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Brits are not anti-US, just anti-Bush

Brits are not anti-US, just anti-Bush

I try not to get involved in politics, nevermind politics of a completely different country. It would appear American politics matters everywhere. Not just to the Americans. Hardly surprising is it really, considering the size, and wealth of America. The politics of America will end up having a knock on effect everywhere else. That's just the way things work. When British people demonstrated Bush's state visit last year. Our Prime minister in his infinite wisdom, presumed we were anti-America. They were not protesting against America, but against a President they do not trust. He isn't our President, but as I mentioned, that power seems to have a knock on effect. America is our biggest Ally; we have profound bonds of history and culture. Not to mention a shared sacrifice in two world wars. We believe as America does that the worlds sole superpower is a democracy and not - as it might have been had the Soviet Union "won" the Cold War - a tyranny.

At this time of the visit there were alot of Polls done, just to see where the british public stood on President Bush. Lets explain the surveys which simultaneously show great affection for the US, even as they record intense suspicion towards Bush? Pick up one poll and it finds that half the public reckons Blair's closeness to Bush is bad for Britain. Pick up another and it reveals the US is still the place where most Britons want to go on holiday, and even where one in five of us would like to live.

We are in awe of America, no doubt. We follow their films, and books. We follow their fashion, what they have to say to the world. We know they are a super power, and we try to be like them. We also see their Politics. The words Bush says, you are either with us, or against us. We see him manipulate the american Public. His inflated claims of weapons of Mass destruction. Where does it all stop.

We all know Americans are very proud of their country. They are also unsure of Bush though. Just look at all the people that voted against him in 2000. They are not anti-America. Far from it. They love their country. With an intense love, that has simply grown since the tragic events of 9/11. They would die for their country, that doesn't mean they have to have faith in their President.

Tony Blair seems to be of the opinion, to accept america, we have to accept Bush. Not the case. We can accept America, and still not agree with their leader. We can respect everything America stands for, but see they were lead to places they may not have wished to go. We can stand by a nation, but not agree with the direction they always go. I personally am not anti-Bush. I am not with him either. I just want the less of two evils. Here I am explaining the British view, Bush is not popular here. America already knows that though.
37,148 views 128 replies
Reply #76 Top
I can send you a signed hardback copy if you so wish.


I am suprised that there is more than ONE copy.
Reply #77 Top
Of course there is! He needs propaganda to spread his crazed ideology around the world!
Reply #78 Top
What I am surprised about is that Fahrenheit 451 has more truth to it than Fahrenheit 9/11
Reply #79 Top
Fahrenheit 451... that is the one written about a book-burner, isn't it? The author is the same guy who wrote Dark They Were, And Golden-Eyed, right?
Reply #80 Top
Ray Bradbury
Reply #81 Top
I thought so.
Reply #82 Top
Another good writer is George Orwell who wrote the books Animal Farm and 1984, both advocating the dangers of Socialism, both were also books later turned into movies, but people still seem to have missed the point of both.
Reply #83 Top
Indeed, I think Animal Farm is a book that is read in High School, at least in my area.
Reply #84 Top
Are they reading and understanding the meaning of the book or is it just assigned as homework and few comprehend the point of the book.
Reply #85 Top
Well, I'm sure the few in the advanced classes really understand the point, but the rest just read it and answer questions. I could never read a book only to answer questions; when I read a book I want to fully understand and comprehend what is in front of me.
Reply #86 Top
I have no doubt that many (most?) nations would prefer to have someone as President in the US who is willing to concede regardless of concience, to acquiesce counter to US popular opinion, and who will less tirelessly pursue US interests in the name of diplomacy. Kerry's certainly your man, as Clinton was before him.

Sadly, all the rhetoric has had a reverse effect on many Americans. I have as much problem with the French people as Chirac, and frankly I am far, far less worried about the interests and opinions of Europe as a whole. It is a little late to differentiate, I think. The subtlety of the difference is not going to soothe too many wounds.

I'm not sure why Europeans think that statements like this mean anything. Sure, you may dislike Bush but appreciate what YOU consider to be America. To many of us, though, that just seems like you only appreciate us when we are what you want us to be. That image diverges more and more from what we want to be all the time. If history is cyclical, as it often appears to be, I think this attitude will be short-lived.
Reply #87 Top
You will never get that through customs dear boy, regardless you are showing typical peasant cowardice by not accepting the duel. I have a horse and a suit of armour I can sell to you before we do battle?


He could always use the chunnel....

lol
Reply #88 Top
Anyone want any popcorn?


Over here!
Reply #89 Top
to acquiesce counter to US popular opinion, and who will less tirelessly pursue US interests in the name of diplomacy.



This isn't a question of America not doing what the people want to keep people across the pond happy. I think America should take into consideration just what a huge force though, and whether we like it or not, who you choose to go into power, will have an effect here too.

just seems like you only appreciate us when we are what you want us to be.


America is appreciated here all the time, even when we don't fully agree with what you do. As recent events proved.



Over here!


Hehe, Gid, sorry I ate it all!
Reply #90 Top
As the hegemonic nation, the United States realizes a role in international affairs, just like England. England knows what it is like with hegemonic status, dont forget, the United States in 1800 could be considered to be a "3rd world country" in today's terms. Britain had the power then, and the United States has it now. Britain saw its role in the Middle East as a peacekeeper as well as other things. With the drawing of borders..so does the U.S.

We have many ties that date back far. I appreciate English support for President Bush, and I hope you pledge support in his re-election.
Reply #91 Top
Hehe, Gid, sorry I ate it all!


And this perfectly underscores the genesis of the international conflict. Allow me to elaborate.

Your "offering popcorn" is perfectly analogous to countries offering other countries the hope of international cooperation and even handedness. My accepting is analogous to taking other countries up on the offer. Your retracting of the offer is a metaphor for the de facto insincerity of countries; further, your "eating it all" can be likened to the other countries taking advantage of the cooperation themselves while being exclusive of others.

Either that, or I've overanalyzed this, and yer just a greedy pig!
Reply #92 Top
Ouch, it hurts my brain when people overanalyze things! That last post was equal to a migraine.

However, I don't know if people overseas genuinely appreciate America and its people all the time. I've been called a 'stupid American' or 'American pig' too many times to count. It's strange because I do nothing to provoke this; it seems that some Europeans just like calling Americans dumb because they feel like it. The British are nice to me, though .
Reply #93 Top
As the hegemonic nation, the United States realizes a role in international affairs, just like England


Exactly, that's why whoever gets elected will have a knock on effect. Bush or not.

And this perfectly underscores the genesis of the international conflict. Allow me to elaborate.


Very clever Gid, and I see your point, I was just being a greedy pig though!

I've been called a 'stupid American' or 'American pig' too many times to count.


America is the world superpower. Caling you a stupid American is just some people trying to regain some respect for themselves. Every country has stereotypes, most are negative.

The British are nice to me, though


I think Americans are great and I'm a lovely English girl!
Reply #94 Top
Thanks, and we think you're great too.
Reply #95 Top
Thanks, and we think you're great too.


Ahh isn't it nice to be nice
Reply #96 Top
Indeed it is. I like being happy.
Reply #97 Top
The Fazz, how come you don't have any articles?
Reply #98 Top
I don't know, I just got a Stardock account, but I've been reading these forums for a while without ever posting anything.
Reply #99 Top
Oooh you should write an article! I love to learn about the people that read my crap!