Reesecup, you said "The majority of the world didn't have any respect for us BEFORE the present administration, and really, it'll take a whole heck of a lot more work than having a change of administration/parties to get any respect. I suppose you didn't realize we Americans were a laughing stock and a brunt of shameful jokes and abuse over seas in the 8 years of the Clinton administration . Just like we are with Bush now. No matter what we Americans do, to the people that don't understand, know, or care to even learn us in a factual light we'll be nothing but a joke"
I'm sorry, but you are very wrong. Certainly I think I can speak from a European perspective. Before the present administration, the British, who I can certainly speak for, may have raised their eyebrows at the shinnanagins of Clinton, and wonder why he didn't just resign - which a British politician would have had to have done as they just can't weather such scandal. The British viewed Americans in general as somewhat immature - let's face it, you are an immature nation compared with Europe. They raised their eyebrows at the loudness of Americans' voices and dress sense. But that was about it.
Now, they laugh publicly at your politiicians. They cannot believe that you elected, or some say, selected, a president who could not even name the world's leaders. A man who had 'only' been arrested a few times, and had some alcohol issues that would block any British politician from holding office. Whatever you might say about that being GW's past, in the UK, you would not be viewed seriously as a politician with that sort of past. But the biggest joke to the British is GW's clear lack of intelligence. I'm sorry, but a man who had the most expensive education available who I gather had the worst grades in university that can still constitute a pass - as the world leader? How gullible must the American people be to take him seriously?
Although, of course, we shudder as the world has to take him seriously. Money bought him his position - nobody could seriously believe that without his family's fortune and position this man could have held serious office. That is the joke, but it is a black humour.
Now, many Brits now dislike Tony Blair, although many still support him and I believe he'd get re-elected if push came to shove. But nobody can deny that the man has a sharp mind and can speak. He is intelligent and a craftsman as a politician. He answers questions in parliament on the spot. Could you imagine GW doing that? Facing Prime Ministers question time and being able to string a sentence together?
And now you've elected an actor because you believe that he knows something about politics. AGain, without his fame and fortune, woudl Arnold have ever been elected? Nobody even knows what his policies are, but the fame of his name was enuogh to get him elected.
Yes, now it is a huge joke abroad. Or it would be if it werent' so serious.
I'm sorry, but you are very wrong. Certainly I think I can speak from a European perspective. Before the present administration, the British, who I can certainly speak for, may have raised their eyebrows at the shinnanagins of Clinton, and wonder why he didn't just resign - which a British politician would have had to have done as they just can't weather such scandal. The British viewed Americans in general as somewhat immature - let's face it, you are an immature nation compared with Europe. They raised their eyebrows at the loudness of Americans' voices and dress sense. But that was about it.
Now, they laugh publicly at your politiicians. They cannot believe that you elected, or some say, selected, a president who could not even name the world's leaders. A man who had 'only' been arrested a few times, and had some alcohol issues that would block any British politician from holding office. Whatever you might say about that being GW's past, in the UK, you would not be viewed seriously as a politician with that sort of past. But the biggest joke to the British is GW's clear lack of intelligence. I'm sorry, but a man who had the most expensive education available who I gather had the worst grades in university that can still constitute a pass - as the world leader? How gullible must the American people be to take him seriously?
Although, of course, we shudder as the world has to take him seriously. Money bought him his position - nobody could seriously believe that without his family's fortune and position this man could have held serious office. That is the joke, but it is a black humour.
Now, many Brits now dislike Tony Blair, although many still support him and I believe he'd get re-elected if push came to shove. But nobody can deny that the man has a sharp mind and can speak. He is intelligent and a craftsman as a politician. He answers questions in parliament on the spot. Could you imagine GW doing that? Facing Prime Ministers question time and being able to string a sentence together?
And now you've elected an actor because you believe that he knows something about politics. AGain, without his fame and fortune, woudl Arnold have ever been elected? Nobody even knows what his policies are, but the fame of his name was enuogh to get him elected.
Yes, now it is a huge joke abroad. Or it would be if it werent' so serious.
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But, I do worry and am scared sometimes by his future. Sure, I wake up every mo
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