Italians Are Excited For the Obama Inauguration This Week.

The week has finally arrived where President elect Obama will be sworn into office as the President of the United States. These are historical times with much at stake and the whole world watching. The world, including our very own Italy. Many Italians were supportive of the Obama campaign and ultimately wanted him to win this years election, lucky us that happened.

The Italians view Obama as a symbol of positive change, as do I. I can tell you from a daughter of an immigrant perspective, my parents are also hopeful of the positive change. America and positive change go hand in hand, so when we've endured 8 years of hell, we can only hope that that was the worst of it and we are coming out of the tail end of the horror. Bush did what he had to, protected the USA at a time of attack, but the Republican party ways sealed his fate as the worst President in history. He can thank them in private, he'll have plenty of time on his hands. America is the dream and the Italians realize that America resurrected and liberated their country after World War II. The relationship between our two countries is solid. I think I can say for many immigrant children that we are all excited to see a great President sworn into office who understands what the people need. Way to go Obama!

Read more on the story --Obama Inauguration/ Italians

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BREAKING NEWS...OBAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Senator Barack Obama has won the 2008 Presidential election. Yes, change has come..Congratulations, but I will say ..now let's get back to business and get America back on track. I look forward to the progress. Tweet

Who Did The Italian-American Vote For In The Presidential Election 2008?

Well, I just got back from voting and have to say it was a good experience. I didn't have to wait nor was there any drama in getting in and out of my voting location. As I stood there at the sign in table I was looking around to see the diverse group of people voting and wondering who they are voting for and what is behind their reasoning for voting for that person.

As Italian-Americans, and children of immigrants, first, second, third generations...this election signifies a time in America where change is needed and exercising your right to vote is going to change the outcome of life here in the United States.

I felt very proud going to vote today and my father was happy to know I went and voted too. A sense of overwhelming American pride came over me because I realized as I spoke to my father, who came to this country for this very right (to exercise a vote), that we are beyond lucky.

As I watch coverage on the media channels, I see a lot of talk about the immigrant vote and the overwhelming surge of Latino votes for Obama. It made me think, did many Ethnic-Americans feel a sense of connection with Obama because of his diverse ethnic background? Its an interesting notion. So, who did you vote for and why? Tomorrow morning, hopefully (if there is no drama) we will have our new President. I look forward to a greater tomorrow here in America. Tweet

Happy Election Eve, Let's Discuss How the Italians Are Gearing Up For the American Election.

Well, after writing and talking about the candidates, the election, the issues and the scandals..here we are on the eve of the 2008 Presidential election. I am truly anxious to see how this turns out, whether its a Democrat or Republican. With the intense economical and military situations occurring within the American government, this election has become and will be one of the most important elections of our time. Not only, are the issues great, but for the first time in history, whether it be Democratic or Republicans, there will either be an African-American President or a woman as the Vice-President. We should be proud that we are in this current moment of history.

In preparing for the elections here in the US, we've already seen high voter surge turnouts in early voting states. This is a clear indication that the American people are ready to make changes. Tomorrow, we will go to our designated voting locations and cast our votes. What will be, will be. I was really quite anxious to know the turnouts in the last two elections, but this time around I will be feverishly checking the statistics online and on CNN. I am truly excited for this final outcome.

In sharing our excitement are the Italians. The Italians know and understand that the outcome of the next elected President is also very relevant to their lives. With foreign policy, military issues, war and the current economic crisis, the outcome of the next elected President will definitely have a huge effect on the European markets and especially in Italy.

With so much excitement brewing here in the states with after parties scheduled for victory on both sides, the Italians have also begun to party plan for their candidate's victory party. For example, the Democrats Abroad have organized a very large result party in Rome. The Americans living abroad have taken a large role in organizing and involving others to participate in this year's election. In an overwhelming show of support, it seems many Italians and many other European citizens have decided that Senator Obama is their candidate of choice. I think its safe to say, whoever becomes President should receive and will receive the support of their fellow Americans. We must remember to keep the cause united and not divided by party. Happy Voting! Tweet

What is the Electoral College and Does My Vote Really Count?

With the past elections of Bush/Gore, and Bush/Kerry, many Americans were left thinking what the hell is an electoral college and why didn't my vote count? If the majority of my state voted Gore or Kerry then why did the Electoral College dictate the outcome of the past elections? When these two scenarios occurred years ago, we were left thinking what just happened, why is Florida a toss up and how did this guy get elected?

With the election looming on us this Tuesday, we are again faced with this realization of rules, votes and an electoral college. I'm no history professor or government guru but I can tell you to better understand the election process its best to do your homework. Getting into the voting booth is good but that's not enough, as Americans we need to know about the electoral college and its major role in this election.

It might not mean anything as far as you personally changing anything, but the bottom line is to vote--no matter what. The process and definitions are far to in depth for a non-expert like me to tell you, so I will suggest you get this site asap and start reading about the voting process and details. You may have been absent that day in school when electoral votes were discussed, then again..I think most of America was absent when this was discussed. Again, education is key. Take a look.

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html Tweet

One Week Left Till the Presidential Election Vote For 2008.

We have one week left till the election on November 4, 2008. A voter surge is expected in many states and has occurred even with absentee ballots and early voting. With America in the current situation that it stands in, we must contribute our vote in the hope that the outcome will help us. I understand many young voters are uninspired and just think their vote doesn't count or really have no clue about the candidates or what they stand for. I say, get educated, if you love the Internet, Google search the candidates, find out what they represent and what they hope to accomplish. Start here, start somewhere, being an absentee citizen who is uninspired just isn't going to fly.

Get out and vote -NOVEMBER 4, 2008.

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Who is "Joe the Plumber?" and Enough With Him Already!!!

OK, so here I am back to politics and my opinions. I just can't seem to get away from catching news clips of John McCain talking about "Joe the Plumber." I think its time we broadened the spectrum a bit and stopped with the generalizing. Yes, its true many Americans are small business owners but not everyone is, nor is everyone in the same comparable situation. Its really quite hard to tell if "Joe the Plumber" is really relevant to my life and millions of other Americans. I mean, come on ..last I checked yes, plumbers do work hard but it doesn't mean all plumbers are struggling business owners. Many plumbers are actually quite successful and maybe dare I say could be "doing OK."

Yes, I also understand McCain is trying to say, "Joe the Plumber" is middle America, struggling business owner, yada, yada..but really...this isn't helping me. I'm in my 30s, college degree, more or less corporate jobber, with no job security. Where's my shout out..."Margie the non-plumber." I think its time again for someone in the McCain camp to whisper in John's ear that he needs to stop talking about 'Joe the Plumber,' and start talking about the other billions of Americans who are suffering from a backed up sewer system of an economy. Maybe then we can call "Joe the Plumber." Till then. Tweet

The Final Debate.

Did you tune into your final debate coverage last night? I personally liked the set up of this final debate where the candidiates were sitting more comfortably and from a viewer stand point it made the debate more engaging. Instead of focusing on the awkward movements of the candidates freestyling around the room, the round table effect was definitely more interesting based on the actual conversation.

The debate for me was as always a bit redundant but with an added new topic from the moderator on abortion. This was really interesting to see how the candidates skated around this topic because its probably one of the most controversial stances for any candidate to tackle. I was pleased with Senator Obama's answer and felt Senator McCain was a little more generalizing. I think where the candidates differ is in their specifics and generalities.

For instance, Senator Obama gives specifics and Senator McCain is constantly repeating and generalizing. Look at this point, I think you can see where I am leaning but I will say, who ever does win this election I will support either one of these candidates just as long as the common interest is to better and improve our current state of chaos in the United States. I look forward to the tail of end of this election campaign and am eager to get in the voting booth this November. Tweet

Obama & McCain, Last Night's Debate.

Last night's debate was far more intense than the last debate..this I will say. It almost seemed like McCain was more determined than ever to make a point and was trying very hard. On the other hand, Obama seemed very cool and collected, responding at the right moments and keeping the focus straight on the economy.

These two men must be so tired of saying the same things over and over again..it was actually obvious with McCain, at one point said the same thing three times in one sentence. I almost get nervous and embarrassed for him, it was awkward. My critique of both candidates is that neither one of them offered better information from the last debate. I felt like it was a review from the last one. I realize its probably hard for them to say or promise anything in this stage but really these aren't normal times and require vital leadership.

By the way, I'm not sure if anyone else has thought about this issue, but whatever happened to "illegal immigration" as a large topic. Has anyone thought that maybe the loss of jobs to tons or I should millions of illegal immigrants has contributed to the economic landslide as well.

I mean really lets think about it, illegals make money, they don't pay taxes, and technically get good health care if they present themselves in a walk in clinic. I'm not against immigrants and wish all immigrants a chance to make a better life in America. But, here's the thing, my parents who are immigrants, had to do it the right way and the legal way. There is no reason why everyone is now exempt. This is where the government should have also taken responsibility and control when the influx started. Its now completely out of control.

In conclusion, I found the debate to be more interesting than the last, but we have a long way to go based on the current events. Election Day can't come soon enough. Tweet

Yes, Its True The Italian American Vote Is Important To All The Candidates.

As we prepare for tonight's debate, I find myself reading more articles and information on how the Italian American vote is an important factor to any political candidate's campaign. The Italian Americans make up a large group of influential and back bone votes. We do represent a large group of the immigrants who came to America for a better life and it doesn't just mean Italians.

The Mediterranean factor is a large part of our influence and the political machine has caught onto our stable and influencing votes. By influencing I mean, Italian Americans range from the blue collars to the super influential such as other politicians and top executives. We are diverse. By the way, I love your comments and emails. Again, I'm not a political analyst nor do I claim to be one...so I welcome your thoughts and comments. Also, to my younger Italian American readers, please get active and interactive and watch the debate tonight, your future--our future is on the line.

Check out this past New York Times Article:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE1D81430F930A15753C1A96E948260 Tweet

Who Is The Italian American Going To Vote For: McCain Or Obama?

Did you watch the debates tonight? I think the debates went really well, I wouldn't say there was a defining moment at all. There was no clear moment of saying, "Damn...so and so really did great." There is no denying that McCain has tons of experience in military, defense, foreign policy--but the bigger issue tonight was the financial meltdown happening before our very eyes. I mean, in listening to both candidates it really makes you see there is so much that the average citizen has no clue about when it comes to either domestic or foreign issues.

Obama set the stage for a common thread he kept bringing back to the debate, which was the domestic issues. He reiterated time and time again about health care, jobs, taxes and renewable energy. McCain, on the other hand really showed off on his foreign policy knowledge. I will say both candidates did do a fantastic job with presenting a lot of the issues, but its moments like that you want to say, "can't we have both people running the country?"

Its a tough call on this election and these are not so common times. Who is the Italian American going to vote? Again, we have to remember our roots and think -which candidate will reflect our values, needs and dreams. Italian Americans are citizens of the United States because our ancestors believed in a greater way of life and a country that could provide it. Who are you going to vote for?

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Democrats or Republicans...Who is the Italian American going to vote for?

Ok, so first and foremost, I will start this blog by saying I am American first. I have to say I was literally exhausted watching the Democratic and Republican conventions last week and the week before. Without showing my party hat..I have to say both conventions were pretty interesting. Starting out with the DNC, it was an inspirational moment of the American people projecting a great America. So, many of my close friends or colleagues are obviously not so inspired by the Dems and felt that the DNC was a big rock concert with celebrities. Yes, I guess some of it was, but the truth is it was about getting real and making a clear plan for the middle class and those who don't have voices.

The Dems tried to convey the message about taking back the White House and making America great again. For me, the Dems are definitely on a good track, I grew up in a middle-class home, my father and mother immigrants. We are the "American Dream."

On the other hand, I can also see the Repubs point of view but its a harder one to swallow. Our fellow Italian-American Rudy Giuliani was out in full force for his speech on the night of the RNC. It was wild, he was wild. Make no mistake, I have great respect for RG, and loved when he was the Mayor of NYC. Remember, I worked in NYC for many years, so after 9/11, we all looked to RG for guidance and he delivered. But I think the great thing about being American is that we can agree to disagree and choose what we want. Much love to RG.

But getting back to it, I feel many born and bred Americans forget that so many people emmigrated to this great country for a better life. For the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Being an American is an amazing thing, you have everything because opportunity allows you to have it. Its about working hard and living a good life.

My father sometimes gets discouraged when he sees how hard it is for myself and my siblings to make it in these times. Buying a house, (not so easy), getting a good paying job (not so easy), having good health care (not so easy), getting a college degree (not so easy.) He remembers a time in America when the idea was about growing a great government that could lead the American people into prosperous times.

He brags about the time when he arrived in the USA, and remembers how getting work was possible and how employers valued a person's skills and time. He was amazed at how great his new life as an American would be. Now, let's also remember this a guy who grew up in a Mussolini-Fascist world. So, if anyone knows the value of freedom, its my father. Who is by the way, also an American citizen since day one of stepping foot on this soil.

Today, we're faced with outsourcing, and where your college degree doesn't seem so special anymore and it doesnt guarantee you a great job. Well, now we are in a historic time of change. Pardon my French, but its time to 'shit or get off the pot.' We're down and out but I have faith in our government and the American way of life, where opportunity and prosperity are real things. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness don't just seem like words anymore..it will be what brings us to a better tomorrow here in America.

As Italian-Americans we have to remember how we all got here. They said lets go to America because we can have a better life, its a place where opportunity, freedom and prosperity are available to all, not just the rich. Its about the common man making a greater life for his family and the generations to come. Italian-Americans are a great backbone to this country. Make our voices count and get out and vote this year!!

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