:election:

this truly is a spectacle. not just for the history that will be made with either a black president or a female vice president, but for all the energy, controversy and landmark decisions that are being decided upon.

obviously, the presidential race is exciting.

but for us here in california, there are many very important ballot measures coming to the table: gay marriage, abortion rights, animal rights and energy initiatives. because i live in a very liberal, urban area, there is obvious enthusiasm against prop 8 and for prop 2. as i drove the streets in the gray morning drizzle, i was touched and excited to see people gathering on street corners, holding signs, honking horns and showing something more than the robotic apathy that seems to characterize americans these days. but what struck me more was that not one of the people i saw was holding a sign for a presidential candidate. these people were out there for local candidates and ballot measures. some were alone, quietly holding a sign while the rain soaked their hopeful faces. but they still did it.

this is an election year that seems to exude hope. sure, it’s a campaign slogan for a certain special candidate. but it seems like people of all ages, gender and ethnicities are eager for this country to move in a new direction. i am ready, and i hold to that hope.

apathy is the poison which has deadened the american will. we have to awaken to what is outside of this immediate space and time. regardless of your vote, we have to get back to the idea that passion fueled by love and idealism can change this world, not just a country.

but it all has to start in the heart. maybe this election will begin to change our hearts. maybe our steady decline into economic crises will change our hearts. maybe our decline of world power will change our hearts. maybe the displeasure the rest of the world has with the U.S. will change our hearts. maybe realizing that The Kingdom is here, among us, will change our hearts.

the thing that touched me the most today, was a fence that someone painted with huge, block letters in front of their home:

maybe we should make that our slogan this year, and every year.

may the Love and Beauty of God be evident to ALL mankind.