Europeans ponder the U.S. after Bush

[marmar]

from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:




Europeans ponder the U.S. after Bush
STEVE VALANDRA
GUEST COLUMNIST

The 20-something guy working the counter in my favorite café in the northern Portuguese city of Porto did something one afternoon recently that nearly caused me to knock over my second glass of wine.

He switched the channel on the TV that is a fixture in every Portuguese café from futebol (soccer) to the afternoon news. Portuguese commentators discussed upcoming primary votes in the U.S. My fellow patrons, mostly men on their lunch breaks, turned away from their plates of grilled chicken and roasted pig to listen in.

After seeing in the New Year in Portugal during my 15th visit since 1987, I returned home again with an outside perspective. News about politics in the U.S. is prominent. The focus is on how America might change after George W. Bush.

The Portuguese are like most Europeans. They are anxious for the U.S. to resume leadership by getting over its many current fears.

Fear of immigrants. Fear of China. Fear of Iran. Fear of riding trains. Fear of electing a woman or a black man as president. Fear of cleaning up the environment. The list goes on.

For seven years, the Portuguese have viewed the U.S. as the crazed uncle clothed in camouflage, ginned up on weapons and ready to gun down whatever moves. To them, the U.S. has traded the Statue of Liberty and the Constitution for a noose and nuts in the White House.

The Portuguese recognize dangers in the world. But this land of 11 million that's about the size of Indiana -- with a history 700 years older than America -- isn't looking to other powers to craft solutions. Its hopes rest with us.

Sure, China is a rising power. So is Russia. India matters. So does the rest of Europe. But none is an alternative to renewed American inspiration and guidance. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/350496_ourplace08.html

[bdamomma]

1. there are many out there in other countries who are counting

on the American people, I hope to God, they are not going to be disappointed, because whatever the US does, has a ripple effect on so many countries.

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. I'd suggest NOT looking to the US for guidance and support.

.
.
.
The citizens tried, but the governments failed them.

The USA is no longer a country to look up to.

That's My Canuk Opinion.

[marmar]

3. It's my opinion too, and I'm an American.....

.... but a border state (Michigan) American and frequent visitor to Canada who even has a bit of the accent. Does that make me an honorary Canuck? :)

[irish.lambchop]

5. I respectfully disagree.

I know firsthand how animated and involved Europeans are re the upcoming American election - to say nothing of the primaries going on. It is all the talk in Ireland. Senator Clinton was favoured here but only because her husband is revered here but people are now starting to pay great attention to Senator Obama. I am sure I don't need to tell you how bush is thought of, not only in Ireland, but most of Europe. Here, in Ireland at least, I sense a renewal of hope for America's future on the part of the Irish people. I have always been proud to be an Irish citizen and, after seven years of shame, for lack of a better word, am looking forward to saying that I am an American citizen as well!

[phantom power]

8. Furthermore, we're a power in decline.

And truthfully, that might be "good" for us. Power corrupts, and we've been a superpower for three generations.

[ixion]

4. Don't expect much to change

the US government has fascism on its mind, and will not be denied, no matter who wins the (s)election.

[RuleOfNah]

6. I'd say do not expect much change OR expect a lot of change.

The country (if not the world) is laced with racists, bigots, misogynists, sociopaths, liars, cheaters, and thieves. Leadership is by tradition infused with their version of morality.

My impression of history is that stable such societies are, until they aren't.

[Joanne98]

7. We sound like the Ted Nugent country!