Gore's Nobel Peace Prize Raises Morale of Overseas American

The most important effect of Al Gore`s sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace prize is that it gives him and his cause, climate change, even more visibility than before. There`s another important effect too. The sympathy for the United Status after the tragic destruction of the World Trade Center has dwindled drastically in the years since. But now, what could show more clearly the right of free expresión in the United Status than this demonstration that at least a well-heeled, well-connected citizen can speak out openly against the oficial policy of the U.S. government?

Moreover , Gore has pledged his $1.5 million dollar winnings to the non-profit Alliance for Climate Protection, an organization that campaigns to alert people throughout the world of the urgency of combatting the climate crisis caused by global warming. Earlier, he contributed his earnings from "An Inconvenient Truth," the documentary that won an Oscar to the same organization. So, our former vice-president is also furthering the notion that Americans can be generous.

As an American living in Mexico, even among courteous Mexicans, I hear blunt comments that reveal the US evokes mixed feelings here and not only because of its border policy. Although the United States is commonly seen as a land of economic opportunity, many people here who admire the get up and go spirit the US is known for may also comment on the hypocrisy of our country's government.

Yes, the US government talks about the need for Mexico to control its narco trafickers but says little about the huge market of consumers north of the border. Yes, the US government promoted the Free Trade Agreement (known as NAFTA in the US, but it keeps quiet about subsidizing US farmers so the playing field tilts.

There is of course also the war in Iraq which Mexicans see on their tvs. Mexico has the luxury of not engaging in foreign military endeavors. In general, the Mexicans I know do not approve of the way the US uses its military might to try to solve political problems

I have to admit I sympathize with what I hear around me, so I was relieved to hear about Gore`s award. Mexicans watch tv, they know about the prize even though it may not be everyday conversation in Mexico. Still, an American can bring it up with pride--and, maybe bit by bit, the image held of the United States by its overseas citizens and the people they live among will change for the better