Wow, my last entry (comparing the USA to an empire) struck a chord and generated the most discussion of any posting since I started this blog — over a hundred comments. Apparently “empire” is a very sensitive issue. As several commented, it was refreshing to find the vast majority of the postings respectful of differing opinions. Ditto that emotion. And thank you.
That reminds me of something. Before I go on any conservative talk radio show these days — knowing I’m little more than shark bait for these guys — I have one precondition for my right-wing host: I make him acknowledge at the top of the show on the air to his listeners that I may be naive and I may be wrong, but I am motivated by a patriotic concern for the well-being of my country.
Of course, when doing radio interviews and other media, I’m generally (at least indirectly) promoting my business. I’m an animal about sneaking in a mention of my books or website. (See, I just did.) The only time I have not wanted to mention my website and my guidebooks during a radio interview was to a huge national audience, when I was on the Michael Medved show. His callers seemed so full of paranoia, anger, and aggression, that I didn’t want them to even know I had a business. This was a fascinatingly strange feeling for a guy who loves the P.T. Barnum axiom: “Just mention my name.” For one furious hour, I was a stealth travel company.
Anyway, I enjoyed the conversation the last entry generated. (To those of you who believe it is inappropriate for travel writers and other citizens to share their politics and that these issues should be entrusted only to professional politicians…I’m working on a response.) Thanks again for your ideas.
It was amazing to see the response that “Ambushed” generated. It’s your business; if you want to talk about political views more power to you, I say. If more people in the US talked thoughtfully about actual issues and the various perspectives that make up those issues, the better this country would be. And I’m not saying it not good country now, it just can be better, like all of us. An informed and participating electorate would be terrific. I love that the turn out in New Hampshire was so strong. I’m thrilled that younger voters are participating. America has many voices and our government was designed to let both the majority and minority be heard. It’s going to be an interesting year and I like hearing your voice among the mainy others that I listen to. Pam
Ciao from Italy Rick! I was just snooping around your website and found that you have a blog. I am really looking forward reading through your past posts (after reading this post, I am heading right over read the previous one). As for the folks who say that travel writers should not share their politics, don’t listen to a word they say. After all, this IS your blog. Ciao for now! Cyn
Rick, I love it! I’m finding more enjoyment and passion in agreeing with your political views than our usual favorite subject of travel. I anxiously await your response those who think you should stick strictly to travel writing when you have so much more to say. From an historical perspective, I can’t think of anyone who is better positioned or has a better grasp on present day events and world opinions than you. Consider me a new and devoted patron.
Rick, kind of like a maturing boy in a church choir, your “ambushed” post really hit a sour note for some folks, yet sounded good to others (“struck a chord” alright!). I’ve always known of and respected your opinions, whether I agreed or not. Regardless, I’ve always appreciated travel and learning other cultures much the same way you do, “thru the back door”. Thus, I’ve really enjoyed reading your books and catching the travel shows on PBS, plus the weekly radio show… I’ve enjoyed it so much, I’d love to come work for you. I think one problem we have as a nation is this lack of civil discourse, and disrespect for other opinions, enough to feel “ambushed” in the airport. Over the years you have built a brand on bridging a gap between America and Europe, you’ve showed countless travelers a different way seeing Europe, and I think people still appreciate that very much. Best regards from Austin,TX -Jeff
Rick, thank you for your courage in bringing up these issues. I think your well-reasoned explanation of how America is perceived abroad has everything to do with travel. You fill a unique and essential niche in our national conversation. I noticed some of the responses to your post implied that you did not fully appreciate or support the troops. While I don’t agree with their assessment of your posting, it does seem like the military world is quite foreign to you. I can relate to this. I was raised by a non-military family and share many of your political views. In fact, I was first in line to speak out against this war, way back in October 2002 when it was nothing more than a gleam in President Bush’s eye–back when being anti-war was considered practically treasonous. But now that the war is on, I feel it’s essential to support those who are fighting it (many of whom, themselves, don’t agree with the war anymore). Americans should always have a healthy respect for the troops as an undercurrent to any criticism of the war or of US foreign policy. If you don’t genuinely feel this, try having dinner with a military family sometime. I recently spent an evening with some future in-laws who come from a very different background than I do–an ardently pro-military family with several sons currently or recently serving in Iraq. I can’t tell you how eye-opening it was for this liberal. These are good people who are serving their country, but are being taken advantage of by the government that they have so fiercely supported. I could never do what they do…which only makes me respect and appreciate them more.
Rick, You aren’t kidding. Who would of thought this blog would get so emotional and political? Kind of cool. I enjoyed seeing so many view points and passionate writing. I guarantee you no other travel site has this much banter going back and forth. Kind of makes the graffiti wall look boring. I mean what shoe would you rather wear Ecco or Clarks? HA! Fred in Atlanta
It’s great that so many people participated in the conversation in your last blog entry. This is precisely what we should be doing — listening to various viewpoints (even if they differ from our own), thinking about (and not just reacting to) what was said & then epressing our thoughtful feelings & educated opinions (even if they differ from others). I don’t think anyone truly thinks that opinions will change because of one blog entry, but how healthy & wonderful it is that we CAN respectfully engage in this type of dialogue! If we leave the dialogue only to the politicians & if we excuse ourselves from being active participants in the decisions & policy-making that affect us domestically and abroad, then we allow ourselves to become a part of the “dumb-downed electorate.” We were not meant to blindly follow our leadership. It is our right & responsibility to question our government, to support what is just & to oppose what is not. Having power does not equal being right. Our leadership has a great responsibility to do what is right not only by its citizens, but also the world at large. We are a great country, but we can learn to be better. To strive to become the best version of ourselves as individuals, as a community, as a culture, and as a nation through recognizing where we falter, making changes & holding on to what is good is what we are meant to do. As for you, Rick…Kudos. You have always taught us that travel broadens your mind, opens new doors, provides greater perspective & connects you to the people & cultures with whom you come into contact. Travel changes & shapes you for the better. You learn that there is not only ONE right way to do things or only ONE right opinion. A tourist goes on a trip & returns home fascinated by what he’s seen but is no different than when he left. A traveler is humbled by what he has seen, keeps it in his mind & heart, & applies it to his life. Keep doing what you do! Thanks to everyone for sharing their opinions!
How do we keep the balance of liberty without differing viewpoints? Political topics will always kick up a lot of dust. Very interesting! Keep up the good work, Rick and gang.
With 41% of Americans saying that they will avoid travel to Europe in 2008, according to Trip Advisor survey, this might be a good year for a political blog. Change is good even for the travel business.
I read your blog daily. I’m a news junkie. Your blog is another news item for me like newspapers, Internet, tv, and news magazines. I’ve said this before and will continue to say it. You can’t separate politics from geography, history, business, demographics, transportation, religion, culture, economics, climate, war,etc. Countries go to war for any and all of the above reasons. Travel encompasses all of these . It is your blog . . . write whatever you want to about the travel business. ETBD Inc will not suffer. I just read Postcards from Europe and I highly recommend it to any one who reads this blog. It is one of the best books I’ve ever read. While reading it, I also kept thinking about the last blog entry which caused such a furor. Thanks for having an open blog and letting us all comment . . . it is the democratic way . . . freedom.
RickGreat blogs…I agree with most people you should voice your opinions as you want, that’s what makes it a democracy..Now to travel….I wanted to tell you about my cousins wife, she has been an Italian teacher for 20 years and lived 2 years studying in Italy, then she marries into a Greek family….she said something the other day that I thought of you, she stated that she has been taking kids during April vacation for years to Italy and that very little changes in the cities, perhaps new restaurants, a new building etc. things basically remain the same….however, she went back to Greece after 15 years and could not believe the changes, especially in Athens and people in Greece told her about all the “new changes” that would be happening in the next 10 years…and she was extremely impressed…I told her you were thinking of writing a book on Athens and environs and she made the statement that how incredible it would be to update a book like this…a book on a city that would have many changes by the year..I turned her onto your Italy books and she uses them with her students….she also stated that she saw the movie trailer for Mamma mia and said hopefully Rick has a tour book because Greece will become the hottest commodity in European travel, if its not already….Just some food for thought….
Aside from the fact that this is Rick’s blog, I should think that the previous entry would be very relevant for a travel site. After all, the primary point he was making had to do, not with Rick’s opinion about the US being an empire, but of the widely-held belief in other countries that the US is an empire. It is nice to know that when you travel.
To those of you who believe it is inappropriate for travel writers and other citizens to share their politics and that these issues should be entrusted only to professional politicians… Woah that is very disappointing that there is that belief being expressed..isn’t that why we have the first amendment and freedom of speech and fight so heard to maintain that right. Should we live in fear of expressing our thoughts for fear of ridicule or worse? Everyone has a right to their opinion and whether you are a travel writer or garbage collector (sanitation engineer) you have a right to voice that opinion whether it be in the forum on your website, your blog site or Hyde Parks Speakers Corner. As long as it does not libel someone or cross a criminal line that is your right. Sometimes in our politically correct touchy feely society we have been made to feel guilty about being Americans for whatever reason. But let us not forget the Marshal Plan that rebuilt Europe so we can visit it and enjoy it in its spendor today after being blown to bits during WWII and our fight in the Cold War that allows us now to visit Eastern Europe and them to be part of the EU and not the Warsaw Pact. We are not a perfect nation but we are a good people with good intentions. I, unlike Rick, do not see us as an empire I see us as people trying to preserve and spread the democracy we have been lucky to have made our lives what it is today,but that’s just my thought. I was a solid backer of the Iraq War to start and am now reevaluating my thoughts on that but hindsight and all that…however I do respect and thank the men and women who defend my right to say what I want,when I want. People who say you should not be using your website as a forum to voice your opinion are showing a contradiction in their thoughts. It’s good to echange, challenge and share our thoughts – would you tell Socrates, to keep his thoughts to himself or would you engage in spirited debate?
Rick, I greatly enjoy your blog. I am especially pleased that you, unlike so many who disagee with you, stay civil and debate viewpoints. A common thread I have noticed among those on the right is to engage in ad hominem remarks. Or, when not doing this they seem to have a propensity to interrupt and talk over anyone with a different viewpoint. We all have to remember this country does not belong just to the administration and those who agree with them.
Rick– Thanks for keeping your blog open and civil. “Back door” travel (10 trips since 1999) has in fact added immensely to my understanding and appreciation of differing life styles and life views. The one that comes to mind first in this discussion is witnessing the Turks conduct their election last July. The many ways they enthusiastically live, and even celebrate, their democracy is most speciffically demonstrated by the 80+% turnout to vote in person. By this measure, during most elections, we are only about half as involved. Cheers.
Rick, every human being on the planet regardless of their profession ought to have the freedom of speech on any issue. It is ludicrous for our government and our military to assume that they’re protecting our freedom of speech by forcing their will on people that they only care about because they have oil in their back yard. The troop surge in Iraq may be successfully quelling the insurgent uprising, but just because something is accomplishing a goal doesn’t mean it’s worth doing. Sisyphus accomplished a great deal by rolling that rock up that hill for eternity, but there isn’t a person alive who would say that he accomplished anything worth doing. And so we have tens of thousands of Sisyphuses roaming the desert of Iraq who are not defending our freedoms but instead defending the pocket books of major oil companies.
I don’t get it, with oil at 90-100 a barrel how do you see that we have benefited in oil from the war, the price per barrel only keeps going up. If we had access to all this oil we’d see it going down. Everyone keeps saying it is about oil, how have we benefited from this=I don’t see us getting more oil from Iraq or it benefiting our economy. Can you give me some examples of how this whole oil thing has benefited our country at all, are we seeing more oil coming in here at less prices
Rick I wrote that I do not read your column for politics, etc. My 83 y.o. father who refuses to wear a hearing aid listens to FoxNews from the time he gets up (about 6am) until I go to bed (about 11pm). This means I have O’Reilly and Co. screaming at me all day and night. For me, your blog used to be a refreshing escape. Now it is just Fox Side 2. Yes, you can write anything you want but the reason I suggested separate blogs is because enough is enough. And no one changes things by talking about it. Change occurs with action. So if so many of you are so concerned about the state of affairs in our country, why aren’t you doing something other than sitting around playing with your computer?
Jan, I hear you.There is nothing we can do about the war it is here and we have to make some decisions. Our greatest fear in leaving VIetnam during the cold war was the domino effect and we felt if Vietnam fell to communism so will the rest of SOutheast asia. Well guess what we left and the rest of SE Asia did not fall to communism, the rest of the communist countries eventually (minus China) came around to democracy. Now we are afraid that if we leave Iraq that a power vacuum will make it a pass through for terrorists from Iran to the rest of the middle east. Well it doesn’t look like we are going to get democracy going here in Iraq any more than we can in Pakistan. Someone has to want democracy to work before we can give it to them and the middle east does not want it. They are going to have to implode before we can come in and offer another Marshall Plan for the Middle East. So why we debate it I don’t know, our leaders do what they want they don’t tap me on the shoulder and say what do you think so I am helpless in the situation. The economy we can do something about and the government is listening to us. We have new law to prevent another sub prime debacle and the fed is trying to put a finger in the dike until we can get a permanent patch because if we go down the economic drain so does the rest of the world, the stock markets bare that out. We need to start working together and stop bickering. There is alot of brain power here on the board instead of complaining how about we start brainstorming. My right to freedom of speech is tied into my other first amendment right right to life liberty and pursuit of happiness and with no money what liberties do I have.
The other thing about the apparent success of the surge is that we can’t keep “surging” indefinitely, which will give the insurgency another opportunity …
Well Maggie, the first amendment clearly states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Life, LIberty, and the pursuit of happiness comes from the Declaration of Independence–a document that has absolutely no legal validity in the United States of America. If you think tha there is nothing we can do about the war in Iraq then I suggest you re-reat the “petition the government for a redress of grievances” part. While we are at it, and my point here is, why don’t we all take 20 minites of our time right now and READ THE CONSTITUTION. How many of us have ever done that?
Holy crap you are exactly right I can’t believe I made that written mistake —as I was typing my mind was whizzing too fast because as I was doing that I was getting ready to go into a tyrade about John Locke wanting to add property to it (life liberty and property)- My oh so bad— good catch-and –I need to slow my brain down –good job
I forgive you, for what it is worth. Doubly so since you envoked John Locke (too bad I’m already married). Read the constitution though, it says a lot about the power that our “Leader” had taken upon himself.
Rick, Do you realize that more of the oil we import goes to making plastic shopping bags than to gasoline? So why are all your pieces of luggage made from petroleum products?
JD said: “Rick, Do you realize that more of the oil we import goes to making plastic shopping bags than to gasoline? So why are all your pieces of luggage made from petroleum products?”
Um, I’d like a stat for that, please. Not that plasstic bags are not an environmental problem (they’ve just been banned where I live), but anyone can say something like that. How do I know it’s true?
JD states that your luggage is all petro based which is true. Let us not forget Rick the literally millions of barrels of jet fuel that you are directly responsible for being burned into our atmosphere every year! I am not sure planting tree seedlings are enough of an indulgence to appease the Green Gore God. Try and imagine what would happen to our population if our BushEmpire would immediately stop acquiring oil from outside our national boundaries. We would see death on a heretofore unseen level. No heat, no transportation, little power if any, food – forget it, clothing-homespun only, pharmaceuticals-nil, travel tours only on bicycle or foot. I guess it does sound quite appealing- RICK FOR PRESIDENT! Now that sounds like a solution!?!
> “My right to freedom of speech is tied into my other first amendment right right to life liberty and pursuit of happiness and with no money what liberties do I have.” Sigh…Rick’s right. Americans are just not well-educated compared to others.
> “Try and imagine what would happen to our population if our BushEmpire would immediately stop acquiring oil from outside our national boundaries.” No one’s suggesting that. Europe imports oil from the Middle East too and so does everyone else. It’s the way one goes about acquiring the oil. And I didn’t know Rick had a private jet catering only to him. Other than that, I can’t figure out what your meandering post was about.
LOL, Mr. Grabowski I read your post with a smile and a smirk. As I said I made an error in my connection because of the fast pace of my day, stupid mistake and I was embarassed, my fingers were moving faster than my history card catalogue in my head …at the time I was feeding my 9 month old some vegetables which he hates, signing my 8 years old agenda book after looking over her homework, scanning the posts of the day with enthusiasm and worrying about the patient I had scheduled for a cardiac cath in the morning who probably was going to have to immediately go for a CABG and while thinking about the D of I and our first 10 amendments worrying about the one I just left behind in CCU whose pacemaker was still not capturing correctly. Sometimes when your mind is whizzing and twirling the less important things don’t make the neural connection correctly across those pesky synapses. I appreciated James M’s catch of my mistake and the way he presented my mistake back to me. You just seem to get off belitting other people and making assumptions and assuming and we know what they say about assuming- How about putting up a post with some thought to it instead of tearing down anothers thought.
Mr. G how about doing some research on the fact that alot of oil is coming out of Russia who is building a direct pipeline to China and talk about all the ramifications of that action especially with Russia slipping back into its pre 1991 days. The middle east is not the sole support of the world’s oil and I don’t see us marching into Russia to grab their oil. And guess who is tied into the Russian oil project as a major player— Germany’s own Schroder who now has left office to pursue more lucrative private projects. Putin (Russia) and Schroder(Germany) would appear to make strange bed fellows especially since one of the reasons Count Coudenhove-Kalergi felt a united Europe back in the 1920’s was so important was to stop Russia from “invading” Europe. And how about doing some research and seeing that last winter a particular Eastern Europe country that had been part of the warsaw pact with mother Russia was not playing nice and marching to their tune so what did they do- cut off the oil to country for 6 weeks leaving millions without heat or ability to cook- can you name that country. You talk about Kent meandering how about giving us a thread that has some meat to it instead of throwing down on others.
It’s the way one goes about acquiring the oil. And I didn’t know Rick had a private jet catering only to him. Other than that, I can’t figure out what your meandering post was about. I am only aware of the USA purchasing oil from outside the national borders is there another method Bush is using? I agree it would be nice to use homemade oil but the Demokrat party has seen to it we will not. Perhaps Rick can organize bicycle tours across the Atlantic to Europe and in turn solve many Liberals unending guilt complexes at about 5 miles off the coast. ‘gurgle gurgle’ Just more meandering.
Ok Maggie, so you missed one. == I was in the U S Army twice, and when we were at the firing range, firing all kinds of guns at huge paper targets, if you missed the target all together, they waved a big white flag which was known as “Maggie’s Drawers.†So Mr. Grabowski was just waving a “Maggie’s Drawers†at you. == But be careful who helps you with that Heart stuff. They put some stents in my heart, and the whole thing was made worthwhile by the pretty red-haired nurse who gave me a bath the next morning. I told the Doc that she could cause a lot of problems in a Heart Hospital. After an operation the patient might wake up and see her, and think he had died and gone to Heaven.
Interesting discussion, also something worthwhile to do your homework on because there is a great deal of misinformation and lack of honest information out there. First the plastic bag issue – Gasoline makes up 20% of all oil use, jet fuel is only 4% and all plastic (including plastic bags) as well as bubble gum, detergents, crayons, and packaging only makes up 8%. Oil companies have more of a monopoly today than they did when antitrust laws split them up many years ago. They have as much ability to set the prices at the pump than either OPEC or “liberal†limits on drilling. If you do not believe this you just have to look at Exxon Mobile that had the greatest profits of any company in US history after the increased prices at the pump. The “hydrocarbons law†which Bush is pushing as one of his benchmarks (support by congress) would give the top US oil companies 75% profit from Iraq oil until these companies have purchased any equipment they want and then 20% profit after that which is unheard of as an oil deal internationally. It has been deemed critical that the Iraq government vote for this so that it does not appear that the US is raiding the only real asset of this country. As a benchmark a lot of pressure can be put on the government to pass it as a contingency for US withdrawal. There have also been numerous articles in European papers describing the wmd’s given by the US to Iraq under Saddam to fight their war with Iran (subsequently used on his own people) and the money given to Osama Ben Laden for the war with Russia (subsequently used to fight the US). These articles have had a very negative affect on opinions of current US foreign policy. Whether this war was about oil only the Bush administration really knows, but the above information is very available in other countries and combined with the administrations lack of honesty has promoted the view by many that this was a reason.
Jim that is hysterical because not only am I that cardiologist but I have red hair as well of Irish descent ;)and believe me no one looks at me as an Angel when they see me coming in with my blue scrubs and white coat it probably scared the bee gees out of them. And Kent Good God Man Rick does not have a private jet- he’s too ***frugal*** for that- don’t you always see him in coach when they take pictures of him. I’m sure he is sitting there ROFLHAO thinking people think he has a jet.
> “So Mr. Grabowski was just waving a “Maggie’s Drawers†at you.” I actually was doing no such thing. I spent about a half hour this morning researching and posting a thoughtful reply that addressed your questions, and the post “took,” but for some reason the admin saw fit to delete it. Which doesn’t bother me, but I think it’s only fair to then delete the post that inspired it or else it makes things look “one-sided.”
Rick thank goodness you have thick skin! I don’t know if I would have the guts to bring religion or polictics into my business. But I have to admit I always used your website and blog as an escape from the daily push of news news and more news. Judy
Rick, as I stated on the Ambushed entry, this is your blog. There is a link to it from your website but it is not a part of the travel website promoting your business. This is a separate link and these are your thoughts. A lot of what you write is related to travel because that is who you are and what you do. If people want guidebooks, European news, tours, or travel infromation, then there are places to get that information. If people want to know the thoughts and feelings about your experiences as a human being named Rick Steves, then this is the place for that. People are smart enough to know what a blog is and what it is for. It is personal. You could have this blog and not have a link for anyone to read it. Yet you have made it available in a convenient place for fans of your business to access. Is it the address that offends people? If the link to your blog was on blogspot or something would this be an issue? Regardless, the facts are clear. This is your own personal feelings and thoughts on your blog separate from your business. People can choose to come and read or not. For the record, sometimes I agree with you and sometimes I don’t. But I enjoy learning a little bit more about who you are and what you are about from your blog.
Jeremy I think because Rick is a public figure no matter where he puts his thoughts someone will have something to say about it. If Tom Cruise wasn’t Tom Cruise AND a Scientologist would there have been all that hoopla about the post partum depression and medication for it. And just the names Hillary or Bill Clinton evokes hysteria in some yet the name Fred Thompson does little to get anyones blood flowing. For whatever reason people in the public eye are held to a higher standard which is nuts but most of the time we just want our celebrities to do what they do best and not tout their stardom to sponsor anything in particular,like it really matters. People in the public eye are just a bigger target. Rick is kind of a dicotomy -he comes across as a liberal good natured democratic hippy type live and let live, but by the way he runs his business he is a downright conservative captialistic Republican. So people who see him as the democratic and socialist from his books and videos are stunned when they find out he runs a close to the chest multimillion dollar business and takes tax breaks for something like an investment is an area womens violence shelter. Some see him as a stand up business man who is all about the buck and then read his liberal comments and are horrified-Oh no a liberal who almost boarders on socialist ideas what are we to do. So there is a trade off when you are a celebrity, you make alot of money but you give up your “right to privacy”, the public feels they are a part of you life because they know you through your books, TV shows etc. One thing about Rick is he has the same feelings he has had since he was poor and backpacking through Europe so I give him that.
Maggie, I appreciate your comments (as I am sure Rick does also) and your good summary of Rick from your point of view. I think most of that is right on. I defended Rick on here because I think he has the right to share his feelings and thoughts on the experiences he has in his life – mostly related to travel. After all, this is a blog and it’s personal for him. Again, it was Rick’s choice to make it available to his readers through his website. He could have easily created a blog through another website and no one would probably care (since it wouldn’t be on the same site as his business). As for me, I grew up in the South and have always been somewhat conservative, both economically and politcally. However, I have lived in CA for the last few years and have tired of the politics. The one thing I appreciate about Rick is that he wants to get things done. It is my belief that neither government nor politics are the ones that are going to make real changes in the world. It’s too bad people get too caught up in these things and put their faith in governments to bring about change. Governments and politics will always be around and needed. But I admire Rick that he advocates action and change. I honestly don’t agree with him on many issues. However, I am grateful for his experiences and for what he has learned. I am blessed by my own travel experiences which have opened my eyes to the rest of the world, beyond my American viewpoint and the issues we face.
I cannot disagree with anything you say
Not only do I think travel writers have a right to talk about what’s going on in or wrong with their country, I think they have a responsibility so to do. One of the foundational principles of our nation is our responsibility to call out our government when they do not act in our self-interest. Thoughtful travel creates the opportunity for us to notice the differences in perception of our nation, and to hold our leaders to a high moral standard. Rick, I know you’ll be addressing those people who have disagreed with your right to express your opinion on these issues. I hope you’ll also make available your text from the “Travel as a Political Act” speech you were to make in Edmonds and that I unfortunately couldn’t attend. Thanks for being a beacon of sanity.
I am interested in getting peoples view points on the EU now looking to fingerprint visitors coming into the EU and doing a face scan. “The measures would ensure more secure borders and prevent visitors from illegally entering Europe, or overstaying the three-month stay given to tourists and EU visa holders.” We expect it from others coming into our country so is turn around fair play article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/25/europe/EU-GEN-EU-Security-Talks.php
Mr. Steves you sure sound like a big fan of Ron Paul :)