yes we can

On the eve of Inauguration Day, I find it appropriate to address the undeniable international support for our new president. The “Ophoria” that swept across America has reached many – if not all – corners of the world, and Florence is no exception.

In my cross-cultural psychology class today, my professor, a native Italian, repeatedly stressed the importance of the change in the US presidency on the international level. As the most powerful country in the world, such a radical change inevitably has some sort of impact on the global scale, which is something many Americans tend to forget.

Sure, both voters and reporters analyzed the differences between the two candidates, from their domestic policies down to the color of their skin. But what about the level of international respect each candidate had/has? If Obama’s global popularity had been more publicized throughout his campaign and if more Americans understood the importance of international respect, he would have won by an even greater number of votes.

Who knows, maybe I’m just caught up in Ophoria. I tried to keep this blog relatively nonpartisan (to avoid turning away readers), but this blog is an expression of who I am… and I am a Democrat.

“Our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared.” President Barack Obama, 11/4/08

The above quote summarizes why I so deeply admire our new president: his incredible ability to unite people. Not just Americans, but people across the globe.

Italians do not believe in war; they believe in peace. Most food and wine are locally grown. Healthcare is free. Yes, free! Americans average 10 vacation days/year; Italians average at least 40. In general, they are a healthier people. Life expectancy is higher; infant mortality rates are lower.

Maybe, just maybe, President Obama will use customs and traditions and lifestyles from around the world as inspiration for his new administration. In the meantime, although I am proud to be an American, someone may have to physically drag me out of this country because I’ve fallen madly in love.