Posted by: MichaelW on Tuesday, September 09, 2008 I was going to write something earlier today about the insipid little poll of world opinion concerning the upcoming Presidential Election. That post didn't happen because I thought it would be too intemperate and contrary to my actual feelings about "world opinion." But then, some ponce has the temerity to write in the Guardian about the wrath that America will suffer if Obama isn't elected: If Sarah Palin defies the conventional wisdom that says elections are determined by the top of the ticket, and somehow wins this for McCain, what will be the reaction? Yes, blue-state America will go into mourning once again, feeling estranged in its own country. A generation of young Americans - who back Obama in big numbers - will turn cynical, concluding that politics doesn't work after all. And, most depressing, many African-Americans will decide that if even Barack Obama - with all his conspicuous gifts - could not win, then no black man can ever be elected president.And? If the rest of the world wants to sign up to be an official American protectorate (as opposed to the free ride they get now), then be my guest. We actually have rules for doing so because, unlike most of the rest of the world, we are a nation of laws. If Americans choose McCain, they will be turning their back on the rest of the world, choosing to show us four more years of the Bush-Cheney finger. And I predict a deeply unpleasant shift.Well now I'm shaking in my boots. An "unpleasant shift" you say? Maybe if there were a democratic nation that could project its power even a quarter of the way around the world on a humanitarian mission, much less having the gumption to tackle problems in its own front yard, I'd be worried. The fact is you all enjoy your paid five-week holidays (damn the consequences) much more than doing anything to actually defend ... well ... anyone, to actually put your money where your mouth is. Color me unimpressed with your whining. Until now, anti-Americanism has been exaggerated and much misunderstood: outside a leftist hardcore, it has mostly been anti-Bushism, opposition to this specific administration. But if McCain wins in November, that might well change. Suddenly Europeans and others will conclude that their dispute is with not only one ruling clique, but Americans themselves. For it will have been the American people, not the politicians, who will have passed up a once-in-a-generation chance for a fresh start - a fresh start the world is yearning for.Quelle horreur! Will they write us nasty letters like they do they Iranians? Quel dommage! And the manner of that decision will matter, too. If it is deemed to have been about race - that Obama was rejected because of his colour - the world's verdict will be harsh. In that circumstance, Slate's Jacob Weisberg wrote recently, international opinion would conclude that "the United States had its day, but in the end couldn't put its own self-interest ahead of its crazy irrationality over race".I've already dealt with Weisberg. Obviously Freedland isn't privy to my "disembowlment" because he's an ignorant ... cuss. Suffice it to say that Weisberg's opinion on this subject is about as meaningful as some wanker's from Tottenham. Even if it's not ethnic prejudice, but some other aspect of the culture wars, that proves decisive, the point still holds. For America to make a decision as grave as this one - while the planet boils and with the US fighting two wars - on the trivial basis that a hockey mom is likable and seems down to earth, would be to convey a lack of seriousness, a fleeing from reality, that does indeed suggest a nation in, to quote Weisberg, "historical decline". Let's not forget, McCain's campaign manager boasts that this election is "not about the issues."OK, let's get this completely straight. I would guess that there is somewhere between 65% and 95% of Americans, based on my completely scientific algorithm created inside my head, who believe that rest of the world can start telling the US what to do when their willing to:
In short, stop relying on America to take care of you and you'll have a lot more say. Of course I know that even to mention Obama's support around the world is to hurt him. Incredibly, that large Berlin crowd damaged Obama at home, branding him the "candidate of Europe" and making him seem less of a patriotic American. But what does that say about today's America, that the world's esteem is now unwanted? If Americans reject Obama, they will be sending the clearest possible message to the rest of us - and, make no mistake, we shall hear it.And please, make no mistake about our complete disinterest in your demands. If the "world" (as if you could possibly be its spokesman) wants less involvement in its affairs from America, then please stop leaving your trash on our doorstep. If you all truly want us to disengage from our leadership position, then challenge us militarily and/or economically. At least have the gumption to try and meet us on the same playing field. The fact of the matter is, that (ironically given his name) while Mr. Freedland may have some indication of what he and his European hand-wringing brethren may want, he has no idea what the vast majority of people in this world truly yearn for — freedom. Can Mr. Freedland honestly say, with a straight face, that he wants all individuals of every race, creed, color or political affiliation to be afforded the chance to have their say, as they do here in America? Obviously he cannot, since he makes a rather lame attempt to bully any Americans who might even consider voting in their own Presidential election in a way that does not suit his .. excuse me, the "World's" tastes. America is not perfect, but we have driven a steady path towards perfectability. What has Europe done in this regard, aside from the "New Europe" that recently cast aside the yoke of Soviet oppression? We still have to fight your battles for you, and we still have to take the brunt of "world opinion" for having the wherewithal to do so. The "World" would have a lot more respect from us if they would do something — anything — to breed confidence in us yanks that they would take care of themselves for once, instead of berating us endlessly and cow-towing to every tinpot dictator with a Marxist message, or perceived grievance against the US. Start taking care of the problems around the world with action, instead of endless and useless words, and then we'll talk. Until that time, Mr. Freedland and his buddies can take their threats and shove then where the sun don't shine. You all may like to talk tough, but this world is ruled by those who act tough. We don't don't take kindly to anyone telling us how to handle our affairs (see, e.g., American Revolution), especially when those same whiners can't find the time to challenge the truly evil in this world. In short, Mr. Freedland, your advice is neither needed nor accepted. Feel free to admonish us again when you have half a leg to stand upon. |
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