More Loving for American Expats, Plus Six Green Reasons to Vote Barack Obama

Barack Obama's environmental platform is not perfect, but I've got seven reasons (one not exactly green) to vote Obama in six days.

1. The frightening limitations of the "drill baby drill" mantra

2. Increased funding for conservation programs and incentives for sustainable agriculture

3. An economy-wide cap on U.S. carbon emissions

4. Reduced tropical deforestation

5. The creation of a global energy forum

6. A positive outlook on biking

7. But if that is not enough for you, Obama will make Americans sexy again, according to a fellow expat living in Berlin. Seems George W. Bush was actually detrimental to his game.

"With Bush, it's just not sexy to be American," he told me mournfully. "And this is particularly noticeable when you are living abroad."

So if nothing else, an Obama vote will eliminate long tedious conversations about the downfall of the American government and numerous late-night cold shoulders for your fellow Americans overseas.

More From Mairi Beautyman on Huffington Post
Four Ways for a Stylish and Tasty Green Dinner Party
From the Olympics to Sears, Wearing Recycled Bottles Goes Mainstream
Clothing Made from Milk and Bottles Made of Paper? The Eco Design Revolution
Terrorists or Heroes? Sea Shepherd Fights for Marine Life
Does Terrorism Make us Travel Greener?

Photo: Via New York Magazine

Comments

[chucklasker]

I've been supporting Obama for a long time, but I never thought it would make me sexy! Woo Hoo!

While the McCain campaign makes it seem like the entire world is our enemy, especially "socialist Europe," I look forward to a renewed international presence under a President Obama. And his environmental awareness, tempered with economic realities, is refreshing because it's not radical, it's not emotional, and it honors America's ability to scientifically solve global problems.

[athenasword]

Thanks for a post acknowledging what us expats have had to endure these last 8 years!

I have lived abroad since 1998 and have run out of excuses for our recent political behavior. Really I have. My husband and I meet people from all over the world. And, in '04 the first question they would ask is "Why??". There was dismay over how we could re-elect Bush (how many of us expats have the "I'm sorry" t-shirts apologizing in 8 or 9 languages for his re-election?)

These days, when someone finds out we are American, the question they ask is "How's the election going.... is Obama winning?!" Or they tell us they are watching the election and ask "Why don't all Americans see how amazing Obama is?". They tell us how much they want to see him elected and how this would change their lives or the way they relate to the USA. It becomes clear how much the US election touches people in all countries.

So, America... please! Vote for Obama. I'm being selfish here. I cannot take 4 years of trying to explain why we didn't make him our president. Especially since there is no excuse. He is the right man at the right time. It is striking how people - whether from Asia, Germany, UK, Australia or Japan - see him as a leader who would make an enormously positive difference in the world.

And yes, this would make Americans sexy again!

[Sumocat]

This brings to mind a conversation I overheard shortly after the 2004 election. Some guy was venting about how, while overseas, he was being hit with complaints over the stuff we're doing (and not doing) in Iraq and Afghanistan. His excuse was "It's not our fault; it's George Bush's fault." That really pissed me off. Yes, I agree Bush f'd us up big time with his "fight now, think later" policy, but it is our fault he's in charge. I didn't vote for him, but I accept as much blame as anyone else. I hope we can make amends for that mistake this time around. McCain is a good man, but he's got no strategy. He lays out many strong points, but they do not come together as a cohesive plan. By contrast, Obama lays out the problems, explains how he will address them, and pulls it together under a strategic plan. That's big picture thinking, and that's what the job of President requires.