Innocents Abroad
How Travel Changed my Perspective and Politics
I was raised thinking the world was a pyramid with the USA on top and everyone else trying to get there. I believed our role in the world was to help other people get it right...American style. If they didn't understand that, we'd get them a government that did. My country seemed to lead the world in "self-evident" and "god-given" truths.
But travel changed my perspective.
(Excerpted from Rick's Innocents Abroad article)
You articulate your thoughts well, but global warming is not proven to be caused by humans and I do share your admiration of the Euroopean model of high taxation and big government. Crass aterialism, however, has become a strong American value, but the answer has to be the renewal of the human spirit through faith in God who only can satisfy the misdirected longings of a materialistic orientation. I do love your web site, TV show, and travel tips, however, if not all your politics !!
Marlon Rains
Shelton, WA
Rick, You made some very good and valid points and I appreciate your opionions and views. Keep up the great work and spread the knowledge.
Jonathan Le
Ontario CA
I found the website watching my Austria DVD (from Amazon, for a trip to Vienna). Rick's essay was thought-provoking and helpful. I am going to forward to friends. Thanks!
Steve Engelke
Greenville NC
Rick,
It's amazing how many writers here have commented that they do not wish to hear your political views. I find that symptomatic of bigger problems in America. People don't want to be challenged and seem to forget that a responsible democracy only functions when people take part! That means we each have a responsibility to form well-educated opinions and to share them in the marketplace of ideas. I strongly believe those folks that had a hard time with your use of this site as a forum feel as they do simply because they disagree with your viewpoints. If you espoused the views they did, they'd welcome your commentary with open arms!
It's our right and responsibility to express our views wherever we can. To silence ourselves does our founding fathers and those who've shed their blood for this country and our freedoms a disservice.
Like it or not, I thank you for sharing and for contributing to the discourse. If only more people would take your lead...
Marc
Beverly Hills, CA
Great article. It's important to shed light on these topics.
Ward Wilson
Louisville, KY
Thanks for sharing your thoughtful perspective. I was honored to read it. I know it is not for commercial reasons that you took the risk to write it and I applaud you.
On another note, I just visited Bosnia and Montenegro thanks to your encouragement in your Slovenia and Croatia book. Great advice. For the next edition, consider thowing in Sarajevo. That is an eye opener!
We have been traveling with you for years and appreciate your insights,enthusiam and perspective.
Lu Ellen
Palo Alto, CA
Excellent points. My travel outside the US has been limited to several trips to Ireland and Canada and my time spent in both places opened my eyes in much the same way. I urge everyone to go outside the country, especially young people I know. I've sent the link to this article to all the ppl in my address book so they may read it as well. Thanks for writing it and for sharing your thoughts.
Janet Burke
Chicago IL
A thoughtful and somber essay. Recommended reading for every American.
Bob Wander
Minneapolis MN USA
Two years ago on one of our trips abroad, my travelling companion and I found ourselves in need of a taxi at a museum far from central London (there was pouring rain). The museum called a private cab that worked for businesses and institutions. With no glass window separating us from the driver, we struck up a conversation that inevitably turned to politics. After determining our political position, the driver told us that in thirty years of driving Americans, he had never driven a Republican. He and his friends discussed this and came up with the conclusion that Republicans weren't interested in other cultures. Steve, what if all the European governments refused to deal with another Republican government -- at least for the next four years?
Dr. B. Wollman
Friday Harbor, WA