| that the European public supported an American show of force? |
Sure, Afghanistan. (not Iraq)
Lee, you make some good points, but I have traveled as well, and in my experiences I have noticed an increase in Anti-Americanism abroad, and it's not limited to Europe. I think that was has changed is the fact that we are now a lot more unilateral than in the past, and I think Bush (and he recently recognized this) has used very condescending and unneccessary remarks about other nations, and has exhibited such cowboy bravado with some of his statements he's made (branding North Korea as part of the axis of evil when he first came into office when they were willing to have talks with the U.S. only to cause their alienation) only to then remain quiet for things like the recent shooting in the school in Michigan and waiting for 4 days to say something about the Tsunami in Asia, which he was criticized for, two very simple things to prevent. That was my first point, that considering how crippled the Democratic party is he does not enjoy broad support. I do believe that Americans are conservative at heart and I agree with many conservative ideals myself. Looking at the term conservative in a U.S. college textbook and then comparing this administrations actions they are not a match. Conservatives should believe that the state and the federal government should hold equal power. With that said with things like the Patriot Act or the Terry Schiavo incident the federal government increasingly is gaining more power over the states which goes against the conservative ideology. IMHO that's flirting with Neocon status. I love this country and to see some of my rights eroded, and giving the government further control of my life is not something I agree with. While agree that the U.S. has been disliked for their imperialistic enterprises in the past, currently it is at a peak. Even the U.S. is divided, I mean look at this last election and how bitterly split this nation has become. Bush may have received some support as of late for the Iraq war if he hadn't set this mentality that basically said you're either with us or not at all. Nations may have been involved with the rebuilding of Iraq, instead of most of the money going to one company (Halliburton) who interestingly enough saw Dick Cheney as C.E.O. very recently and who will still enjoy kick backs from the company. That's another story though. I guess I don't fully disagree with what you said and I'm glad you said it.
P.S. I don't think my memory has faded that much.