ubertuber

NOT cool.

This reminds me of an argument I've recently heard about the world's reaction to US foreign policy:

One of the reasons so many Europeans are exasperated by our recent unilateralist stance is that they themselves feel a sense of ownership in American ideals. People in other countries talk about American politics not just because our decisions affect them, but also because they identify with our principles - things like a free press, our rollicking political debate, our naive belief in our system that always seems to work out, and our willingness to pitch in and help others.... I think in a way we are Europe's kid brother that is making good, so to see us not uphold our best nature is painful to other nations.

You may be tempted to respond that the reality is that others HAVE no ownership in our society, but I say that I do believe that America is about ideals, and those ideals transcend our boundaries. When we are at our best, the US does represent the grand experiment - which is why it is important that we keep ourselves honest.

I'm not going so far as to say that we should give other countries a vote in our affairs, but I do think that eliminating their voices from our debates is short-sighted.

BTW Yakk, I'm not trying to speak for you personally...

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Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam