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.

Oh, Star Wars, of course. Yes, that does make sense.

That is really interesting about Oprah.

But America decided to keep its muscles strong, and let everybody choose their own doctors and houses and go their own way, which for a majority works well.

Hmmm. In Canada, I had the absolute right to choose a doctor, no matter where in the country I moved. Here I have to choose from a little list sent out by the insurer. That list changes from time to time, which means my husband and I have to find new specialists - no easy feat.

Also

I guess they don't realize we have no intention of taking over anything.

Maybe you don't. Your government seems hell bent on reinventing colonization.

I don't think a lot of Americans realize how badly their government representatives muff it abroad. Sure, every country is full-to-bursting with jerks, but the U.S. (like Britain before it) seems to have a special talent for sending out tactless wonders on diplomatic missions. Of course, their remarks make the front page in Paris, Toronto and Mexico City, but they don't even make the fine print in section F here.

Sorry. I should know better than to generalize on this board. My posts here are just dashed off, without much research or thought, because, you know, it's just a TV show board, a fun time for a few minutes. I hope nobody takes this place too serously!

Everybody here still loves Europe and the Aussies. But they seem to making it very clear what they're against without saying what they're FOR. What will they do against Saddam? Exactly how long and with what goals was the UN planning to give the inspectors? They dithered too long until the Man of Action threw up his hands and went ahead. It's a shame.