Zealous right wing ideologues of the Bush administration insulted some of America’s most trusted allies during the buildup to the Iraq War as on Air Force One the words “French fries” were eliminated from the menu in place of “freedom fries.”

Any expression concerning cool reflection rather than rush to “shock and awe” from the international community was greeted with insults compatible with the prejudicial slams from a Rush Limbaugh or Michael Savage as Germany became a nation of “kraut eaters” and Swedes “quiche eating sissies.”

A parade being led by an administration featuring Vietnam War draft dodgers spouted an insulting barrage of epithets at sophisticated nations and their people. It sickened the stomachs of Americans of intellect and conscience.

A recent poll conducted by London’s Guardian reflects what people from leading nations throughout the world think in turn of George W. Bush along with the clones who seek to replace him with similar policies while lacking the intellectual courage to admit as much.

On the question of “If you had a vote, who would you choose as the next U.S. president?” the following results were recorded:

Canada, Obama 70%; McCain 14%.

France, Obama 68%, McCain 5%.

Switzerland, Obama 83%, McCain 7%.

Poland, Obama 43%, McCain 26%.

Japan, Obama 61%, McCain 13%.

Mexico, Obama 46%, McCain 13%.

United Kingdom, Obama 64, McCain 15%.

Belgium, Obama 62%, McCain, 8%.

The other question explored in the international survey was “Since the start of the Bush presidency how has your opinion of the U.S. changed?”

In only one nation, Belgium, was there a favorable as opposed to unfavorable response. In that case the total was 52% favorable to 39% unfavorable.

In every other nation included in the survey, the unfavorable respondents recorded overwhelming majorities except for Poland, in which a 6% unfavorable margin occurred.

The responses:

Canada, 77% to 13%.

France, 75% to 7%.

Switzerland, 86% to 8%.

Poland, 45% to 39%.

Japan, 62% to 19%.

Mexico, 66% to 23%.

United Kingdom, 67% to 23%.

George W. Bush, before taking office after a U.S. Supreme Court majority installed you, you promised Americans that you would make a difference.

What a mighty difference you have made both nationally and internationally, as people from throughout the world realize.

_______

Bill Hare

