Today, we celebrated the 232nd birthday of our nation and the 21st birthday of my cousin.

It's a very exciting time. As our nation stands on the edge of another presidential election, my cousin stands ready to vote in his first such election. As such, it was appropriate that many politically active individuals were in attendance at our annual party. Sure, there were many local politicians who advertised the offices they wished to hold (on buttons, T-shirts and leaflets). But, the most honored guests were the life-size cardboard cutouts of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Both looked a little stiff, if you ask me. But one of them is going to be our next president. I just hope our nation does the right thing, and that my cousin can be proud when he casts his vote.