European misconceptions
After watching the Italians beat the French in the World Cup, an Englishman strolled into the bar where we were watching the game. He was here on business and had ventured out of his hotel for some of the local color and a Belgian beer. I peppered him with my usual questions about what is important to me about English culture: beer, Ali G, and chavs. He found it amusing for a while, but then moved the conversation to a higher level and asked about the Detroit area and some of the history and culture. He then quietly asked if people were allowed to criticize the President, because he had heard that it was not acceptable to do so in the States.
I informed him that plenty of Americans rip on Bush every day and that his approval rating was well under 50%. I explained that there may be certain people who don't like the President, but might take some offense to an outsider saying so on their home turf. Much like a bitter boyfriend or girlfriend complaining about their partner, but doesn't expect you to follow up with your own list of complaints. I have also been told by Canadians that Americans aren't allowed to question their President. These are odd statements coming from people who claim that Americans are ignorant about the world around them.
If it were not ok to in this country to harp on the President, then why does Michael Moore own a million dollar property in New York City and another million dollar property in northern Michigan? Liberals here and abroad throw money at this clown to hear his dishonesty on a variety of topics, including his criticism of President Bush. If raging on the Commander in Chief was not allowed, Moore would be in the stockade instead of a Manhattan penthouse.
George Soros has wasted millions trying to influence elections, (so much for liberals wanting to keep big money out of the process) to rid the country of Bush and get democrats elected. Being against Bush has certainly not harmed this guy. His greedy business practices epitomize what liberals regularly protest against, yet since he writes them large checks, he is worshipped on the left as a hero, a white knight, in the fight against extremism.
Some foreigners may know that it isn't illegal to protest against the government, but think that Americans are too compliant and don't think ill of their leaders. Yet there are large numbers of books at the entrance of Barnes and Noble that shred Bush, web sites that declare him a traitor, a coward, a nazi, and warmonger (or were they talking about Joe Lieberman that day), and a left wing radio network, Air America. Al Franken has had far more success as a critic of Bush than he ever did playing Stuart Smalley.
So large amounts of Americans disapprove of the President, and his critics make a boatload of money for their efforts. This hardly sounds like an environment where calling the President a bum is not allowed or is greatly discouraged. There was even a politician who talked about having a bullet put between his eyes. If George Bush is a dictator like many on the left say, he is doing a lousy job of cracking down on dissent.
I informed him that plenty of Americans rip on Bush every day and that his approval rating was well under 50%. I explained that there may be certain people who don't like the President, but might take some offense to an outsider saying so on their home turf. Much like a bitter boyfriend or girlfriend complaining about their partner, but doesn't expect you to follow up with your own list of complaints. I have also been told by Canadians that Americans aren't allowed to question their President. These are odd statements coming from people who claim that Americans are ignorant about the world around them.
If it were not ok to in this country to harp on the President, then why does Michael Moore own a million dollar property in New York City and another million dollar property in northern Michigan? Liberals here and abroad throw money at this clown to hear his dishonesty on a variety of topics, including his criticism of President Bush. If raging on the Commander in Chief was not allowed, Moore would be in the stockade instead of a Manhattan penthouse.
George Soros has wasted millions trying to influence elections, (so much for liberals wanting to keep big money out of the process) to rid the country of Bush and get democrats elected. Being against Bush has certainly not harmed this guy. His greedy business practices epitomize what liberals regularly protest against, yet since he writes them large checks, he is worshipped on the left as a hero, a white knight, in the fight against extremism.
Some foreigners may know that it isn't illegal to protest against the government, but think that Americans are too compliant and don't think ill of their leaders. Yet there are large numbers of books at the entrance of Barnes and Noble that shred Bush, web sites that declare him a traitor, a coward, a nazi, and warmonger (or were they talking about Joe Lieberman that day), and a left wing radio network, Air America. Al Franken has had far more success as a critic of Bush than he ever did playing Stuart Smalley.
So large amounts of Americans disapprove of the President, and his critics make a boatload of money for their efforts. This hardly sounds like an environment where calling the President a bum is not allowed or is greatly discouraged. There was even a politician who talked about having a bullet put between his eyes. If George Bush is a dictator like many on the left say, he is doing a lousy job of cracking down on dissent.
posted by Doug at 9:07 AM
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