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They would have been better off explaining that most respondants(sp) dislike the current Bush admin. and not the people who make up the country itself. While I don't normally follow US politics, I have to agree with Al Gore who basically summed up the actions of the Bush gov't as "catastrophic". People shouldn't judge a nation by the idiots who run it. And that goes for "all" nations worldwide.
ps: Baywatch was a fine program. They perfected the "slow-motion-bouncy-bouncy" shot.
I call myself a Republican, but find myself supporting the Libertarian view on many things. Not all, but who agrees 100% with any viewpoint. The thing I like about the Libertarian Party is that they can read and understand the Constitution. It's really a very simple and straightforward document. Again, straying from the point of the thread.
I agree, Wickdgin. Without knowing who was surveyed and what was asked, it's hard to put much faith in the poll. Still, I suspect it's a fair representation of world opinion.
I suspect the poll results are about right as far as Europe is concerned.
Europe does not see to eye to eye with the US over many issues. To name a few:
Koyoto - most countries in Europe believe that is worth paying a bit more to try and protect the environment. This treaty was a compromise, but at least it would achieve something.
Trade - Apparently, in the latest dispute with Europe, the US is threatening trade tariffs/sanctions against Europe because we will not accept GM modified food.
GM modified food may or may not be safe scientifically, but I think I should be able to choose what I eat.
The UN - Most countries in Europe believe that it is the best option to try and resolve disputes.
Of course that doesn't mean the UN gets it right all the time, and there are question marks hanging over the current weapons inspections taking place in Iraq.
However, even the UK is split 50/50 as to whether a war against Iraq is justified.
IMHO the problem is that there has been no concrete evidence produced that Sadam has WMD - the UK government has instead produced footage showing that Iraq is a brutal corrupt regime, which has used chemical weapons in the past. But the same criticism can be made against many other regimes in the world (at lot of Africa, for example)
And something which has not gone down well at all in Europe, is that the US is insisting that Iraq implements UN resolutions, but does not apply the same standards to Israel. To most of Europe this is classic case of double standards.
Just my take from this side of the pond .......
Interesting point Darkes, but I have to disagree on a couple of points.
Part of the resentment towards the US in europe comes from the idea that we still haven't got over the fact that we onced ruled the world and are now a second (or even third) rate power.
That's also with European insistance on using the UN. Because then Europe can make a fist because England and France are permanent members of the security council. Would Europe insist on UN involvement if it wasn't in their own interest? Offcourse not.
The comparison between Iraq and Israel is false, IMHO. Because of the nature of the resolutions. I mean, with Iraq the resolutions contained specific demands. The resolution concerning Israel usually don't.
But that's not the main thread here (sorry, got carried away). I think that in Europe most people disagree with the government of the US and not the country (I mean, I disagree with a lot my gov does without being anti-Dutch). But the main problem is that in Europe we stil can't get over the fact that we once thought we were the Master of the Universe and now are constantly reminded by the US that, unless we put our money where our mouth is (military spendings!!) we'll always remain a second rate has-been-power.
In short: in Europe people are pissed off because the US can do what we want to do.
But that's just my opinion (for what it's worth) :rolleyes:
I really wish that people from other countries would understand that the american people have no control over what their government does. Please don't hate us, the Proletariats !!!
<edit> Just wanted every one to know: I Love my country :-) </edit>
I can tell you now, that Nigerians love America. Dispite the fact that Nigeria has been in commend of a dictator for the past couple of years, the United States did not withdraw immigration oppottunity from us. The year that i came here, we were in command of a dictator, it took a while to get my visa, but they did it faster because my father served for the US military. The world may think something else, but i can tell you that Nigerians love this country, and some will die trying to come here. I love this country, and i am sure everybody here do too. They do their best to help everybody, but they have to do enough and be able to still support themself. A company will go bankrupt if it hired everybody that apllied, good and bad people altogether, so they compare and see who is actually worth to give the job, and really needs it. That is exactly what the US do. They look for those countries that will actually appreciate the help, or will not try to attack us after they get back on their feet (Irag). We look for those that need the help, and will become something good in the future. -Ebo
In reply to dropkick1972,
I tend to agree with you on most points.
Of course Europe wants to retain a place on the security council, so it has influence in world affairs. It seems to me that you are suggesting that the USA should be able to dictate military and political/trade matters just because it has the best armed forces in the world.
I despise the current Iraq regime, but on the other hand, I am still waiting for evidence that it is more of a significant threat than many of the other evil regimes in the world.
tampabay420, I both agree and disagree with you. We Americans DO have control over what our Govt does. The problem with us, as I see it, is that we're complacent. We're too lazy to send letters or make phone calls to our legislators. Believe me, numbers count. Those clowns live or die according to our whims, whether they like to admit it or not. They work for us. They're nothing but our employees.
It pisses me off to see my Congressman on tv saying, "well, my constituents are opposed to (whatever bill) but I have to vote my conscience." That's BS. In the common matters, his conscience is supposed to be buried for our desires. He was put there by us to work for us.
On the other hand, you're right. In many other matters, we do not and can not know what's going on and really have no power. In those things, we've got to hope and pray the people in Washington are doing what's right.
It's always nice to remind them occasionally, though, that the sun doesn't rise and set on them. They are replaceable.
In reply to Chuck56, you are quite correct.
After all, what is a democracy, which is what we are all fighting for after the latest terrorist attacks??? If you disagree with something, then contact your local political representative and let him/her know your opinions.
Better still, turn up in person if you can - in the UK most politicians operate a 'surgery' where you can speak to your local representative and let your views be known. This can carry more weight if, for example, you have a petition signed by people who support your point of view.
A democracy is supposed to represent the views of the proletariat, so get out there and do something!