photo courtesy of Joe Crimmings.
I ran my final BMT standard obstacle course on the same day that US forces launched the 2003 invasion of Iraq, half way across the world, in what was supposed to be a shock and awe, in and out affair.
A year later I remember being glued to the tube with my dad as we watched John Kerry floor incumbent President George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential debates only to have our hopes dashed when the latter was re-elected - the power-bloc of white, mid-west Christians (aka, red-neck Americans of Irish descent) having been one of the main culprits behind the tragedy.
Politics and world affairs don't exist in the realm of our early 20s demographic, but it's always held an attraction for me. I suspect it's got something to do with having a father who's 70 plus, isn't into football and has experienced, first hand during his prime, the flourishing of Singapore from colony to aspiring world city.
There was so much at stake at this year's presidential elections, along with so much hope.
Thankfully, and to much relief, "a new dawn of American leadership is at hand".
I won't be surprised if architecture gets swept along in its wake.
*cue happy songs for a happy ending...
Paul Doucette (the acoustic guitarist in the bucket hat) is damn hyper.
And for those who'd prefer a more stripped down, soulful version.
