Racism

Racism, I believe, still runs rampant in the U.S. , however, what right does the President of the United States have to comment on a case that he did not personally witness? Answer, he doesn't have a right. It is true that racism still exist in the U.S. and throughout the world but unless you are a witness to the events, please hold your tongue Mr. President.

Medical Insurance Program

In the papers this morning was a story about the Senate Finance Committee's struggle to get some kind of medical insurance reform passed. I am extremely happy to hear that the talks now include a discussion about providing support to nonprofit cooperatives to sell insurance in competition to private companies and hold down cost as opposed to Obama's proposal that there be a government (socialist) medical program. As a general Obama supporter, I was alarmed when he wanted to introduce a government run medical program. All the american people have to do is look to Canada and Europe to see that government run programs are not the best in the world. While Germany has the best social medicine program, none of them could possibly work in the US. We have the best medical care in the world and it comes (unfortunately for most) at a cost. What is needed, is a new way to reign in the rapid acceleration of medical cost without curtailing the research being done to improve the quality of care.

Job Losses

It concerns me deeply that the people in the US are suffering so deeply from the fear of companies closing their doors. This translates into job loss of which I am now a part of the growing problem. I am looking for a job anywhere in the world and am willing to relocate, as long as the pay is sufficient. I wonder, though, about the people who have families which will be uprooted if the painful choice to relocate in order to secure a good paying job is made. Being single and childless has afforded me a flexibility that most people don't have.

My question to the President is this "What are you doing to reduce the economic strain on the American people?" So far I don't hear an answer and being an Obama supporter I am disappointed.

American living in China

I am an American who would defend our wonderful country in a heartbeat, yet I wish I could be somewhere else. I recently received a job offer to teach in China, which sounds very interesting. The american in me says, wait a second, what are you doing, and the adventurist in me says, what are you waiting for? I would love to hear from other americans who live or have lived in China in the recent past to be able to judge whether or not I should take the plunge and sign the one year contract. I have a phone interview with the school this week so that I can ask the questions I need or want answered and I have a list of questions prepared, however some input into the situation would be helpful.
Please feel free to comment or make suggestions.

Friendship

I am learning alot about people in Europe and Germany especially living in Dresden. The people have a different attitude toward work and family here than they do in the US. I am an American through and through, but I don't think we spend enough time with each other to listen and talk about what is important.
Have you ever gone home from work, ordered pizza, had it delivered, and ate while watching tv with your significant other? What kind of relationship is that? Better yet, what are we teaching our children about relationships?
The tough thing to do is sit down with someone we love and ask them how they really feel. Why? We (me especially) are afraid of what the other person might say. Are we really happy working 50 hours a week, ordering fast food and not talking about the things that count? If not, how do we change our lives? I don't have any answers for the questions above. I only hope that when I meet someone out there that I am honest enough with myself to be honest with my partner and that I am able to take the things I have learned from both sides of the Atlantic and use them to have a better life. I hope the same for all of my friends who plan to venture outside of the US.

Living in Germany has been a true adventure, you just never know what's around the corner. I love it here, but without a permanent position in the workforce I am no longer allowed to live here. It's a shame that I can't stay, however the memories that I have made here will last a lifetime. The people are so kind and willing to help, even if you only speak broken german. I have traveled throughout Germany and to Prague in the Czech Republic. I haven't found a place yet that I thought was ugly or where the people were unkind.
I think Americans could learn a lesson from the people here about what is important in life. We can always find another job, move to a different city, buy a new car and house, but we cannot buy friendship, or help from a good friend when we need it. People and the relationships we have with them is what is important. Relaxation, and taking time to smell the roses is also important. I believe many Americans are so enthralled with work and making a dollar that they often forget to relax for a minute and call a friend.
I will be returning to the US next month and although I will admit to missing KrispyKreme and Starbucks I am in no hurry to return to the hustle and bustle of American life.