Many people around the world criticize Americans for being too self-centered and uncaring about problems outside their country. As an American expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, watching the non-stop, self-serving analysis about the critical importance of America’s midterm elections two weeks ago, I can see how one might form that opinion. I’ll even admit that most American voters probably don’t know their chosen candidate’s stance on foreign policy issues. To our critics, that is unforgivable. Let me give you another perspective.
I sent in my state absentee ballot two weeks ago, determined to have my vote count, even though I currently live halfway around the globe. The simple act of sending in that ballot made me realize how far away I am from my home country, both physically and emotionally.
In America, every voter makes choices based on his or her own particular problems, priorities, and objectives. We choose the candidate we think will lead us in a direction aligned with our values, help fix our problems, and make our lives better in some way. Election day is democracy at work. Studies show that the two biggest issues on Americans’ minds this year are the economy and the fight against terrorism. The downturn of the economy over the past two years has caused hundreds of thousands of people to lose their jobs. After years as a successful computer-programming manager, my own brother-in-law suddenly found himself with no income when his company laid off dozens of employees in order to survive. With a family to provide for, his priorities changed overnight. No longer did he have the luxury of worrying about whether the local public school replaced its outdated computers or how global warming was affecting summer temperatures — he had bigger questions on his mind. "How am I going to pay the mortgage, the electricity bill, the water bill, and feed my family when I don’t have a job? What happens if one of my children needs urgent medical care? How do I explain to my four-year-old daughter that I can’t pay for her to go to pre-school anymore?"
For many Americans, domestic economic issues were the biggest priority as they cast their vote. The other big issue concerning Americans this year is security and the fight against terrorism. Sept. 11 changed the way Americans think. It pulled us together as we realized the value of the freedoms we hold dear, and it strengthened our resolve to protect those freedoms. For the tens of thousands of people who lost a brother, a son, a mother or a husband in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this election day was an opportunity to vote for the candidate that promised to spend their tax dollars on the fight against terrorism and homeland security.
Here in Saudi Arabia the growing population and unbalanced dependence on foreign workers has created a serious economic problem. After decades of opportunity and comfortable lifestyles, many Saudis face the same problems as the average American. How do you provide the basic needs of food and housing for your family, when the job opportunities are just not there? What sacrifices are you willing to make to keep terrorism out of the Kingdom? Just like Americans, Saudis are looking to the government to create an environment that improves the quality of life. And the heart of the matter is this: don’t we all worry about our families and ourselves first? Our priorities are based on our personal situations.
As an American living overseas, I am more concerned with my government’s foreign policy than the average American — because it affects me directly. I have many Palestinian friends who constantly tell me the horrors their families face on a daily basis. I understand their frustration. Their families are as dear to them, as mine is to me. The bottom line is, we care about a cause when it affects us personally. If my elected leaders commit to war in this region, will my Muslim friends blame me, just because I happen to be American? Will angry extremists attack my family or my American friends out of a need to express their disagreement with the leaders of my country? If the business environment becomes strained, will my husband lose his job? I voted for the candidates that support a foreign policy that benefits my family and my values. Yes, I admit that some Americans are uninterested in issues that matter most to you. But the next time you criticize the collective "Americans" for their insensitivity, please take a moment to remember that we’re all human beings, with our own families just like yours. Please don’t blame us for wanting what’s best for our children, just like you do.
— Before relocating to Saudi Arabia, LeAnne Carlson worked for an NBC news affiliate in the US as a television news anchor and reporter. Currently, she consults with Saudi business people to help improve US-Saudi relations.
— Arab News feature article dated 21 November 2002