The Election Eve

Like many Americans here in Morocco, I have been very anxious with regard to the election tomorrow. So much rides on who we elect for our next President. See Tom Friedman's article in the NYT for a seasoned opinion.

And like many Americans both abroad and back in the States, this anxiety has translated into inactivity. Or a sort of constipated nervousness where I need the days to pass as quickly as possible. Larry David, the Seinfeld guy, says, "I can't take much more of this... I'm at the end of my rope. I can't work. I can eat, but mostly standing up. I'm anxious all the time and taking it out on my ex-wife, which, ironically, I'm finding enjoyable."

It's the same for me here in Morocco, but I feel even more disconnected. And I especially miss the commentary of the media's talking heads. It has been so difficult for me to interpret the current state of world affairs without them!

But only a few hours to go, and the Election will be in full swing. Usually on election day, I like to wake up early and step outside. It's best right after sunrise. The air is cool, crisp, and damp. Dew glistens on the grass. The sun's light refracts in the water droplets as they slowly evaporate. It's at this point, right before the polls open, that if I take a deep breath--the deepest I can take-- I can smell Democracy.

Tomorrow, ask your neighbor, your co-worker, your friend: "You smell that?" To which they will probably shyly back away, responding with either: "What?" or "No." But remind them that tomorrow, we all will be able to breath the sweet scent of Democracy.

Given the positioning of the jet stream, and favorable Atlantic winds, I will surely catch a whiff. And so I will sit and wait, and wait.

The five hour difference does not help.

And here's where I will be waiting... more to come.