Election Bliss! (Warning, Political Content)

Oh, you think we mean Obama? Nope, we are talking about elections, Nica style, and all the joy that comes with stained thumbs, charged political rallies (and speakers) right outside of our door, a 3-day alcohol ban and 4 days off of school.

Now on a more national note, after 8 long years YES WE CAN travel internationally without lying and saying that we are from Canada! When the taxi drivers assume immediately that we are from Europe because people from the U.S. “Can’t learn to speak Spanish (or rather don’t want to),” YES WE CAN! When our higher ups tell us that we should be honored to represent the U.S. abroad, for the first time in our adult lives, YES WE CAN! Joining the Peace Corps was not an easy decision for us because in doing so, we in fact became representatives of the U.S., government included. Three months ago, we had to swear an oath to the U.S. Ambassador, and when we did, we may have had a few toes crossed. But now, YES WE CAN serve the U.S. abroad and feel (dare I say it?) proud to be agents of peace and change. Is the United States “the greatest country on earth?” Of course not. That is as ridiculous as claiming that roast beef is the best food on earth, it is a personal preference, and we have seen enough to know that there are A LOT of flaws in the U.S.. However, with that said, the day after the election, people here in Leon, Nicaragua congratulated us on our new president, and we can’t help but believe that in our flawed country, there is a restored hope for humanity, accountability and equality. So, YES WE CAN come home after two years instead of fleeing to Canada like we had planned to do if the unthinkable would have happened.
So, with that said, we try try try not to make this blog political, and we apologize to anyone who might feel alienated by this post, but let’s be honest, if you know us, you’ve probably noticed that we are a smidge lefter than most. So let us rejoice now during this honeymoon stage, because once Obama takes office and the real work begins, I’m sure we’ll both start saying “Damn, I knew I should’ve voted for Cynthia McKinny!”

Here is something that I had every intention of sending into the Statesman Journal, but with all the restrictive procedures we have to follow as PCVs, I will just post it on the blog and call it good.

Ya Voté en the USA!

My husband and I wanted nothing more than to support our candidate during this historical presidential race, but what could we do? Canvassing our neighbors was useless, lawn signs and bumper stickers ridiculous (no car, no lawn for starters), and campaign contributions in the currency we are paid would have accounted for less than the cost of the stamp we would need to send it. We are Peace Corps volunteers serving in Nicaragua, and although we are countries away, this election could not have been more important to us. Our image as United States of Americans abroad is directly related to the government that we represent, so as we watched the election results stream in on a fuzzy television connection, be assured that were wearing our homemade campaign buttons and hoping for change, not just in the United States but it all of America. Obamanos!

(These are our opinions and do not reflect that of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government… at least not until January 20th, 2009)