[Qcwa] Contest boycotts?

[Kevin Schmidt]

I am working in Trieste, Italy until July when I will return home to
Tempe, Arizona. I completely disagree that the media in general here
are biased.  Any one outlet may have a bias, but many points of view are
readily available.

Of course, Europe is a big place and I don't know where Bob was, but
here in Italy there are lots of news programs on the television with
many people, often with americans, discussing and debating many points 
of view.

Many people have satellite receivers like the one in my apartment, and
on that you can get Fox, BBC, CNN among many others.

I also find the italians, as usual, to be friendly and open. From my
discussions I have found that many are mystified at what they see as the
diplomatic bungling and incompetence shown by our current administration
and want explanations. Many are deeply opposed to war when they think 
that other options have not been exhausted. Some do think that George 
Bush and Donald Rumsfeld are war criminals.  Like americans nearly all 
want a quick american victory; everyone agrees that Saddam is horrible. 
Many believe that this war will increase the number of terrorists and 
therefore jeopardizes their personal safety. Many feel that the UN and 
NATO have been badly damaged and don't understand what the United States 
gained in return. However, I have not found any animosity toward me as 
an american or americans in general, nor has my daughter who is 
attending an italian high school and often spends time with friends she 
has made here.

I have many discussions with people here and just like in america
sometimes we disagree and sometimes we agree, but that is one of the
great things about living in a free society.

With many other people canceling their trips, this should be a good 
spring and summer to visit Europe, find bargains in air fares and 
hotels, have a great time, and find out for yourself.

73 Kevin w9cf

 > From: "Bob Plamondon" <bobp@att.net>
 > To: <qcwa@mailman.qth.net>
 > Subject: RE: [Qcwa] Contest boycotts?
 > Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2003 14:27:37 -0800
 >
 >
 > I just got back from Europe last night ... and the media there is so
 > incredibly biased that I'm sure they're responsible for a good bit of
 > the animosity we now experience.   I even found myself walking away from
 > a discussion with my cousin - someone who I speak with frequently - but
 > his views are now so tainted that he can't have a conversation with me
 > without accusing me of supporting a "murderous" administration.  Sooo
 > ... I'm not surprised to get home and hear these reports.   It's sad
 > that we have sacrificed so many, demonstrated our enormous generosity
 > and shown no empire intent in the last 100 years - only for many (but
 > not all!) Europeans to give us this treatment ... they have no honor.
 >
 > w6BOB