On winning hearts and minds

Congratulations to The Jakarta Post for writing the editorial piece Winning hearts and minds (Sept. 1). As a U.S. citizen who has spent 27 years overseas, including two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching in Africa, I agree with you that education and dialog bring about acceptance and are crucial in the diplomatic battle of engaging others.

That is why it is particularly painful for me to live overseas under this current Republican administration and suffer the effects of its "holier-than-thou" attitude. Surely it has not escaped the notice of Indonesians that the recent descent into arrogance, ignorance and insularity has been led by the Republicans? Despite the triumphant generosity which inspired the health and education grants to Indonesia, America has all too often disappointed other friends in recent years.

If Indonesians truly "love" Americans, as I believe they do, then they need to turn to each and every American they know and ask "have you registered to vote?" We Americans should not take for granted our tradition of democracy. If we don't like the hectoring tone of the current administration, then we are all privileged to vote and participate in the democratic dialog for change. If we don't vote, then we have no voice.

LUCY S. MIZE

Jakarta