Meet The New Boss

After classes yesterday a small fleet of us Americans were invited out for drinks at the Thomas Ingoldsby, a freehouse across the street from King's School. One of the many things I hadn't realized about England was that college courses would actually allow one to major in American Studies, which is exactly what it sounds like - some kids over here actually study us, and get a college degree in it.

As to what they can do with it, even they don't seem to actually know. But there it is.

In talking with the American Studies students, I get the impression that England is worried about a lot of the same issues that the United States is. The English have a fairly heated immigration debate that revolves around cultural values and citizenship, a moderate amount of discussion on what many believe to be an overgenerous social welfare system, and of course their involvement in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are something of a touchy issue.

Everyone, both in the States and in the UK, spend a fair amount of time thinking (fairly or unfairly) that politicians are stupid, but the consensus in the States is that the debate here is more civilized than it is back home. to counter that notion, I'd probably submit a video of the House of Commons, and the ensuing text-in show that allowed viewers to bash their pols from the convenience of their cell phones. No more civilized at the ground level, anyway.

I will say to their credit though that they follow American politics quite closely. Two nights ago, Sky News carried a live feed of President Bush's press conference, and the top story all week has been the New Hampshire primary. I was even asked, basically on arrival with my host family, who I'd be supporting in 2008. Since then, I've been asked literally every day, usually with a follow-up question as to why I was supporting that candidate. American Politics are a big deal here, and while I certainly haven't seen anything to suggest that they approach the debate any more intelligently (last night, a bar patron found out we were American and suggested we combine the US and UK armed forces to "fong" China), they definitely demonstrate a heavy interest.

Expect some pictures tomorrow or, given the time, later today in your time.