more of the same

Submitted by Rebecca Moulds (United States), Jul 8, 2008 at 17:28

Dear Georges,

I sadly have to concur with you about certain points. It is a shame that our presidents have caused the world to view them as idiots, sex-crazed or cowboys. All people are subject to good and bad, are only human and we put upon our leaders the tag of perfection in power, but that is unrealistic.

I have lived in several countries around the world (Philippines, Indonesia, UK, France, Russia and Egypt) and have travelled extensively. Some of the stories circulating about the leaders of those countries would make your hair curl! During my time in the suburbs of Paris, I learned that I was not liked but tolerated. I learned enough French to get by and was forced to speak it, which is normal . ( When one is living in a foreign country, one must learn their language. )

My last foreign posting was Egypt, where the people were generally friendly, liked the American people but despised the politics. I cannot speak for my politicians as I consider myself independent, but not officially an "Independent."

As for the American Revolution, there are many people today who think it was wrong to rebel against the British, that we should have waited for King George to die, then simply stay a part of the British Empire. We cannot know if the alternative would have been a better choice. But I do know that we do have more freedoms than many countries today, that if there is something to change for the better, then change will come. We must not lie back complacently and let ourselves be tread upon, that is, if we retain our backbone.

Americans have a high standard of freedom but a low tolerance for unfairness and perhaps rebellion is part of the culture, but Great Britain and some other European countries have become spineless in this day and age, and would rather give in than fight. That is the main difference between the US and Europe today. I have many friends around the world who do not share my opinions, but they are still my friends.

however, when it comes to any radical beliefs, especially radical Islam, the contrast is sharp and clear that this will not be tolerated. I do not believe there was a conspiracy to "take over the world" as you say, and we (the US) aren't always right about our choices to attack a country or join a war, but I think our intentions in a broader sense are always just. At least, I would like to be proud of my country for some of her achievements.

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