The Election, or Todd on His Soapbox

While I am in France, I'm not completely cut off from what is going on with the elections in the US. For one, there is a miraculous thing they call the "internets" that enables you to watch news and read papers from around the world. Sen. Stevens of Alaska explains that it is a series of tubes. I'm not sure how it works, but it is GREAT!!
Secondly, the French, like most Europeans, are OBSESSED with this election so it is all over the news here. This phenomenon is understandable for many reasons, but one explanation for their interest is really telling: they want to believe that the real America is not really what they have seen over the last eight years. Most Americans, while aware of some of what goes on in the world, are completely unaware of the omnipresence of America in the lives of people around the world. Having spent a substantial part of the last three years in France, I can attest to this reality.
When you turn on the radio, you hear American music. When you turn on the TV, you see American TV shows. When you walk into the streets, you see American cars. Coca-Cola and MacDonalds are everywhere. But now, our latest successful export here is "la crise." The global financial crisis, which is largely the result of lax enforcement of regulations or the lack thereof in the US, is crippling the world economy. While most Americans are worried and outraged about how this crisis is impacting the United States, they neglect to see that the impact is not simply national, but international. In other words, what we do has an impact on the daily life of a Français, Italiano, etc.
We are, at least for now, the most powerful country in the world, but the previous eight years have had disastrous effects on our image in the world. While some of the negative opinions of America around the world may be unjustified, the fact is that the way we are perceived in the world has far reaching consequences on our economy and our national security. For these reasons alone, we should be accutely aware of what we do in the world and, perhaps more importantly, how we do it. And yet, despite the dark clouds looming over our reputation, Europeans still respect us and have a renewed faith in the American people, largely thanks to the Obama candidacy.
They see the possibility of an Obama presidency as a return of the America that the world loved and respected during the twentieth century. The French Defense Minister, Hervé Morin, recently explained that the French obsession with the current elections is the result of a deep admiration for the hope that America still represents. He explained that, in spite of inequalities that persist in America, it shows that the social elevator in the US works and makes things possible that are still far from attainable in France. That is to say, a minority president.
If Obama is elected, we will have once again shown the world what makes America so great. If John McCain wins, he will have an uphill battle to reunite the country and regain the trust and respect of some of our historic allies. It may not be impossible, but it seems improbable that McCain could effectively repair the damage done by the Bush administration.
On November 5th, I will hopefully know who the next president will be. I hope that Americans will choose hope and not fear. Thought and not gut. Equality and not injustice. If this is the case, Americans will be greeted with open arms and open hearts all over the world, save a few predictable exceptions (and no, France is not one of those exceptions!). If not, whether you think it justified or not, we will be seen by many as ignorant, close-minded frauds. I really hope people don't treat me like a leper on Nov. 5!

Vacances de Toussaint

So, as most of you know, France is a country where vacation is nearly as important as good food and good wine. It may be even more important. Well, I'm taking full advantage of my first week of vacation in France. This week is thanks to the Toussaint holiday (All Saints Day). While November 1st is a Saturday, we get an entire week off to recharge our batteries until the Vacances de Noël, which begin on December 19th.

This week brought not only vacation, but also the definitive arrival of fall weather and the time change, which, as you may have noticed, takes place a week earlier in Europe than in the USA. Parts of France were covered in snow yesterday, but I only got to experience a very, very cold rain.

Monday, I went to the Forêt de Brocéliande with Sarah and Cynthia, the other two English lecturers. The forest is where the legend of King Arthur takes place and it is around 30km southwest of Rennes. It is also where you can find the fountain of youth and Merlin's grave. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to get to either of those two places, but I plan on going back soon.

I'm spending the rest of the week in Dijon, which is kind of my "hometown" in France, since I've spent the last three summers here and have quite a few friends here. The train ride down to Dijon from Paris was absolutely amazing. The sky was mostly grey, but the sun made a habit of regularly peaking through the veil to shine down onto the gorgeous landscape that is Bourgogne. In the summer, the rolling hills, covered in trees and pastures, are a vibrant green. The fall, however, is even more gorgeous. The leaves are bright orange and yellow and the pastures still green, though now with hints of gold. Absolutely spectacular!

It is good to be here and see the city in a different season and catch up with my friends and colleagues at the university. I'm staying with my friend Julien, who I've known for three years now. Tonight, I'll have dinner with Stéphane and Sabine, who I would have liked to have seen more, but a little time is better than nothing. That just means I will have to come back in the winter.

Something New

I've realized that I haven't been in touch with my friends and family as much as possible as far as what is going on in my daily life in France. I've decided to try a blog to keep people up-to-date. While I know this is a less personal way of sharing my stories, it is a better way for those who are interested to see what I'm up to. Feel free to visit often and leave comments/send messages.