dorbie 0 #51 November 3, 2004 America's vote does not need to pass a global test. Self serving references to what other diminished nations with generations of questionable or failed policies think should not guide US decisions. Most of these nations envy most of what America has accomplished (which includes freeing their sorry asses). As an British expat living in the USA I can assure American readers that the vast majority of Brits and Europeans have not one clue about American politics, it takes a while to grock what's going on here. The issues in other countries break down far differently from the U.S. with many issues of conscience being off the table or at least much less polarizing when compared to economic issues and social spending. It does tend to lead to a more intelligent debate on economic issues but with a clear emphasis on the emotional side of social services and 'public sector' spending, picture if you will national debates on nurses pay levels set by the government! Compared to the U.S. many of the nations would be seen as profoundly socialist and they are informed by media organizations that are similarly tilted. It's no surprise that they dislike Bush, they were hysterical about Reagan and assumed he would start WWIII. There are real and more recent differences built on a bedrock of distrust for US republicans but mainly based on the differing perceptions of the threats now posed by asymmetric warfare produced by 9/11. If you have an opinion on those threats to America some European's view does not materially alter that threat. You should read the crap in the French newspapers and British tabloids for some insight, this is the main source of information for most of the opinions that seem to concern you so much. Despite all this opinion is not homogeneous in these countries and Bush has some support. Australia overwhelmingly supported the incumbent recently, but it's interesting to note that in Britain it is the *left* leaning party that is in power (in Britain that means real power with a sizeable majority), so despite the bluster there's no prospect for a lack of support in that country short of a coup inside the left wing party (which is a possibility) but it won't be a voters choice. As for 119 countries, well, there's considerably fewer countries in the world that can run their own affairs in my opinion let alone tell the US what to do which tells you all you need to know about this poll, opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one, that doesn't mean I have to listen to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #52 November 3, 2004 QuoteDefine "official poll". You've been posting Rasmussen for weeks, and I never heard any declaration of officiality for them. The one thing that strikes me is that none of those links explain the polling method. One referred to the results based on "respondents" which suggests the questions were simply mailed out. If so, the margin of error would be considerable. Certainly the number of countries is diverse and large enough to accept as a reasonable world opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #53 November 3, 2004 QuoteI am wondering what Bush suporters feel is the reason why, as it would appear, the majority of the world population seems to support Kerry?And you were saying?"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,150 #54 November 3, 2004 QuoteAnd you were saying? same thing... Now that he has ben re-elected, it makes the question even more interesting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #55 November 3, 2004 The rest of the world can take a flying leap with their ideas about my countries politics/leaders!!! Especially those who actively try to influence our elections thru the general public and by behind the scenes deals with the candidates. A vote for Kerry was a vote for the United Nations and socialism to gain more of a foothold in the U.S.. A vote for Kerry was a vote for a "TRAITOR", a vote for a hero of our enemies, a vote for a....... Don't bother replying to my post here on this thread, I'm not open to debate, I'm not going to reply back, these are my beliefs and they will not change. Go ahead bang your head against a wall ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #56 November 3, 2004 I do care about what the rest of the world thinks about my country. I do care that we are respected and liked. I think that there is a line that gets drawn, hoever, between popular global opinions and what is best for my country. There comes a point where we need to do what we feel is best for US, even if it means that other countries get pissed about it. And if popular opinion is based on the general tabloidistic reporting (as it sometimes is here), then I can't say that it's an educated opinion, either. So let me ask you this: why shouldn't I care about my country first? My country, where I live, eat, work, breathe, raise a family? Why shouldn't I pay attention to my country's needs before other countries' wants and needs? Which other country on the globe puts another country first before their own welfare? I can't think of one. So why are we ridiculed for doing exactly what they would do? As I said, it is important that others see us with respect. But it is not more important than my country doing what's best for us first. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
