User Comments

1. 

   1/27/09

   ranist22

   Make travel easier from underdeveloped contries to the 'richer'ones stressfree. As things stand a perfectly legitimate visa demand needs a special certificate from the mayor of the city where the applicant wants to visit, (around 45 euros per person), and then he or she will apply for the tourist visa (to be paid again). We are no talking immigration here. The Consulate can refuse and keep the money. It is scandalous.
   
   On the other hand, people from Europe who want to go to developing countries do not need an ok from the Town, but apply for a visa directly, and are rarely refused. You have people who go all over the world with their backpacks, whereas people from poorer contries have to show they have enough money in the bank to travel.
   
   If you want to receive a 'foreignor' from Africa, Asia or certain East European countries, you have to ask the Mayor for permission. Why do certain countries have the right to globetrot and not the others? What are the hidden implications behind this kind of imperialist attitude? Would-be immigrants have stayed behind on both sides, and retired people from certain European countries are increasing interested in going to live in 'underveloped' countries to take advantage of the lack of solitude, the benefits of domestic help, and small pensions which enable them to live well in the sun. This is the state of affairs nobody wants to deal with, unless they are personally implied.
   
   Families who live between Europe and 'other' countries thus undergo a lot of pain and desperation. A Europe without frontiers but for whom?
   
   We have reached the stage when onei s grateful to get an official document permitting you to see your family, a document you have paid and waited to get, and waited anxiously if it was accepted or rejected!

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2. 

   2/24/09

   Boshemia

   It seems that nothing unites people like a common enemy. They are willing to put all differences aside, to work together, and finally focus on the truly important things in life.
   
   Why is this?
   
   Is it possible that it is not the enemy part, but instead the common part of the equation? If we found a way to stop focusing on differences and start focusing on what we have in common?
   
   I'm afraid my thinking is a bit abstract compared to yours... but to share a common goal would be a wonderful way to change the world.

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