Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Another If the world could vote . . .


Here's another poll with very similar results to the one I previously posted, but with a larger number of respondents:

If The World Could Vote


I know the results are meaningless in regard to the actual outcome, but I think they show something meaningful in another sense.

I've been reading comments from (mostly) Americans in various forums and blogs that discount the results. The comments range from accusing respondents of wanting to elect a "terrorist" to destroy the U.S.; to "ulterior motives" because everyone hates Americans; to it's not their country so it's none of their business.

My opinion is that these and similar polls, blogs and articles are evidence of a general feeling of frustration - and okay, anger - by those outside the U.S. that Americans don't really care about what happens in the rest of the world unless it's of direct consequence to the U.S. The feeling is that the U.S. tends do anything it bloody hell wants, regardless of what others might say or the world context as long as it's in the best interest of the U.S.

I think these polls are an attempt for people outside the U.S to say, "Hey! Your decision on November 4 affects more than the citizens of your own country" and this is what we think!

So, maybe not such a meaningless poll. I guess it depends on how you read the results.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I continue to agree with you. What has been so frustrating, embarrassing, and humiliating is what W has done to our image in the world because of his swaggering cowboy style. The outrage is what he's done with these wars, torture, the economy, and on and on.

At least you know one American who has a world view and cares what happens all over it. Things have to change. We've been governed and represented by officials who encourage fear and are motivated by greed. See where we are now?

Good post!

Anonymous said...

Dear Joy, I know you and many other Americans have a global view and do care about the rest of the world.

It's unfortunate that the prevailing negative perception of the U.S. has deteriorated to such an extent. I think it will take quite some time to change it back to a positive one.

Anonymous said...

I agree wholeheartedly! McCain/Palin won't do it, and I hope Obama/Biden will be elected, so we at least have a chance to do it. It's going to take so long to dig us out of debt and to restore some positive feelings toward our country. This has been a miserable eight years for many of us.

We need to get rid of the electoral vote and use a popular vote for many reasons. Again, Canada goes by the popular vote (valid vote I think its called there?). I keep comparing, don't I? Well ....

Anonymous said...

I have felt the disapproval of our neighbors as well as the feelings of countries around the world. I am ashamed that we have lost a lot of respect internationally. My only hope is that the fences can be mended and that we can regain a position of respect on the world stage.

Anonymous said...

I have done so much reading on American interventions in other countries and it's not good news. when I was a kid, we understood that the French are rude and hate Americans and we read the book The Ugly American- not too serious( we heard the French hate everybody), but now we are known for our own brutal attacks on civilians and that our own attitude that other nationalities are less than human so it's okay is downright awful. I'm sure we can expect more disapproval for some generations to come so much damage has been done.I notice that it is always the grassroots Organizations in this country who attempt to do the good work.
-Charlie

Anonymous said...

Biden.. hm. At first we are against experience now we want it. Oh the hypocrisy..

Further, Obama won't be able to get us out of debt. With the spending he promises? They promise? High taxes? Big spending? Wheee

I don't want to pay more taxes ,in any case, it wouldn't affect anything. It's not taxes it's the spending ..

And do not believe for one sec that Palin was a bad pick. She has singlehandedly energized the base AND been appealing to hillary supporters.

But anyways ..

The electoral college is good. It's part of our heritage. Much like civil unions and not gay marriage. It isn't homophobia it's tradition ..

That is synonymous with conservative. Conservative not necessarily is a bad word .. Bush has just made it into one. Republican still is.. but Mac isn't one. He's a Maverick. That we all know. And it is downright disgusting how a) we drag people's kids into this b) how we will smear a good man.

Bush isn't even a real conservative but a neocon.

Berry, you're spot on. The French are like that. American interventionism (anything against communism) isn't valid in France's case .. however, the French are arrogant and that is reflected in how protective they are of their language. In every other culture even if you know just a couple of words of the other's language they welcome you with open arms. Not the French. Noo, there you either know it . or it's as if you don't know it all. There is nothing in between.

Just like life. It's not black or white it's grey. That's why I don't like Obama. It is why I like McCain. And love the Clintons. I'm not one or the other I'm center, dead in the middle. I love taking the best from both ends..and producing a balanced solution. Best solutions after all are compromises .. and that is equally true in politics as well as relationships.

Last, Reagan was a good president. Oh, btw I'm a Dem but a conservative Dem and Reagan democrat - military. He was a horrible president but sympathetic person. Reagonomics sucked..but he kept us safe. So you decide. Nonetheless, I don't wanna fight .. I always defend myself but, don't want to .. nonetheless sometimes the only solutions are the military ones. Let's not forget that. To be prepared for war already have to be so in peacetime, having a credible force already is a deterrent to discourage anyone from coming.

Anonymous said...

Oh, btw ..you know what America’s first line of missile interceptor is that protects the entire United States?
Answer - 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.

Do you know what the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty is?

Answer - the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard

Do you know who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard?

That's right. Gov Sarah Palin, Alaska

And what U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security and counter terrorism?

You guessed it; Governor Sarah Palin

She has a higher classified security rating than either candidate of the Democratic Party. According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets.

She can be entrusted with national security .. because she already is.

Now you know.