What issue will hurt G. Bush the most?

[Gustaf]

Job loss in the economy.

[Gustaf]

I don't think people should fool themselves into thinking the recovery will be some sort of picnic. I think another bubble is building up and recovery won't come as easy.

[Gustaf]

I think Diplomacy will hurt him a bit. Even though it shouldn't matter.

When you lead the world's only superpower, spearhead the war on terrorism, stand for Western values and democracy, violate international law, snub international officials and collapse alliances centuries old... I think diplomacy matters.

Siege40

Century old alliances? With who? The British hated us up until the 1860s at LEAST and the French wanted to take us over. The U.S. has had no firm alliance with any nation for more then 80 years.

Well, counting from WWI you have 80 years with the British....

[Gustaf]

I think in many ways Europeans are still jealous of the U.S. and some probably still think "If we had only taken over that darned U.S. before they got so big." I really believe the politicians in countries such as England, France and Spain believe this. I bet the Queen of England feels that way.

You think a lot of people actually know their history well enough to think like that? I don't...it probably is true of France, and maybe of someother country like Spain as well, but I don't think it's the case with the UK.

[Gustaf]

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Maybe not so much England anymore, but I'm sure the Queen or her father or mother had wished they would have been able to regain the American Colonies. The whole point at supporting the south during the Civil War was to keep the nation split for a reinvasion and to take back their colonies.

That was 150 years ago...they have probably gotten over it, most people have...and retaking the colonies haven't been feasible for a long, long time. I thought the main reason was rather that the SOuth favoured free trade, which was obviously sought after by the Europeans?

[Gustaf]

I think the Europeans are scared of us in some ways. I believe Europe still has a lot of insecurity for whatever reason. I guess because we are the strongest superpower and they are afraid of losing their culture to American culture.

Please don't talk about Europe as an entity like that. I mean, you call yourself StatesRights...what you say is true about, say, France, but certainly not of Sweden. We embrace American culture, maybe even too much. But naturally, a country with a lot of power can be frightening, power is scary...

[Gustaf]

The Majority of Americans, don't want to hate Europe or take over Europe or anything like that. I think many Americans don't understand why certain European nations are resentful of us.

Finally I reach YaBB God Status! Get down and worship me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   j/k

If you worship me, I'll worship you.

No, b/c so few Americans resent Europe...you really like us don't ya? Espeically Republicans...

[Gustaf]

I have no problem with Europeans. Their leaders are another story. I know many good Europeans and have quite a few friends in Europe. My family still has political pull big time in Northern Italy/Austria! My uncle went there for a reunion and when he told the hotel his last name, he got a great discount and one of the best rooms in Bozen.

Gustaf can you turn on your IM?

If you're still around, I have now.

Cool about the Austria thing.

[Gustaf]

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The Europeans throughout their history have always been on the edge of conflict. Whether it be France vs Britian, Spain vs Europe, Germany vs Western Europe, etc. Now that they all seem to be unified and I doubt Europeans will ever war each other again they don't know what to do.

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Yeah, I don't know why the U.S. still has troops there. I can understand Ramstien, as it's a stopping point for U.S. Soldiers on the way home.

The French weren't very important during the Cold War.

[Gustaf]

Important for their cheap women and wine.

If you say so...

[Gustaf]

Important for their cheap women and wine.

If you say so...

Oh, sorry I mean cheap wine and women

Really?