moderator: Nu startar vi chatten med Matthew Barzun, USA:s nya sändebud i Sverige. Kom ihåg att ställa era frågor på engelska!
Patrick: What's the best thing about Sweden you've experienced so far?
Matthew Barzun: thanks Patrick. Our time is Sweden has been wonderful so far. Certainly, presenting my credentials to the King on Friday was a highlight. And yesterday, we went as a family to Fjaderholmarna for lunch -- that was a treat.
FP_sundsvall: What do you think about President Obamas new Healtcare system? The second quistion is about the economy, when do you think the american economy will get on its feet?
Matthew Barzun: FP: i think President Obama said it well when he say earlier this year "I suffer no illusions that this [health care reform] will be an easy process. it will be hard. but i also know that nearly a century after Teddy Rossevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough." as he predicted, it is not easy...but the importance of it has not changed.
Brian Porter: Welcome to Sweden Mr Barzun. I’m interested in development aid - could you tell us something of the differences in approach or policy of the current US administration compared with the previous, with regard to aid?
Matthew Barzun: hi Brian Our two countries share a commitment and leadership role in the area of Development aid. Sweden is, i belive, the #1 donor on a per capita basis while the US is the #1 on a total amount given basis. and in addition to US government aid, millions of Americans give freely through charitable organizations, churches, etc. Part of the role of the embassy is to listen and learn about from Sweden about how we can be even more effective together.
Andreas: Mr Barzun, welcome to Stockholm! Which aspect of US - Swedish relations do you find most important? Business? Culture? Politics? Kind regards, Andreas
Matthew Barzun: Andreas -- the beaty of the relationship between the US and Sweden is that it exists on so many levels. it is not just govt to govt relations, but the deep cultural links that our countries share -- links of family, links of business, links of culture. these links are all assets that can be used to make us stronger together than apart. for example, the success of One Big Thing (OBT) in the area of Alernative Energy partnership is atributable to cutting across traditional barriers by linking public and private sector initiatives.
Andreas: Mr Barzun, welcome to Stockholm! Which aspect of US - Swedish relations do you find most important? Business? Culture? Politics? Kind regards, Andreas
Matthew Barzun: Andreas -- the beaty of the relationship between the US and Sweden is that it exists on so many levels. it is not just govt to govt relations, but the deep cultural links that our countries share -- links of family, links of business, links of culture. these links are all assets that can be used to make us stronger together than apart. for example, the success of One Big Thing (OBT) in the area of Alernative Energy partnership is atributable to cutting across traditional barriers by linking public and private sector initiatives.
Richard: What is going to be your 1 prioriy during your time in the office?
Matthew Barzun: Richard: my top priority in these first few weeks is to follow the model of Obama and Secretary Clinton by first listening and learning. i have a series of consultation scheduled for the next several weeks with a wide variety of people and groups. i look forward to learning from them and through forums such as this WebChat.
Fredrik: Hi Matthew. Sweden is a small country, what can such a small country contribute with to the rest of the world?
Matthew Barzun: Fredrik: Sweden right now is leading the entire European Union. And beyond that important role, Sweden is also a leader and powerful example int eh crucial challenge of combatting climate change -- Sweden has shown that it can be a "both/and" vs. "either/or" with respect to reducing emissions and growing the economy -- since 1990, Sweden has reduced its emissions by almost 10% and grown its economy by nearly 50%. that is a powerful role model.
Aron Andersson: Your predecessor was very successful in finding young Swedish Cleantech companies, and presenting them in USA. What will happen with the project "One big thing" now that you've taken over?
Matthew Barzun: As I said to the US Senate in my confirmation hearings, i am committed to continuing the great work of the Embassy on this alternative energy partnership. As i also said, clearly there is much we can do -- not just one thing, but many -- with a trusted, innovative partner such as Sweden
Gunilla S. Ekbe: Dear Mathew, I am very interested, whether the US intend to take and actively support a Feminist abolitionist stand against prostitution and trafficking in human being for sexual purposes, or revert back to the Clinton era support of organizations and countries that favoured legalization of the prostitution industry? Thanks!
Matthew Barzun: Hi Gunilla: I have a strong personal commitment and interest in women's rights -- my greatx4 grandmother was Lucretia Mott, who chaired the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention for women's rights in the United States. She was a leader in the women's rights movelment in my country and a personal role model for me. The United States has been a strong advocate for women & girls around the globe, as shown by our annual reports on Trafficking in Persons. Amb. Melanne Verveer was appointed by Secretary Clinton to continue focus and leadership in this critical area.
Matilda: What is in your opinion the most important issue in addition to the environment for Sweden to focus on whilst holding the EU Presidency?
Matthew Barzun: Sweden has set an ambitious agenda for its presidency of the EU . From our perspective, these priorities are the right ones - not only combatting climate change, but also getting the global economy back on track and addressing the global challenges we all face. we look forward to a productive US-EU summit this fall.
Pontus: Welcome to Sweden. As you know, both Sweden and the US are western democracies - but there the similarities end. Have you prepared yourself in some way for the culture clash? Have you in any way kept up to date with the swedish mindset, in order to better carry out you mission in Sweden?
Matthew Barzun: Pontus: i have much to learn. and i have been studying up before my arrival on both Swedish history and Swedish culture. I am working on the language too. I am sure i will find some differences between Stockholm and Kentucky, but it is learning about these differences that will make this an adventure. And it is finding similiarities that will enable us to continue the strong record of our two countries working together not only on matters between our two countreis (like trade) but on matters affecting the world we share.
Åsa: Please tell us a bit about your job.
Matthew Barzun: Åsa: at its most basic level, the job consists of two things: 1) understanding teh Obama administration's policies and helping those be understood by the government and people of Sweden and 2) understanding Sweden and helping make sure that its policies and viewpoints of its people and its best practices are understood by the United States
Jessie: Will / have you make/made any changes or new rules that affects Swedish citizens possibilty to get Visas?
Matthew Barzun: Hi Jessie - Immigration and visa policies are guided by laws set out by the U.S. Congress. They are the same for all countries around the world, so the change of an ambassador does not bring about any changes in this area. One change we have made though, is to launch a new website that will hopefully make it easier for people in Sweden to get all the information they need on consular issues. I encourage you to take a look at: http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/
Christian: Do you have any favourite Cuisine from Sweden?
Matthew Barzun: Since its lunch time, I'll answer a food question. I'm a great fan of fish since I'm from the Boston area, and a fan of aged products (bourbon) being from Kentucky. I have been warned about the surströmming, however, so we'll have to see about that! But seriously, the food has been fabulous. My kids are already fans of köttbullar. Thanks for all the great questions! Please visit our new website, Facebook fan page and Twitter feed! Hej då!
moderator: Nu var det dags att avsluta chatten! Intresset har varit mycket stort och tyvärr har inte alla frågor hunnit besvarats! Tack för visat intresse!