Obama - True America

Although I've been living in the US for more than 15 years, I cannot vote yet. I follow, live and breathe the news. I face the daily challenges of my city. I contribute to this society, but I cannot vote yet. I am not sworn in as an American citizen, but I feel I should have a say in who becomes the President of the United States of America. Why not? It affects me, living in New York. It affects my family, living in Istanbul. It affects my friends in Spain, Israel, Kenya, India and beyond.

If I could vote, I'd choose Obama. To me, he's America. He's black and white. He's local and international. He can cross borders without crossing people. He can empathize and sympathize. And I'm thinking, we need a leader who is both one of us and one of them, to articulate the vision of a multi-cultural society and restore peace.

From New World to Old Land

The new world means options, wealth and freedom to many. The promise of life in the USA makes people leave their families and steady but low-paying jobs behind. Having lived abroad for so many years, I became part of this international cocoon with members who constantly shift around. They sometimes go back home. But most of the time they move to another city with new hopes. Perhaps this one will truly embrace them, perhaps this one will give them the job they love, the person they will love...

Zehra is going back to Istanbul. She kicked and screamed here about what she wanted to do. A few heard and even fewer gave her a chance. She was mostly told to take a number and correct her accent. She got the career opportunity of a lifetime in Istanbul, where many know how great she is. Her mama misses her but she says not to come. "The situation is bleak here. We are on the verge of a crisis," she cries to her on the phone. But Zehra had enough, living in a tiny room, saving every penny, begging for recognition. She is serious about what she wants and can do. So, off she goes...

Riv is moving from Istanbul to Tel-Aviv. Hadn't she just left NJ? She wanted to be near her family. But she spoke English too perfectly and she was way too professional for an office that ran on a favors system. Before moving, she's going on a trip to Poland. She is going to participate in the March of Dimes. Maybe she will be happier in Israel, where she won't have to explain where her name comes from.

I am waiting in Brooklyn. I watch new condos go up every day. I read about "movers but not shakers" service in the paper. I contemplate moving to the next neighborhood over. Mostly, I dream about writing in Italian, Spanish or French countryside some day.