Talking Politics.

South African politics, that is.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/09/23/south.africa.resignations/index.html

Over my two weeks in South Africa, I have been able to experience a dramatic sequence of events that have led to the (forced) resignation of the president, and today to the resignation of a portion of his cabinet.  The country now hangs in a strange space, with an acting president being appointed on Thursday morning, and an election next April with an predictable outcome.

I am not well enough versed to come close to understanding all the politics and history behind what has occurred over the past few weeks (the Zuma trial, the 'verdict' of the courts, the recall, and subsequent resignation of Mbeki and the cabinet).  

However, I have had the unique experience to be surrounded the last few weeks with South Africans from all walks of life.  I have spent time with highly educated, politically motivated and politically connected academics and scientists, and also spent hours with members of the more general South Africa community- including men and women, HIV positive and negative, white, black, and Asian.  Native and ex-pat.  Hearing their opinions and watching their reactions has been a unique experience.  And it has been an experience in humility.

I say humility because sometimes we (in the general sense, myself included) have the tendency to lose perspective.  Yes, our country is in an interesting place in it's history and has a major decision to make November 2.  Yes, this decision will have drastic effects on the direction our country will take over the coming years.  

However, regardless of the election results, as an American- even if I am 'scared' about the results of the coming election- I am not scared for my security, my way of life, or the future of my younger sister and possible daughter.  I am not scared that my county could revert to political upheaval, a culture of violent crime, and economic disrepair.  And these are fears shared across the South African population, not in pockets or neighborhoods. 

I guess I am suffering from a case of a forever-adjusting sense of perspective, which is impossible to verbalize or put into words. I'm going to stop because what I want to say isn't coming out right, but I want to put the words down so I can try to keep the persepective.