NBC Latino wrote:Mitt Romney is being criticized for remarks he made equating cultural differences to economic success after he contrasted Israel and Palestine. Palestinians were quick to rebuke him for his comments. Not nearly as much attention has been paid to the other countries that were included in the comparison.

“Culture makes all the difference,” Romney said. “And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things.”

Romney added that this cultural difference is reflected in the G.D.P per capita of Israel compared to Palestine and other neighboring countries as well.

“And that is also between other countries that are near or next to each other. Chile and Ecuador, Mexico and the United States,” he said.

Some say the inclusion of Mexico and Ecuador, particularly the U.S. neighbor, which is a big trading partner, is a foreign policy flub.

“His comparison is basically saying Palestine is like Mexico and Israel is the United States,” says Kristian Ramos, policy director of the 21st Century Border Initiative at NDN/New Policy Institute. “Mexico’s economy is growing faster than Brazil’s. And its middle class is growing exponentially right now. He went to bolster his foreign policy credentials, but to insult our third largest trading partner is mind-blowing.”

IBCoupe wrote:Also, Mexicans and Ecuadorans.

NBC Latino wrote:Mitt Romney is being criticized for remarks he made equating cultural differences to economic success after he contrasted Israel and Palestine. Palestinians were quick to rebuke him for his comments. Not nearly as much attention has been paid to the other countries that were included in the comparison.

“Culture makes all the difference,” Romney said. “And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things.”

Romney added that this cultural difference is reflected in the G.D.P per capita of Israel compared to Palestine and other neighboring countries as well.

“And that is also between other countries that are near or next to each other. Chile and Ecuador, Mexico and the United States,” he said.

Some say the inclusion of Mexico and Ecuador, particularly the U.S. neighbor, which is a big trading partner, is a foreign policy flub.

“His comparison is basically saying Palestine is like Mexico and Israel is the United States,” says Kristian Ramos, policy director of the 21st Century Border Initiative at NDN/New Policy Institute. “Mexico’s economy is growing faster than Brazil’s. And its middle class is growing exponentially right now. He went to bolster his foreign policy credentials, but to insult our third largest trading partner is mind-blowing.”

Eikon wrote:What did Romney say to devalue the Palestinian culture? Is it just in the text above, or was there something else?

Eikon wrote:What did Romney say to devalue the Palestinian culture? Is it just in the text above, or was there something else?

IBCoupe wrote: Off-topic: You got a BRZ? Jelly.

Now I want that FR-S I drove even more. I need to stop noticing things.