“Not exactly a flattering picture”
A nation’s travel advisories aim to alert its citizens to the potential perils of visiting other places. Taking advisories seriously can ensure you enjoy a safe trip or even make you cross a certain destination off your list. If you were to read advisories for travel to your own country, you may be embarrassed, if not surprised, to learn that other nations are urging caution.
Indeed, a look at other nations’ current travel advisories to the United States reveals a concern over situations that are the direct result of a combination of flawed Republican action in certain areas and stubborn, heartless inaction in others. This is further proof that GOP policies and shenanigans are adversely affecting the United States’ image around the world while posing a threat to tourism.
CNN Travel regularly checks what U.S. neighbors and allies are advising their citizens about travel here, and it’s “not exactly a flattering picture,” according to new reporting on Tuesday. The issues of gun violence, racism, and homophobia have influenced many nations to urge their citizens to exercise caution.
For example, Germany notes that “it is easy to obtain guns in the United States, leading to increased use of guns and occasional killing sprees. The number of arms and ammunition purchases has increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.” New Zealand has raised its alert for travel to the United States “due to the threat of terrorism,” warning that “there is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand” and that “[i]n many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public.”
Mexico recently advised its citizens to avoid large crowds in the United States due to “historical racial and ethnic tension, including opposition to immigration,” which “have led to attacks by violent extremist groups.” Also, Canada on Tuesday issued an updated warning that Canadians considering travel to the United States should “check relevant state and local laws” because “some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons,” following record-high anti-LGBTQ state legislation, as The Hill notes.
This disturbing phenomenon is a product of Republican governance in both the federal and state level. This toxic party’s policy of reacting to mass shootings with thoughts and prayers while promoting hatred and division based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors does not exactly improve U.S. standing in the world. The less Republicans are involved with government, the more the United States can thrive.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month