The M Files: They Love US No More (?)
There are some who say that the United States has lost something since September 11th in regards to how much “love” there is for us in the world. They believe that our actions in the war against terrorism have somehow made Europe and the “rest of the world” mad at us. They will cite polls of Europeans who hate us and lists of nations that are the “greatest threats” to the world. They will lay blame for this public relations “nightmare” or “quagmire” at the feet of President George W. Bush.
They are liberal Democrats. And they care more about what France, Germany and Russia think about us than taking decisive action against terrorists who would sooner kill us than look us in the eye.
In the post Cold War world, where the United States became the last remaining superpower, envy and jealousy of our great nation has become commonplace. Europe doesn’t like us because they don’t have our power and prestige in the world. Petty dictators fear us because of our military might and righteous freedom. We have options that other countries don’t. We enjoy a level of success and a quality of life that other nations can only dream of. The war on terrorism has nothing to do with that.
With such great power comes great responsibility and the United States has lived up to its duty as a leader in the world by contributing to the betterment of many nations. These people who complain weren’t too upset with us when we’re passing out the checks. While I wouldn’t expect the nations of the world to submit to our will because we said so, I would expect these countries to respect who and what we are: the most generous nation on the planet.
Did September 11th change the world? It certainly changed the United States. Instead of sitting back waiting for “allies” to do what is right, we formed new alliances and strengthened other relationships with countries who recognized the danger of allowing terrorism to continue to run unchecked in the world.
They will say that our actions have harmed our relationships with other countries. And I would agree. But let’s not pretend for a minute that prior to September 11th that there was a Euro-American love fest going on. Let’s not kid ourselves into believing that al Qaeda was singing our praises during the Clinton administration. And don’t think that the UN and Kofi Annan have ever been in our corner except for a handout. They will ask what the Bush administration has done for us, but refuse to ask what the “world community” has done for us.
They are liberal Democrats and they advocate pulling out of Iraq immediately so that terrorists can win. And that is what will happen if we do not get the job done in Iraq.
We’ve not lost anything except what we put up as the price for freedom from tyranny. That image of America being loved by the world is a figment of the imaginations of a number of people who place politics over national security.
MATT
