I tried to upload pictures before, but my computer did nothing when I plugged my camera in. I haven't uploaded pictures yet- I don't know if I maybe need a CD that came with it? That would suck. I didn't bring any such thing. Oh well, we will see.
So breakthrough- I have internet in my house! And I downloaded Skype and it works! I talked to Mandy and Marlie today and it was wonderful. Although sometimes it takes me try after try to get connected- as in, half an hour- but then it usually stays up for as long as I want it. I have started talking to my computer, trying to develop some kind of relationship. Earlier this evening I was sitting here saying, "you can see the network, just connect. I have a book. I can sit here allll night." Along with a slew of expletives I will not write on this PG blog. It is so exciting to be able to lie in my bed and look at pictures and read 120 comments on NYTimes blogtalk about Sarah Palin.
The only reason I was upset to go abroad in the fall was the fact that I would be missing the first real presidential election of my life. Sure I cared and was somewhat knowledgeable four years ago, but I was sixteen and was not reading nearly as much news as I should have been. This is such an exciting time. Although I think now everything is making me so angry that it is all the better I am not in the States for my head would explode.
Sarah Palin- really? Really now? I think she has the potential to be an excellent running mate for McCain, but an underqualified and inappropriate VP. You probably know any argument I would make- no foreign policy experience, mayor of town of 7,000 for 6 years before less than 2 years of Gov., and of course I don't like her for her social conservatism. I will not make the argument that she should not be VP because of her 5 children/child with a disability (although I think it is somewhat valid) because I do not think it is right to take that into consideration. Too judgemental.
She has the potential to appeal to (conservative, independent and female) voters based on her likeabilty- and possibly looks? Let's not go there. People may think I like you, you care about me, I like your values, you're a good person- SURE I'LL VOTE FOR YOU! But could you imagine her being president if and when oldie old old McCain leaves us?
It seems McCain is getting exactly what he wants. I was reading articles with quotes from women about how the GOP is "brave" for putting a woman on the ticket, how they are ashamed of the Democratic Party for not doing the same- and Palin used this utterly to her advantage when she professed herself a supporter of H. Clinton- trying to compare herself to HC if only because she was a woman- and rally female voters that way. It is the way an election has to be run- appeal to the voters and try to win- but it is dirty and misrepresentative.
And what makes me the maddest is that women are faulting Obama for not choosing a woman (or even specifically Clinton). He has no obligation to her. He has an obligation to pick the best running mate/VP for him and for America, and choosing Clinton could have given him a lot of problems (some people thought she did not represent the new politics he is so fond of mentioning- but can Biden really, with his experience?) I was originally a Hillary supporter although I had a very hard time choosing between the candidates. I can't believe women would turn their back on their party- and towards a woman who represents nothing which their chosen candidate did- just because she is female. I know this was monumental to women, especially older women, and that I do not feel the same anger and hurt because I am younger and do not feel the gaps of gender inequality- but it is ludicrous. Voting for Palin just because she is a woman is an insult to our democratic system and an insult to yourself. If you actually admire her and think she would be a good VP, then that is your own right.
However I do think it is very interesting that the candidates and running mates are polar opposites: "Inexperienced" Obama and veteran Biden, and vice versa for the GOP ticket. I have not studied enough about elections and patterns to be able to predict which way this one will go- I have my hopes and my gut- and the alternative may involve me not getting on that plane going back to the USA on December 20.
I don't know if that made any sense; it was a rant I have had in my head for days. If you want to talk politics I am always interested! Hah.
Anyway, this weekend was pretty lowkey. I went out Friday night, didn't do much Saturday and was also lazing around this morning until I met another international student, Terra, and we had lunch and went to see Tripulacion Dave (not sure what it is called in English- the one with Eddie Murphy). I was actually excited for it to be in Spanish but it was just Spanish subtitles! Oh well. It was hilarious. Now I am home and thinking about the international econ homework I haven't done. Good I don't have class til 2:30!
I am determined to get out of Quito and travel next weekend, and start planning bigger trips (Galapagos? Peru? Machu Picchu? Colombia? Yes please)... I can't wait!
If you read all that, you rock. I miss you-
& LET'S SKYPE- kim.ballin-
Kim, Kimberly, "Keeem," Kay-Funk
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