As I advised in an earlier post which I wrote, I managed to stay up and watch the Vice Presidential debate last Thursday (0400 hours Friday, Riyadh time) when it aired. I wanted to see the entire debate, uninterrupted and without any commentary as can happen when segments are re-aired later.
Was it only me or did anyone else have an uneasy, sick-like feeling when at the very beginning as the two candidates enter, Governor Sarah Palin is clearly heard as she is greeting Senator Joe Biden to say “And may I call you Joe?” Am I the only one to see that as an inappropriate remark and both a political and cultural gaffe? Can you imagine her coming to Saudi Arabia and meeting King Abdullah and in her sweet girlish voice she has mastered so well and with that little wink, leaning in close to King Abdullah and saying “And may I call you Abdullah?”
I know that as a candidate she is trying hard to relate to the American people and as such uses her phrases of “gotchas,” “darn,” “you guys,” “Joe six-pack,” “soccer mom” etc., but is that the right image to portray for the second most highest position in the United States of America? Was I in the minority as an American citizen upon hearing those phrases felt I was being talked down too? What is her expectation of an average 
American citizen? Does she think we live in mobile homes or apartments with our feet up on a plastic couch swigging beer from a bottle as we wonder…”golly gee, what’s on tv tonight that does not tax my poor lil ole brain?”
Can you picture her coming to Saudi Arabia and in discussions at the highest level with “Abdullah” making a remark like “well darn, you guys are just too much. Maybe we should settle this over a six pack. Or better yet, since you boys like wild game, come on to my big state in Alaska and we’ll go out together and shoot some caribou.”
She is no doubt a maverick and one who has probably been very lucky to date to not land herself in hot water yet. But I think she is floundering in political quicksand and sincerely hope that such a candidate will never make it to Saudi Arabia and represent the voices and views of America.
Filed under: America, culture, gender, politics, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Uncategorized, Women Issues
Should she become VP, I think you will find that she ‘grows’ in to the postion. With no real need of the support from normal America, she will of course drop that style.
omgdidisaythat – thank you for your comment and welcome to the blog. With all due respect, it makes me shudder to think that someone could be elected to the 2nd highest position in the United States of America and be expected to “grow in to the position.” As an American citizen, I want to know that there is someone with experience and seasoned who is going to be making decisions on both foreign and domestic policies which can not only affect every American but the world as well.
Why shouldn’t she call Abdullah, Abullah? What’s the big deal? If/when she is VP of the United States, that in itself will be a comprable position. I guess I may not understand having never lived under a monarchy, but, people are people. I wouldn’t be capapble of kissing anybody’s ass as I recognize no superiors. You (and a lot of others) object to her speech patterns, way of communicating and “folksy” sayings. Okay, but she probably doesn’t feel the need to put on airs and “act” the way you apparently feel she needs to. I like her and think she’s gonna make a hell of a good VP and a wonderful President in 2012. Piss on liberalism.
Davis – welcome and thanks for your view. In international diplomacy and protocol it IS a big deal that proper titles are applied, particularly in the public eye. -IF- an agreement is tacitly made that privately dignitaries can call one another by first names that is fine but it is just not appropriate in a public setting. This does not only apply to monarchy. You’ll note that even President Bush when meeting publicly with other dignitaries will always address them by their title.
And it probably would be her visiting, as McCain seems to have a list of governments he doesn’t want to talk to. A very good reason not to choose McCain as the leader of àny country, because the first action I expect from a president would be to start talking!
And he certainly demonstrated his lack of diplomatic aplomb when he refused to look at or acknowledge Obama during the first debate!
So on one hand we have “Mr. I Am Not Going to Talk to or Look at Anyone I don’t Like…even if they ARE a NATO Ally” to his maverick partner “Let’s All Be Joe 6-packs and Shoot some Caribou Together.”
Kinda scary if THAT is what is elected in to lead America…
Oh, but talking isn’t on the republicen agenda anyway: they are ”mavericks”!
Who shoot first and ask questions later!
Luckily, as the situation in Iraq is well under control, and Iraq is now a happy and peaceful country again, they can now start on ”pacifying” Iran!
Sorry for ranting.
Dear ape-man: Not calling somebody by their proper title, is both unprofessional, demeaning, uncouth, and indicative of low class. Does one want ones whole country to be represented by a representative who displays such borish manners?
Kep to eating your banana’s and stop harrassing humans.
Actually, I would like to see the response of all those fake socialist ”maverick” Americans if we did not greet the American President with proper decorum and respect.
Aafke. I believe you have the wrong end of the horse on your picture. The prospect of her calling Abdullah familiar is hypothetical. Joe Biden is her contemporary. I like bananas.
Aafke – I always enjoy your candid comments…never stop!
Carol,
You know, sometimes I wonder if McCain didn’t choose her so that it would be very hard for another womanin the future to be elected into her kind of position. I always thought the perfect ticket for the democrats would have been Obama/Hilary, but they would have spent the next 4 years arguing about who was leading the dance….assuming Obama survived the dance.
As daw-gone down-home Palin is trying to be these days to reach the average American public, I don’t think she’d be that way with King Abdullah. But then, their dance…she with her gun and he with a sword …might be interesting for the world to see. : )
(Just kidding mutawwa’s….really, just kidding!)
my opinion is that most politicians in office in the u.s. these days have forgotten what its like to be an average citizen. there are some exceptions of course but I would say the majority of politicians have forgotten.
I believe Sarah is in tune with “average folks.” Hence, the objection by some pundits of her not being “cosmopolitan” enough to suit the advocates of couth, decorum, high society protocol and hotsy totsiness.
She is definitely a “class act.” I do think that that is what bothers you all. You spew bitterness and condescension because she’s “too much” in tune with the common person. Which way do you want it? What attributes other than having been around for a few decades in Washington does Biden have?
For that matter, what accomplishments, experience, track record or “specific” ideas does Barak have? 143 days of presence in the Senate? He doesn’t have as much on the ball as Sarah does.
In my view, this article summed up well the essence of the Vice Presidential debate…it is well worth the read:
http://www.examiner.com/x-948-Miami-Law–Politics-Examiner~y2008m10d3-The-winner-is-Palin-No-Biden-actually
A2S – The image that came up envisioning Sarah Palin with her gun and King Abdullah with his sword while the muttawa looked on in aghast was hilarious!
David – Biden and Obama have proven to me that they are in touch with the “average American citizen” and Biden during the debate certainly showed his “human” side and that he (and Obama) are products of the “middle class.”
Davis – It is always good to receive differing views even though realizing we will likely agree to disagree. I would say Sarah Palin is a ‘class act’ as a Governor for the Alaskan wilderness but not what it takes to be viewed as a global leader and decision maker.
Obama has been the maverick in my view whose star seems to glow brighter and brighter with his accomplishments every step of the way in his professional life.
I don’t mean to be biased against the female gender. Infact I think Hillary Clinton may have been the better of the democratic candidates.
However, this Palin really makes a joke of the position of VP. Damn, we are talking about the position of VP of America? Whatever happened to protocol?
Her recent comments make her look like a complete novice. As a Governor, she was limited to domestic and local issues. But as the VP of US, she needs to have a much better grasp of global politics and dynamics.
God save America!!!
Bedu: Having spent many years in the diplomatic sphere, your statements carry much weight. Your readers should keep in mind that you are not merely blogging, here. You are instructing us “average folks” in international diplomacy and protocol.
Average folks” do not belong in the White House, and if Sarah Palin is in tune with some of them, so what?
I pray we are not afflicted with “average folks” in our highest positions of national leadership.
Bedu, you’ve outdone yourself again, and beat me to writing an identical post on my blog. I think I’ll write a post about the meaning of, “average folks.”
I can’t imagine Palin calling the King by his first name and using her feminine wiles to charm him. The King would have been bewildered with her attempts and there would be fracas between the 2 countries. The conservatives would be making noises and others will either be laughing or having arched eyebrows.
For some reason, I’m laughing at such thought.
Sorry American Bedu,
What I meant is, she will drop most of that ‘american mom’ talk straight away, behave in a manner more suitable for a VP, this will be described as ‘growing’ into the job.
Like most politicians, she will not be good at diplomacy, I think it is part of the job description.
DPS – thanks for your comment and welcome! One does have to wonder what Hillary must be thinking now…
Marahm – please…you give me too much credit. I do consider myself an “average folk” (or if SP were talking here, I’d have to say an “average Jane” and I do have faith that most Americans do wish to use proper English, not be spoken down to AND do stay in touch with both international and domestic affairs. And I very much look forward to reading your post about ‘average folks’ (wringing hands in anticipation)
Firdaus – You paint another humorous picture up there with A2S and the dancing due with their gun and sword!
omg – appreciate your clarification…but then to play devil’s advocate, by saying she will “drop” the american mom and talk straight in a manner for suitable for a VP, is she acting now, playing a role? Sorry…again, I don’t think a candidate for such a high position should have leeway to “grow into the job” as there is too much at stake for the United States to have a maverick novice at the helm!
Just to further play devil’s advocate, I think there have been some politicians very good at diplomacy… Colin Powell, Condileeza Rice, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton come to immediate mind….
I got together with my girlfriend and a ‘six pack’ to watch the debate. We knew it was going to be a fun night. I was not disappointed and the first laugh came in the first minute when she shook his hand and asked if she could call him Joe. How inappropriate that was! What an idiot! And how was he supposed to respond? Now, Governor Palin, that would be most inappropriate. Please call me Senator Joe. I wonder if that was a planned question or impromptu stupidity. Has there ever been a president or vice president of ANY nation that winks like she does? She might be a great lady, nice and folksy and down to earth. I could relate to her and even be great friends with her as we have much in common. But guess what? I’m not qualified to be President either and anyone who is running for Vice President (especially with McCain) better be ‘gosh darn’ qualified to be president.
I don’t recall anyone bringing up the inappropriateness of Pakistan’s President referring to her as ‘gorgeous’ and claiming that that was what made her popular with her countrymen. As a woman I thought that was very offensive and I would not have been flattered, I would have been insulted. Did anyone ever hear any negative reactions to that?
CBC has a blogger who said she has the ‘white trash’ vote all sewn up.
omgdidisaythat, so all her talk about being a simple ”soccer-mum” and in touch with the ”average American” using ”Newspeak” is just b*ll-sh*t??? And only an act to gain her votes? after which she will morph into a polished worldwise diplomat????
Thanks for pointing that out!
Oh, bedu, you already said the same thing, sorry.
Did anybody catch Keith Olberman’s Countdown show the day after the debate? He had a split screen of George Bush during his previous presidential debates, along side of Sarah Palin during the debate. She repeated practically verbatim everything that George Bush said. Is this not scary to DavisApe or OMG??? She is a clone of George Bush, except she has added the lipstick. We should all be wary – Wake up, people!!!
You and so many others find her objectionable on so many levels. There are several blogs such as http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com
who are raising their collective voices about her. We are posting and speaking our minds. She is not qualified and the Mayberry language is objectionable. I want a President/VP who is smarter and better educated than that.
So, I did this a bit backwards. I posted my comment and then read the other comments. We have had several presidents who were a bit more low key and less formal. However, they understood the importance of formality and dignity when representing the country.
Yes, I am a liberal, but I am also a retired navy officer. I agree that it is improper in a public event to address an official in a casual manner.
I want my national leaders to be intelligent, well educated, well informed, and articulate. So many times I have been embarrassed by the gaffs of our current president. The world is watching and hoping that America makes wiser choices this time.
Palin’s world view ends at the borders of Alaska (except of course for Alaska and Canada). She has no concept of what the lower 48 wants.
Carol,
I think when evaluating the debate one has to look at whether the 2 VP candidates can bring in new voters to their ticket.
Joe Bidden is part of a ticket that is leading in the polls by 6-8%, he did not need to risk attacking Palin. His job was to show that the Democrats had a strong ticket with the second man on the ticket as a capable advisory to the president and can step in as president if needed. He defiantly accomplished that and showed sophistication of knowledge on all issues including economics, the war and international relations. This strengthens Obama stance on the War and will gain votes from independents. He also scored big in relating McCain to the unpopular president. All independent polls showed Bidden winning the debate by a wide margin of 15% or better.
For Palin, she had a few missions 1) do not fall a part, especially after the dismal performance in interviews 2) connect with the base 3) gain more support for a losing ticket. She accomplished #1 through the simple trick of avoiding questions that she has little knowledge on and pivoting to answer a totally different question which her handlers gave her scripts for. She also accomplished part of #2. Her folksy style connected with part of the base that was already solidly in the McCain’s camp, but did not address the issues of republicans that questioned her qualifications. In my opinion she failed #3 as her simplistic answers did not connect with independents, who were looking for more depth in positions. Her attacks on Obama were very superficial and fell flat. So in my opinion all what she did is survive the night and now she can go into hiding again and not do any interviews that may impact the ticket negatively. It is the equivalent to a punt, that does not help a team that is behind by 2 scores in the 4th quarter of a game.
joining the fray a bit late: susieofarabia, i’d love to see that clip comparing her with george bush. she is just the same as him in the way she carries on! its probably what fuels her feeling that it is acceptable. in fairness did bush really know anything more about foreign policy than she does when he was elected?
mccain was horrendous in his disrespect for obama during that debate. i would actually cry if he is elected.
American Badu, you are playing devils advocate a bit;
“Colin Powell, Condileeza Rice, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton”
I am not sure I can agree with you too much there, Clinton, maybe, Colin Powell struck me as more or less just a decent guy, not really a diplomat. And the others I cannot go with at all, especially Condileeza Rice. She is almost as good at diplomacy as Dick and Don. I do not think you have to worry too much about Sarah, she cannot do much worse.
I should point out that I have never been involved in any sort of governmental diplomacy, so perhaps these people are considerably better at this than they appear to be.
I haven’t watched it but she really seems to be a dissenter!!
I hope she will never make it here!!
Just found your site while looking for commentary on Palin. I’m a Canadian, so may not have as much right to weigh in as most of you, but as America’s largest neighbour, ally, and trading partner, what happens there does affect us more than most Americans realize. So we are watching anxiously proceedings south of the 49th.
US media doesn’t report Canadian news, unless it is a disaster or something very weird, but we are also in the middle of a federal election. A recent poll asked Canadians who they would choose as prime minister, and gave the choice of our leadership candidates plus Obama and McCain. Obama won, hands down!
Most Canadians are appalled at the possibility of a Pres. Palin. She might do very well in Alaska, the Yukon Territories or in states like Wyoming and Montana, but what real knowledge does she have of life in mainstream USA? No experience at all of life in a city; she governs a state with a population not much greater that that of Vancouver Island where I live.
I wonder how she would fare answering JayLeno’s questions on his sidewalk interviews??
Her winks, cutsey comments, ‘May I call you Joe’ and ‘USA! USA!’ shouts may be appropriate for a football rally or PTA meeting, but a potential leader of the Free World needs a little more class, please!
Wow…I took time out this evening for a ladies kareoke night (I know…very “folksy American..even in Saudi Arabia) and returned to all of these great comments.
Lynn – you and I may have had posts on which we’ve agreed to disagree in the past but looks like we are solid on the view of the debate and Palin.
Haleem – I do think it is interesting how Palin has focused on categorizing the voting American public and the many ways she will refer to herself…hockey man….pit bull with lipstick…joe six-pack…Washington outsider….yeah, she’s outside alright — outside of what we need for the White House!
Aafke – I love having my views reinforced! (bad grin)
Oneida – thank you for your comments. I not only am not in favor of Sarah Palin as a VP but with John McCain choosing here in my view puts his judgement into serious question as well.
Saudi in US – I was waiting for your comment as I always enjoy and appreciate your analysis. Yes; it will be interesting to see how much independent campaigning with interviews that Sarah Palin does indeed do between now and election day.
Susie – I did not see the Keith Olberman clip. I hope it is repeated on Orbit.
Mairead – never to late to join the fray – every comment counts here! Yes, I’m surprised we are not hearing more about the lack of respect McCain showed during the first debate. If he can do that to a fellow American how is he going to react with world leaders?
Omg – To me, Colin Powell was the epitomy of an officer and a gentleman and true leader. It’s sad that he became a fall guy for the Administration.
His Sweetheart – Sarah Palin in Saudi Arabia would definitely create a tizzy!
Ladybear – welcome and thank you for your comments. And I’m so happy we have the blogging world which allows all of us across the globe to share views and perspectives. I think it is important for the rest of the world to speak out on their views of the Presidential campaigns and respective candidates. America needs to know how it is being perceived through global eyes both near and far.
Was it just me or did Sarah Palin seem to take relish in repeating (too many times) the names of the leaders of North Korea and Iran? It seemed to me she was trying to make a point that she could memorize and pronounce foreign names…. but she still needs work on how to say the word “nuclear.”
I looked on YouTube for the Keith Olbermann clip, but all I found was a small segment of it. I’ll keep looking though. This is just a partial clip of a much longer segment with the split screen of Bush and Palin.
Here’s another partial clip comparing Bush and Palin, ending with their identical winks…
I am starting to feel sorry for Palin, I don’t want to keep my comments confined to Palin-bashing, but I do want to share this one with you, fellow-joe’s! Grab ya six-packs and settle down folks, ya’all enjoy this now:
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Z3-UFYpNE&feature=related
I actually feel for her, as she is confronted with all these difficult questions and she has NO CLUE!!! But bravely confronts her torturors and heroically tries to get out of actually answering them!
I do hope she will be taken out her misery soon, and gets re-released back into the wilds of Alaska as soon as possible.
Aafke,
What is funny is Palin said today that she was annoyed with the reporters in the interviews as the reason she did so bad. This is only after she only gave 3 interviews. Bidden has given over 100 since he was selected for VP. What is worse is all the questions she were asked are very basic and she still fumbled them. The reporters seemed to feel sorry for her and not press with more complex questions or may be they thought she won’t understand a complex question.
My favorite answer of Palin is when she confused Health Care Reform with economic stimulus. She sounded like a parrot that memorized a few phrases and just recited them out of context. Way too funny.
As an American, I am profoundly embarrassed and sad that George Bush has been president for the past 8 years. I didn’t think it could get worse.
As American Bedu expresses, I too am offended and embarrassed that Palin is depicting the US to the world as provincial, not-too-bright, and naive. Not everyone in the US is like that. I’m from New York City which is the opposite of what George Bush and Palin stand for. The US I know is not the US that the world sees portrayed.
However, I believe that the majority of US citizens in middle america (where I’ve never been)(we call them “flyover states” because you fly over them when going from the east coast to the west coast) are uneducated and not-too-bright and are the people who voted for Bush and will vote for McCain-Palin.
I fear what will happen to the US and the world if McCain-Palin wins.
The US should divide into 2 countries. Really.
Susie- thanks for the links! I’m going to check them out now.
Aafke – I am all for seeing women making it to high positions but seems like in Palin’s case she would be better served getting her family in order and spending more time taking care of her special needs child. Sorry to sound so blunt but that is not a credential that necessarily makes her a better VP candidate. All I keep seeing is a woman who is not qualified and overly ambitious.
Betty – I’m a little more charitable and do want to give the “flyover” states more credit…I’d hate to see the USA ever be divided! However we are indeed on track on the image that is now being presented of America by Palin, Bush and company.
This LA Times article, “US Should Abolish the Vice Presidency” appeared in today’s Arab News: http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=115117&d=5&m=10&y=2008
I think it is worth reading.
That was very enlightening! Yes, we don’t ahve a vp either, it is a dangerous construct. He is right about wanting to get rid of it.
I had a terrible thought and maybe someone here would know the answer…what would happen if a Presidential candidate before election day was in an accident, or poor health, or something and died? What is the protocol? Am I correct in that a new candidate would need to be identified and nominated and NOT that a VP candidate would step in to fill the shoes?
Betty, Betty, Betty,
I would suggest that you drive rather than just ‘fly over’. Take a nice long stop in Michigan and enjoy the beauty and the diversity that is The United States.
I am curious to know just how you would propose dividing the country.
Can you imagine her coming to Saudi Arabia and meeting King Abdullah and in her sweet girlish voice she has mastered so well and with that little wink, leaning in close to King Abdullah and saying “And may I call you Abdullah?”
Criminy! The woman is governor of the largest state in America, addressing a senator from one of the smallest. You used to be a diplomat, right? As a matter of protocol, isn’t Palin’s question correct? (As for the “wink” bit, that sounds sexist to me. )
Solomon,
It is best to ask if one is unsure how to address another but in the case of the debate, she should have been briefed on protocol unless this was yet another tactic to appear “cute.”
I actually want Palin to be a VP,, sh could bring a lot to out human rights issue in Saudia and woman rights that are stripped from them,, as we all know Paliln believes in the bible literally and a Noe-con she might be a good thing to the saudies,, she might even acknowledge the “Wahabbi” problem we got..
Interesting perspective Mansour. I don’t know…I just cannot picture her composing herself in a professional manner for Saudi Arabia….I’d fear she’d make some serious gaffes. But I do agree that she probably would not be shy in acknowledging any issues she viewed as problems!
“majority of US citizens in middle america – - – are uneducated and not-too-bright”
Betty! time you crossed your country on the ground. And not just a fast run across the interstate, use state and local highways and get to know your country.
My husband is an artist, and has had shows in California, New York and Dallas (we snuck off and spent a week in Galveston after the opening), so we have crossed into the US at Blaine in Washington State and driven the highways and byways to 3 coasts. Probably seen more of the US than most Americans.
Folks in those ‘fly-over’ states are warm, generous, friendly and courteous. And not at all stupid! Although in some smaller communities, they are not altogether up to date on technology, (we found places where they weren’t sure what email was and wi fi was limited to big hotels in major centres and some truck stops), in other places had all the perks of downtown New York, without the traffic, crowds and crime rates.
While lots of them may relate more to Sarah Palin than they would to a big city person, it could be because she is a country gal who would share many of their interests. We have found that for much of your country there is as much of a divide between big city and country people as there is between rich and poor; the 2 Americas have little in common and know very little about each other.
If would be wonderful if someone could organize exchange visits for students, like the international programs. City kids going to the country, and country to the city. Each would have much to learn form the other.
With more understanding and and a greater connection between you, everyone would benefit, and bumpkins like Bush and Palin would not be able to use that ‘aw shucks’ personna with such success.
Those of us on the outside can only watch and hope that sanity will prevail!
Thank you for your comments Ladybear!
I am happy to say that as an American I have been to all 50 states to include spending time in fly-over States. When I was a child, my father was a strong advocate on “See the USA” and by car! I think that is part of why I ended up having a foreign service career…I’d seen the USA which whet my appetite to see the rest of the world. And yes, I even spent a summer in Sarah Palin’s own state, Alaska!
I do agree that there are differences in America depending on region as well as the big city, little village and rich and poor. Now my family home was in a tiny village in northwestern Pennsylvania but I can assure you most of the residents were avid news junkies and very well versed on current and international affairs. But I don’t think those residents would tolerate for long Sarah Palin’s ‘aw shucks’ condescending attitude.
@ Carol = “well darn, you guys are just too much. Maybe we should settle this over a six pack. Or better yet, since you boys like wild game, come on to my big state in Alaska and we’ll go out together and shoot some caribou.”
the sad part is, they probably would.
argh. hate her. She always sounds snide and belittling to me, but I guess that’s what happens when you’re not what she considers the “average” american. I know so few of those types, actually.
Yes…as Cheney already demonstrated when he was out with the “good ole boys” and his gun…
John Stewart says it best with Sarah Palin every single show.
I hope the Americans dont screw up again and vote in another crazy + 1.
Amen, Ryan!
I’m not quite sure how the US found someone dumber than Bush, but “gosh-darn it! they sure did!”
@ Solomon
Alaska is large but has a very small population 683,000
Delaware is small but has a large population of 850,000
Palin is NOT a Senator. She been the Governor of Alaska for 2 years. So she only takes care of Alaska State Law
Biden IS a US Senator, for 35 years! He represents Delaware’s position in US Federal Law. He is also her senior in age.
For both reasons he deserves respect. but McCain/Palin are running a dirty campaign attacking Obama/Biden over & over to distract people from the issues. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time, just a different face on the same thing
@ladybear
I’ve spent time in all the lower 48 US states and I’ve lived in 7 different states. Including those “fly-by” states. While their outward appearance might seem friendly & courteous small town America from East of the Rocky Mountains to West of the Mississippi and in the Southern “bible belt” small towns can be very ignorant, racist places with no tolerance for any other races, cultures or religions. I’m blonde w/green eyes so they generally open right up to me expecting me to be just as narrow minded.
Nichelle,
Welcome to the blog and thank you for your comment. I’m trying to remember where I saw it but some site had a hilarious comparison of Palin and Bush with their expressions and use of words! Hilarious…but also a little bit frightening.
[...] posted October 4, 2008 on Carol Foster’s American Bedu. Foster blogs from Saudi [...]
I guess with the last debate aired, Reuters chose to pick up this post:
http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/domestic?bbPostId=B6kcqoGH9Pf8Bzn7nRZ5sNNoCzA5DXcCASHIuBCLm6Tt7nK7a
Hi Nichelle
Have not lived in the US, so can’t speak with authority, but my husband is Native American Indian, and I am blonde and blue-eyed, but we have never had anyone give us a second look. We drive a 25 year old pickup that pulls an older 5th wheel, and have been met with warm welcomes and helpful people in any town we passed through. Needing auto assistance from time to time as our faithful old Sierra hauls us along, we have often wondered if we might run into some form of racism. as most Indian reservations in the US are little better than 3rd world communities, and in many states people seem to pretend Indians don’t exist outside of Hollywood movies. The only sign of racism my husband encountered was in the city of Dallas, at a bank in Ross Perot’s neighbourhood where he went to cash a cheque from the art gallery where we were doing an exhibition.
We can all just hope that sanity will prevai and save us form the likes of Sarah Palin!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24591708-2703,00.html
Enjoy!
[...] Sarah Palin in Saudi Arabia: May I call you Abdullah? from American_Bedu by American Bedu [...]