Dean wrote
> I see what you're saying Jim, and it doesn't seem to
> be far from the truth, on the surface. Take into
> consideration that American foreign policy is and has
> been more than a little unhealthy for good reason.
> When you occasionally offer a helping hand and almost
> every time someone smashes it with a hammer, your
> behavior can become a bit erratic.
Fair enough, Dean. That's why I'm asking the question.
I was approaching the subject from an actions vs. words standpoint. When
our President makes a speech like that, then makes it also clear that he has
no real interest in the opinions of his allies, I'm wondering what message
he's really trying to send.
In regards to your statement, do I agree that America does get unfairly
vilified sometimes by countries it tries to help? Yes, I think that's true.
They want our money and our technology, but revile our culture and reject
our ideas. That would grind on anyone, no doubt. But have we also at times
stuck our nose where it wasn't welcome, and been taken to task for it? I
think that's probably true too.
The hand-smashing you speak of reaches back to the question of why other
countries seem to hate us. We, as Americans, do sometimes act like we know
what's best for everyone else. "THIS is how you should do things, and
THAT'S whaty you're wrong," etc. I think there are plenty of times when
yes, we probably have a pretty good handle on what the right attitude is.
But who wants to take advice from someone who treats you like an idiot
child? Hence the hand-smashing, at least in part.
Jim
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