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Published: February 16th 2008
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Bill Clinton
We really had terrific spots Today I had my first real brush with democracy. Throughout the heated race for the democratic nomination, I've kept my cool. I decided on a candidate early on in the process, but also made time to listen to all viable candidates debate during the run-up to the Wisconsin primary. I expressed my opinions politely when disagreeing with a friend or acquaintance's choice. I calmly explained my rationale for my candidate to someone who was undecided. That all fell apart today. Today I was screaming like a rabid fan at a rock concert. Today I lost my cool.
Today I met Bill Clinton, former leader of the free world.
He was in Madison, campaigning on behalf of Senator Clinton, his wife. It was announced only yesterday that he would be in Madison in-between campaign stops in Milwaukee, Waukesha and LaCrosse. Although I have a very limited amount of time left in Madison and the U.S. before I go "home" to Beijing, I jumped at the opportunity to see Bill in person.
My parents and I arrived nearly 2.5 hours before he was scheduled to speak at the University of Wisconsin stock pavilion (that's right; the place that smells like
horses and boasts straw as a floor-- we had to give him a good 'ol Wisconsin welcome). Snow was lightly falling onto our hats and jackets as we stomped our feet to stay warm and broke off the icicles hanging from one another's noses. Finally, at 1.30 P.M., the doors swung open and the crowd surged forward. My parents and I found a primo spot, directly in front of the speaker's podium and flush against the security corral, thanks to our early arrival in line. As we waited for our former president to arrive, I marveled at the event I was able to take part in.
Over the past few months, I've reveled in the small things I can do here that I can't do in China- go to a Barnes and Noble, eat good chocolate, drink water from the faucet, live in a house with carpeting. Only recently have I really come to appreciate the big things I can do here that I can't do there- organize and participate in a public protest or rally without punishment, speak freely in public and criticize the current administration, march against the war in Iraq, and vote for the person I
believe is the best candidate to become President of the United States.
I get the best of both worlds. I have all the rights and freedoms of an American citizen extended to me, no matter where I live in the world. Yet when I apply for my permanent residency in China, I will also enjoy the freedom to travel in and out of the country at will, without applying for multiple visas. I will continue to learn more Chinese and understand more about the culture each passing day. And I hope to continue to work towards bridging the gap between the two cultures and nations.
I was startled out of my musings by deafening applause and cheers. The former President was striding up the aisle created by lines of steer corrals on either side, shaking hands and high-fiving those lucky enough to be in the front row. As he reached the top of the stairs and stood on the podium facing us, his audience, I caught my breath. It was one of those moments that seem to freeze time and proceed in slow motion. I was in the same room as President Bill Clinton. It was awesome.
His speech was filled with facts about Hillary's previous public service, bills she'd helped pass into law, her fight for universal healthcare and all of the other campaign points I already knew by heart. But Bill added a personal touch, speaking sincerely about his belief that Senator Clinton would be an even better president than he. He did a wonderful job with his speech, and my opinion was seconded by the thousands around me, who roared their approval and clapped until their hands were red and raw.
After he'd descended the steps from the podium, his secret service detail surrounded him as he once again made the rounds, shaking the hands of the excited listeners in front of him. He continued down the line, shaking hands, saying hello and accepting books and scraps of paper for later autographs.
It was then that my heart stopped.
President Bill Clinton had paused directly in front of my parents and me. He was shaking my mom and dad's hands and speaking to them, a real conversation! He asked my mom how she was. He asked my dad if he thought the speech had been a success. He spoke to them
for nearly 30 seconds, all the while holding their hands in his. And then he let go and turned to me. Looked me straight in the eye, reached for my hand and said "thank you". He held my hand in his for a split second longer and then turned to continue along the line of Wisconsinites desperate to shake his hand.
I couldn't believe it. Bill Clinton had just singled me, and my parents, out of a crowd of thousands. In hindsight, I wish I would have thought to ask for his autograph or to have a photo taken with him. But when he stopped in front of me, stooped down to meet my eyes and took my hand in his, my mind went blank. It was all I could do to say "thank you" in reply.
What a way to end my extended visit back home in the United States! I am proud to have cast my absentee vote in the Wisconsin primary election and will do so again during the Presidential election in November. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of history.
I will be doing post-graduate work in Chinese at Beijing
Language and Culture University from February 25, 2008 to January 30, 2009. Time off during the summer will be spent traveling around China and possibly Southeast Asia, but I will return to Beijing in August to celebrate with the rest of the country during the 2008 summer Olympic games. As I turn my focus towards another year in China, I invite you to join me again by reading my blog. I will post my observations and experiences during my second full year in China in the same format and at the same web address and welcome all comments and suggestions. Thank you for reading.
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MariaAbroad
Maria B.
Good luck
Even though I do not share your political point of view ;-) I wish you all the best for your next adventure in China. I started reading your blog before I went to Beijing last September. It offered great insight and a lot of inspiration to me. Thank you very much. My time in China is coming to an end soon, as I will be leaving for the US in less than 2 weeks. I enjoyed my time here very much, but I am also looking forward to being back in an "easier" country. Once again, I wish you all the best for the future and I am looking forward to reading about your new adventures and experiences. Take care, Maria