[Tootsiebella]

As an American living abroad in Britain for the past eight years, I have found it very hard to listen objectively to the constant "Bush bashing," and some of the Anti-American stuff propagated by different news programs, internet, and other media.
I am actually apalled at some of the things I have read today about how the world is really in trouble now if Bush gets re-elected! Duh! Was it not in trouble before? President Bush was the one put in the unfortunate position of having to deal with it after 9/11.
America is an easy target because of our responsibilities to the world and because of our size. President Bush has an unbelievably difficult, thankless, and gargantuan task to run a country of our size, in today's world. He has done this whilst maintaining a strong faith in God- Which, some forget was the premise upon which are nation was founded- "One Nation, Under God, Indivisable...."
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest-

p.s trying hard to remain "gentle."

 

[matt&roxy]

I think alot of us feel the exact same way you do......

 

[qponfanatic]

:hugz:

We live in a free country - political analysts, reporters, broadcasters, indeed the general populace - we're all free to do whatever & say whatever we choose....

You have the right here to burn the flag....
You have the right here to spit on the Bible....
You have the right here to bash the President....

Not everyone will like the exercising of these rights, but we are free to do them if we choose.

 

[Tootsiebella]

I agree Debbie- But still, it is hard hearing it from non Americans, especially when you are not at home.

 

[qponfanatic]

:hugz: I understnd just how you feel.

 

[qponfanatic]

:hugz: Long distance hugs from across the pond.....

 

[Darlene]

Well said Tootsiebella! When I am hammered over the head with nastyness I just consider the source and it all becomes clear.Poor things...

 

[lucy979]

I know exactly how you feel. Living in Germany, I see anti-Bush stuff, too

 

[Tootsiebella]

Thanks girls- I feel much better now-but I still cannot wait to get home!

ps I REALLY do feel better!

 

[britbunny]

I do know how you feel, I am English (although DH and I both had U.S partners before we met, from TN and TX so pretty strong republicans!)

It is really difficult, if you just watch the British media to understand why the American people would vote for Bush. However, many Brits also don't fully understand the differences between the structure of both countries. i.e. so many people are focused on Iraq they are not thinking about the economy and all the other things that go towards deciding on which way to vote.

Also in this country many people are anti-Bush but if asked wouldn't have a clue what Kerry was standing for, so as far as an informed choice goes...

Coming from a place that was hit by an IRA bomb in the '90's I am more aware than many of what it is like to attacked - even though it was on a far smaller scale than what happened in the US. For my entire childhood my family and many others in Britain did live in fear of terrorists.

Despite all of this, we too have freedom of speech and a democratic process, the majority of people are not anti-american. But with what has happened over the last 3-4 years and looking at it from the perspective of how it affects Britain some tough decisions that have been made are hard to swallow for some.

 

[Tootsiebella]

Thank you for your comments Brit Bunny- I appreciate and acknowledge that what you are saying is correct- Although I have many of my own feelings about politics, both national and international, sometimes one just gets weary of hearing it all.
That was me, yesterday.
I have lived abroad for over 13 years of my life, five of them between Italy and Germany, where my ex-husband was stationed in the Army.
I have always considered myself a tolerant person, and never tried to push my "American" culture on anyone. In fact, I think I went out of my way to be a good representative for my nation. I am still like that today-
However, I have found the British press to be very sensationalism based, and therefore, I do find it helpful to watch CNN now and then, and when I am in need of a little respite! In addition, have learned how to "bite my tongue" very well on certain occasions when I have heard derogatory and inflammatory statements made about my country, my president, or indeed, my countrymen.
I am very grateful to have FV, where I can come, let my hair down, and rest in the comfort that like-minded peope provide.

 

[britbunny]

I stopped reading newspapers many years ago - I got sick of hunting to find the "real" news rather than the David Beckham stories.

I too watch CNN as well as Sky News and Euronews in order to find something with a bit more substance. It does get really frustrating though just hearing speculation and gossip rather than "fact".

 

[Tootsiebella]

I echo your sentiments- I find The Sun to be particularly annoying!

 

[qponfanatic]

It's easy to bash Bush because of the things he has had to "Clean Up". We voted for him. We listened to all the debates and commentaries from both sides. We watched first hand what happens when you get useless people in office After 12 years of military service we also felt the brunt of impact.