I Thank God I Am An American Every Day

Here is an interesting article about the State Departments' warnings issued to Americans who would travel to various parts of the world. It points out just some of the social conditions resulting from the fundemental differences in the way people from various places perceive right and wrong, good and bad, nice and not so much, decent and indecent. It sheds light on fundemental values and pricipals... morals and ethics - which are all apparent through, and at the root of, daily conduct towards others. And more importantly perhaps, the way the local governments and police forces deal with it all.

What they have to say about Mexico:
"Reporting crime is an archaic, exhausting process in Mexico, and is widely perceived to be a waste of time."

More:

In nearby Greece, "police have limited ability to deter criminals" and "receive little support from the Greek government and even less respect from the Greek population," the analysts say.
In Laos, authorities may simply make up the rules, the analysts say, noting that "while the country does have published laws forming the basis of its law enforcement mechanism, the population is also beholden to unpublished laws and proclamations."

In the oil-rich Gulf nation of Qatar, the population of fewer than 900,000 racks up an astounding 70,000 traffic accidents per year, its report says.
"Drivers often maneuver erratically and at high speed, demonstrate little road discipline or courtesy, fail to turn on their headlights during hours of darkness or inclement weather, and do not use seat belts," it says.

Read it all - and check out the official gvt website http://www.osac.gov/ for more...

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State Dept. Warns: Be Careful Overseas

Mar 30, 5:53 AM (ET)

By MATTHEW LEE

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070330/D8O6DSQ82.html