If anyone wants to know why I often feel like a disgraced American, here is an example.
Earlier this September, Jonathan Freedland of the Guardian wrote this:
"If Sarah Palin defies the conventional wisdom that says elections are determined by the top of the ticket, and somehow wins this for McCain, what will be the reaction? Yes, blue-state America will go into mourning once again, feeling estranged in its own country. A generation of young Americans -- who back Obama in big numbers -- will turn cynical, concluding that politics doesn't work after all. And, most depressing, many African-Americans will decide that if even Barack Obama -- with all his conspicuous gifts -- could not win, then no black man can ever be elected president.
"But what of the rest of the world? This is the reaction I fear most. For Obama has stirred an excitement around the globe unmatched by any American politician in living memory. Polling in Germany, France, Britain and Russia shows that Obama would win by whopping majorities, with the pattern repeated in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. If November 4 were a global ballot, Obama would win it handsomely. If the free world could choose its leader, it would be Barack Obama."
Among his responses:
"We are electing the President of the United States and the world can choke on it."
"If you want Comrade Obama we will gladly ship him over after he loses in a landslide. Meanwhile you can kiss my ass. I bet you would enjoy it faggot."
"I love it! A pansy-ass limey Brit begs the US to do his bidding while his own country slips further towards total Islamic rule. We're electing McCain, and the rest of the world can piss up a rope if they don't like it. 1776, BITCH!"
Yep, the ugly American no longer needs to jump on a plane to flaunt ignorance abroad. Freedland concluded today's story with this:
"Lastly, those Americans who say they don't give a "rat's ass" what the rest of the world thinks are letting themselves and their country down. America was never meant to be a closed, introverted nation, turning its back on the world. It has always aimed to inspire the rest of us, to be a shining city on the hill. In these autumn weeks, the world is looking to the city once more, hoping desperately that the light is not about to fade."