george bush passport

[MurrayG]

is it true that george bush had no passport when elected

[bernardo]

No.  He had already been abroad quite a few times, although not "loads" of times.

[andy hughes]

It may seem odd to us, but the fact is that 80% of Americans do not have passports - they have plenty of country to explore without going abroad.

[Ouisch]

Andy makes a good point.  Plus, to get into our neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, a passport isn't required.

[billywhizz]

If you check out some other websites, you will see that Americans try not to vacation where they have to have a passport.  On www.cruisecritic.com there was a long series of chats about Barbados when it appeared that they would insist on passports for cruising passengers to that island.  If they can go on a cruise around the Caribbean with only a driving licence, which seems to be mostly the case, why do Brits have such a problem and delay in getting anywhere near the US or Virgin Islands?  

[Ray the DJ]

Very few US citizens have passports I read it was only 8%.
Every US President in history has ordered the invasion of a foreign territory, so why should they bother with passports when the get sent overseas without one every 18 months or so!

[Yeah Bee]

That is not the most important thing that GWB lacks

[camille79]

I always find it quite concerning though - ok there is lots of explore in the US but without visiting other regions of the world how can he be aware of the diversity of culture in the world?  I remember reading a quote saying he did have a passport but prior to commencing office had been outwith the US 3 times - twice to Mexico and once to "the mediteranean" - no specific country identified.  Thus, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that his main policy appears to be invasion of random countries with no thought to the consequences.

[eladijaz]

Doubtless that the US has many interesting and varied peoples and places, however, I find it hard to believe that, as an American, one could gain more cultural perspective by visiting Utah than say: India, Estonia, Korea, Uganda ... etc etc etc ...