"The survey of 16,063 people in 17 nations found majorities in only nine countries believe al Qaeda was behind the attacks on New York. . . On average, 46 percent of those surveyed said al Qaeda was responsible, 15 percent said the U.S. government, 7 percent said Israel and 7 percent said some other perpetrator. One in four people said they did not know who was behind the attacks."
Yet according to some, like Jonathan Freedland at the Guardian, the United States must listen to the opinion of the world when electing our President:
"Polling in Germany, France, Britain and Russia shows that Obama would win by whopping majorities, with the pattern repeated in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. If November 4 were a global ballot, Obama would win it handsomely. If the free world could choose its leader, it would be Barack Obama. . . "
Can we poll Americans to decide who runs Germany, France, Britain, etc.? The free world doesn't elect its leader. America is the leader of the free world because of the sheer force of its cultural, economic, and military might. We can elect whoever the hell we want to because we're the one's who bankroll the military that's allowed you create your little socialist utopias (hah!) over the past 70 years. You want a say in who runs the most dominant country on Earth? Fine. Make your country the most dominant on Earth. Wait, I forgot. You're already trying with the EU, but alas, its socialist, so you can't compete. Yet you want us to elect a leader who will implement your failed policies? I suppose it is easier to drag us down than to build yourselves up.
"If Americans choose McCain, they will be turning their back on the rest of the world, choosing to show us four more years of the Bush-Cheney finger. And I predict a deeply unpleasant shift.
Until now, anti-Americanism has been exaggerated and much misunderstood: outside a leftist hardcore, it has mostly been anti-Bushism, opposition to this specific administration. But if McCain wins in November, that might well change. Suddenly Europeans and others will conclude that their dispute is with not only one ruling clique, but Americans themselves. For it will have been the American people, not the politicians, who will have passed up a once-in-a-generation chance for a fresh start - a fresh start the world is yearning for. . . "
Is this some sort of threat? What are you going to do? Dislike us more? I've been a dastardly Republican for these past 8 years, and I have to say your hatred/disgust/hysterics haven't bothered me all that much. I don't mind being despised by peacenik socialists, though it may bother my liberal countrymen who long for acceptance by the European elite. Boo f'ing hoo. Do you know how much I would love for America to renounce its role as leader of the free world? Do you know what a hassle it is? Do you know what its like to have the UN scold us while we bankroll them, even as they put 3rd world dictators who hate us on the Human Rights Committee? But who would take over our role? The Aussies are probably the only other country left with the balls to stand up to the thugs of the world, but unless/until they fill up that vast continent with people, they're not quite ready for primetime.
As much as I'd love for America to retire behind her borders and return to the isolationism George Washington preferred just so you'd finally realize what your economic situation is without the guarantee of American security, I know the world would go to hell in a handbasket labeled "Made in China", and Russia would eventually be knocking on Alaska's door from the Canadian side. So until your countries can grow up enough to take care of themselves Mr. Freedland, let's let the adults decide who leads (props up) the free world.
"If Americans reject Obama, they will be sending the clearest possible message to the rest of us - and, make no mistake, we shall hear it."
Once again, what are you going to do? Pull your 3000 troops out of Iraq? You're already doing it. Are you going to stop supporting America in the Security Council? Shall we allow Iran to acquire nuclear missiles? Just because the most popular boy wasn't elected class President? I'm going to say this in the clearest possible way, and I hope you hear it: You're an imbecile.
2 comments:
AM -- one of the dirty little secrets of the war on terrorists is the lack of ... um, shall we say, "intestinal fortitude" ... on the part of the international troops in Afghanistan.
The governments of Germany, France, Belgium and a number of others have managed to make sure their troops are actually NOT FIGHTING. They do patrols in safe areas, hang around and "be a presence," but basically do nothing that might risk their lives.
Exceptions: Britain and Australia.
PLUS:
Remember the promises of European nations after 9/11 to furnish Afghanistan with billions of cash to fight terrorism?
No cash, to date.
But it's OUR FAULT -- we imperialist running dogs that we are, LOL -- that the world isn't according to Garp.
Eowyn to world: @##$%%^ U
If the Europeans don't want to help out, it doesn't bother me that much, I just wish they'd be a little less condescending about it. They act as if they are the "grown up" civilization, constantly scolding us even as we stand between them and Russia, China, Iran, Al Queda, etc. I never berated my parents for their immaturity while I hid from from the boogey man under my covers.
Post a Comment