I was on busines in the US during the last presidential election. I had planned to be in Washington DC for election day which was a mistake. Everybody had left to go back to their constituencies and it was no fun. By my good fortune I then had to go down to Fort Lauderdale in Florida (next door to the hanging chads of Broward County) and caught up with the excitement down there. On arrival at my hotel I was acosted by journalists offering $5k a night to buy my hotel room. It was tempting but I knew that the only place I woiuld be able to sleep would be the beach; and I had meetings to go to!!
Many people say we are like Americans, that we have things in common. I have travelled there often and whilst I agree it is a great nation I have to say we do not understand them, nor are we really like them. Take politics. There is no way that wearing religion on your sleeve, in the way Bush does, would be acceptable to British voters. Religion permeates and is an intrinsic part of politics in a way that would not be possible here. Even connecting politics and religion in this country is not acceptable.
Is it because they do not have the history of this nation to cling to that they use religion to give them identity? Who knows? It certainly gives a new meaning to 'God and country'.
Had a very good celebratory dinner this evening for one of our Councillors who has just completed 21 years of service on the Council.
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