Good Question for a Sunday Morning

I'm in Europe delivering leadership training with Pathways to Leadership. Been here for a week and have just over 2 more weeks to go. It's been awhile since I've been over here and I had forgotten how much I enjoy the diversity and multinational spirit of Europe. I will have 8 countries represented in my training session this week yet all of them will be able to speak English as their second, third, or perhaps fourth language. I have been able to draw upon the French I learned in high school (Thanks Mdme Warner!) and the Italian I learned in college (Thanks Prof. Riga!).

So, I received this great question yesterday,

I'm sitting here watching what passes for news coverage on cable TV. So far, they're hurting themselves in their efforts to ignore a couple of stories that are blazing on the internet. How would you assess the difference in news coverage between Europe and the US?

Unfortunately, the only English speaking channel I get in my hotel is CNN International. It gives a much broader perspective and they are not shy about a bit of "editorializing"... The recent victory of Mr. Rudd over Mr. Howard in Australia was accompanied by many reports that being a friend of Bush isn't helping anyone in the US nor around the world.

I will say that there is a very heightened interest in the U.S.presidential election. Many people can't believe that in a country as big as the US, the two front runners are both from NY. They have a real fondness for Bill Clinton and a lot of that lends a favorable impression of Hillary. The former French First Lady, Mme Bernadette Chirac recently endorsed Hillary (11/24/07)... not sure if it carries any weight, but it shows that she also has an international appeal... can go a long way toward rebuilding bridges.

Thanks for the question! What do YOU think?? Click below to add your comments...

Monday Morning Question

Here's a great one I received yesterday...

"Hello Angie! You're going to be travelling a lot outside the US. Do you expect that attitudes towards America and Americans are going to be different from what they were when you travelled with your team? Could you help to widen our perspective by sharing your experiences and observations in that regard? Thanks, and travel safely! "

Great question! You know, when I traveled on basketball teams throughout Eastern and Western Europe, it was in the 80s before the Berlin Wall came down. The Cold War was still being "waged" and we were living under a Reagan Administration (I voted for him in protest of Carter's US boycott of the 1980 Olympics for the USSR's invasion/occupation of Afghanistan...how ironic)

At that time, we were asked repeatedly, "Why do you want to bomb us?" While there was generally good will everywhere we went...when you were able to talk deeply, their fear of the US came out.

When I traveled in the 90s, it was completely different... It seemed like people loved us everywhere...

I'll update this in a couple of months after my travels... I'll keep this question in mind as I go!

Thanks for asking!!

What about you? What have you experienced as you've traveled the globe? I'm eager to hear your stories. Use the comment button to respond. Or scroll to the bottom and use the form to ask me anything! Next question due for an answer has to do with Hillary... stay tuned!

How would you go about getting our youngest voters engaged in the electoral process?

This is a good question! Since the voting age was lowered to 18, the percentage of those voters have gone down steadily until Bill Clinton saw a spike in '92. We all know that seniors (not hs seniors, but those age 62+) vote in high numbers, but what's up with the 18-24 year olds??? I introduced legislation in my first term to allow voter registration forms to be placed in high schools and included with hs senior info packets.

That year the Rs were in the majority in the State House and they killed the bill. One Rep said, "We don't need to make it any easier than it already is"...

Those seeking public office need to spend time with that voting block and give them a compelling reason to cast a vote! With the federal administration's cuts to financial aid and favoritism of Sally Mae, college students have a stake in these elections!

What are your thoughts? Add to comments in this thread...

Welcome to the new edition of my blog!

Last month I ended my campaign for U.S. Congress and chose to pursue opportunities in the private sector, especially my work with Pathways to Leadership, Inc. You can read the press release at my website: www.AngiePaccione.com

This blog will be updated as questions are submitted and as I get the urge to share my comments on issues, events, and leadership. Welcome and Ask Me Anything!

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