US Polls tidbits
America wakes up today marking yet another history in having its first black president in Senator Barrack Obama.
And while nations around the globe slowed down yesterday to witness the phenomenal win, in Iloilo, broadcasts of various radio stations went overtime. US-based Ilonggos were reached for updates and reports since the polls opened and up to the victory speech of the President-elect.
While at it, these 'tidbits' as emailed and texted to The News Today (TNT).
The US polls was not only a fight between the Democrats and Republicans. The race to the White House was not only between Obama and Senator McCain.
Little known (in Iloilo at least) were other presidential candidates. Want "Peace and Freedom"? Presidential Ralph Nader would have been the man. An advocate for the environment? Go "Green" for Green-Party presidentiable Cynthia McKinney. There was also Bob Barr for the "Libertarian" and Alan Keyes, an Independent presidential bet.
In California, Ilonggo descent turned American citizen voters patiently lined up. A given Democrat State, at least 5 Ilonggos reached by this writer said they lined up for a vote on Proposition 8.
Why so? This State measure will determine the future of same-sex marriage here.
"A yes vote to Proposition 8 will change the California constitution to eliminate the rights of same sex couples to marry... so those for gay marriages will vote no. We are voting no because we want gay pride and gay rights all the way!," the message went. "We also vote for local judges and assembly members:
By 11:30 am Philippine time, this text message,: "It's amazing in the Times Square in New York... it's like New Year's eve sa kadamo sang tawo. Everyone is celebrating. California made it happen for him (Obama)," the message went.
Polls opened at 7am. Rose Flores was among the first voters who made a stop in a polling center before reporting for work.
"I voted for Obama. I am a Democract but I really wanted Hillary Clinton then. The voting was fast. I was done in less then five minutes. See, I studied my sample voting booklet," Flores said.