World politics

As I read the China Daily on the Mumbai terrorist attacks and their sidebar with comments from world leaders, I'm thankful that Bush will soon be out of office.

Like other travels, I always ask foreigner perception of the U.S. This time Barack Obama is already well liked by others and they all agree he will be a welcome change from Bush. Especially Germans have good things to say-with his visit to Berlin-one gentleman I met saw him there. Some said Obama will help racism around the world.

A Scottish pair of doctors went so far as to question Bush's intelligence. They said the UK was intensely covering the election. Others have questioned how a man like Bush could "run" our huge economy. This theme of hatred for Bush hasn't change over the last four years since my first travels. Thankfully, foreigners do understand the difference between Bush's actions and the American people.

Asking stupidly why other countries are so worried about American happenings a women from Indonesia admitted because we consume so much of what they export. Others say it is because of our heavy influence in world politics while others say America is the trendsetters for good or for bad. Lastly, one German said our instability always had world ripples.

I was amazed by how many people actually know of Minneapolis and even the bridge collapse. One Norweigan said he knew our roads were bad and he (unprompted) talked about the bridge- he was shocked to know a new one was already open.

At some silk factories, pearl shops and a few tourist sites there will be pictures of major dignitaries on the wall during their visit. Bill Clinton was nearly everywhere. I saw only one of Bush. Makes me even more pleased to have read last week about Hilary's future role.

I'm always so grateful to be an American and perhaps with Obama's presidency I'll be proud once again to admit I'm an American to foreigners.