I
have always been in the United States on Election Day. However, this time I was
in North Africa. I don’t know that I missed the great intensity from individuals
that strongly support their political party. Many people become rude,
inconsiderate and disrespectful to those who speak against their political beliefs.
Some of the arguments are very informative, but much of it is done so
distastefully it becomes hard to pick up any good points .
Thanks
to AFN (American Forces Network) and YouTube, I was able to watch all of the
debates. Oddly enough, there were several Algerians that also watched the
debates and followed along with the campaigns. Most of them were very strong
supporters of President Obama. I’m not just saying that because I am too.
Over
the past several years, U.S. Embassies all across the world throw a large bash
to celebrate the election. This would give Americans the opportunity to watch
the election live as it was happening in the United States. Since Algiers is 6
to 9 hours ahead of the United States, we were due to be awake for a very long
time on election night.
The
party began at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6th. Douglas and I
assumed it was a casual party for the Americans. To our surprise, the party was
for Americans as well as our neighboring embassies. Also, it was far from
casual. We found that out after arriving in our comfortable sneakers, jeans and
casual sweaters. Thankfully, we live very close to the embassy so it was not a
problem to return home and change clothes. Everyone was dressed in semi-formal
attire. The normal embassy was turned into what resembled an upscale night club. They brought
in white sofas and chairs, tables, and set up several TV’s throughout
the main lobby, all on different stations. To top it off, the event was catered
and fully staffed. They served appetizers, dinner, and a full bar
was readily available. The event was posh!
We
had a wonderful time celebrating with fellow Americans and individuals from
other embassies. Douglas and I called it a night around 2:30 a.m. We had no
intention of going home and falling asleep, but we did intend on going home and
getting comfortable on our sofa - and that we did until 8:00 a.m. when it was
all over.
Congratulations to our re-elected
President Barack Obama and his entire family. Although this was my first time
living overseas for a presidential election, I am so grateful to be a proud
American living overseas. It was a great campaign, a wonderful night, an
outstanding win, and a superb victory speech. "Yes we can" do anything in our
great land of opportunity. This was 100% worth staying up the whole night to
watch live. God Bless America and four more years.
