I haven't logged in a long while...since before the winter holidays for various reasons. But I decided I had to for two reasons. I think independent Armenia is experiencing an important moment in its all too short history and I think we are all too lucky to be a part of this history. I was able to observe the first round of the 2003 presidential elections as an OSCE observer, and it was not only one of the most fulfilling responsibilities I've had, but I had the privelege of being a participant in a process that shows its growing pains in Armenia. I'm slated to be an observer for the second round of elections the day after tomorrow, and this day, too, will be an important milestone for democracy in Armenia. The voters of Armenia are excited, and the turnout at the polls show. Contagious cynicism is in the air and we can see it spill into every facet of life, even into our own logs. There are those who will do something for change, and then there are those who will talk about change and whine about the state of affairs and assign blame. These are all valid avenues of recourse. Let's hope that all of them are motivated by the best of intentions. While the outcome doesn't interest me as much, the process excites me and the lessons learned from the process are just as, if not more important than the results.

I'm reminded of Dante Alighieri's addage: "The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." Onward, Armenia!