So we're back in Denmark and trying to process the two amazing weeks we've had. It has been great to experience America through election glasses and even though we were hardcore Obama fans when we arrived - we've also enjoyed seeing the other side of the election. And we are even bigger fans now.

As you've seen from the blog entries we've not only learned something about US politics but we've also had some good discussions about Danish politics and society - and it's given us a lot.

We want to thank everyone we've met during this trip - from Stefan and Andrew, who let us stay and didn't mind having to girls in their bachelor-pad to Katie and her parents for also letting us crash and accepting that we were very European at times.

But the best thing about these two weeks has been the people, who saw our Obama buttons and wanted to talk. Thank you for giving us an insight to what this election means to you. We hope that you remember to vote - we don't want to tell you for whom - but as long as you use your right to make a difference - we're sure that we in a few days will see a needed change in the world.

As for the future of this blog we will try to keep posting until election night, which we will try to gather some friends for. But for now we need to focus on the jobs and homework that have been on 'stand-by' for the last two weeks. 

/Fabijana and Anette

Integration/iPhone?!

Being a Danish citizen I’m used to look at America for ”how not to do things”. America is used as the example of exaggeration. We like to think that everything is blown out of proportion in the states. Using the wording of Michael Moore – In America everything is super-sized.

Integration isn’t perfect in America – far from it – but at least it’s really obvious which social problems are at play. In Denmark they are hidden in clever rhetoric and racist policies working undercover as “firm policies”.

However, when we judge how well a country is at integrating its immigrants an obvious place to look is at the political leaders that the country produces. Which kind of candidate is “allowed” to emerge by the influential gatekeepers?

That’s why the election in 2008 has been so interesting. Obama is black. Can you believe it? I mean: yay! What a wonderful thing that America is finally ready for a black president. In my excitement over America’s awesomeness I remembered that I had to return to my own country and its own politics in a short bit, and I slowly felt my arms fall down and the smile on my face turn into a frown.

Where is Denmark’s Obama? Denmark has had a steady immigration flow for years (not so much in the last 7 years) - are you telling me that no foreigner in Denmark has the brains, skills, eloquence and interest to become a political leader?

Of course there are several potential candidates getting in position – but still – I can’t believe that America beat us to it. I guess integration is a bit like a iPhone – America invents it and we get it in Denmark much later and for a higher price

X,

Fabijana

A note on 'The Windy City'

While DC was known area to both me and Fabijana, Chicago is all new territory for both of us. Of course we had read a bit about the city before going (Lonely Planet USA is a big, but helpful friend) but we have been blown away (literally) by the friendliness of people and the number of extreme skyscapers.

Home to almost 3 million people, Chicago is the largest city in the American Midwest. We have already come to love the 'L' - the elevated metro system of the city which for a 2 dollar fee will take you just about anywhere. Furthermore, we have seen the 'Magnificent Mile', will take you to to just about any store you could wish for.

While many people know that Obama has a long history in Chicago - not only as a senator, but also as a community organizer in the city's South Side - it kind of surprised me that the city's love affair with the Democratic party dates much further back. The city has not elected a Republican mayor since 1927 and has been consistent in supporting a Democratic president since 1992. As a consequence, Chicago is known as one of the largest Democratic strongholds in the United States.

Obama's future politics were built and shaped in here, where his community involvement meant that he came in contact with a diverse array of people. There is no doubt that the presidential candidate was formed by his stay here, and the NPR has made a nice analysis of his way up the ranks.

The first few days in Chicago have been so great and the fact is that all the people telling us how great this city is - well, they were right. Today we've been up and down the 'Magnificent Mile' - a mile of pure, good shopping; we've seen the 'Millennium Park', which hosts the famous bean (here's for you Kristina..).

We also got to go to the famous Sears Tower, which for some 24 years was the world's tallest building. We finished off a great day by having the fantastic deep dish pizza, which Chicago is known for.

Contrary to what we thought, today we figured  that despite the fact that Chicago is a pretty windy city, due to the near proximity of lake Michigan, the nickname actually stems from the 'long-winded politicians' - interesting huh?

/Anette

Getting the vote out

"Hi, you're speaking with Anette/Fabijana from the Barack Obama presidential campaign..." 

A lot of our sentences started like that today - and it was great. Waking up - in what seems to be a gay hostel, with a invisible owner, who leaves us notes - we decided to find the Obama Headquarters for Illinois and do some work. 

We were greeted with open arms and a clip board each with about sixty names and numbers on it. The mission was to find volunteers, who would help with the GET OUT THE VOTE DRIVE in Missouri.

It's fairly simple - everyone can endorse Obama on the Internet, among friends, with a pin, or sign in your front lawn - but all of this means nothing if they don't also remember to vote for the guy. 

We met great people, especially Ann who is the nicest woman on earth. She sat next to me and left such nice messages on people's voicemail that I have a hard time imagining who could say no to her.

For us it was all pretty new and exciting and we enjoyed every minute of it. People were smiling and taking time to talk to you. It was amazing to witness the diverse group gathered to help Obama - his message of unity has never been so materialised to me than at this place.

After finishing our phone calls, we went out to see Chicago and what a great city. Today we just walked and took in all impressions, tomorrow we will meet up with Katie, who we also know from DC2006 - can't wait to see more of Chicago.

I read a - unrelated- quote today on a bill board that I want to be the thing you remember from this blog today:

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Einstein. 

X,

Fabijana

(Due to hurried packing we have a hard time locating the cord to Anette's camera - so pic. will be up as soon as we find a store where we can buy a new one)

Time to change....

...location. Today it was "bye, bye" DC and "Hi there, Chicago". Sitting in a Starbucks in "somewhere" in Chicago we are googling everything and everyone to get a sense of where to go and where to sleep.

DC was a fantastic experience seeing old friends from the class of 2006, but we're excited to move one to new and hopefully greater things.



Today we're gonna try to make the rain stop from falling and get settled - tomorrow 9 am you can find us at the Obama Headquarters.

For now we need to follow Maslow's pyramid of needs - physiological things first - sadly Starbucks won't let us spend the night.

/Anette and Fabijana

Get an idea of Obama and Chicago here

Go Colin!!

This speaks for itself!

/Anette and Fabijana

Is America a Banana republic?

Having discussed the election with tons of people and following the election debates I find that freedom can have a lot of different meanings. Coming from Denmark it's sometimes difficult to discuss election issues because the word freedom comes in the way.

For me freedom means that I can go to the doctor whenever I want to for free. Freedom also means that my parents don't have to worry about my education, because it's free - the biggest worry is to find the right education. Freedom is receiving about 900 dollars a month in support for studying. Freedom is knowing that the government will distribute the wealth around so that - in theory - no Danish citizen would have to live on the streets. Freedom is leaving a lot of decision making to government, so I have time for other things. Freedom is receiving a voting ballot in my mailbox and not having to register.  Of course I pay a high tax to be able to enjoy this freedom - but if given a choice I would never change that.

In America spreading the wealth around is considered a terrible thing to say. McCain even used it as an attack on Obama at the last debate. People cherish their right to make every decision about their lives and thereby individualising freedom. People who have a good income can afford health care and have better chance of surviving in this world. (I can't believe that many Americans don't believe in evolution, when Darwin's theory about natural selection is built in in your perception of freedom)

I am aware of the cultural and historical differences between Denmark and the US - but still. Wouldn't it be easier to have health care and college education deleted from you expense list and to focus on other aspects of life instead?

The only reason you would say no to this is if you don't trust your government. When talking to my friend about this he said that he wouldn't want government to get more power because what might be used for good purposes under one president may be used totally different by another president. 

I began understanding this lack of trust towards the people in power and it's no wonder -  I mean if I was an American citizen I wouldn't want Bush to have more power than he has had the last eight years. 

But something is fundamentally wrong if you mistrust you government so much that you'd rather take away from the president's responsibilities and take care of them yourself. It resembles the shady governments in shady countries, where you never quite know what the government might do. 

I believe that Obama is going to change this culture of mistrust. He is saying all the right things - he seems like a listener and has earned the trust of the American people. But I understand know why some are hesitant with voting for him - there is a sense of fear installed in people.

And this fear is the fuel on the republican campaign machine. I really hope that American people have enough faith in Obama and let him show them and the world another sense of responsibility.

Like he said at the rally - I am going to be working for you! Please give him the chance.

X,

Fabijana