"The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land." ~G.K. Chesterton
I think today's rain has motivated me to be productive, or at least pensive (therefore the double-posting). While out enjoying some drinks with my ladies the other night we got to discussing what we've learned here: about South America, other countries, our own country, and ourselves. So much that goes on in our world is quietly swept under a rug. Our televisions and newspapers are filled with ridiculous celebrity feuds, economic woes, and little happiness or joy. Unfortunately there is so much more out there that adds to an already dark existence. As we are taught in history classes, the U.S. has participated in many wars, wars that are gruesome and still hurting those who fought for our freedom and power. What isn't known is that the U.S. also had a large part in many other small wars between other countries, and most often than not that involvement was not helpful. Power-hungry. Why should we be meddling in the affairs of others when we cannot even stabilize our own government? Sure some countries may need financial help, but in the cases of Chile and Argentina, my take is that the U.S. just added to their troubles. I'm not a person of politics in any way, in fact, I often avoid politics due to it's dirtyness...little did I know how dirty it actually was.
My opinions aside, what this brought about was a realization that other countries are struggling at this moment to create a better world for themselves. They may not need the help of the American government, but they do need help. Widely reknowned, the PeaceCorp is a great opportunity for us to lend a hand in those stepping stones to peace and stability in hurting countries. I'm sure there are other similar programs, and as the job market plummets they are a great alternative and way to change lives: yours and theirs. I've said before how much I've learned here, and am anxious and nervous to see how I will view my own country and the opinions of my friends and family upon arrival in the U.S.
That was a little messy, but I hope you got a little something out of it. Ignorance is a hinderance, don't let it claim you as it does the majority of our self-centered country. Be a person of the world-Explore, Question, Learn.
I think today's rain has motivated me to be productive, or at least pensive (therefore the double-posting). While out enjoying some drinks with my ladies the other night we got to discussing what we've learned here: about South America, other countries, our own country, and ourselves. So much that goes on in our world is quietly swept under a rug. Our televisions and newspapers are filled with ridiculous celebrity feuds, economic woes, and little happiness or joy. Unfortunately there is so much more out there that adds to an already dark existence. As we are taught in history classes, the U.S. has participated in many wars, wars that are gruesome and still hurting those who fought for our freedom and power. What isn't known is that the U.S. also had a large part in many other small wars between other countries, and most often than not that involvement was not helpful. Power-hungry. Why should we be meddling in the affairs of others when we cannot even stabilize our own government? Sure some countries may need financial help, but in the cases of Chile and Argentina, my take is that the U.S. just added to their troubles. I'm not a person of politics in any way, in fact, I often avoid politics due to it's dirtyness...little did I know how dirty it actually was.
My opinions aside, what this brought about was a realization that other countries are struggling at this moment to create a better world for themselves. They may not need the help of the American government, but they do need help. Widely reknowned, the PeaceCorp is a great opportunity for us to lend a hand in those stepping stones to peace and stability in hurting countries. I'm sure there are other similar programs, and as the job market plummets they are a great alternative and way to change lives: yours and theirs. I've said before how much I've learned here, and am anxious and nervous to see how I will view my own country and the opinions of my friends and family upon arrival in the U.S.
That was a little messy, but I hope you got a little something out of it. Ignorance is a hinderance, don't let it claim you as it does the majority of our self-centered country. Be a person of the world-Explore, Question, Learn.
*image (Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina)- "Dictatorship: 30,000 Disappeared. Kirchner (former President) more political prisoners than ever since the 'democracy'. The economic system imposed on the blood remains the same ..."
