This is longish post for me, but I think the time has come. So bear with me.


********


So, that long-awaited, long-anticipated, feared, hoped-for, sinister, big 4 November is getting closer and my bad conscience somehow spawned this post that's been in my head for a few days now. I've said that a couple of times (and I'll say it again): I am trying to be a loyal member of LJ community - meaning I read the posts "produced" by people on my f-list, I comment, I reply, I do what I think is a proper thing for a member of blog community. Maybe some of you have noticed I kept unusually quiet with posts regarding American elections. I somehow feel I should explain why.

I do follow what's going on in your part of the World. Of course I do. Not least, because I am a journalist and I cannot escape news even if I wanted to. I follow what's going on, because this year's elections are probably a turning point for the whole country and probably also for the most of the world. I am looking at it all from a safe distance, without any deep feelings and emotions, I am trying to be just an observer (well, as someone in Slovenia, that's exactly what I am, but still...) and what I see never ceases to amaze me. The two choices standing in front of American voters are so abundantly clear it's almost painful. And yet, there's still this struggle going on. And the stuff that's going on is making its way into LiveJournal as well. Of course, it does, there's no other way. But for most of the time it's the stuff, that can easily be classified as "convincing the convinced ones". And that was also one of the reasons that kept my mouth shut, although I read it all.

There's so much in all those posts. And I really understand your sadness, your anger, your frustration, your fear. I understand it, because I do feel the same way. I do not want the States to continue their way even deeper into a society of fear, hatred, political correctness (which is a sign of hypocrisy in my book - just call them as you see them, ok?), into a land of therapists, into a land where "gottahaveit" is all that matters. I don't want this to happen, because I am really fascinated by the United States, the symbols this country once used to represent, the openness and kindness of its people and I could go on and on with that.

I was in America twice, in 1999 and in 2001 and both of the trips were probably pretty close to the best one can experience on a business trip or during vacation time. I was there two weeks before 11 September happened and totally changed the world as we all knew. And totally changed the States I learned to know and like before that. And it was in 2001 when I decided I do not want to go back to the States as long it's covered by Bush/McCain/WhoeverRepublican lid. And I would really like to go back, oh trust me, I would. I would love to hit the West Coast so much. Start way up there (not where you can see Russia, though), let's say in Seattle with a bunch of fine LJ'ers and then find my way all the way down to San Diego. That's the plan that's waiting to happen. But for the time being I prefer to travel around way more relaxed and sane Europe.

And I really hope this great nation finds the strength to steer its way back to life again. I would just like you to know that I *do* care, even though it doesn't look like it.

I care. Not least because the "wild, wild west" is still waiting for me, right? :)

So, should I get another hole in my head?

Today just some pics of the past few days.

Ok, my mind is empty and mind is tired and since I ran out of ideas today I just took another Elevator picture today - the series is supposed to be long gone actually, but here it is again.

And now I am going to take a nap and I hope to resurrect with some life in me. :)