I am back from New Mexico. Laura and I were struck by the enthusiasm for Obama everywhere we went. This mania reached from Espanola, one of New Mexico's poorest communities to Santa Fe, one of the wealthiest. We drove through Espanola twice traveling north to Taos. In October, Obama spoke here to a crowd of 10,000 at least. Everyone was talking about it. Spanish, Anglo and Indian were lit up with hope. These three cultures have lived side by side in New Mexico since the 1600's with mixed results. The way their cultures have interwoven over time is one of the reasons I love New Mexican art and culture. Obama seems to be a kind of common denominator for many. There are signs of this everywhere! We saw this painting at a gallery on Canyon Road, everyone talking about.....Obama. Check out the clock...Obama time.
We had not seen a paper or television or magazine for 10 days. When we got to the airport, we were bowled over by the magazine rack. Yes, any president-elect would be featured. But there is something joyful and celebratory about these magazine covers. Don't you think?
Getting back to cold, dreary Boston, I got into the cab and as we headed home, the driver turned to me and exclaimed, "what about Obama? great news, huh?" Even in Boston where we like to keep pretty much to ourselves, people are sharing the good news. Even here. wow.
3 comments:
That painting is a perfect depiction of what our Thanksgiving will look like... Obama-talk just as plentiful as the food.
Mom, I think I see you on the bottom left in the red. Lookin' good!
Yup, jumped right in and got involved. Those people are all my new friends.
A very neat experience! Your observations are simple and poinant.
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