John Hancock

Some how I could not bring myself to vote ashamed and I think depressed but we'll muddle through is pathetic. The geopolitical and montary costs of this war will be staggering. The last time we were "neck deep in the big muddie" the Big Fool that pushed us on cost this Nation (in 1960's dollars) 500 billion. At that time we had a tax structure in place that at least be of some help to the general population.

Martin Buber

JGL53

Agree. I've only personally visited England, Canada, Mexico, and several places like Jamaica in the Carribean, but for me, the advantages definitely outweight the disadvantages. And from what I know, I'm really not hot to visit most places in Asia, Africa, the middle east, or South America.

Happy Wonderer

I have often thought that the US is one of the best countries to live in and one of the most difficult to live next to. Technology now means that "next to" is the same as "on the same planet as..."

Even living in the country is getting a little odd, though. I was intercepted by the Coast Guard a couple of days ago just about a mile from the marina that I dock at. A bunch of scared looking kids (with guns) roared up in patrol boat and started quizzing me on where I was going, where I was from, and how long I was going to stay. (Ironically they didn't recognize the name of the harbor that I was leaving from, I eventually pointed at it...) My boat is nothing special, a Washington state registered slow cabin cruiser. I was even flying a big American flag and a yacht club burgee. I was headed to the next-door island for a party.

Realize that I live on a small island far away from any possible targets -- Seattle is a day's journey away. Anacortes (refinery) and the border are both a couple of hours out. I know they are trying to protect the border but it gave me a creepy feeling; imagine if when driving to the store you got stopped by the state patrol to answer the same questions.

I heard on the local radio station that the State Patrol has been given guidelines on how to recognize a possible terrorist automobile. One of the critera was that it has "anti government signs and posters." Chilling... (And stupid, I wouldn't think a terrorist would be wearing an Osama Bin Laden tee-shirt.)

HW

Hobbs

America would be great if it weren't for all those damned Americans!

ex-idaho

I voted ashamed and I am ashamed that I feel this way.

I feel like we are spiralling toward oblivion in this country. Our two neighbors are distancing themselves from us. Our oldest and staunchest allies in Europe have all but disowned us. We have squandered overwhelming international support and the people don't seem to care.

If the US were to visit a therapist I think the diagnosis would be something like this; America, you seem to be suffering from very low self esteem. Your insistence that you are the greatest thing that ever happened in the history of the universe and your willingness to attack anyone who says otherwise is a clear indication that you must come to terms with reality. Learn to stop taking yourself so seriously and appreciate the other countries in the world.

Treacle Worshipper

I voted "I'm not an American, thank goodness", but that's not because of the current situation - the UK is in it up to our necks as well, and I'm ashamed of that. I just prefer being in Britain. (We have the NHS.)

Originally posted by paul30
Just think: since 9/11 George W. Bush, almost singlehandedly (or with his single brain cell), has changed what was almost worldwide sympathy and support for the US into (highly justified) distrust, dislike, fear, anger, detestation and rejection of the US.

I think this is one of the most amazing things about the situation today. After 9/11 practically the entire world came out in sympathy with the US, and now a huge number of people are against the war in Iraq, even in countries that officially support it.
I sometimes wonder how those who lost loved ones on 9/11 feel about their tragedies being hijacked to create more violence.
TW

John Hancock

Some of them have been arrest in Washington DC. for protesting the war. Go fiqure.

Martin Buber

Kip

I feel pretty damn lucky.

And very alarmed.

Bloop

Thank goodness I am not an american.

However, those two options for us non-US people are a bit limited.

I'd rather stay in Sweden than move to the US. But if I had to leave for another country, the US is high up on my list. Iraq is pretty close to the bottom.

There are a lot of good people here on this forum alone to disabuse one of the notion that: US foreign policy = what every american wants.

Bad Kitty

I am proud to be an American.

Michelle