I'm not asking whether you, educated, middle class American that you are, can see through the manipulations of advertisers and choose your clothing, food and household items based upon inherent value rather than intangibles and perceived cachet.

Sounds like the kind of attitude that's vulnerable to advertising for Evian instead of Coke. Good example of Haagen-Dazs. I thought it was all premium and imported, even though I wasn't consciously giving it extra status for being German or Danish or whatever.

I read an article that Arabs are boycotting Coca-Cola, and that it doesn't make any more sense than freedom fries because Coca-Cola employs local bottlers, and "Mecca-Cola" and others are made in Europe.

I guess what annoys some Americans is that Europe made a choice and now seems mad that we didn't go the same way. After two wars of violence that Americans really can't comprehend, they decided to spend their money on social justice and a subsidized lifestyle-free health care, free college, cheap housing, etc.

I think a lot of people are overlooking the fact that France and Germany might be against war because they have experienced at first hand, in their not too distant past, what war can do. Also, most Americans are unaware of the fact that the German constitution forbid the German army from taking part in any war until very, very recently, something which the Allies stipulated after the last war. There are very sound historical reasons why the German military has been kept weak, and blaming the Germans for this alone is somewhat misplaced. The German army took part in action again for the first time since WW2 in the former Yugoslavia, and this was accompanied by a whole load of debate and soul-searching, something which other countries could do with a little of, perhaps.

The current generation of Germans are very aware of the historical meaning of their country's military capability and try to be sensitive to that. I find it ironic that the US are accusing them of cowardice or holding back.

If by "ironic" you mean "fucking ludicrous" I agree wholeheartedly.

Caroma, it seems to have slipped your mind that there are two countries fighting alongside the US in this war, both of which have publicly funded health care, higher education and housing. Given that fact, I'm not sure your equation of the welfare state with military spinelessness is entirely convincing; indeed, someone less even-tempered than me might even find it offensive.

I read an article that Arabs are boycotting Coca-Cola, and that it doesn't make any more sense than freedom fries because Coca-Cola employs local bottlers, and "Mecca-Cola" and others are made in Europe.

Actually, I think you'll find the syrup comes from the US. It is just the soda water and bottling that is locally done by companies that pay for the rights to make and sell the beverage. I could be wrong about that but it doesn't really matter b/c ulitmately it will affect the US parent company. Likewise, although the contents of Big Macs are made up of local produce, ultimately, some form of profit is returned to the US parent company. A large scale boycott, outside the US, of either or both, will have some effect in the US.

Moreover, Coke and McDonalds are seen as quintissential US icons. In many cases, these are the only two symbols of America that many people can rail against effectively. Mainly because they are so ubiquitous.

I bet Marlboros (cigarettes) are all over the place, but giving those up would be too hard.

I bet Marlboros (cigarettes) are all over the place, but giving those up would be too hard.

Besides, an anti-war protest outside a tobacconist doesn't have the same impact as one outside a McDonalds.

Sorry I'm not going to get into this conversation, but just have to say -- the Time column linked earlier by an American living in France? That's my friend! Go Team Amanda!

Actually, do you know that Bush as President has no power about Kyoto? In this country, Congress ratifies treaties, not the Pres…. So, while he could have been more tactful about it, I don't see how Bush can be blamed for this one.

Just to note that I didn't intend to sound like I was targeting Bush on a personal level, and have indeed eschewed playing the "Kicking Iraq's butt just like Daddy did, only better" card, because I balk at accepting that the man is as terrifyingly dim as he appears, or that any one man has the power to make world-changing decisions on his own. So when I mentioned

a pattern of "Fuck You" messages being sent from the US during Dubya's reign thus far. (Kyoto agreement et al.)

I was pointing at the time period (during which I have perceived US-RestOfWorld relations cooling) rather than trying to give Dubya sole responsibility for all that has been done in the name of the United States.

edited for tediousness. Although probably not enough.

Also? Really interesting articles you folks linked to.

Seekrit Message to Plei: Mwah!

That's my friend! Go Team Amanda!

Really? My God, that's VERY cool. Go Team!