07 November 2008

American Politics Abroad

For the first time in a long time I do not feel the need to disguise my American-ness while outside the United States. Not only to avoid becoming a potential target, but also to avoid confrontations with those who seem to think all Americans are personally responsible for the unpopular decisions made by the Bush Administration.

With the election of Barack Obama I feel so proud of my fellow countrymen and women who elected a man with vision. A man who gives us all hope. A man who represents change from the extreme conservatism that has been our country's official perspective for far too long.

Who knows? Perhaps with time we can even plan trips to the ancient sites in the Middle East and North Africa. Locations we have been avoiding due to rampant anti-American feelings.

6 comments:

MW said...

Agreed! I've been sure to introduce myself as being Californian the whole time I've been here. I felt it conveyed the "I didn't vote for him" message. With the way voting went down this week I think I need to switch my answer.

CanadianSwiss said...

Well, I can only say that -especially during and after Obama's speech-, I've never seen so much pride, hope and happiness in the faces of a people after an election. It was absolutely awsome! A big relief... and I also feel that the citizens will really stand by him and support him. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

As Sam Cooke would say: It's been a long time coming but a change is gonna come...

Marcy said...

Zach always liked doing his "I'm from Texas, but I don't like Bush!" introduction when meeting new people. Thankfully I don't think we ever had anyone treat us badly or say mean things just because we were Americans. Most people we came across seemed to understand that those of us that actually travel outside the country are different from the Bushians. ; )

Susan May said...

I have never felt that being American automatically created a link between me and the President. I've never hid the fact that I'm proud to be from the U.S. Or that I'm an Alaskan! Hence my pride, no mater what, of Sarah Palin! (That is a riskier statement these days, by far!)

Diane Mandy said...

Yey for us!