My thoughts on American Politics...

I thought I'd take a brief moment to discuss American politics. First off, I am very happy that I am half a world away from the debacle that is known as American politics. To me, politics have generally, and will always be, a popularity contest. Not the same type of popularity contest that exists in high school or even college because clearly nobody cares who the smartest, best looking person is. Which in a way is good, but also bad. The issues one faces while the president of student council are far less appealing nor important as one faces while the President of a country. I don't think deciding on prom decorations or service projects rank too high on the list of a country. A President must deal with the failing economy, endless and unnecessary wars and a slew of other problems, including health care and education. I know I mentioned that being the smartest doesn't matter, but I'm not sure I could back someone who finished near the bottom of their class. At the same time, it doesn't matter where one went to college. Prestigious Ivy League or not, the name of a school on a resume doesn't necessarily mean one is qualified for a job. Unless it's Hamburger University and you wish to manage a McDonald's.

Another thing that shouldn't matter is experience. In the case of the President of the United States, experience in politics or foreign policy may actually be a bad thing. Look where "experience" has gotten us in the last eight years. America needs someone with a new look on things, a new agenda. We need to start over. A myriad of problems exist within our 50 states, but we are so focused on other things, in other countries. Obviously we need to be aware of potential threats and what is happening around the world, but we also need to focus on our people. I think we need someone who can bring America back to it's people and start helping the world instead of trying to impose our ideals upon it. We need to be more globally aware, but sometimes we need to see America for what it really is. Education is failing in rural areas because jobs are being lost, whole cities are shutting down because of shifting economic priorities and large corporations need to be bailed out by the Federal Reserve. I would be the first person to tell you that I want to change the world and I want to help as many people as I can, but what if America becomes one of the countries we hear about on TV all the time. The countries without clean water, basic daily needs. This already occurs in many places throughout the country. However, we can't do anything or expect help when we are so self-centered. When did America stop being "For the people, by the people" and start being "four people, how can we buy people?"

Living abroad has made me more aware of America's perception to the world. We aren't as popular as many of us believe. America isn't the greatest or grandest country in the world, nor do we need to be. We just need to be a country that we started out to be. Opening our arms to people looking for a better life, working together to form a more perfect union. It seems that we have lost our way over the last several hundred years. I know that the world changes and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the way America has changed, but we still have a lot more changing to do. We can't go back, but why stay in a rut?

Thoughts

I've been reading a few things about North and South Korea and also Korea's image to the rest of the world. I find it very interesting because I don't know a whole lot about either topic. Although I currently live in South Korea I'm still unaware of many of the things happening around here. Not to mention my lack of knowledge of Korean history. I can remember sitting in a class during middle or high school and learning about the Korean War and the dividing of the country, but I couldn't even come close to locating Korea on a map (and I always confused Korea for Vietnam, thinking there were rampant jungles and giant mosquitoes). I can find Korea now, but up until the beginning of the year I would have had some trouble.

I read an article, as mentioned before, about Korea's Image to Outside World and the overwhelming consensus was that most people didn't know anything about Korea. It wasn't just Americans, but Canadians, Australians and Japanese. I wonder if it is a lack of education on the part of these countries or a lack of information provided by Korea itself. I know Korea had been shut off, but in the last 50 years or so Korea has risen to a powerful nation, 11th in GDP. Why so little knowledge? I knew more about North Korea than South Korea before I came here, bad things of course, but now I've learned that it is gorgeous and the natural beauty is astounding. It's a shame that nobody can experience the North, but of course this makes me want to go more than ever. I wonder if it is up to the nation to educate the world or if the world should inquire. Obviously what we know about North Korea is information provided by someone else because I doubt they would advocate the negative aspects. I think we need to meet each other half way, maybe the world would be a better place with a little more education.

According to another article, this year at the Olympics the North and South marched in separately unlike the past were they would come in together under a unity flag. People are concerned that this means unification is farther from reach. Also, the two Korean leaders exchanged handshakes, no words or smiles and basically refused to sit at the same table. However, on a positive note, another article mentioned that North Korea should try to adopt China's method of capitalism under communism in order to become a more successful nation. The paper here normally has mention of plans for unification, but obviously this is a long way off and would take a lot of work. But it could happen.

Part of the reason I chose Korea was because I too knew nothing about it. I was intrigued by the mystery of a split nation, the history and the culture. I think one of the reason we have hate and injustice is because we don't know anything about our fellow world citizens. Just today my grade 2 class told me they don't like black people, I can't help but wonder if it is because they have never been exposed or if someone or something is telling them to not like blacks. I was astounded, but at the same time interested in finding out about where this started. It's hard for me to understand why someone wouldn't like someone else because of the color of their skin or something else (I've always had trouble with this). Sure there are people I dislike, but more often than not it is because I find them annoying. I just wish we could all truly find it in our hearts to forgive and move on, stop war and petty fighting and embrace the lives we were given. Take a note from the Discovery Channel, the world is just awesome, but how are we supposed to enjoy it if we keep blowing things up and killing each other.

Sorry if this is a bit discombobulated, it's 2:30am!