About Politics.

It'd be easy to write a rant about the current state of the election. How I'm both dreading and exhilarated for the entire messy, drawn-out, and twisted made for TV drama to come to the seemingly accepted resolution of an Obama victory.

It'd also be easy to write a commentary about the terrible decisions made by McCain, or, rather, his campaign. The frightening nature of his divisive rhetoric, subtle undermining in the confidence of our democratic system, as well as the complete lack of judgment in nominating Palin, a woman who lacks experience in the national sphere as well as a complete lack of intellectual curiosity about the reality of the world that surrounds her.

But I digress. This post is not about the politics of the election, but an ode to the fact that people care about politics in this country for once in my lifetime. And no, I don't mean you other college students. As much as the media loves to hound young people for not caring, some of us do. Especially the people I know.

What I mean to say is that normal people care about politics.

I know when my mom, a permanent resident of this country who lacks the ability to vote, asks me whether I watched the last debate, then tells me what she thought about it (as well as accompanying disdain for John McCain), there is something positive happening in terms of civic engagement in a country that has long become too cynical about the political process and considered themselves unaffected by it.

Of course, the sword is two-sided. With more attachment to the political process comes the possibility of disappointment or even extremism. I'd really like to think that normal people caring about politics can only be positive.


PS: Also, only vote yes on Proposition 1A and some of the other bonds if you're feeling lucky. State elections are important too!