"Made in USA" internet messages can provide powerful and inexpensive ammunition for turning global citizens against our nation. It's a no-brainer that American security is linked with our ability to inspire allies. In the web world of today, however, the click of a mouse can severely impact our image in other countries. "Think before you click 'Forward'!" is rapidly becoming today's version of "Loose lips sink ships!"

Combat troops whose misbehaviors were uploaded onto the internet learned this lesson the hard way. Meanwhile, everyday Americans still think nothing of the potential negative consequences of e-mails they presume are only going to friends. These messages often portray the U.S. as a mean-spirited, hypocritical, misogynistic, warmongering, crusader country, just for starters.



For instance, a forwarded e-mail clip of a TV newscast called "Love it or leave it" featured an angry man cutting down the flags above a small Latino U.S. business because the Mexican flag was hoisted above "Old Glory." The man then faced the news camera, declared himself an American veteran, brandished a U.S. Army knife, and called for a fight.



It is disappointing anyone would consider such a display of unnecessary aggression as a source of pride. What is completely overlooked, however, is the potential for harm to national interests. While many Americans boastfully forward these so-called patriotic messages to their friends, others unfriendly to the USA can use these same communications to jeopardize international good will, threaten our security, and lose hearts and minds around the globe.



