Election buzz

"The true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth but the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope" (Future) President Barack Obama

I was sleeping when history was made in America. News didn't break of Obama's win until about 4 am my time, but I was woken up with a phone call from Adam saying he won it. I couldn't sleep for awhile afterwards, even though I had to work at 7:45 this morning. I surfed CNN for awhile reading about the results. It's still unbelievable, and I wish I was in America to feel that energy. All eyes in London were on the election, whether people were genuinly interested in it or not. You couldn't avoid the topic. A Wisconsin student staying at ISH passed out "I voted" stickers to Americans, blue and red stars and stripe lights danced on the front of the church venue across the street for a watch party, and people filtered in and out of the ISH bar for our own party. When I walked in the bar for dinner, I felt a pang of homesickness. The room was plastered with American flags and they passed out plastic red/white/blue Uncle Sam hats. All night people asked me who I voted for. It's not considered as upfront here, because people were blunt in their asking. Many of the non-Americans had the mindset of it doesn't matter who's elected, America's and the world's problems won't be fixed by one man. It's so sad to me to see such a cynical view of America's future and potential as a world leader, but then I tell myself to look at how America's been run for the past eight years. All of the Americans were hopeful, though. As one student said to me this morning as he walked out, he's proud to be an American for the first time in his adult life, and he finally understands the concept behind the cheesy "I love America" country songs.

I'm out in Leicster Square to celebrate Obama's victory and Bonfire Night (as in V for Vendetta, I've been told.) There will be fireworks all night all across London. How fitting for the emotions at the moment!