I know it's really hard to be objective and to look at the bigger picture at the best of times, and right now in the midst of the maelstrom of the presidential election whirlwind it is nigh impossible to see beyond the nitpicking of the differences in Obama and Clinton's health plans, or whether he or she would be the most awake and sprightly when that much talked about red telephone goes off at four in the morning. (Incidentally, why do red telephones always go off in the dead of night? Don't terrorists and crazy foreign despots sleep like normal people?)

However, I would like to take a moment to caution you about something that has been looming larger in my thoughts the longer this endless campaign has gone on. (And it does seem to have begun in medieval times. Remember when Hillary announced her candidacy? I don't think I was born).

The issue is this: I travel abroad a lot. I am indeed a foreigner (or an alien of extraordinary ability in immigration speak) and I have noticed not just the huge amount of resentment and anger against the United States from the rest of the world, but also the way that US citizens have begun to feel anxious when they travel overseas, some close friends of mine even admitting to not speaking in certain situations for fear of being thought ill of or verbally abused at the very least.

Now I happen to think that the US government under the command of President Bush deserves every bit of the derision and frustration and anger about its actions, primarily from its attack on Iraq and the lies it told to justify that action, and then the consequent disaster for all concerned the war has been. BUT, I think it so sad that the citizens of this country, especially those who disagree with their leaders' actions, should have to be victimized to the point where they are ashamed to even open their mouths when they are away from home. It is a terrible situation for any country to be in.

And now here's my point: Obama, to the world (as well as to the States), represents a new broom, conciliation, a move away from the corruption and lies and arrogance that America has come to be characterized by.

Hillary, I fear, as great as she is, represents the old guard.

Everyone knows we need change at home, but please don't forget we need a change abroad in the way America is viewed.