Of course, I met some Americans that could be exceptions. When you meet those Americans that have been there, then there's an immediate interest and sharing of experiences or opinions. The Albanians; many will have a relative or two, or three, that lives in either the U.S. Germany, UK or somewhere to make a living and sending the salary home. That is the way they do it, or should I say, one of the many ways the family makes a living. This has been going on for generations.
I was in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Kosovo from October 1999 to May 2004. A real eye opener, to say the least.
As far as a vacation land.....You mean, no one goes to "10 Flags over Kosovo"? but, I thought it was a vacation spot, my travel agent lied to me. Can't seem to find him, his office has since closed up....:)))
[quote]And you spout out your broad generalizations based on your own anecdotal experiences in Kosovo.[quote]
uhhhhhh, tough.....Uh, yes, in five years you sort of meet a lot of Albanians when you live there, unless one is a hermit. Being Security Chief I traveled all over Kosovo, and was not disappointed. They often speak 2-3 languages, and learned from watching TV and/or listening to the radio......In doing so, one tends to learn about the country that is sponsoring the TV program, you think?
You're taking this much too personal. It's a fact most Americans don't pay much attention to geography or world politics. It's not a slam, it's just a fact. It's not laughable, it's sad that many Americans don't take the time to learn about other countries.
Americans don't have to go to Kosovo to learn about it....they just have to read..Balkans...do internet research, due to the fact we have one extremely large base called Camp Bondsteel, and one small base in Kosovo. One is due to close in 2006 and the other in 2007. Many tax dollars are spent there and all and Americans has to do is read about it. Just because it's not a vacation spot, isn't a good excuse. They either know or they don't. They don't......they should. I also did not hang with any of the elite. Many of the elite are Albania Mafia figures or politicians that are catered to by the NATO and U.S. State Dept. I was just a little ole contractor with the OSCE. I'll send you links about what I'm talking about.
[quote]We have a broad middle class over here that are educated, in case you didn't notice, and in Kosovo there isn't. You can sit there and spout the virtues of Kosovo and its brilliant citizens all you want, but to say the least you strain credulity.[quote]
***** Say what?? :)) I assume you mean "strain credibility"? :))
Yes, we have a broad middle class, and yes they are educated, but in Kosovo they are when it concerns the only livelyhood they have is world travel....it has nothing to do with education. The average middle class American makes headlines in the small town newspaper when they visit Rome or Spain or wherever. Going to Europe for the Average American is a big deal. Now if you are wealthy, that's a different story. Americans just don't have the interest in countries outside the U.S.....You visiting all over Europe is great. But, that is not the life of the average American.
I am known for not saying the politically correct thing. I have made an effort not to be politically or socially correct. My only exception is if I had a clearance or had signed a non-disclosure. That is a different story.
The middle class in Kosovo are more educated about European culture, because.......duh, they live there. They have family members there making money for the family to live, they visit, they learn the language.........:))
Americans have never had an interest in distant lands.....in short. It's the exception not the rule that they do. In Europe, it's the rule. Most can speak 2-3 languages......They learn to get by in either French, English, German..etc...or several languages in a manner of months. Many Americans are lucky if they can say Good Morning in Spanish, as they learned it in high school or college, but have forgotten....etc......
I'm not spouting the Virtues of Kosovo, I'm spouting the truth. I've met many back here that did not even know where Kosovo was, much less are we still there and certainly not about the unfortunate circumstances we created there.
My family moved to the U.S. in 1773 or so.....So, I'm not a citizen of another country. :)) I'm just telling you my experience and from first hand observation over a very long period of time. Try it yourself.......talk to 10 people about Kosovo and see what you get......Talk to a Kosovar, he will tell you they have a cousin in Chicago, New York or Boston and they have visited. I ask, how do you speak English so well, they will say, by watching TV, or radio or just talking to people.
My credibility with you is the least of my concerns by the way. You seem to be a bit.....uh hum....emotional....:)))