Hi... I'm new... and I have an interesting story...

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

First off, I can't vote. No, I'm not a felon... I'm not a U.S. citizen yet. However, I have lived in the U.S. since 1987 (my father an employee of an Italian subsidiary in NC). I lived, worked and went to school in the Raleigh/Durham area of NC until May 2002, when I moved to New York City (where I currently live, although technically I now rent in Jersey City).

I was born in a very progressive and liberal minded city in northern Italy (Bologna, for those who want to know). I never really thought much about politics as a pre-teen. I participated in a few student strikes for better classrooms and teachers, but that was the extent of my involvment. When I moved to NC, I realized that my so-called moderate views were indeed super liberal in the U.S.

At the same time, I realized how mean and nasty conservative republicans could get, especially those "God and country" people. As I got older (and wiser), I became a dedicated liberal. I found nothing appealing about the Republican party of the 1980's and 90's, especially its core base of fundamentalists.

I have been working in business immigration for the past 5 years and, although I would be considered a "conservative" in areas like immigration and bilingual education, my views on all other subjects are very much in line with the Democratic party.

I married a Republican (it's his only flaw!) and my in-laws are rabid fundy republicans. I am a closeted agnostic, so you can imagine my seething anger at Thanksgiving when they say grace and ask that God bless the president... grrrr!!!!

My father is a naturalized citizen (and still retains his Italian citizenship). He will vote Kerry/Edwards (he voted for Gore in 2000).

My husband, who usually votes GOP, is undecided. His primary reason for his uncertainty is Iraq.

I find the mass media in the U.S. to be extremely superficial and biased. I can't believe so many people buy into the "liberal media" myth. I also find that the majority of the public is grossly un- and mis-informed. Very few read newspapers and many prefer being force-fed opinions by certified morons like O'Reilly and Hannity.

In short, this is my life. I am enjoying the posts on DU and I look forward to posting/responding for a long long time!