I’m now a proud member of YA for Obama, the very cool site started by author Maureen Johnson. The site features essays by a host of amazing writers, including Judy Blume, Scott Westerfeld, Sara Zarr, John Green, Lauren McLaughlin, Cecily von Ziegesar and Maureen Johnson, as well as interesting discussions, photos, networking and more.
I know, I know. I’m Canadian and can’t actually vote for Obama and we have our own federal election here to worry about. But let’s face it, none of our candidates inspire quite the same passion as Obama. Here’s the kind of thing people create in response to Obama’s candidacy: 
(This may have been designed by Maureen, who seems to have wizard-like abilities on her computer.)
Can you imagine anyone creating an image like that for Harper, Dion, Layton or May? Sigh. No. Possible tag lines for our candidates range from “Prime Minister of Creepy Eyes” (Harper), “Prime Minister of I’m Sorry I Didn’t Quite Catch That” (Dion) or “Prime Minister of A Snowball’s Chance” (Layton and May). None of those have quite the same ring as “President of Awesome” do they? For the record, I really like Dion’s Green Shift and am fond of the Green Party (even though they can’t get my name right and seem to think I’m a lesbian couple or sisters — as evidenced by correspondence addressed to Sally and Susan Juby), but I don’t see myself writing a song or creating a poster any time soon.
The relationship between Canada and the United States is both close and complex. What happens in the U.S. affects us deeply. Like a lot of Americans, many Canadians have felt worried and demoralized by the Bush administration’s policies over the last eight years. It only seems fair that we get to to join in the thrill at the prospect of change in the form of an inspirational leader. A recent study found that I am not alone in feeling the love.
Go Obama!
In other news, I am also thinking of becoming a proud Claymate.