Things That Didn't Happen in the Millennium

Did anyone else see that Saturday Night Live news report about 10 years ago, when we were all preparing for the armageddon that was to be Y2K, called Things That Didn't Happen in the Millennium? Cap'n Crunch didn't invade Poland and people didn't line up around the block to vote in a presidential election.

The BBC reports that voters are queueing up for hours before the polls opened in New York and that lines extend 3 or 4 blocks long. Really? How cool is that!? I'm a little sad that I didn't have to line up to drop my ballot in the postbox. I feel like I must be missing out on some patriotic commaradarie or other political quipery. It's just so exciting to have someone to vote FOR for a change instead of trying to choose between the lesser of two evils.

In Britain, the media coverage has been frequent, but not a full on bombardment in the way that I imagine US TV must be right now. There have been a number of documentaries produced by the BBC on America, the best of which is called The American Future: A History * which has some really great historical footage as well as original insight, and is a programme I'd urge every American to watch.

It's a good chance to reflect on the way the rest of the world views American politics and how when America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold. The advert I've seen the most lately says something like "We can't vote in the election, but the outcome affects each of our lives." or some such. The bottom line being, it's a big deal. Get out there and vote!

Click here to see what Brits are saying about the election on the BBC website.

Love,

Bee xx

*I'm not sure if you'll be able to view the programme online if you're outside of the UK, but I know a lot of you are much more technologically savvy than I am. You'll find a way.

photo found on www.kissmygumbo.com