I'm sitting here in my corner seat at the bar on Election Eve 2006 hoping against hope that tomorrow will signal a change and the restoration of true American values. If the Democrats take the house, the changes in Committee Chairmanship will bring the dedication of Henry Waxman, John Conyers, Charlie Rangel and many others to the task of uncovering and righting the strains on our Constitution and bringing to light the fraud and corruption of the Republican Party. If the Senate goes Democratic, perhaps, just perhaps the mad folly of the Bush-Cheney administration can be blunted. I took on my project to bring Rick's Cafe to Casablanca to show real American values - values that I felt had been poorly communicated by the Bush administration. An the aftermath of 9/11 I wanted to do something to show the good spirit and intentions of my country. To say that the actions of the Bush administration after 9/11 made my job much, much more difficult is an understatement. But their arrogance, intimidation, cynicism, hypocracy, and basic dishonesty has certainly made my project more relevant. And I sit here in Casablanca in the beautiful oasis that is Rick's and welcome people from the world over who are happy to "share the dream." None are prouder than the Americans. I can't say to each and every one of them to hold up what Rick's expresses about the U.S. against the war in Iraq, or the response to Katrina, the division of rich and poor, black and white, immigrant and non immigrant, gays and straights. But I hope many go back home and watch the movie again and think about how America's reputation in the world has fallen, and how we have utterly failed our friends and allies all over the world. In the name of our "democratic" values we have made Iraq a terrorist haven never was before. As a resident of Morocco I am particularly sensitive to the reports that the U.S. has strongarmed it's allies such as Morocco and Jordan, and it's "enemy" Syria to hold and torture suspects for interrogation. As a wise friend of mine here said when we were talking about Moroccans reacting to these rumors, "Well Morocco is just now trying to build a democracy. The Moroccan people look back at their past history, knowing it will take awhile - but it certainnly doesn't help the country to advance if we're prevailed upon to secretly hold, interrogate and torture prisoners at the behest of a 200 year old democracy." I can't poll-watch or telephone. I have given money I don't really have to races I think are important. The one thing I can do on this election eve is try to reach individuals who just might happen onto my blog...if you happen to visit - please vote Democratic. Your glass of champagne is on ice at Rick's. Here's looking at you kids, and let's all hope for a better America beginning November 8. Madame Rick |
