Beware tunnel vision in political reporting
Having the opportunity to travel overseas frequently, I believe the never-ending American election is having an enormous effect on our international companions.
As also reported by the press, foreigners are expressing bewilderment at the American political system. What elections count? How can Donald Trump be considered a viable candidate? Should we try a new form of democracy?
In Hungary, some locals wanted a chance to vote in the U.S. election. Having seen the excesses of capitalism and the wastelands of communism firsthand, Hungarians seem ready for something new. Something more reasonable.
The hope is America will steer away from rampant capitalist practices. Back in February, in the Dominican Republic, CNN broadcast a Republican debate - live! The people of the DR seemed interested, but they had their own election recently and need to combat cronyism and corruption in the democratic process.
In Panama City, where the currency is the American dollar, the drivers and tour guides were quick to point out Trump Tower and the fact that Donald Trump does not own the building - locals simply paid Trump to use the name.
Economic opportunity and migration were the top issues in this Central American country.
And in Riga, Latvia, the BBC coverage of the U.S. election was frequent and people talked about the ceaseless media reporting. The endlessness of the whole thing. After Nov. 8, will the next election campaigns begin?
The importance of the presidency notwithstanding, it is necessary to refrain from tunnel vision and remember to cover newsworthy material other than the election. By overemphasizing the candidates and the primaries, we, as Americans, appear to have a hyperinflated sense of importance and look ignorant of issues in other countries.
Willis Lambertson
Barrington