Getting Hated Over There, So They Don't Hate Us Here

I remember fondly some trips to Ireland that Bill Clinton took during his presidency, both for diplomatic purposes and to make his contribution toward the terrorism problems the Irish faced in the North (if you'd like to read about some other counter-terrorism efforts from the Clinton administration, go to this part of the site. Read further down for Bush's pre-9/11 efforts, and you'll understand why Democrats want to rip the face of anyone who suggests Clinton was weak on international terrorism).

I remember the images from the massive crowds of Irish gathered to hear his speech, whipped into an American president-admiring frenzy, waving miniature American flags (memory refresh here). It was as if the latest American Idol, who weeks prior was asking you if you wanted ketchup with your order, just set foot in your local Best Buy to promote the new album written and produced before the karaoke contest winner was even crowned.

I distinctly recall how proud I was at that moment - of my country, and of my president. It's similar to the feeling you get when watching the American athletes roll into the stadium at the Olympics every few years: "Damn right, that's my country."

I haven't had that feeling in 5 years. I can only assume it's on hold for another 2, and perhaps longer. In fact, the most recent overflowing, patriotic memory I have comes from the days after 9/11.

Our President had a near 90% approval rating.
The entire international community was with us, asking how they could help.
The band outside Buckingham Palace played "The Star-Spangled Banner" during a changing of the guard, as thousands of Londoners tearfully waved American flags.
The headline in the Parisian newspaper from soon to be hated France proclaimed the phrase heard 'round the world: We Are ALL Americans.

And how did Bush respond?

He blew one of the greatest opportunities for international power and cooperation since World War II. A president who had almost the entire world community at his fingertips suddenly became the most simultaneously protested American in civilization's history.

Americans traveling abroad EVERYWHERE must use caution, for fear that even looking like an American tourist will be at best be enough to get you harassed, and at worst, get you killed. It's now to the point where a clothing company (based in New Mexico) is actually selling "Go Canadian" clothing kits in which traveling Americans receive a gift basket full of red maple leaf insigned attire, hoping to trick everyone into thinking they're not really from Calgary, not San Diego.

And of course, with the World Cup in Germany right around the corner, it is with great embarrassment I bring you this gem:

The official team bus to be used by the United States during the World Cup will not bear a flag for security reasons.

The 32 official buses were presented Thursday in Frankfurt, and the other 31 buses have large national flags of the their teams painted on rear sides.

At the 2002 World Cup, the United States was among the most heavily guarded teams. When the Americans arrived at Incheon International Airport, about 500 police formed a corridor the players walked through as they came out of customs, with SWAT team commandos mixed in.

When the team’s charter flight landed at Daegu Airport before a game against South Korea, two tanks were on the runway. Metal detectors were placed at the entrance of the team hotel throughout the players’ stay in Seoul.

Bush supporters responded to this story by issuing this single, collective statement:

"We continute to support our President's efforts to make Americans safer as they travel abroad.

We are disappointed our concept for the American team bus in Germany donning 11 American flags, two Pray For Our Troops ribbon magnets, and a mural depicting Toby Keith with an eagle on his shoulder, urinating on the head of Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not pan out. We are hereby renaming hot dogs, commonly known as frankfurters, 'freedom tubes.'"

Would anyone like french fries with that?