So I for one have stopped worrying and am enjoying life now that Barack Obama is the leader of the free world.

If any of you reading are nervous about this scary noo fing called socialism, do not fear, my Dixie cousins. You may have less to spend on SUVs and too many pairs of kiddy-manufactured Chinese trainers, but give it a few months, and if you're in the middle of a cholesterol induced heart attack, the paramedic will now administer immediate help without asking you for proof of health insurance first. No longer will people get to survive mammoth surgery, only to come round, get handed the bill and die of shock from being bankrupted. This is a lovely thing, we've had it over here for a few years now - although it's a bit wonky at the moment - and once you get used to the strange comfort that comes from it you'll wonder why you never had it before.

I dunno about you, but it takes my breath away that it's barely fifty years since segregation ended in the US, and eighty-ish since women in both the US and UK have had the right to vote. Yes I was fond of Hills Clinton during the primaries as well - regardless, the Democratic ticket was always going to be a really important and positive opportunity for change, and it has to be said, redress. Big up the Yankee laydees who saw through the Palin pantomime; although, one has to worry for the wildlife of Alaska at this present time should the cowgirl need to let off some post-election steam.....

(Also, having just perused the results map, I may have to drive to Virginia instead of Idaho.)

The only downside of the recent US election is how clearly it highlights the paucity of leadership possibilities over here. We have a Premier we didn't even vote for. And an opposition leader who can play at being one of the people only because he's so facking rich he has the choice in the first place. (You know your country is well on the way to being facked when the shadow Chancellor gets called an oik by the shadow Prime Minister because he only went to St.Paul's and not Eton.)

Anyway, enough of that. Of course every blog in the sphere is writing about, and hopefully celebrating, this election result, so I'm not really waffling on about anything unusual here. But it is fantastic, not just because of what Obama represents in terms of race and social history, but because he also comes to power armed with some pretty bloody great policies and initiatives that if implemented will have positive repercussions globally, and Leadership. I cannot stress the latter enough. Sheeple settled for Dubya; People showed up in unprecedented numbers and chose Obama.

Feel sorry for ole' hamster cheeks McCain though, he was sweet like a grandad and not a bad bloke.

In other news, I am doing a London show on Thursday, 19th February 2009 at the Camden Roundhouse. Perhaps I shall use this as an opportunity to wear very, very high heels.

Lots of love to you all, and extra love to the Americans from a very grateful Limey.

Narnia xxxxx