Please answer me back at my personal email

[Greg Johnson]

I know this question crosses the political boundries of HPfGU. Heck, it may 
not even be posted, which is OK, since I'm just looking for a broadening of 
my fishbowl existance. So please, do not post your answers on OTChatter, 
email me at my personal address.

The scenerio: My mom and dad have been traveling in Europe for the past 
month or so, following the Nordic Combined World Cup. We have close family 
friends participating who we love to cheer. Being from a skiing family we 
have hosted skiiers from all over, and have danced at many European tables 
during previous World Cup events. (Since I have moved away and started my 
own family, I don't participate as actively as I have before). Anyway, at 
the last stop, my parents, in their excitment (because America does not do 
well in this sport at all) pulled out their little American flags (as 
opposed to the big flags we used to drape ourselves in-knowing the political 
climate we are in) to cheer one of our athletes on and they we spat upon. 
And that just cuts me to the heart, because no matter how much I have 
disagreed with someone, I have yet to spit on anyone.

So that brings me to you, wanting your thoughts, HP friends (who I would not 
spit upon if you were to show up at Nimbus 2003 with your country's flag on 
your lapel)

* Does your media make you aware that several Americans oppose our 
President's agenda, and though we may protest, feel sickenly sad that our 
voice is not being heard?

* Is America really hated that strongly now in Europe? And elsewhere?

* Do you have the power to rid your country of American influences you don't 
like? By this I mean get rid of the McDonald's and Gaps and "Americanized" 
places. Nothing made me more frustrated then trying to find a fish and chips 
spot in London and walking past hordes of American fast food places. Admit 
it, the food is gross.

I love the world and I love to travel and meet people from all over. That is 
what attracted me most to this website: the thrill of talking Harry Potter 
with someone from another place, another viewpoint, another life experience. 
I just don't want to lose that, you know?

So email me (at my personal address, please). You can rant, curse, be nice, 
question life, whatever. I guess I'm just such a Pollyanna about these 
things and want this "ugliness" to be better, or better yet, over.

Sincerely, Stacie









_________________________________________________________________
Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online  
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963