I wanted to add this. I forgot to mention this.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100212323973


In order to know how much Trump's shithole comment hurts you need to speak to someone from one of the countries he derided. My driver said Nigeria has its problems but it's not a shit hole country. He said Americans are treated with respect there. My buddy is from Kenya. He said if I visited there I might be embarrassed over the way many Africans fawn over white visitors as it's a vestige of colonialism.

[matt819]

1. I don't know about fawning. . .

There really are some awful places in the world.

But there are some wonderful things happening in otherwise troubling places, and there are wonders to be found if you're open to looking.

Take a look at what this woman is doing in Nigeria. If this doesn't make you want to help, then your soul is broken. https://dinnoedhjaelp.dk/en/who-are-we/

I follow some accounts on Instagram, groups preserving & protecting & and caring for wildlife. Here are their websites. https://www.careforwild.co.za/ or https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/. If you take a look at these sites and follow their Instagram and don't want to catch the next flights to South Africa and Kenya, then there's no hope for you.

My vet (erinarian, not eran) and his wife are traveling through Madagascar now. The photos are magnificent and their brief descriptions of the people they're meeting are awesome.

I lived in South Asia for five years and South Africa for seven. Sure, there's poverty and very complex political, economic, and social problems. But there is also much beauty, wildlife, and great people trying their best to change things for the better, almost always under ridiculously challenging circumstances. The most beautiful places I've ever been in my 60-odd years were in these countries.
Are they all happy and metaphorically singing kumbaya around community campfires? Of course not. Many want to get out. Others dreaded impending change. Northern Indians weren't crazy about Southern Indians. Same with Pakistan. And, of course, there's still the black/colored/white divides in South Africa. Add in climate change and and erratic United States, and the equations become ever more complex.

It is absolutely appalling that many - most? - Americans haven't been outside the US. Hell, many haven't been outside their own communities or states. And Fox News and the buffoon in the WH have taught these deplorables that the normal reaction to "furriners" is to hate them and the "shitholes" they came from.

Short rant over.