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Do Americans Need A Reality Check? Or Does The Rest Of The World?
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by Rory Cripps | November 8, 2009 at 03:45 pm
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Many throughout the world, and even some of those that post to Now Public, take the view that America is collectively evil and hell bent on imposing its will on other nations and cultures. They also take the view that Americans are non-worldly/unsophisticated/ murderous brutes. Even Americans of the "progressive" variety take this view. Maybe what they believe is true or maybe it's false. In any event, Americans have no way of knowing what's truly in the hearts and minds of people from other nations and cultures--just as those from other nations and cultures have no idea of what's truly in the hearts and minds of Americans.
It's a given that many throughout the world hate America (that includes hating the American people) and blame America for virtually all of the world's ills. Some of them even hate America to such an extent that they would like nothing better than to see America wiped off the face of the earth. There appears to be a recurring assertion, on the part of America haters, that Americans need a "reality check". The "reality check" assertion is based, to a large extent, on the America hater's belief that America meddles in the sovereign affairs of other nations and cultures and that America imposes its will on those nations and cultures via its economic and military might. It may come as a surprise to the America haters that many Americans, including myself, tend to agree with that assertion.
Americans, that love their country, along with those that hate Americans and America share common ground in that both sides agree that America oversteps its bounds when it comes to meddling in the sovereign affairs of other nations and cultures. But we need to clear the air here and set the record straight in regard to what Americans think about the America hater's nations and cultures. And we need to do this no-holds-barred--and in brutally frank and candid terms-- just as America haters have expressed their opinion of America and Americans in brutally frank and candid terms. And, believe me . . . it is not my intention here to offend anyone's sensibilities. I have nothing but respect for peace-loving and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world, no matter where they're from. And I have no doubt that virtually all Americans share my sentiments.
Here goes: Many Americans view certain elements in other parts of the world--particularly radical Muslims in the middle east--as savages and murderers that have no regard for human life including their own. If it were left up to those many Americans, they would cut off all American foreign aid in a heartbeat. And in the eyes of those Americans, the billions of dollars that have come from their American tax-paying pockets, throughout the years, to "aid" people that hate them (and would like nothing more than for America to be wiped off the face of the earth) is worse than throwing their hard-earned dollars down a rat hole. In the average American's view, their billions could have been put to much better use here in America. It is, indeed, a sheer insult to Americans when they see that their money is being scattered all across the globe to nations and cultures that, literally, hate their guts.
Another thing that those many Americans would do in a heartbeat is to cut off all Muslim immigration into America due to their belief that one bad apple spoils a whole bunch. Most Americans see the Muslim culture and belief system as anathema to their American way of life and value system and they believe that a significant portion of the Muslim population, here in America, is intent on conforming America to its will.
Many Americans also take the view that the majority of immigrants that flood to America's shores are cowards that don't possess the stuff to stand up to their country's rulers and fight the good fight in spite of the consequences and the bloody cost. And the thing that pisses Americans off--above all other things--is when immigrants come here and talk crap about Americans and walk around with a perennial chip on their shoulders.
The question, on the minds of Americans, for those immigrants that walk around with a perennial chip on their shoulders, carrying a big axe to grind and a bag full of ideological crap, is this: If it's so bad, here, in America, then what the hell are you doing here? There's nothing stopping you from going back to where you came from, yet you choose to stay in America! What's up with that? That's a hypothetical however, because Americans along with many throughout the world (if they're honest) already know the answer. And the answer is that living in America is light years ahead of living in the savage, murderous, and corrupt hell hole that you came from.
Again, I don't mean to offend anyone's sensibilities here, but you America haters have been on a crap roll lately and you've said a lot of nasty and hateful things about America and Americans. Do you think that Americans don't have your number simply because the protective pigmentation of PC has buffered you? I've got news for y'all: The PC crap is starting to wear very thin, nowadays, in the minds of most Americans. And at some point in the very near future, the protective PC pigmentation will melt completely off. And at that point, Americans will have no reservations about confronting the enemy--any enemy--head on in a full frontal assault.
To all you America haters out there: Sure! America has problems--no doubt about it! But America's problems are no where near the level of those in many parts of the world--and that definitely includes the hell-holes from whence you speak! At least, here in America, we (and that includes you America haters no matter how much you hate us) can criticize our leaders without fear of being thrown in prison, or seeing our wives and daughters raped, or having our heads cut off. Can you honestly say the same about your country? You need to wise up and thank God, Allah, Mother Earth, or whomever or whatever your God is, for the American people's tolerance vis a vis your intolerance . . . .
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Rory Cripps
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (58)
at 16:00 on November 8th, 2009
"The PC crap is starting to wear very thin, nowadays, in the minds of most Americans. And at some point in the very near future, the protective PC pigmentation will melt completely off. And at that point, Americans will have no reservations about confronting the enemy--any enemy--head on in a full frontal assault. "
I think that is a poignant statement, but I apply it in another direction entirely.
at 16:49 on November 8th, 2009
SMK: PC is PC--no matter where it emanates from! It's wrong and has no place in a culture of free speech. PC, for all intents and purposes, is an attempt at censorship by "progressives" to stifle and marginalize the views, opinions, and criticisms, of those that don't march in lock-step with the "progressive" ideology and the "progressive's" world view. And have no doubt that I apply the same sentiments to those of the non "progressive" persuasion. If some right wing ideologue gets up on his or her soapbox and starts spieling about how taking the Lord Jesus Christ's name in vain should not be permitted, or other such nonsense, I'll tell them where to get off too!
at 13:26 on November 9th, 2009
"It's A Thin Line, Between Love and Hate." That's all I've got.
at 19:01 on November 9th, 2009
nanute: Thanks for your input! But I'm completely flabbergasted that you don't have anything else too add . . . .
at 16:40 on November 8th, 2009
I was walking down the street the other day with some friends, talking about how great America is, and an immigrant overheard us and yelled to us, "F*** America." So, I tried questioning him, but he didn't give a good answer as to why he didn't like America. It was disgusting, for the same reasons you've stated: Most likely, the country he was from would have imprisoned him for saying such a thing. He has the freedom of speech here, and uses it in the wrong way, not appreciating what a great right it is.
at 17:03 on November 8th, 2009
bettermaker (not verified): Yes! When I was 18 years old, I worked in a major New York Hotel with many immigrants from the middle east. I was struck by their utter hatred of America and all things American. I didn't understand it at the time. But now I understand the full force of their hatred and what' it's all about . . . .
at 01:58 on November 14th, 2009
You don't know?
It is the plain old jealousy. One outcome, many reasons.
.Agent.
at 17:17 on November 8th, 2009
You made me do some thinking on this, Mr. Cripps.
Got me wondering, under the veneer, where many in America stand on the issue.
Wondering how many that pay allegiance to the PC banner, do so to placate their inner racist?
Wondering how many that espouse the gay agenda would hope to see a child of theirs grow up to marry a person of the same sex, or become a transvestite.
Wondering how many that argue for abortion rights, address a child in their womb as a fetus while viewing an ultrasound?
Wondering how many that argue against gun ownership would continue to do so if their neighbor were robbed and raped.
Wondering how many would change their opinion about the religion of peace if their friend is killed in a bombing.
just wondering....................
at 18:28 on November 8th, 2009
Hugh: Your wondering is much appreciated! However, in my opinion, it is what it is! There's a lot of people throughout the world--especially in the Muslim world-- that literally hate America and Americans. And there's a lot of Americans that literally hate the Muslim world--and with good reason. My solution to the problem is for America to totally and completely pull out of the Muslim world and not have anything to do with it. Pull all American troops the hell out of there, cut off all financial aid, and not allow any more Muslims to set foot upon American shores until the Muslim population stands up here, in America, and condemns the terrorists among them and "outs" every Muslim that is conspiring against America. I have no doubt that most Mosques, throughout America, are breeding grounds for terrorist activity throughout the U.S. OOPS! Look at what I just said! It ain't very PC of me . . .is it?
at 17:44 on November 8th, 2009
I thin k you confuse anti US sentiments directed at US foreign politics with sentiments against US citizen.
Most people I know do not hate US Citizen but are strongly opposed to US politics. Being a democracy, the US citizen is in large part responsible for the actions of its government.
If you travel the world, you will notice that similar sentiments are directed towards Russia, China, the UK and even France, Israel or Germany and even towards Japan.
The grudge against Germany and Japan is slowly dissipating though, mainly because they changed radically since WWII and proved to the World that they did change. And hopefully they wont fall back into those bad human trades either.
However, the US, Russia, China and Israel for instance still have to change and if they do, it will take a very long time before people trust them again.
This is due to oppressive and dictatorial even imperialistic actions those Governments have taken and the way they treated people they encountered or deal-led with.
It is not that easy, of course they are wrongful accusations and perceptions, those come automatically once you are known as culprit and an oppressor.
Like I said it does take generations to fix the damaged caused by our fathers or our self's.
Should one give up because it is a hard road ahead for bettering one self? Is it not easier to find blame and fault in others then one self? Should equality, justice not be the same for all humans around the world? How can we then oppress others and dictate to others what we do not want to be dictated to our self's?
at 18:43 on November 8th, 2009
Paschen, satisfy my curiosity, please.
You stated: "If you travel the world, you will notice that similar sentiments are directed towards Russia, China, the UK and even France, Israel or Germany and even towards Japan."
Kind of curious as to why there is no cry against the Muslim world, no sentiment condemning their actions? Why are they permitted to kill and lie and destroy without sanction by the rest of the world (those not on your quoted list)?
Why is North Korea permitted to threaten nuclear annihilation without reproach?
How is it that Hugo Chavez can threaten his neighbors with war, yet most of the world ignores his bullying?
at 19:45 on November 8th, 2009
Good questions and fair.
As far as Hugo Chavez goes, he was the hope for justice and equality in his area for a time, however he is starting to fall into the Mugabe trap and all the great things he did for his people will end up in ashes due to his lack of wisdom to realise that he has to let go and is not a genius.
He is losing support lately in Latin America and Venezuela alike and even his International support is fading lately.
As far as the Muslim question goes, first there are 1,5 billion Muslim around the globe in many countries, ethnicity's and of many political affiliation, just as there are many Christian around the globe as well and to be fund in the same ethnicity's, countries and political affiliation.
The problems are not of religious nature but rather of political and economic nature. Why we can not blame the Muslims nor the Christian or the Jews.... Religion is merely used as a catalyst and a justification or a point of unity against or for a political issue and a power struggle.
In the end all people around the globe what the same things, wish would be "Peace, equality, justice, fraternity, Liberty and freedom..."
The US veto at the UN has caused much injustice as did the Soviet Veto as well. Same would be with the dealings with Saudi Arabia, the people there try to rid them self of the oppression of their own elite, wish is kept in power with US help. In Palestine the people want equal rights and justice and nothing more nor less then what has been granted to Israel, wish is financed and helped by the US and unwilling to compromise.
The Palestinian are both Christian and Muslims alike btw.
We asked the Palestinian to be democratic and they agreed, yet we did not accept the way they voted and forced them into a corner. The mess we have today is our own doing and the US are not alone responsible for this either, but being the biggest fish they do get a large part of the blame here.
However, France, the UK and Germany get blamed equally harsh for what is happening in Palestine for instance.
If we would agree to fair play, equality, justice for all around the globe even if that meant we would lose some of our wealth and power, we would most likely get peace and co-operation in return though.
The main danger here is that the US may reform them self and join the international community as equal, wish is good, however, China and Russia must follow as well.
at 20:20 on November 8th, 2009
And North Korea?
at 23:50 on November 8th, 2009
:) H.A. this would be a long debate in it self, just as much as the Palestinian one would be.
Those issues have been going on for half a century and all the mistakes that have been made in that time are what we have to deal with now.
Korea was a USA/USSR/China power struggle and an internal one as well.
Both the USA and the USSR of the time should have stayed out of it, but since the USA and the then USSR could not confront each other due to their nuclear arsenal, they took their power games to other countries, such a Korea and Vietnam...
The results of that is what we have to deal with now. It will take a long time to mend all those wounds. North Korea will change just as much as Cuba would if we stop trying to change them and open up to them rather then isolating them.
Punishment or embargoes have proven to be generating exactly the opposite from what we seek. Maybe it is time we learn and change our self's....
at 23:56 on November 8th, 2009
Hi Uwe,
I am really enjoying this serious give and take on very important issues. But one point that I am very familiar with is your description of the Israeli/Palestinian issue.
How are you so sure that your quotes below are TRUE. How sure are you that All Palestinians/Muslims want equal rights and justice? It doesn't appear to be the case here, or Gaza, or in other places in the middle east. It doesn't appear to be like that in Russia for the most part by a significant majority.
Finally, Why are you convinced that ALL people around the world want the same kind of "Peace, equality, justice, fraternity, Liberty and freedom." Where do you actually get these facts from? I can understand your hope and desire but where in reality is this a fact?
Thanks,
steve.
Quote: "In Palestine the people want equal rights and justice and nothing more nor less then what has been granted to Israel, wish is financed and helped by the US and unwilling to compromise. " and
"We asked the Palestinian to be democratic and they agreed, yet we did not accept the way they voted and forced them into a corner. The mess we have today is our own doing and the US are not alone responsible for this either, but being the biggest fish they do get a large part of the blame here. "
and finally "In the end all people around the globe what the same things, wish would be "Peace, equality, justice, fraternity, Liberty and freedom...""
at 00:20 on November 9th, 2009
Tikun, by all due respect this can be just as easily asked in reverse about all Israeli.
Even in Russia most people would like Justice, Peace and equality. The trouble is in many cases that governments or interest groups indoctrinate fear and paranoia into the masses.
There are always small groups in politics and religion that can not be reasoned with and have only power and control as their objectives, why they try so hard to plant the seeds of hate and fear into the masses and those masses when not given much choice and balanced information will succumb to fear and hate alike.
Europe has managed to overcome this with the EU and through the EU. They forced education and tolerance as well as exchange programs and mastering foreign languishes.
They came a long way from where they where only a few generations ago, and even there, much is still to be done.
The same can be achieved in the middle east. A few of those programs exist and have resulted in some rather great successes, however those programs have been initiated by NGO's and do not know the support of government as they do in the EU.
It is a long and hard road to achieve peace and justice. Don't you thing it would be worth the effort if we can achieve peace, justice and equality for all of humanity?
The EU is a good model to look at and study.
at 02:05 on November 9th, 2009
Hi Paschen,
I was sincerely asking for your view and appreciate the response. I am not a convinced the EU is the true model and champion of free speech, justice, liberty and fraternity. I think FEAR is a main component in its messages to the citizens of Europe. I also feel uncomfortable with a European overlord deciding the fate for a population that is diverse and does not have the ability to vote for the President. Not very democratic. But this aside, there is in fact many of us that are involved in working with Palestinians and securing a trusting relationship and over time improving understanding and the hope for an equitable peace.
But all is not so simple as we want or would like to believe. From my perspective there has been so much teaching of hate for Jews/Israel in the schools both in the West Bank and in particular with Hamas in Gaza that the hope for a generation that can see Jews in a trusting light is almost nil.
Business relationships have been a hopeful sign and is a driving force for peace. Please do not take this the wrong way, but there appears to be a double standard about the tolerance for a Jewish State in the region by almost all of the world. It is for a variety of reasons, from hatred of Jews to need for commercial and energy driven interests.
In spite of what some may think we are driven by peace, justice, compassion, and equality. It is part of our heritage, ethic and religious teachings. The amount of attention we receive from the global media is so beyond reason that only some one with his head in the sand would miss it. But then again this is nothing new for us.
Finally, this was not a gottcha question but a sincere desire to understand your perception of reality as you understand it.
This just arrived in my email and I thought to share it since this is what I have been talking about:
KurzweilAI.net, Nov. 6, 2009
Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Shimon Peres at the recent Israeli Presidential Conference: Facing Tomorrow 2009, Ray Kurzweil proposed several innovations for dealing with the coming energy shortages and bolstering Israel's growing economy.
He also proposed an "Entrepreneurial Peace Fund" -- a collaborative technology incubator between Israel and Palestine. The proposal was widely met with enthusiasm and support in both public and private sessions.
In a speech to the conference, Netanyahu credited Kurzweil with the insight and inspiration for the Prime Minister's new National Commission for Renewable Energy initiative, with the goal of replacing fossil fuels with renewable technologies within ten years.
"Yesterday, Ray Kurzweil…said that the efficiency of solar energy doubles every two years; you said that within a very brief generation it will become the energy of the proximate future," said Netanyahu. "Well, if that's the case we're in good shape. But I say let's make it happen, faster.... What I propose to do today is to establish a national commission of scientists, engineers, business and government people, to set a goal that within ten years we'll have a practical, clean, efficient substitute for oil."
at 05:45 on November 9th, 2009
I am sorry to read what you are writing here Tikun. Some of it is disinformation and bordering propaganda.
The EU is a democracy based on the unity of sovereign states bud by a common charter they do not need a president that plays all mighty god.
Each of those countries elect their representatives to the EU parliament, it can hardly get any more democratic other the the Swiss model where the Citizen vote on each bill by referendum.
I have seen equal hate teaching from Israel about the Palestinian and even the Germans.
I think if we keep on pointing fingers we get no where. Why the EU model is a good one, they agreed to stop that none sense and work towards peace, unity and justice for all.
Maybe Israel, Palestine and Lebanon are not ready yet.
I have much respect for Perez but this proposal is not new, it was part of Kyoto accord!
Israel will have to do much cashing up in respect to renewable energies with the leaders in this area.
Never the less the goal is commendable, and if reached, to be respected as well.
at 07:05 on November 9th, 2009
I am very sorry you feel that way regarding your belief that this is "propaganda and disinformation" statement.
This truly convinces me that you only see your point of view and every time I present another that does not agree with yours regarding Jews and Israel you pull out the disinfo-propaganda card. Not very fair of you.
The truth is that this is my perspective on the world and these particular issues. YOU can disagree but to call it lies is an affront to the whole point of NP..This is my world view and there are many others that share it. It may not be what you would like to see as the perfect world but as long as we are free we will continue to share it. Condescending statements is beneath the dignity of human beings. All of us not just the ones you particularly enjoy.
Israel does not make it an official policy to hate Arabs or Palestinians. Your comments are unfortunate and untrue.
at 07:26 on November 9th, 2009
Please do not mix Jews and Israel tikun, we went though this before.
Being opposed to some of Israel's politic has nothing to do with Judaism at all. I do respect your perspective, however I do not accept disinformation such as or the way you presented it concerning the EU and the way it functions.
Of course the EU is far from perfect and needs to improve, why it is working on common constitution and still evolving.
If we really want peace and Justice as well as equality for all, then we do have to stop the blaming game and stop pointing fingers like little children in sand box, Saying "he started it" or " he is mean to me" We are the adults here and have no one but our self's to say, "enough! Shake hands and be friends again."
It is grand time for us to grow up and put our hate, ego, righteousness and greed aside for the sake of peace.
I know all to well what it takes to shake hands with people that killed some your loved once and to let it go. Anger, hate and tribalism will never get us any where.
In the short run yes, as long as we have the upper hand, but never in the long run.
Palestinian have blood on their hands and so do Israeli as well. Neither is a better or worth human. Shalom.
at 09:22 on November 9th, 2009
Actually Pashen in spite of what you may wish there is no separation between Israel, Jews and Judaism. This is the existential question facing Jews around the world. This is an internal problem. Tribal if you insist. Although I am not against being tribal and taking actions that focus globally. Small has been our lot through out the ages.
You always seem to assume a "cumbaya" let us make love not war is possible at this time. Just shake hands and peace will prevail.. We are just a bunch of children looking to make trouble. But this is not the case here because there are representatives like Hamas, Hizbullah and some in Fatah, including Abbas, a holocaust denier, that believe the only solution for peace is the destruction of Israel. This is a fight for survival.
All your good intentions are looked upon here as foolishness and signs of weakness by Islamic factions.
Here is a few words about just this topic by Barry Rubin a well respected journalist.
By Barry Rubin
You have to feel sorry for those courageous enough to be Arab moderates. Most of your countrymen hate you, the government wants to crush you, the Islamists want to kill you, and the West doesn’t want to help you. I told this story in my book, The Long War for Freedom: The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East. (more information; order)
Despite all the endless talk of finding moderates in the Arab world, the real ones—few and far between—generally get ignored while preening, posturing extremists are treated as romantic figures.
So given all this pressure, the limited space permitted for free thought, the moderates have to talk like radicals to survive. In political terms, faced with the battle between the two giant movements of Islamism and Arab nationalism, they have to choose sides. Most liberals back their governments even though these are repressive dictatorships as a lesser of two evils to living under an Iran-, Gaza-, or Taliban-type state.
Except for some in Egypt, almost all the liberals pick the nationalists over the Islamists. I always think of the case of the Syrian dissident who'd spent some nasty time in prison and in an interview referred to the Syrian government as “fascist” but then, a few minutes later, explained that he supported that same government.
at 19:45 on November 9th, 2009
tikun: Thank you for your thoughtful comment. What I've expressed in this story is not necessarily my view, but the view of millions of Americans. The PC ideologues have succeeded in stifling free speech, in America, to such an extent that Americans no longer feel comfortable in telling it like it is. But have no doubt that what I've expressed in this story is the thoughts, opinions, and beliefs expressed by most Americans behind closed doors.
at 19:39 on November 9th, 2009
I wonder what are all the great things coup-leader Hugo Chaves did for Venezuela. Some good things, perhaps, but great?
at 06:16 on November 15th, 2009
Paschen:
"I think you confuse anti US sentiments directed at US foreign politics with sentiments against US citizen"
I would tend to agree with you, however the fact that Muslim terrorists blew up part of the Trade Center in 93 and flew planes into the World Trade Center in 2001 and killed a whole bunch of civilian Americans in the process says differently.
at 18:44 on November 8th, 2009
Ex-commie countries may have a respect for America,respect which emanates from effective propaganda,false propaganda undoubtedly.
It is not American people who are hated;it is American establishment,especially its foreign policy,the way it is formulated and implemented.American people are as good or as bad as people of any other country.Ameriacn establishment is perceived as an empire,diametrically different from erstwhile empires.
After 9/11 when Bush Bin Satan went for war,there were thousand and thousands of Americans who lost their kiths and kins in WTC attack appealed their president not to wage war.Weren't these Americans good human beings?Why one would hate them?It was not they who had to do any thing with those illegal wars.I love these peace loving people,and I am not the only one,there are millions and millions who love such Americans.Majority of Americans are peace loving people.Generally,people and government are perceived as one,whereas they are not.
Noam Chomsky is respected intllectual,Zinn is held in high esteem,Michael Moore is admired,Willium Blum is widely read.They all are Americans.Regan and Bush are Americans.Hating Bush doesn't mean Americans are hated.
Arundhati Roy,a well known writer once wrote:"Americans shouldn't ask why people hate us?They should ask why people don't hate us more?".By American she meant American establishment,not American people.
at 18:49 on November 8th, 2009
As I have said in many of my Op/Eds. Immigrants who wish to come to our shores need to take an exam at our Consulates back in their own country in order to find out what we really are all about! If our culture and ways and law offends them in any way or not to their liking, they can choose some other country more aligned with their beliefs and customs. Cause I aint changing mine for them~
at 19:34 on November 8th, 2009
Hear, hear, Barry.
at 23:17 on November 8th, 2009
No one is critical of your culture,laws or moral values.Even white Americans criticise US policies,domestic or foreign.
There are Americans who are working in Asian,African and Latin American countries,they too criticise the policies and/or functioning of governments.Late John K.Galbraith,US Ambassador to India during Kennedy administration wrote that India is a functioning anarchy.Would you like to suggest that before accepting offer he required tution and take an exam.at Indian Consulate.He was not an immigirant.Immigirants integerate with local people,without losing their identity.
Some of the US laws offend Americans.What does that mean to you?Do they need to go somewhere else?
I fail to understand your approach.Do you have two yardsticks;one for born nationals,one for those who acquire citizenship through naturalisation.
at 19:34 on November 8th, 2009
contrary to what Paschen stated, I think Americans are probably one of the most disliked people, (hated is too strong a word) not just the politics, but also the people. I'm not one of them! I think there are many reasons, mostly because of the freedoms they enjoy, the standard of living, level of education, many others. I don't think the majority of the world hate America, I don't think the majority of Muslims hate America, why do so many want to live there? The Brits have a deep respect for America and the people, that will never change even when hell freezes over. Americans are one of the most generous people. I think this really came to the front during the Bush years who didn't handle the international image very well. When Clinton was Pres. America was admired. Like Roy C, says I think most of it is prejudice.
at 20:07 on November 8th, 2009
I believe you are correct to some extend J2B, I do not think though that people are envious of the US though or what they have, but rather angered that what they have or demand is being denied to others that seek it, such as Justice, Equality, freedom... The US is also a colonising power and one that has suppressed people that where fighting for justice, Equality and freedom.
See the Shaw in Iran, Israel, or the Iraq war, just to name a few... I think those are part of the main reasons for the opposition to the US today.
Further, I have to disagree that Americans are hated today, under Bush more so yes, but Obama is very well perceived and highly regarded Internationally and much hope is put in this administration for change towards a better international relations and more equality and justice alike.
One of the problem Obama has, is internal resistance to the changes and reforms proposed.
The second problem would be that it is never easy to fix damages done over decades and regain the trust and good will of all that are now entrenched and defend their own causes, such as the Palestinian question for instance.
It will take much hard work and good will as well as patience to fix all this.