I was able to vote using an overseas ballot that I sent off a few weeks ago. That was the first time I voted by mail instead of going to the polls. It was such a big election, of course I couldn't miss voting. The elections have actually been a common topic of conversation here. Most people here would be considered liberal by American standards. Everyone supports Obama, and I've even seen pro-Obama signs in store windows! Everyone (including me!) seemed happy and relieved that Obama won. I think more than that they are happy that Bush won't be president anymore and hopefully US-international relations will improve. Also, people were surprised (as was I)that there was actually a referendum to ban gay marriage in California. Personally I'm really disappointed that it passed. I guess we still have a ways to go to have universal acceptance and equality. Gays can legally marry here in Spain. As far as I know, Spain and the Netherlands are the only two countries in Europe that allow gay marriage. Also, I've talked to a few people about the proposition for better treatment of farm animals. This is still not a huge issue in Spain, although I think farm animals are treated better here in general. However, I think there is a growing trend among young progressive-types to buy organic/ecological foods. One of my roommates, for example, won't eat meat unless it is classified as ecological. Global warming is a common issue here, as it is across the world. But my friends here are surprised that some people in the US still don't believe global warming is really happening. Here it is typically accepted as a common fact. I've been happy to share my views on the elections and various issues with people here, and I hope I can help at least some people here realize that not all Americans are Bush-supporting, anti-gay conservatives. I'm very happy to see that many liberal, progressive ideas are accepted here and hope that those ideas will become more mainstream in the US as well!
2 comments:
I love that you shared that. But with that said, some conservatives aren't the stereo-typical. Do I think Bush is perfect, no. Do I support him because he is the president, of course. Like wise, on the anti-gay issue. I think that some are "anti" because of the biblical perspective. Marriage first started in the bible, as a religious/spiritual union. It came from the relationship that God has with the church; a man is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. So, in that instance, whether gay or straight, marriage is a biblical thing and if a person doesn't want to follow the bible, why marry? Of course, I know the answer. Our culture says that you're supposed to marry and so many people do, some multiple times. Unfortunately it has gone from a religious ceremony honoring God to a "regular" cermony like a high school graduation.
Nikki, I love you dearly and I don't write this to argue with you but rather to point out that there are reasons we believe what we believe. Know what I mean?
I would love to hear more about why you and others believe so much in Obama...
tb
Hi Tammy! Thanks for the comments. I actually have very few friends who don’t share my views on these topics, so I rarely have the chance to discuss them. I’m happy to open up the discussion, especially with someone I love and respect!
I do believe most Europeans realize that very few Americans actually agree with all of Bush’s policies. I think his unpopularity abroad stems from his decision to place troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This has led to poor international relations. I think it’s very important to have positive relationships with other countries, and I hope this is something that Obama can accomplish.
As for gay marriage, personally, I have no issue with the idea. I have many gay friends and I would be very happy for them to have the opportunity to get married. I know there are many who do not like the idea, but I think it’s just wrong to actually take action to take rights away from any group. I don’t expect everyone to support gay marriage, but I also don’t see how it would negatively effect anyone. I would like to think that we are moving towards a state of equality where everyone has equal rights.
I agree with Obama that we need change in the United States. We cannot continue along this path of using resources unsustainably. The financial crisis, high oil prices and global warming are examples of the results. I think the need for change is obvious at the moment and McCain mentioned this too. However, a huge challenge is getting people to actually take actions towards change. I think Obama was successful at inspiring a lot of people and motivating record numbers of people to vote. I hope he can continue to inspire people and make a positive change in the country.
Please let me know if you have comments on any of these topics. I’m happy to discuss!!
-Nikki
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