1) Do you think the USA are the best country in the world, and can you tell us why (not) in one short sentence?
I see America as no better nor worse than other counbtries, just having greater freedoms.
2) What are your criteria for comparing countries?
I really have no, per se, "criteria. Mainly, I look at the people and how they treat and react to others. In other countries I have visited, people seem just like people, wanting to care for their families and lead a good and decent life. Of course, every country has it's groups that don't think like this, but that is why all have prisons.
3) Do you think you are well-informed about the rest of the world?
I think adequate resources are avaiable, but I also think the average "John Q. Public" doesn't really care too much to take advantage of them. Instead, they rely on the media to "inform" them and it has been shown, of late, that the US media releases information as they seem fit. And, unfortuantely, it's not always too accurate.
4) Are you making an active effort to inform yourself about the rest of the world, or do you listen to and watch what's presented to you?
One thing I really enjoy is corresponding with people of different nations. I watch and lsiten to the media, but always take it with a grain of salt.
5) What is your primary source of information about other countries?
I visit internet sites and as stated above, correspond individually with some from other nations, mostly Britain.
6) Do you think your primary source of information gives you a fairly accurate, unbiased, and complete picture of other countries? Why?
First of all, I harbor no ill will against other nations. Their respective Governments may need "adjusted," but the rank and file people are pretty similar around the globe. I try my best to get feelings of a nation "direct from the horses mouth," by talking directly to citizens.
7) First-hand experience: have you ever been to any other countries/continents of the world, and for how long? Can you share some experiences with us?
Prior to 1969, I had only left the state of Florida twice, both times as far north as Alabama. By mid 1969, my journey around the globe had started with my arrival in South Vietnam. Of course, I was sent there to fight in the war and experiences get a bit personal. Suffice it to say that I was not pleased at the outcome nor with the treatment many veterans received upon return and sadly, still receive. A prime example of how the media manipulated the citizenry, based upon misinformed sources.
While in Vietnam, I had the honor of getting to R&R a week in Syndey Australia. I had always wanted to see Australia ever since I first started hearing about it as small boy. That is one of the fondest memories I have, my visit to Australia. Of course, seeing as they drive on the different side of the road than we do, quite a few times, I almost got clobbered stepping off of a curb. I was really impressed with the Toronga Park Zoo, how clean the buildings were as well as how friendly the citizens were. I was left with the impression that Australians genuinely like Americans.
After Vietnam, I was stationed in Nurnberg Germany for three years. Wile I found Germans to be a hearty and friendly people also, like many towns in the States, I found those living close to a military base to be somewhat different. Maybe because of past treatment by GIs? I don't know. Germany is also a very pretty country. I was there from 1971 to 1974 and our job was to fly the border between
Czechoslovakia, East and West Germany. Occasionally, when we were flying alng the border on our side, a Russian helicopter would come from the opposite direction on their side. Of course, we would both pull back to a hover and wave to each other and make expressions to the effect of, "what the hell are we doing out here?"
While living in a German apartment, with my newly acquired wife (shortly before being granted rent free government quarters), we actually received a visit from all people, Jehovah's Witnesses. They spoke perfect English, but must have been German. Somehow, though, they knew we were Americans. I don't remember the subject, but I do remember that they were pleasant and not at all pushy.
I even spent a week touring Italy while stationed in Germany. Venice, Pisa and Rome mostly. Touring the Vatican and seeing the works of Michealangelo, and others, was awe inspiring. Walking on the grounds of the ruins of ancient Rome was interesting, thinking about who walked there before. Climbing inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa was a trip. It was raining that day and very slippery, but I was only going to be there once, so I wasn't about to miss out
By observing other GIs, and even a few tourists, I have to say that I feel Americnas have earned the name they have around the globe. I love my country and have done much to defend it, but the arrogance of many of my fellow Americans, when abroad, disgusts me. Like I said in the beginning, I see us Americnas as no better nor no worse than any other citizen of any country.
If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
