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8 Comments
- OrenWolf, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5This really is unfortunate.
Pre-2001 (indeed, for a good six months post-9/11), The Canadian view of the US (at least in Toronto) was that you were a strong, dedicated neighbour with more than your fair share of "rednecks", a little full of yourselves from time to time, but a real global partner and defender of freedoms and liberty worldwide.
My, how times have changed. There's a running "fear" up here now, to make sure we "don't piss off the Americans", and the belief that the US is defending anything but it's own self-interest has vaporized. It's a paradigm shift to be sure.
I've often believe that Canada is one of the most (if not the most) welcoming country for american tourists, and even here, opinions have changed that much. I shudder to think how the rest of the world would welcome americans now.
I truly hope this shift can be reversed with new leadership. I miss being more than just "cordial" with my close neighbour and ally. - Ubergoober3, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3While America does seem to butt in a lot it's still the best and most stable country in the world. America is being criticized too much lately.
- geoffp, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3We had that trust once, and we've systematically squandered it. We really need to drop the attitude that we have the right to unilaterally manipulate the fate of other nations for our own benefit. Nobody has that right.
I cringe whenever a U.S. politician insists that we defend "American interests," because I'm pretty sure that often translates to "***** someone over to keep us on top for another decade." I wonder if most Americans realize exactly how long we've been tinkering with the middle east (and others!) to satisfy our thirst for cheap energy resources.
When we treat other nations as equals -- with respect -- I think they will begin to trust us again. Until then, I expect this to get worse. - wheresmyreagan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1And a lot of it comes from America. If those other countries want to actually do something then let 'em. It'll be about damn time.
- swrostmore, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2This is why I would support impeachment proceedings being leveled against Bush & co, and also why I've attended protests and the like. Not because I think it would bring about any political change or somehow enlighten those in power, but for the reason that the rest of the world can see that there is dissent in America, and that not all American citizens approve of the direction our country has been taken.
- FloppyLlamaDigg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/home_page/345.php?nid=&id=&pnt=345&lb=hmpg1
Link to report with fullsize graphs. ^^ - OrenWolf, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I think that's important as well. For a long time, at least in Canada, the prevailing wisdom was "The US *people* were bamboozled by a fast-talking Texan who's off his rocker. Just wait, the next election, the people will get it right" - in essence, the ire was directed at the US *government*.
But after electing your current president for a second term, there was a lot of confusion and disbelief - I remember several of my colleagues wondering "Is this *really* how the American *people* want to be portrayed? Is this what they really *want*?"
Ann Coulter and FOX News and the like don't help to paint the situation as anything more than exactly what the people want, which I believe is also large part of the problem abroad. - OrenWolf, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Problem is, those are subjective comments. What constitutes "Best" and "most stable"?
Economically, the US may be poised for a recession caused in part by overspending (the sub-prime lending issues). The wealth divide is now greater than any time in history, and there are more people without health care than any other time in the last decade. By all accounts, the military is struggling to handle the amount of troops deployed, and there seems to be a near-collapse of the separation of powers at the political level, with "signing statements" and blatent disregard for the normal executive/legislative responsibilities (and, the new questions raised about the office of the Vice President).
Yes, the US still has the largest economy. If that's what you define as "best", then you're right. But I believe that by a lot of other metrics, "best" (or even "stable") may be an exaggeration.
