Observations from Abroad

Restoring America's Image

In the past 7 months, we have had the opportunity travel abroad to over 25 countries on 5 continents. During this time we have conversed with many people from various backgrounds and perspectives. Given our status as US citizens, we've found that regardless of where we are, the conversation often turns to politics. People around the world are genuinely interested in hearing more about the US election.

In our interactions, three themes have consistently presented themselves. First, with few exceptions, the people that we've met say they like the American people they meet but also greatly dislike the U.S. as represented by our current President. We both traveled overseas in the 1990's. Then, people from most of the world clearly respected the American government and the U.S. President. Sadly, this is not the case now, and it sometimes has an effect on how we are recieved. Second, despite their feelings about our current President and the policies of the past 8 years, America still represents something far greater to them, something that is still positive and provides hope and inspiration for the future. Finally, people from all over the world are electrified by the candidacy of Barack Obama.

Orphans in Africa view Barack as a hero who has proven that skin color need not stand in the way of anybody hoping to achieve their dreams. Cab drivers in Asia use broken English to tell us "Obama Good. McCain bad." Europeans (often the hardest and most vocal critics we have met), see an opportunity for America to again be a positive world leader, a development which they eagerly await.

We are proud of our country and take pride in representing it during our travels. America remains a true example of human progress and provides the best blueprint available to countries that want to develop. We have been to many places around the globe that claim to be "People's Democratic Republics" and have concluded that, sadly, those governments are the most corrupt and the least democratic. Our experiences overseas provide us with tangible comparisons, highlighting America's strengths every day. The election scandals and overly aggressive military expeditions of the past 8 years have had the opposite effect, highlighting a foreign policy that is selfish and dangerous. This is what people overseas expect from their own governments, not ours.

The views of non-Americans should not be the main reason for US citizens to support one candidate over another. That said, with America's image and international relations crippled by the decisions of the past 8 years, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that the United States is capable and willing to embrace the opportunities and the costs of being a true world leader, as we once were. We've seen the results of a self-interested go-at-it-alone approach to world leadership. Now is time to recognize that we will sink or swim together as a world community. Some sacrifices will be required from Americans, but the benefits of being respected and followed as a leader are worth those costs. Our country's success in the 20th century are proof of this.

As Americans, our experiences overseas during the past 7 months have confirmed for us that other world citizens will be happy and grateful to follow our lead if we make choices that will benefit the world as a whole. From our experiences on the road, we strongly believe that they will see electing Barack Obama as a first - and powerful - step in the right direction.

-Ryan Flahive & Denise Powell