This email from a Peace Corps volunteer in the Ukraine about the election taking place there lends some perspective to the U.S. election:
Actually, I feel I am witnessing a moment that will herald the beginning of a great future for this important country or its return to the sphere of Russia. Of course the American election is important, but I think this election could have a greater impact on the future of Europe and the world.
So far we’ve seen the opposition party denied access to media coverage, the mysterious poisoning of the leading candidate, police and government harassment of political organizations and independent media and every other possible tactic to ensure the ruling party wins the election. And the opposition candidate, Yushchenko, continues to lead in the polls.
And the locals believe that no matter what the final vote count is, the party in power will be declared the winner. And they accept it.
Many fear unrest following the election. Some even fear a civil war pitting the western, Ukrainian speaking population against the eastern, russian speakers.
And russia has made clear their preference. The choice has been reduced to a vote for the east (closer relations with Russia) vs. a vote for the West (closer to the US/Europe).
Ukraine has incredible potential and if it finally is able to be rid of the overwhelming corruption, I think it could be an economic powerhouse.
So the vote is Oct 31. We have been advised to stay home or at least close. If things do get crazy, I plan to sneak out with my camera.
I know things are nasty in the USA but I have to think that it is mostly rhetoric. Here, I am afraid it is much worse.