OK, people have been saying too many nice things about me lately, so I need to do something about that.
So, you all think that you know America, huh? OK, tell me, which of the rabid pro-war US presidential candidate said the following statements:
Demonstrating the simple-minded "for us or against us" attitude that makes people hate the US:
"Uh, every nation has to either be with us or against us. Those who harbor terrorists or who finance them, uh, are going to pay a price." (Sept 13, 2001)
In denial about how bad the situation is in Iraq:
"The fact that you have these suicide bombers now, wreaking such hatred and violence while people pray, is to me, an indication of their failure..." (Feb 19, 2005)
"...I think you can look at the country as a whole and see that there are many parts of Iraq that are functioning quite well. There might be occasional problems but it is not the steady drumbeat..." (Feb 19, 2005)
Tying Saddam to Al Qaeda:
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members..." (October 10, 2002)
You can find the answer by Googling any of those exact phrases; the first search result in each case will reveal the answer. Clearly this is exactly the kind of leadership that America doesn't need if it has any hope of winning over the Arab world.
So, who is the candidate that more Arabs would like to see get elected? Well, according to a poll of those in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Maktoob Research in Dubai discovered that Hilary Clinton is the 5-1 choice among those expressing a preference, because she "will continue where her husband left off".
Of course, in fairness "over half (55%) of the respondents who answered that they 'did not care' who was elected President stated that the candidates were all the same regarding negative policy towards the Middle East, Arabs and Muslims, and supportive of Israel".
Yep, I'm glad to see that everyone realizes that there are absolutely no major party candidates who want to completely withdraw US troops from everywhere outside the US. Or would speak out "against a July 2006 House resolution [that condemned] attacks on Israel and '[supported] Israel’s right to defend herself'".
Or one who has been "critical of Israeli use of force in the Palestinian territories" or "opposed the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006".
There also are no candidates that want the "United States were to step forward aggressively..." to force a return to the 1967 borders.
This blog began as a description of our life in Al Ain, UAE (United Arab Emirates). Brn worked at the UAE University Libraries Deanship for three years and Bss homeschooled our four children, D, B, P, and O. After returning to the the USA for five years, we are living in Abu Dhabi now.
11 comments:
Atrocious, my dear sir.
There, I hope that sets the balance straight.
thank you very much. I feel much better now.
never liked Hillary, on the other side I like Obama... I think he's an honest person .. honesty being such a rarity amongst politicians...
But i am not an American, so the choice is not mine... let's see how it will pan out at the 08 race..
There is a school of thought that says a people get the government they deserve. It also works for the media.
Which, if you're an intelligent, worldly American, is probably depressing stuff. But you're vastly outnumbered, one suspects.
I actually have more faith in the American people than in the media or the government, so I don't get that depressed really. If you look at the polls and ratings, Americans strongly distrust the media (and are turning to other sources for info) because they do such a bad job, so at some point there has to be a correction simply because the media owners will not want to commit financial suicide.
OK, I deleted your comments. I'll try to get a photo of that, it sounds too good not to.
"I actually have more faith in the American people than in the media or the government"
Yes I feel the same way. I am not American - but having lived here for the past several years I agree with you, well for the most part. I also think Americans like you are so fewer and far between these days.
Most of the television media sucks, it's about entertainment and no talented "news readers" who are paid by the millions. Thank god for CPAN, NPR, PBS and the likes.
A few years back I attended a meeting/rally of Hillary. At the meeting, there was prominent members of AIPAC - and it as quite a "sight" watching poor Hillary actually "shaking" in her boots when Israel/Palestine topics where brought up for discussion, lest she offend her AIPAC supporters.
Please don't get me wrong - this is one of the most positive countries I have lived in, I just cannot understand (and I know you don't like this topic Brn) how a sect of people (Israel) can have this amount of clout, hold - influence in American policies and it's politicians?
hi rosh,
I don't deny that AIPAC and the other pro-Israel lobbying groups have a lot of power, but if you ever want to see an American politician in fear for their political life, watch them address AARP. Old people vote like nobody's business and they hold grudges.
lol AARP - perhaps true :)
You know there are times when I honestly do say, "thank god for America". In spite of it's shortcomings, there is much sincerity, dissent, transparency - correcting the "wrongs" etc in play where possible (and sometimes beyond). It's not perfect, however I think an average American sentiment is head & shoulders above any other nation. I have really liked living here - and if/when I move I shall have lots of positivism to take with me.
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