Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Waiting for Change


The whole world waits for change today. We in the USA tend to forget that. And it's not just this onion seller in Nicaragua - it's the bus driver in Albania that lives on a few dollars a day; it's the graduate student at the University of Beijing on the forefront of change in her own country; it's the shaman living in a sheepskin yurt in a village in a little known kingdom who dedicates an entire blessing ceremony to healing OUR country.

I have met them all in the last few months and they are quick to remind me that what happens today is not just about you and me; not about our tax dollars; but about the possibilities of change that affects lives around the entire planet. Tonight, when you are watching the returns, remember that people in every single country in the world are watching with you - waiting for change too. It's been eight long years for all of us.


17 comments:

Julie Zickefoose said...

How humbling it is to know that the world follows our election. Stop an American on the street and ask them who the president of Nicaragua is. And yet an onion seller in a market there is following our election--a testament to the enormous power we wield, to the brutish force we have abused on the international stage. Perhaps it is time for a world citizen--a better behaved one--to step up. Tim, I love this post.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

TR: This is an interesting look at the USA from afar. I guess we will all know tomorrow.

kjpweb said...

I don't even ask. Albania yesterday - Nicaragua today... ;)
Great image and true words!
Cheers, Klaus

Louise said...

I wish all of us could remember that we are not the only ones on the planet.

Excellent photo!

dianasfaria.com said...

so true, so true! beautiful photo as well. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

Doug Taron said...

One of my favorites of your posts so far. The view of the election here at home is equally compelling. I've never had to stand in line to vote here before. You could feel the electricity. It's like everyone knows- we're participating in the changing of history today. ¡Feliz dia de la elección!

judi/Gmj said...

You bring the truth to light. Thank you for that. you have been added to my blog roll so I can continue to view the world thru your eyes.

judi/Gmj said...

You bring the truth to light. Thank you for that. you have been added to my blog roll so I can continue to view the world thru your eyes.

MaR said...

Well said and beautiful picture of the onion seller.

entoto said...

What a great post. In 2000 I was traveling in Ireland. Much to my chagrin the Florida debacle enfolded. I was glad I was reasonably versed in the electoral college, and amazed at how often I was asked to explain these bizarre happenings. Thanks for the reminder.

Unknown said...

What a profound post and I could not agree more. Watching now it looks like this will be a truly historic night for America and the start of change

P. Ollig said...

Change has come, my friend! Spread the word in all your wanderings!

And travel safe!

Anonymous said...

And CHANGE came along ... let's now hope that HOPE isn't the firts casualty!

Mary said...

Through blogging I learned that our election was being watched more closely in other countries...

Thanks for reminding us we are not the only nation suffering.

Great post, Tim.

GreenishLady said...

You are so right, and have captured so exactly the feeling I know is abroad in the world today. Here in my little corner of my little country, the joy at the new day that's dawned is very real. I feel grateful to all the people who have brought about this change. Thank you.

Kathleen said...

Your post speaks to the spirit. The world rejoices.

Judith Haden said...

Hey, Tim, missing those hot, sweaty sultry nights in Nicaragua with you....love your blog, your comments are amazing and you deserve to be read by the whole world! Keep it up!

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