The Big Day

Today's the day! How INCREDIBLY exciting! I woke up this morning and my first thought was, "Wow, it's ACTUALLY here! It's ACTUALLY election day!" I've never been so excited about politics in my life. In 20 minutes or so all the Dickinson kids are going to go to the Program Director's house (our Professor, Professor Rudalevige's house) to watch the election results come in. We don't plan on leaving until 4 or 5am. Hopefully by then we'll know who our next president will be! I feel like somewhat of a celebrity today. Anyone who knows I'm American, and unless they live under or a rock or are part ostrich, knows today is a big day for my country and I, and even that it is a big day for them, as well. I haven't seen it, but apparently the Opinions editor of the school newspaper here wrote today that it is unfair that British residents do not get to vote in the United States' elections because US politics have such a big impact on the rest of the world. Not the brightest comment in the world, but a pretty flattering one, nonetheless. 

This year is also the 20th anniversary of Dickinson's partnership with UEA. Last night a dinner was held on campus in commemoration of this occasion, and all the Dickinson students were invited to attend. There were a few Dickinson alumni there, as well as American Studies professors, Professor Rudalevige and his wife, members of the international office here at UEA, a professor from Dickinson who had flown across the pond for this event and the chancellor, vice chancellor, and the councillors of UEA--the equivalents to a president, vice president and board of trustees at an American university. I sat beside a council member by the name of David Edwards. Mr. Edwards had had the privilege of receiving a Queen's honor (or something to that effect) for his work for healthcare in the United Kingdom. He was invited to Buckingham Palace, the whole nine yards. He was also the CEO of a hospital. He and I talked about my experience so far in England and at UEA, his holidays to New York, traveling, making money, graduating, reading and..yes, how did you know? Politics. The election didn't come up until the end of our conversation when he finally said, "So, Obama tomorrow, is it?" I told him I hoped so. We both mentioned aspects of the election that the two of us had not thought of before. He talked about how the fact that a relatively young, inexperienced senator and an the oldest man to ever run for president were the parties respective candidates says something about our country. What exactly it was, I wasn't sure. I was slightly offended by this, especially because I believe Obama is a wonderful pick and the most animated and inspirational candidate I've seen in my lifetime. My father has said that he is more excited about Obama than he has been about any candidate since JFK. I spoke about how I was upset that religion has begun to play such a role in presidential elections because I believe in the complete separation of church and state. At the same time I understand that this is difficult separation to have when topics like abortion are being discussed. He said that he did not realize religion was such a big issue. Maybe I made it seem like a bigger issue than it actually is, but it's pretty big for me.

That being said, I am off to Professor Rudalevige's house now for the election party! My next entry will be one adorned with either extreme and undying glee, or the deepest, darkest depression. I'm hoping for the former. 

Love to all, and good luck tonight! Let's make history!

-ZMG