Something seemed so familiar about this election, and then it hit me... i've seen something like this before.
In November of 2004 I woke up early to head to my sunrise Yoga class at PCC Sylvania (I have since discontinued the practice of Yoga, and rising before the sun... but that is a different story). On the radio was a story about a region of the world that I had recently started to show more interest in: Ukraine.
Apparently there was an election going on between two main candidates; the more progressive and western leaning Viktor Yuschenko (pictured above on the left... duh), and the Russian pocket dweller Viktor Yanukovych. The results had come in that day declaring the latter as President Elect for Ukraine... and the people of Ukraine were furious. Along with the tallied results of the supposedly democratic election came evidence of tampering at many of the polling places, in the favor of Yanukovych. As word spread of the illegal ballot stuffing Yuschenko organized his supporters, calling for Ukrainians to stop working, stop going to school, stop everything, and take to the streets in protest. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over Ukraine filled Independence square in Kiev wearing the campaign's signature bright orange, waving flags, and demanding that a fair election take place. The events surrounding this election were so dramatic that it has been referred to as: The Orange Revolution.
The day after Christmas a revote was staged and Viktor Yuschenko was elected President. I remember how excited my in-laws were. I called Ksenia the night they announced the results of the revote to tell her and her family who had won (since they were at a cabin away from Ukrainian new channels, and internet) and the celebration was obvious even over a less than ideal cell phone connection. And these celebrations took place all across most of Ukraine. This was an historic vote for the Ukrainian people.
Though the people of Ukraine had declared freedom from Russia 14 years earlier, the influence of Russian power and politics retained its stranglehold. Yuschenko was the candidate for change. He was the man with the plan to end the self-serving decisions made by prior administrations. Backed by the Ukrainian entertainment industry, some rallies included performances by one of Ukraine's most popular bands, Okean Elzy. Yuschenko's candidacy inspired record turnout at the polls, especially in young adults. Yuschenko promised to lead Ukraine out of their troubled past and into a brighter future.
But Yuschenko had a lot to deal with. The country was deeply divided on many important issues. Some parts of Ukraine so badly opposed to his pro-western agenda that there were (and still are) aggressive movements towards the eastern part of Ukraine breaking off and rejoining their former "Mother Russia". As much as Yuschenko desired to change everything, the infrastructure he inherited with the office still remained corrupt and extremely difficult to maneuver.
His first year in office, Yuschenko did his best to eliminate the most troublesome spots in the system. In the meantime, the same people who supported him and championed his cause during the Orange Revolution, were now growing impatient with the slow movement towards economic and social progress. The expectation of change was stifled by what appeared to be politics and corruption as usual, and Yuschenko's only means for success, the support of the people, slowly faded away. When Ksenia and I visited Ukraine in September of 2007, Ukraine was in the midst of another election for president, ending Yuschenko's term early. And you will never guess who was one of the front runners in the campaign... none other than the voter fraud committing, pro-russian agenda politician himself... Viktor Yanukovych.
He didn't win, but the point I am trying to make here is: In a democracy, the president is only powerful as the people that support him/her. Yuschenko did accomplish some things, and change is happening in Ukraine, for the better. But more could be accomplished if people hadn't lost steam so quickly.
so on to the home town issues.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the outcome of this election, and I'm pretty excited too. The shear fact that there is an African American junior senator next in line for the presidency of the United States shows much progress for out Nation. I am really looking forward to the changes an Obama administration will bring. However, if we expect real lasting change we need more than just an historic election to get ourselves there. What we need is an historic commitment to bringing about the change we seek. If the life changing effects of an event like 9/11 can dull to near numbness in less than a decade, we can't expect an election to provide the energy and stamina we need to actually change anything.
Obama is not really the answer, but I fear that too many people believe the fact that he will take office means all the problems will just disappear. I guarantee anyone with that belief will be disappointed, just as many were with Yuschenko.
that is all... I am dismounting from my soapbox... and will return to posting random YouTube videos now.
