American Tourist
February 12, 2009 | 12:49 PM

I find it interesting that I am labeled a tourist because I choose to visit a state of this United States. I live in Indiana. I own a timeshare in Maui and I like to think that Maui is my home away from home when I visit there. I have often been asked why I spend so much on airfare to go to Maui from Indiana when there are island resorts southwest of Florida that are closer to Indiana. I reply that those island resorts are not part of the United States of America and until they become part of this country, I plan on spending my money in the U.S.A. When I visit nearby states like Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio, I don't hear residents of those states calling me a tourist. I am usually referred to as a neighbor or friend. I would hope that when I return to Maui this fall for my usual visit that I am welcomed as a neighbor or friend and citizen of the United States of America.

Tim from Indiana