It's always interesting being an American in Canada for the US elections. Sean and I never miss an election, even when we've been away. It is the right and, more importantly, the responsibility of every citizen to vote. I enjoy the viewpoint of the outsider into American politics. There are those who love the American system, and those who hate it, and every space in between.
I find that in a parliamentary system one of two things happens- either the government can be hijacked by small special interest groups because the government is so fractured they are needed to create coalitions (Israel) or there is a tendency to govern from the center so as to maintain the government (Canada). In the US changes in government bring drastic swings in public policy. It can lead to renewal, but it can also lead to divisiveness. Our current world situation lends itself much more to divisiveness. Mahatma Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." There is a culture of fear that has permeated American politics since September 11, 2001. It leads to anger, prejudice, and sweeping generalities. It leads to isolationism, and allows hate to spread unchecked. It also leads to apathy by those who feel that cannot create change.
There are wonderful grassroots movements promoting positive messages- think, build, take a stand!
Check out the Al Tirah! Fear Not! campaign- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo-HQeVD9Gs- put together by Jewish Funds for Justice. Enough with the hate. It's time we remembered our ideals!
