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
Just finished reading your interviewwith Salon. Were you looking inside my head? I started travelling (never on any tour) in the late 40's (while in college...to Cuba)lived abroad in Europe when I was 20 and five years in Central Asia (mostly Iran and Afghanistan) in the 70's. How can we open the eyes of those less traveled? Congratulations for your courage, your candor and your wisdom.
Joyce Mitchell
Putnam County, NY, USA
Hi Rick, I was Rick for 60 years but go my Patrick now. I was the only Rick in the UK mostly. Now I prefer my middle name Patrick as my first is Clifford and I object to being likened to a Big Red Dog? What an awsome article Rick. I have been here for seven years and feel so starved of original thought and deed. Google 'patrick lockyer' to see my musings. It is not so much that people need to have a passport and to travel to see the light Rick. what they need is explained perfectly in your piece. They need to reach a point where they take in their surroundings and 'mentally' row across the pond. Even to 'mentally' see things from the other side. My lovely wife has not time to take stock. She is much too much on a treadmill. Her company treat her badly and she has no time for anything but escape into a good romantic video. She is 65 years old. She voted for Bush. she has no idea on politics or to some extent geography other than that she once went to Switzerland on a trip with her mom.
Patrick Lockyer
Jacksonville Florida
Thanks, Rick, for being a part of the solution.
Susan Mc
Highland Park, NJ
I am a life-long member of the religious conservative right, who has in the recent Presidential election cycle, voted for the 'other guy', as a result of undergoing a personal political identity crisis. Ricks well written article explains exactly why! While I love our country, there is simply too much moral hypocrisy in American politics today. American capitalism does need more compassion, and while seemingly impossible in our two-party system, we do need to find a middle ground. There are no perfect answers for our imperfect, but wonderful world: only practical, pragmatic solutions. In Paris in '05, I chatted up a policeman. I asked him if the French hated Americans. He said, 'Of course not!' The conversation then drifted to leadership. I asked him who his most inspiring French national leader was. He answered me in detail without hesitation. Then he proceded to tell me he would be happy to name all 43 U.S. Presidents in order. I wish I could have returned the compliment!
Lori Fleenor
Fresno, CA
Having an open mind makes for the greatest country, government, and lifestyle. I learned that underprivlidged people still take pride in themselves. All human beings desire the same things. Travel can help understand different people, different food, different way of life and different governments. America is of course the greatest country in the world, but not without its imerfections. America can do much more for society as a whole. There is no safety net for the poor. There is no need to keep adding interest to already poor coutires and instead of everyone being out for themselves, a government such as Europe's, where everyone gives to the governemt, can work much more efficiently.Selfishness and control need to be abolished and everyone can live togher nicely. America needs to stand up for what they believe is right, not just for what betters the country. America will always be the greatest place on Earth, but there is always room to be even greater.
Kaitlin Murphy
montclair state new jersey