Americans will soon be going to the polls to make a decision on behalf of the entire world. At least this is what international folks say. To shed light on what ‘foreigners’ think and feel, Link TV [1]has launched Dear American Voter, a pioneering project in which people from outside the US send video messages to Americans. Here is a cross-section of reactions, focusing on international affairs.
From Kazakhstan, Zhuldyz Jumadilova [2] wants Americans to think more about international issues, like the war on Iraq and the war on terror. She explains:
I think American people are concentrating on their local problems, local issues, and sometimes maybe they don't think more about international problems. I think if the American people think about international problems in the elections of 2004, George W Bush would not be (in that) presidential election.
From Italy, this man [3]shares similar sentiments. He says:
One thing I'd like you to think about while casting your vote is to bear in mind that the person you're going to vote for is going to represent the most power country all over the world. He is going to decide on very important issues on the international policies. Your last administration, in my point of view, was quite unfortunate from the point of view of international relations since they managed to create a real mess in the Middle East.
For more of his views, check out the video:
This young woman [4], from Mumbai, India, urges American votes to elect someone who is not into “interfering in other countries business.” Here's what she says:
Dr Abdulla Abdulla [5], from Afghanistan, says the US needs to take a democratic approach towards dealing with global issues, rather than being a lone wolf on the world scene.
And finally, Seung-Min Lee [6], from South Korea, hopes the US “will be able to help North Korea come out to the world.”
He also says:
I have been paying attention to the US election in the media because any change in the US affects Korean society, directly or indirectly.
Here's his video message: