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!

FayJay, two things: (1) really superb posts above, and (2) re your tagline, episode one of what?

Angus, FayJay & others, I'm just reposting an article link that Hec posted elsewhere a couple of days ago. It's longish but the stuff that you might like to read is just the first few paragraphs. It's about Oprah's anti-war special and spread of the sentiment. The simplistic summary I guess is that the understanding is spreading. It helps you feel a little less alone and radical.

And what Angus said, well written FayJay.

FayJay, two things: (1) really superb posts above, and (2) re your tagline, episode one of what?

blush

I'm assuming, from the fact that Andrew, (my new favouritest geek in all the world) said it, that it refers to Star Wars: Episode One. 'Cause it's a context-free (beyond being bored) remark. And it made me giggle like a lunatic.

Thanks for the link, Moonlit. We're living in interesting times.