What's the skinny on world opinion?...

About the U.S. ?

(This is not an attempt to anger anyone, just trying to get a feel)

Thanks.
Chop.

Alas I am not equipped to speak for the entire world, but from my own personal opinion, I dislike its foreign policy and its current leadership, am disgusted by its warmongering (not that we're much better) but have nothing against the individuals living there.

hmmm, tough one to get into without touching on xenophobic issues this.

That said, I've had wonderful times in the US on travels and found Americans to be nice people in the flesh. That said, I havent been there since Sept '01. These days I find the american tone a little hard to bear. Where I work, there a few Americans who work there and some American students studying in London. I find they project an overconfident demeanour with a righteous, yet apologetic tone. Like they are saying, "we're number 1, sorry about that". I do however believe that each person I meet doesnt actually feel like that in a conscious way, it's just the way they have been raised in such a self promoting society.

Only in America do people get SO emotional over their (outdated) constitution and flag. Patriotism is such a highly regarded attribute in the US, but I guess it's us (the British) who are to blame for the inception of that ideal eh?

Politically I find the leadership to be an absolute JOKE atm, but then again he was a powerful threat as despite his clear idiocy he managed to con his way into the Whitehouse twice! And yeah, foreign policy, environmental issues, domestic issues (health care etc) all suck!!

Finally, I find the attitude of America as the world police to be almost criminal, they claim to be trying to protect world peace yet remain embroiled deeply in many conflicts the world over. Not to mention that they are still the only country to use nuclear weapons in anger, ever. Still, as I said, all the Americans I've met have been nice people, that's what matters to me the most in some ways.

I love the yanks - they are sooooooooo funny

ISBN 1-84046-525-5

Interesting reading

Good question, Copjaw. I was wondering the same thing.
Since I've started visiting this site, I've been impressed with the wit and intelligence of our fellow riders across the pond, and I was curious about what their opinion was of us

Thanks guys for your honesty and diplomacy. I suspect you soft-pedalled your real thoughts a bit and I appreciate it.

I think many Americans realise world opinion of us is running quite low. Many are dismayed/disappointed/frustrated/angry/discouraged by the actions of our own government which misled us, and now seems outside of our control.

Bear with us, George W doesn't have too much time remaining (in his last term-thought I'd better specify,we're not as free as we used to be) to continue his quest for historical infamy.

We'll try to do better next time. Thanks mates!

Can't believe I read through all that. haha. I think my brain automatically filtered most of the shit though fortunately. I'm gonna stick with the question.

What's the skinny on world opinion.. about the USA??

1. The president is a moron.

2. Has foreign policy ONLY driven by economic interests.

3. Preaches democracy yet can't count its own votes.

4. Is happy to be part of the UN except when this conflicts with item 2.



"Let's have a war!! It's good for the economy."

That's a rather romantic account of self-righteousness. But wouldn't a blade as likely to cut those who wield it as those they would wield it against, be a poorly forged one?

Don't be so heedless as to use it to with reference to a venal administration that has no interest in being righteous.

I like this...

Marcus Aurelius: ""The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."

But I like this better....

"Who's the more foolish - the fool, or the fool who follows him?"

Lockers, you crack me up. You're actual validation of every point I've made but you don't or won't see it!

North Korea disarming of its own accord...gawd, that's funny!

Sorry, Tinker, but we'll agree to disagree. I've been dead on the facts of the issue whilst the only arguments that are mustered against my points are ad hominum attacks against the President and pictures that debase others. You're right, opinions vary-they always have and they always will. My opinion is that the great "world opinion" that is against the United States is held by persons who feel comfortable posting pictures of handicapped individuals with the label "retarded". The double standard is stunning.

You're free to criticize your perception of my relationship with the our military men and women. I"m pretty sure you're trying the "chickenhawk" argument. Yea, I'm old and washed up. So be it. But I still live in this country and I'll do everything I can for it while I still draw breath, however small that contribution might be. You're safe making that accusation from the safety of Canada.

Some might say cowardly.

So yeah, you're right, the world opinion of the USA is reported to be poor. I don't believe it's half as poor as it's made out to be. I also have yet to be presented with reasonable justifications for that opinion other than "feelings" and insulting images. Just don't expect this washed up old motorcycle rider to stand by quietly and tolerate them.


Much of this discussion deal with the perception that the United States doesn't seek "world approval" for its actions. To that, I'll part with one more bit of wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome:

How much time he saves who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks.



Zen