I've spent a lot of time out of the country in Asia, Europe, and South America. One of my siblings was adopted from Bangkok, Thailand, which meant that I ended up spending months there when I was 8 years old. I typically spend about 2 months a year in either Europe, Japan, Chile, Australia, or New Zealand. The time I spent away from the US continues to play a huge part in my political development. I'm curious to know how many of the US folks on this site have been out of the country, and if that time affected their personal politics.

Thanks.

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SUPPORT THE TROOPS: RIDE A BIKE

I have been to mexico twice and to Canada. I am going on a trip across Europe riding the rails and backpacking this May.

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"In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule." - Nietzsche

Used to travel extensively outside the US, still manage two trips a year to Ireland (to visit family) and one vacation outside the US a year. It had a limited impact on my politics. Limited from the standpoint that it didn't change much, but it did have a strong impact in verifying preconceived notions about various policies. The biggest impact it had on me was that no matter how much I enjoyed visiting a different country I'm very thankful to have been born here.

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All you need to know about the energy crisis:
ANWR Exploration Republicans: 91% Supported. Democrats: 86% Opposed.
Coal-to-liquid R's: 90% YES. D's: 78% NO.
Oil Shale Exploration R's: 90% YES. D's: 86% NO.
Outer Continental Shelf Exploration R's: 81% YES. D's: 83% NO.
Increased Refinery Capacity R's: 97% YES. D's: 96% NO

SUMMARY: 91% of House Republicans have historically voted to increase the production of America’s own oil and gas. 86% of House Democrats have historically voted against.

I've been to Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Corsica. Poland and Czechoslovakia (when it *was* Czechoslovakia).

So just Canada and Europe, but a lot of Europe.

It affects your beliefs because you see how other parts of the world live, and meet other people in their own culture. You become more open to other ways of doing things and less American-centric in your thinking.

It gave me a huge leg up and interest in history and geography. Because when we studied World War II, for example, many times I could say "I've been there."

Outside Stuttgart, there's a mountain made of the rubble of World War II Stuttgart. After the war they just bulldozed it into a huge pile and covered it in dirt, though on top they left a bunch of building facades. It's now a park with a peace monument on top of it.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkenkopf

I've stood on top of that mountain. It really drives home the cost of war.

Visiting Cold War Czechoslovakia, and seeing the grimly elaborate security procedures at the border -- dogs going over a dump truck to make sure nobody was hiding in the dirt, for example -- made me appreciate the freedom of the West.

Paradoxically, traveling made me appreciate America all the more even while exposing some of the unexamined assumptions that underly much mainstream American thinking. I came home knowing America *was* home, with no vague wondering if the grass was greener on the other side of the fence. It was green, but it wasn't greener, and it wasn't home.

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Man up.

I have been to Mexico very briefly to get steroids with my ex boyfriend. Just over the border from El Paso.

Thats as far away from the US as I have been so far.

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My Political Blog (Last post Feb 14) - My MySpace Page

Me.. visited various countries and lived in asia and northern europe for a few years.

Berlin has the Devil's Mountain looming over that city... just incase the master race need a reminder next time they get uppity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teufelsberg

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"When I'm in command, every mission is a suicide mission!" -Capt. Zapp Branigan
The United Church of the Latter Day Tangential Tarts

I've been to a good number of other countries. Visiting Italy made me wish I had been born an Italian... in Italy....

I visited Peru once, a beautiful country but unfortunately, plenty of poor.

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I've been informed....don't blame Bush, he's "not in control"
That must make him out of control

My dad was stationed in Rota, Spain. Spent roughly six and half years there.

Bullfights > Running of the Bull

I have been all over Europe. My Mom was born and raised in Ireland so I have spent a great deal of time over there.

Besides Europe I have been to Japan, Brasil, Mexico, and Canada.


And im VERY glad I live in the United States. All of those places are fun to visit at certain points. However ill never live anywhere besides the United States.