Misread

"...How come no-one told me
All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it's up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?"

(lyrics from Kings of Convenience's song, "Misread", from their latest album, on rotation today in my mp3 player)

Anyways, I'm still sleepless and recovering from the post travel blues. Today I went down to vote early in San Fran's city hall. I'd never been inside - the marble and imposing neo-classical architecture is stunning. The election station in the basement was remarkably well run by friendly staff. According to a staffer that I talked to, morale has been good - post Willie Brown, the last mayor who rankled many with his legions of cronies. They spoke with affection for the outgoing Board of Supervisor Prez, Gonzalez (who I voted for in the last Mayor's race).

People seem to like the new mayor Gavin Newsom, who won notoriety across America for marrying gay couples in city hall. Where else do you have a straight, catholic white male mayor (with a lawyer wife who used to pose as a lingerie model) stick his neck up for gay people? San Francisco of course.

I walked around the building and stumbled upstairs to an inaugural ceremony in progress for 4 city commissioners. I was out of place with my tee shirt, jeans and backpack - and feared that I would be asked to leave or something. Everyone else was dressed in suits - but the atmosphere was open and warm. The mayor came out, hair slicked back, looking dapper and in his gruff voice, lead each commissioner in the oath statement. Right behind the ceremony area was the door to the Mayor's office, as if anyone with a grievance could walk right in.

I left feeling good about this city.