Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Election

I found it so difficult to tear myself from the TV at 10:30 am this morning. Had been randomly watching the US election coverage since 6:00 am, while getting throught the ususal weekday routines. Gradually realised i was late for a 9:30am call, which I conveniently logged on from home itself.

It was 10:00 and absolutely the outer limit to step out from home in order to maintain a professional image. But no, at that very momment, I had to get hooked on to McCains speech, and was completely rivetted by a speech by a pastor(I am not yet sure who this person was) to the wonderful crowd at Grant Park, Chicago. Delivered with such conviction, dedication and hope. There was such an infectious spirit of optimism in the whole scene. Oprah Winfrey included. Now I desperately wanted to stay on and watch Obanma

With a heavy heart, consoling that I could catch his speech on the web as soon as I get to offcie, I left home. I have watched this fight quite closely with a lot of interest. Though I havent yet read his Audacity of Hope. But then I usually have a tough time gettting through biographies.

Last evening I read a review of Toni Morrisons latest book woven around the haunting tapestry of slavery in US. The review itself was so gripping that I cant wait to take a few days off and read the book. And then there was a recent revisit of Jefferey Archers short story 'A Change of Heart', written against the backdrop of Aparthied in South Africa. This election's results should signify something personal to so many races across the world, that have struggled and still struggling...for basic human rights.

I guess its not madness to hope that politics in my country too would change...probably in ten years time?