September: National Passport Month?

The statistic tells the sad story: Fewer than 23 percent of U.S. citizens hold passports. For a nation whose policies affect every other country on the planet, it’s appalling. We know we’re preaching to the choir here, but you might consider adding your signature to a petition Lonely Planet is circulating to have Congress declare September National Passport Month.

According to LP, the resolution has bipartisan support. Really, what pol in his right mind would stand in the way of such a thing? Forget the warm, fuzzy World Hum stuff about travelers being the best kind of ambassadors. All the representatives need to know is that travel is good for the economy. Just think of the plane tickets and suitcases and Lonely Planet guidebooks world travelers have to buy. Lonely Planet is promoting the cause with a number of events in September, including a free mid-day gathering on the 8th in San Francisco when attendees can have their passport photo taken and listen to world music from DJ Sean Brandt. We imagine he won’t be spinning much Toby Keith.

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