Coming out with it

I have never been public on my blog about my political opinions because 1) I hate discussing politics and 2) I don’t want this blog to take that sort of direction.  This blog is about travel, my life, Italy, Buenos Aires, tango, food…I don’t want to include politics too much because I don’t want to attract that kind of traffic to my site.

In my family I never, ever participate in political discussions because we are a passionate, emotional bunch and when there are differing opinions at the dinner table (there always are), it turns into one big quilombo - and I hate conflict.

I always try to look at both sides in every situation.  I don’t want to claim to be a part of one political party or another.  But man, the more time goes on, the more disappointed and frustrated I am by what is happening in my country, particularly in the last few years.  I find that feel misrepresented and let down.  In fact, I can honestly say that I have never felt fully represented by any President.

But something amazing has happened this election.  With Barack Obama in the race, for the first time, I feel represented, understood.  Inspired.  So, I’ll come out and say it, probably to the chagrin of some key people in my life back home (sorry! Still love you guys!).  I voted for Obama at the embassy the other week.  I’m ready for change.

Ah, that felt good to say.  I guess you have to know me and you have to have seen me in family situations where there are political arguments to know why just saying that was such a big deal to me.  I’m usually quiet as a mouse, heart racing, wanting to say something but deathly afraid to get caught in the crossfire.  Which is absolutely silly of me, but like I said - we’re a passionate bunch.  It can get loud.

And I was pretty impressed when I found out that Colin Powel, a Republican, is also endorsing him.  I figure if he can come out and say it, then so can I.  I’m 31, why should I hide how I feel about the way things are?

**All this said, I’m not eleborating too much for the reasons described in the first paragraph.  Also, comments of all kinds are welcome, just please don’t expect me to blog too much more about politics, and I reserve the right to delete (or choose not to publish) any offensive comments from either end of the spectrum.**