Yesterday were the elections here in Chile for our new president. And guess what?? the WOMAN WON! That is right folks, history in the making. The second woman president in all of South America (correction made from earlier blog publication)! Her name is Michelle Bachelet and she is the with the chilean version of the the democrat party here. Don´t ask me how an agnostic, divorced, single mother, and not to mention just the fact that she is a woman, won the election here in the conservative catholic country of Chile. But despite all her shortcomings (it´s a joke mom) I think she will make an excellent president. I have been watching the debates here and I think she will do a great job leading this country.
Now, I don´t really remember what I did after the last election in the States. I remember watching the news and seeing the Bush got re-elected and then I probably went to bed. But last night. as soon as the results were announced the streets were filled with cars honking, people waving flags and everyone celebrating. Within a few hours, the plaza downtown was filled with people for a concert celebrating the win, and for four hours the people danced and sang and waved flags. Fathers and daughters, moms and sons, lovers, all dancing in the street. It was a huge country wide party! The whole country went out into the streets and danced. Bachelet got 53 percent of the vote, so half the people partying didn´t even vote for her! But it was so fun, what a way to celebrate an election. Once again, a distinct difference in culture. Here any excuse is a good one for a party. And tonight the party is going to continue. Crazy huh?
Note: Interesting that this country which has such machistica ways of life would elect a woman and the US which prides itself on promoting equality, won´t.
Now, I don´t really remember what I did after the last election in the States. I remember watching the news and seeing the Bush got re-elected and then I probably went to bed. But last night. as soon as the results were announced the streets were filled with cars honking, people waving flags and everyone celebrating. Within a few hours, the plaza downtown was filled with people for a concert celebrating the win, and for four hours the people danced and sang and waved flags. Fathers and daughters, moms and sons, lovers, all dancing in the street. It was a huge country wide party! The whole country went out into the streets and danced. Bachelet got 53 percent of the vote, so half the people partying didn´t even vote for her! But it was so fun, what a way to celebrate an election. Once again, a distinct difference in culture. Here any excuse is a good one for a party. And tonight the party is going to continue. Crazy huh?
Note: Interesting that this country which has such machistica ways of life would elect a woman and the US which prides itself on promoting equality, won´t.
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