I used to think that America was zombified by their media which have a local monopoly in global information since only 5% of Americans have a passport (I think that number is correct - correct me if I am wrong).

Travel is the great educator. Even travelling in Europe (which many of us do, I guess) is edifying. The rich cultural diversity of the countries of Europe cannot at all be compared to the states of the United States which are far more homogenous. Travelling further afield is even more edifying. Reality does not come in soundbites. It requires thought and personal experience.

But it appears to me now that the ever widening cultural gap between Europe and the US is based on more fundamental structural differences that the Bush reign has brought out. One of these is that America sees everything and every other country as a resource. Another is that the concept of dignity seems to not be understood.

You can't be me, I'm taken