hope

Today I interviewed a professor who teaches sustainability studies here on campus. As we talked about the future, and why sustainability is important, the conversation shifted to the election. She said that she wanted to be like Obama when she taught because of the way that he was able instill hope in people with his words. "The future is pretty grim" she said, "if you start looking at all of the bad things that are coming you might as well give up now." The challenge is to make people hopeful, and push them to see the positive things.

I was pretty impressed by her parallelism, and how she translanted politics seamlessly into her everyday life. But her message rang true to me. I really think that is what this whole election has been about, at least for the people that I know. Change doesn't affect people inless it impacts them. We live insular lives. But somehow, inspite of, or because of how grim the future COULD be people are excited, and aware and involved. I can't wait untill Jan 20.