Discussing world politics

While I was in Spain the standoff with the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas, was reaching a boiling-point. Many times the conversations at the various bars ended-up drifting onto the subject of the standoff. I found myself having to try to explain the U.S. legal system, including the freedoms of speech and religion and the freedom to bear arms, when I didn’t really understand what was going on myself. I kept feeling as though everyone expected me to defend my country, which I was unwilling to do – I really felt that the government was doing the wrong thing, at least so far as I was able to understand all the various nuances of the situation. I actually told Maiol, at one point, that I’d be happier just telling everyone that I was from Canada – after all, everyone loves Canadians, right?