OK, I "got it" Jenno. I won't ask about your sex life either .

Brenda

quote:

OK, I "got it" Jenno. I won't ask about your sex life either

Just as well Brenda because I could go on and on about that.

quote:

Originally posted by jenno:
I certainly dodge talking about politics these days. Everyone has their own views and who I vote for noone is interested in anyway.

Poor Jenno! How on earth do you cope at election time?

Seriously, I agree that asking a person how he or she voted is lifting "talking about politics" into the intrusive personal area. I like the way Brenda expressed it - plus finding out how things developed the way they did. That's why I got a bit irritated on the SOM tour, when Hitler was categorised as a baddie, with no explanation of why he was seen as a deliverer. I fear that the same thing could easily happen again in a different country or countries, if it it's not discussed and recognised.

quote:

Originally posted by jenno:

quote:

OK, I "got it" Jenno. I won't ask about your sex life either

Just as well Brenda because I could go on and on about that.

Ooooh! Please, pretty please Jenno; do tell!

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Poor Jenno! How on earth do you cope at election time?

I do hand out pamphlets out at election time. I do my bit.

Timone - I look forward to your next interesting post!!!

quote:

Originally posted by BrendaC:

quote:

Originally posted by dalene:
Political conversations are a minefield and should be avoided. I made the mistake once to give my honest and objective opinion when I was asked about certain matters in South Africa and I was avoided for the rest of the tour. I could only presume that these people made wrong assumptions about me. It is inconsiderate and insensitive to ask strangers political questions. I've learned to change the subject tactfully. D.

Dalene: I must confess that wanting to learn about the way other nations work is part of my makeup, and that includes the way their countries run in its power structures. But more than that, and this is what leads me on to ask questions, is how do the power structures of a country affect people "on the ground" as it were. Do you agree or not--if either--why--and then I feel I learn something even if it's not always an idea I'm comfortable with. But, to take this out personally on a person by avoiding them is just wrong.

Thanks for bringing your country and its people to the board, Dalene and Rex. I still have that fabulous picture of those little girls imprinted on my mind, and there's something the results from the politics and is all good.

Brenda

Brenda ~ no problem to have a one-on-one individual conversation. Different matter if one is ambushed by people with preconceived ideas and with a total lack of insight. I am probably sensitive about the matter because as I said previously what happens here affects us deeply and many of us suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder directly or indirectly. I was part of the Angola/South-West guerilla war in 1975-1989 and my oldest son was born in a war zone in the far north. I was lifted with my newborn-baby from the military hospital to a safer zone (an underground bunker) because of a massive attack from enemy forces. I for one book coach tours like the TT in June this year to get away from the trauma and the stress of our everyday lives. I want to relax and enjoy my tour for at least a week or two without having to think about our problems back home therefore I consider it as inappropriate when strangers ask me sensitive questions about my country - especially when their intent is questionable. D.

I see what you mean, Dalene, all too clearly, I'm sorry for your difficult history. Must have been some kind of hell on earth. I realize now that what I sometimes think or intend as innocent questions can be mine fields for some. And you're right, of course, that coach tours should be a holiday and free from this. Even an old dog like me can learn new tricks, Dalene, and I thank you for your patience and understanding.

Brenda

quote:

Originally posted by BrendaC:

quote:

Originally posted by jenno:
I certainly dodge talking about politics these days. Everyone has their own views and who I vote for noone is interested in anyway.

Jenno: I'm one of those nosey types who wants to know, not who you vote for, but where on a political spectrum do your own ideas fit. So, for example, I might ask Australians about their views of this government they voted for in comparison with the one they voted out. Similarly, I'm (all of us up here) are vitally interested in the U.S. election because it affects us as very much in terms of trade agreements, continental defence, diplomacy, and several other issues. I'm pretty open about where I stand but I don't, at least I try not to, proselytize about it. I just like a good discussion about things not a personal attack.

Brenda

Brenda ~ I also follow the US election with great interest and I've just finished a book on one of the leading candidates and sometimes I am dying to know what the BB'ers opinions are. Unfortunately political questions seldom stay objective - it normally leads to personal attacks. I have to look up 'proselytize' now.

True enough, Dalene, it's hard to keep the discussion from get heated and sometimes very personal. Proselytizing is what the 19th missionaries to Africa were doing -- trying to persuade others to one's own beliefs as the only ones worth holding--verbally that is .

Brenda

quote:

Jenno: I'm one of those nosey types who wants to know, not who you vote for, but where on a political spectrum do your own ideas fit. So, for example, I might ask Australians about their views of this government they voted for in comparison with the one they voted out. Similarly, I'm (all of us up here) are vitally interested in the U.S. election because it affects us as very much in terms of trade agreements, continental defence, diplomacy, and several other issues. I'm pretty open about where I stand but I don't, at least I try not to, proselytize about it. I just like a good discussion about things not a personal attack.

Brenda

I notice the Americans are being very quiet--although it seems like there are less and less of us on the Board.
I certainly understand your interest but unfortunately it's such a heated issue in the U.S. that many find it hard to carry on a rational discussion. It's not just on tour but at home that I would try not to discuss politics. Although I have friends who are of totally different political persuasion (which I know only by stray comments--or emailed "junk"), we agree to disagree and that is that. Boring, maybe but I don't want to have to consider them more idiotic that I already do. (TIC--sort of)

quote:

Originally posted by jenno:
I certainly dodge talking about politics these days. Everyone has their own views and who I vote for noone is interested in anyway.

"A freethinker I will be, and Believe nothing but what I know and understand." (Charles Kinsley).

quote:

Originally posted by Mallee:
Since you're on the board, how are your brother's plans to visit SA (South Australia) going?

Mallee ~ he is very excited. Have you read the story behind this trip that I have posted to you? Departure 6th of Sept: Johannesburg to Perth. Perth to Adelaide. Adelaide to Port Lincoln. We hope that he will be ok with the DVT. On his way back he has to stay over one night at Perth which brings me to my question: is there an airport hotel at Perth??

quote:

Originally posted by luvtotravel:

quote:

Jenno: I'm one of those nosey types who wants to know, not who you vote for, but where on a political spectrum do your own ideas fit. So, for example, I might ask Australians about their views of this government they voted for in comparison with the one they voted out. Similarly, I'm (all of us up here) are vitally interested in the U.S. election because it affects us as very much in terms of trade agreements, continental defence, diplomacy, and several other issues. I'm pretty open about where I stand but I don't, at least I try not to, proselytize about it. I just like a good discussion about things not a personal attack.

Brenda

I notice the Americans are being very quiet--although it seems like there are less and less of us on the Board.
I certainly understand your interest but unfortunately it's such a heated issue in the U.S. that many find it hard to carry on a rational discussion. It's not just on tour but at home that I would try not to discuss politics. Although I have friends who are of totally different political persuasion (which I know only by stray comments--or emailed "junk"), we agree to disagree and that is that. Boring, maybe but I don't want to have to consider them more idiotic that I already do. (TIC--sort of)

Understood, LTT. Fortunately we have friends here who are dual citizens, "enlightened" people (TIC) and eligible to vote in the U.S., so we have great discussions whenever we see them.

Brenda

LTT; This is one American who is a political animal and would love to air my opinions, but not quite so publicly. Maybe via PM.

On our Trafalgar trip to Italy we met a couple from South Africa, and the political situation there was never discussed. No politics, religion or sex. Well, maybe the latter.
However, the following year when they visited us in our home we did discuss politics, ours and theirs.
Although, I know S.A. is a beautiful country, and the argument can be made that there is no country that is 100% safe, I still don't think I would want to visit.
Take care;
Jo