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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In a way I don't want to talk politics on this
mailing list, but I feel I would like to reply to the last few postings on the
subject. I am aware that not everyone will agree with this post, but my
intention is not to be provocative.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I can't say anything about the situation in Spain,
but in here Sweden there is a very heated discussion on how to handle the
current situation. The opposition against the US politics is growing stronger,
and a lot of people who normally support the USA are condemning a
US attack on Iraq. There is a spreading anger when it comes to president
Bush and some people feel that he acts as ' the world police', telling
everyone what to do while the USA itself is failing to follow international
rules. This is not a new opinion in any way, but now it's not only
left-wing voices that are heard saying this, and that's a bit unusual. There are
still alot of people who agree with the US politics though.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>That's the situation on one level. At the same
time, these anti-American sentiments are normally not directed toward indiviual
North Americans. In Sweden there is a strong emphasises on the individual,
and the individual is clearly separated from the state. This means that US
citisens visiting Sweden might get into discussions on political issues, but in
the end they are seen as individuals that you might (or might not) get
along with, just like everyone else. I think this is would be the case in Spain
too, most people will be welcoming and treat you friendly, unless you give them
reason to act in another way.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As to the experience of M Parker, I absolutely
understand that it must've been unpleasant to be around that young German. But I
guess that one might run into people like this anywhere. Every country has
it's share of people who, for one reason or another, are intolerant when it
comes to other people. These people can be found on a pilgrimage as well as on
another holiday location, or in your local food store.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Of course, when it comes to sefety I'm not
saying that it's safe to travel everywhere, I would recommend everyone to listen
to the advises given by your country's government. But I would also recommend
everyone not to focus too much on the dangers of travelling abroad, as this will
only make you scared and not able to trust the people that you meet. After
all, I believe that the world would be a happier and more peaceful place if
people from different cultures could meet and learn to understand and respect
one another...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Happy travelling!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Sofia</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ps, I would also like to thank Jeffrey Crawley and
Margaret LaCugna for answering to my questions, on pictures and the
Prestige accident. </FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>