A part of history

Super Tuesday is ancient history. I voted, and felt that thrill of participation and a nice warm fuzzy of assurance that I made the right choice. But I'm still debating how to best participate in the campaign. I really want to do something. Maybe I'll live in a bunker in some far away state for a few months later this year, licking envelopes and making calls. Maybe I'll use my SkypeOut balance up and do it from the comfort of my own home. Maybe I'll stay in the Netherlands and just teach it, which is what I've done the past two fall semesters. Time and opportunity will tell.

Long, long ago (2 1/2 years to be exact), I said that I wasn't a Democrat. That's still true, though I'm already snickering at the young and hasty words written in that post. I don't like the labels, but with time I realize that even if the two party system isn't ideal one must participate within it or forever be a recluse. I'm catering toward the opinion that change often comes from within. But I think it mainly has to do with the overwhelming sense of hope that this campaign has brought.

A few weeks ago, CNN was running a debate advertisement. With exciting music playing in the background, they first showed the then four Republican candidates. Four white men, up on stage, shaking their fists at each other. Politics as usual. Then the picture changed, and I saw Obama and Clinton. An African American man and a woman. And it really hit me. Wow, cool! That's who we get to choose from, and from one whole side of this two-party system! At least in that moment, whether I liked one or the other more is beside the point. That visual represents a major landmark for the U.S. The best two choices are different than any before. There is a huge possibility this generation will see the most powerful political figure in the U.S. as also representing a group thus far excluded from that honor. What a boundary to cross!

Sure, I have a preference. But it's hard to harbor ill will towards either in such an atmosphere. And even way over here in the Netherlands, I want to be a part of it. So someone please find me something to do, other than donating money!