The total disdain for anything foreign, including knowing a language other than English, that some Americans show is mind-boggling. Take for example the recent stories about Mitt Romney and other Republicans attacking President Obama for being "too cozy" to Europe. You can read the article below.
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/world/article/1068810--mitt-romney-attacks-obama-as-too-cozy-with-europe
So, everyone in Europe is on welfare, huh? and the American economy is in MUCH better shape than most European countries, eh? I'm not saying a lot of European countries are not in turmoil, but that has nothing to do with welfare. It is because they loosened bank and allowed them lend more money than they should have to people who could never pay it back. They also allowing bankers and corporate execs. to avoid paying their share of taxes, thus leaving government pockets a lot emptier than in years past.
On the other hand, many European countries have wonderful support systems for their citizens, including excellent (and sometimes totally paid for by taxes) health care and education systems. They also have welfare systems to help out the unemployed, elderly and disabled - people who need support and often can't work through no fault of their own. Is that really a bad thing, Mr. Romney?
Furthermore, the economies of Europe and North America are intrinsically linked in this large global village, so Obama working with European leaders on economic problems will not only help Europeans, but will benefit Americans, too.
And, hey, Europeans actually value intellect and knowledge of foreign languages, which is in stark contrast to how Newt Gingrich and many other Republicans feel. They don't trust people who are too smart or know too much about non-American matters. Below is a link to a brilliant blog entry from Metronews.ca on this issue.
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/world/article/1071897--sacre-bleu-candidates-know-french
Republicans actually criticized Presidential hopefuls Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney for knowing Mandarin and French, respectively.
So, let me get this straight: according to some American Republicans, knowing French, Mandarin or any other language than English is scary and a valid reason to distrust someone. Why? Are they worried they will make secret plans with other nations to destroy American values and the economy because they know other languages? Are they worried that the knowledge of French or Mandarin makes Huntsman and Romney too worldly and too intelligent to be President of the United States? Because W. DEFINITELY showed us how much better it is to have a simple redneck as president over a well educated, knowledgeable leader like Clinton or Obama. It was some of ol' Georgie's policies that got us into this current recession in the first place.
To me it's absolutely ridiculous to fear a knowledge of and relationship with foreign languages and cultures. An American president must be well educated so that he/she can make the best decisions for the country. He or she must also have a knowledge of Europe and Asia so that the President can trade and work together with other leaders to improve America and the world. Knowing French and/or Mandarin is a bonus, as it helps build trust and break down communication barriers between leaders of different countries. After all, France and China (especially China) are two of the United States' biggest and most important trade partners.
Huntsman and Romney and any other presidential candidate should be praised for their intelligence, as it will be a huge asset to whoever is in the White House next. Time for people to wake up and realize that xenophobia and ignorance are not going to get the world out of the mess it's currently in.
Your turn. Feel free to agree, disagree or further add to the discussion by leaving comments.
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