Chris
If it scares the hell out of you to come to the US then don't come here. Travel to places where you'll feel comfortable. I also thought this BB was about travel experiences not politics.

Politics and travel are inextricably linked, Sophie. Very often politics affects our decisions about where to or not to travel, as it has, for example, in this case for me!

Best wishes,

Chris

That's very disappointing.

World affairs absolutely affect people's travel decisions. Last year, about half of the people who signed up for the BB tour to France canceled just prior to departure because of the Iraq war. They had concerns about how they might be treated in France, because the French government was diametrically opposed to ours regarding the war. They had concerns about leaving children behind here, to face unknown repercussions, perhaps. We tourists don't live in a vacuum.
It would be short-sighted to venture overseas without giving due consideration to the politics of the host nation. It's not sad, it's realistic and proper. I'm happy to report that the French were wonderful to us in spite of our government's unpopularity.
Caitie

Catie
Most people who chose not to travel to France last year didn't go there because they didn't support the US in the war. They are the same people who still boycott french products.

Precisely my point, Sophie. Those people are boycotting France for political reasons. We all take politics into account when planning our travels.

Regards,

Chris

Sophie: When the war happened, even I had second thoughts about going to France, and I was the one who organized the BB trip. It had nothing to do with fearing what reception we might get from the French, or not liking their anti-war stance, with which I happened to agree. (And it turns out they were right about that, weren't they? Look at the mess we're all in now). I have a long history with France(used to live there as a teenager) and I knew the French would be rational and pragmatic as always. My fear was that there might be repercussions here at home, where I was leaving my children behind for the first time.
Any way you slice it, people must take into account what is happening in the world around them, especially when they travel. It is obvious to me that politics and travel are inseparably connected. To travel without giving any thought to the context of your visit and its potential is short-sighted to say the least. We are part of a larger world.
Caitie

I wonder, does anyone reeeeeely believe the French, the Germans and the Russians are opposed to the war in Iraq for ethical or moral reasons? Orrrr, could there just be a monetary concern about losing their "grease" from the Arab oil Ali Babas.

I am not concerned about politics when I travel. I am more concerned about safety and danger. Is there a connection? Maybe. Politics of nations around the world are always cooking up a stew of some sort. If my findings determine it's safe, I'm there. e.g. Haiti, Bagdad, Tel Aviv and the rest of the Middle East are not on the top of my list right now; last summer I went to France. Travel safe, travel happy!

Roxy: Every nation acts out of self-interest, and it is naive to believe otherwise. America does not "interfere" unless there is a potential benefit. Example: The US sat back and did nothing while the Soviets invaded Afghanistan a few years ago, because there was nothing to be gained from intervening. But the US jumped in when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, because oil was at stake, we are heavily oil-dependent an therefore our standard of living was potentially at stake.
Secondly: Don't you think that maybe the French and Germans are opposed to the war for ethical and moral AND practical reasons? These concepts are not mutually exclusive. Take a look at what US interference has rained down upon the heads of the Iraqi people, who now must live in chaos and violence among suicide bombings, and tell me if you think that is ethical and moral. Is it ethical and moral to expose our young servicemen and women to death and dismemberment for an unjust cause? Is it ethical and moral for our government to support tyrannical regimes in the Middle East?
Unless a nation is exquisitely ethical and moral across the board, it cannot point a finger at the way other nations conduct themselves, and in this regard, the US fails miserably to meet the criterion.
Caitie

Sorry caitie, but I choose not to discuss further your position on the policies of these great United States of America; not the venue. Happy Trails!

Roxy: <<I wonder, does anyone reeeeeely believe the French, the Germans and the Russians are opposed to the war in Iraq for ethical or moral reasons? Orrrr, could there just be a monetary concern about losing their "grease" from the Arab oil Ali Babas>>

If you don't want to discuss it in this forum, why "wonder" in this forum?
Caitie

topic closed.