here, I can get it by reading other bloggers.

Jill Stevens, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist said...

Well I care...and that's for damn sure. Though I agree with Free Man when he said maybe it is time you met some Australians that do care. I think they're out there- and I think they'd like to be your friend. Really I like all the stuff free man said- go free man.

Anyway- lets celebrate when you get here- we'll open some champagne and scream in the streets- like it just happened. I got your back sis.

Anonymous said...

It truly is a great time in America. I am sad you had to miss it too. Too bad the only news you get is Fox..they suck. By the way I too thought that those art pieces on the beach were very sexual. LOL! Still loving your blog here.

Carrie

Anonymous said...

What's great is that now we don't have to tell people we're from Canada.

Laura said...

Gypsy- Beat it, just beat it beat it whew.

Fashion Paramedic- What the hell happened to him? Obviously he is on crack.

Free Man- Totally agree about the blogging thing. I think maybe it's the mommy/daddy crowd I saw that night? but who knows, it seems no one around here cares too much, but I might be hanging with the wrong crowd?

Jill- Totes.

Carrie- Thanks, and yes the sculptures are hot.

Duck-- Hahahahahaha. Exactly!!!

Anonymous said...

It must be just the kindie folk who didn't know who had won. BELIEVE me when I tell you most of us are really excited. Excited that Bush's dreadful (use of word dread emphasised) era is nearly over.

Exicted by the hope, unity, that Obama promises to bring.

We've been discussing it at work and at home.

This is the first time I've been so interested in the outcome of Leadership of another country.

Hurray for you lot.

Laura said...

Miss Fi- I love hearing from you. I am very happy to be celebrating the end of a very ugly chapter in America-- glad to hear you are too!

Laura said...

Miss Fi- and "dreadful" is an understatement.

Anonymous said...

I'm an Aussie who took a day off work to stay home and watch the events unfold. And was in tears during his acceptance speech, except for the shots where they showed the bullet proof glass and I was just thinking "oh shit".

Anonymous said...

A lot of the people I know here were really excited and seemed very interesting. Everyone's facebook status (including all the aussies I know) said SOMETHING about the election. However, today I met a canadian girl here who STILL had no clue that Obama won. How is that even possible?

Laura said...

S- Wow, you even took the day off-- you must be hardcore! That's really cool.

Elsja- It was so weird when hours later I was telling people the results-- but DAYS later?? that's so funny.

Anonymous said...

Come, deep down inside, doesn't part of you wish you really were from Canada :)

People in the Sun said...

In a way, even if a few people around you don't know what's going on, you have to realize this event touches your life (and theirs) just like it does mine.

At the same time, it might make you feel better to know that--and that's just the way things are, I'm not being critical--even a momentous event like that has already given way to the new political cooler-talk: the report that Palin thought Africa was a country.

Anonymous said...

hey we were watching it at the gimcrack and the patients were even cheering - not just the nutty ones either

Laura said...

Tim-- well now that you mention it.. actually, um, no. :) In Australia, they tease the New Zealanders---

People in the Sun- People are back to the same old stuff already huh?

Nursemyra- So now I know, if you want to hang with the peeps in touch with current events, don't go to the primary school parent functions-- go to the mental ward. That's funny.

suzinoz said...

I'm with Free Man, the Aussies I know are very interested and THRILLED with the result. I was getting phone calls from people (Aussies)with congratulatory messages. A neighbour told me she made her young daughter sit down and watch the election results and listen to Obama's speech because it was so momentous. I did that with my own daughter, but then I'm actually American. I have been truly amazed and proud.

Laura said...

SuzInOz- I know there are Australians who are happy about Obama-- I mean, how could they not be???
But funny enough, tonight I had a lengthy conversation with someone who thought Obama was the wrong choice. It's like I'm in the freaking Twilight Zone--

And I really do understand that there are probably a majority Australians who are very relieved and happy that Obama won. I just need to find some.

I'm having a bday party here tomorrow and now will be looking for some answers... I have a feeling it could be interesting.

Anonymous said...

Tuesday was truly one of the best day in United States history - The jubilance was overwhelming - Of course there are still the skeptics, and the ignorant bigots, but overall, it was a pretty unanimous celebration - I was in Manhattan, and people were rushing into the streets and hanging out of their windows when the magic number of electoral votes had been reached - people, complete strangers, were crying and hugging - It was a surreal, proud moment - You and Jill should definitely re-play the moment when you come home to the states for your holiday -

Christine said...

oh. my. God. I guess running, election after election and never getting anywhere is finally taking its toll on old Ralph.

It's a good time to be an American, I feel like we're ushering in a new age.. that things really might be changing.

Laura said...

Nina Bellina- That is the kind of re-enactment that I would expect you to join us for...! I'm going to try and call you tonight your time.

Christime- Totally!

JD at I Do Things said...

It's been interesting to hear about reactions from around the world. I'm surprised there was some indifference over there. It seems like most everyone is happy for us.

Oh, and Ralph Nader? Shut the hell up.

JD at I Do Things

Marvin said...

I'm doing my best not to care. It's so stupidly surreal. But at least it proves one thing - that one can have no talent, no credentials, and no experience, and STILL become President. It gives hope to ninnies everywhere. Sigh.

In another four years, I'll pay attention again. For now, I'm turning off the TV until my stomach stops churning. ;-)

Laura said...

JD- Well apparently everyone in Australia cares, I just happened to be at a kindergarten orientation hours after the election with some people who didn't know yet. Whatever. I care. And what in the world is wrong with Nader? He's lost it!

Marvin- Don't worry he'll still be your president, even if you don't like him yet.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I have strong memories from 2004. I was finishing the HSC (you may be aware of it). Instead of studying for my religion exam, I sat and watch the exit polls and being *incredibly* excited that Bush was going bye bye. Went to the exam and we were talking about Bush's loss (I may have been known for referring to Bush as "Wanker" at my lovely all girls Catholic school). Sat my exam. My dad picked me up and in the car and told me the news. I was shocked. And sad. VERY sad. Which may be a slight understatement.

So I maintained that I was going to be home for the wonderful occasion. Because Bush only won in 2004 because I had to go write an exam. No other reason whatsoever.

Coupled with me spending some time in the US last year, me meant to be in North America now and a great friend who the election of Obama is particularly poignant for meant that there was no way I was going to spend the day at work with people that just Did Not understand or care (I work for a federal govt dept that Obama's election probably only means marginally less work hehe)

And I need to shut up considering this ain't my blog!

CheekyOne said...

I didn't realise that Nader was such an ass..ugh..he needs to find another hobby!
I know what you mean though,it was hard to see all those parties going on over there and want to be part of that instead of sitting by myself.

Laura said...

S- 2004 was terrible and shocking-- really, really unbelieveable!

Cheeky One- You've probably summed up my situation perfectly... you're in this wonderful, joyous moment that should be a great celebration, and home alone just doesn't cut it!

Cynthia Rae said...

Ah great minds think alike! The reaction in Italy was different. It seems EVERYONE in Italy (and Europe) was pulling for Obma to win and they were thrilled when he did. For two days people kept st oping me in the street to talk about the new American president, patting me on the back as if I had voted him in single handily! Hehehehe!

Thanks for the visit. Looking forward to reading through your blog.
Cyn

Bluestreak said...

I really would have liked to experience the election at home and not from abroad this time around. But yeah, that didn´t stop me from being damn happy about the results.

Laura said...

Cynthia Rae- Congrats on being the person to get him elected! That's awesome. :)

Bluestreak- Exactly!

Corrina said...

Dear Ralph,

You are a fucking retard.

Love, Corrina.

Anonymous said...

I remember this (always will!) - I was in the Netherlands at this time and it was exactly the same! Nobody cared, really - Just like you share - It seemed I was the only one. Kind of sucked to be on the other side of the world & unable to join in on the party. I woke up at 5am Amsterdam-time to see the news results and was stoked - Couldn't go back to bed :-)