Hi Dave. I'm new to your blog, I've been checking yours for a while.
I'll ask if you voted for Bush or not before I get to hate an American. :-)

That's kind of you! Hatred is a very powerful and destructive thing. If people must feel hate, they should at least be sure the target of their wrath is worthy of it.

I have never had somebody be outwardly hostile to me when visiting a foreign country, probably because I try so hard to be a considerate visitor.

BUT, even though people are kind on helpful on the OUTSIDE, it is shocking to feel the depth of people's hatred on the INSIDE. In Japan, this is known as "tatemae and honne."

I try to understand that such feelings are not directed specifically to me, but it is still sad to be so far from home and have to feel such hatred in the world.

But they do say that "your vote will count". In fact they make a point of it. I'd assumed that the results of the US election were - sadly - all done and dusted. But it seems not. *You* now hold it in your power to change the election and save America in the eyes of the world...

Washington State went to Kerry, so my vote isn't going to change anything. My point is that if the letter were lost, or if I had waited a week to check my mail, then my vote would NOT count. All because they claim my signature doesn't match. I am sorely tempted to request a look at what signature they have on file. It very well could be dated and different, but it's really odd that it has only become an issue just now.

You're going to HAVE to ask to see your signature now, because we are all very curious.