Interesting Article on International Views..

[Debz]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=518&e=3&u=/ap/views_of_america

Polls Show Worsening of U.S. Reputation

LONDON - America's reputation around the world is hurting, according to a series of coordinated polls published Friday from 10 countries, including many of the United States' closest allies.

In eight of the countries where the surveys commissioned by major newspapers were conducted, more people said their view of America had worsened in the past two to three years than improved. That question was asked in nine countries.

By big margins, those questioned said the war in Iraq (news - web sites) did not aid the global fight against terrorism.

And in eight out of 10 nations, those polled said — often in landslide proportions — that they hoped to see Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites) beat President Bush (news - web sites) in next month's election. Bush won backing from a majority of respondents only in Russia and Israel.

The polls were conducted in Canada, France, Britain, Spain, Japan, South Korea (news - web sites), Australia, Mexico, Israel and Russia, with results to be published in the participating newspapers on Friday. Not all questions were asked in every country.

On average, 57 percent of those questioned said their opinions of America had worsened over the past two to three years, compared with 20 percent who said their view had improved. That question was asked in nine of the countries, but not in Russia.

Seventy-four percent of Japanese, 70 percent of French, 67 percent of South Koreans, 64 percent of Canadians and 60 percent of Spaniards said they had a worse opinion of America now than two to three years ago.

Only in Israel did more people say their view of the United States had improved than worsened in the past two to three years.

In that period, which began just after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the United States has led wars in Afghanistan (news - web sites) and Iraq. While much of the international community backed the invasion to oust the Taliban, Bush's decision to invade Iraq has fueled anger around the world.

However, many of those polled separated their feelings about the U.S. government from their views of the American people. Sixty-eight percent said they had a favorable opinion of Americans.

Asked whether American democracy remained a model for other nations, 52 percent of those asked said yes and 42 percent said no.

In Britain, Mexico and South Korea, more people thought the United States was no longer a model, while in Canada, Russia, Japan and Israel, majorities said it was.

Fifty-nine percent of people questioned in seven nations — including Britain, America's closest ally in Iraq — said the war there was not helping the world fight against terrorism, while 35 percent said it was, as Bush contends.

People in all 10 countries were asked who they hoped to see win the White House on Nov. 2, and the result will make Kerry wish they had a vote.

The Democrat was favored by healthy to enormous majorities in eight of the nations — 72 percent supported him, compared with 16 percent for Bush in France.

In South Korea, it was 68 percent for Kerry and 18 percent for Bush; in Canada, 60 percent to 20 percent; in Spain, 58 percent to 13 percent; in Australia 54 percent to 28 percent; and in Britain 50 percent to 22 percent.

Bush came out on top in Israel by a margin of 50 percent to 24 percent and in Russia, 52 percent to 48 percent.

The newspapers involved were La Presse in Canada, Le Monde in France, the Guardian in Britain, El Pais in Spain, Asahi Shimbun in Japan, JoongAng Ilbo in South Korea, the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age in Australia, Reforma in Mexico, Haaretz in Israel and the Moscow News in Russia.

The sample sizes in the 10 polls varied from 522 people in Israel to 1,417 in Australia. Margins of error were mostly around 3 percentage points, but varied between 2.6 and 4.38.

The polls were conducted on different dates from September through early October.

(UPDATES grafs 2, 7, 8 to correct that people in eight countries, sted seven, say views of America have worsened, per corrected information from newspaper; minor edits throughout.)

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[Drorain]

I'm glad to be in America where I am allowed to be who I want, practice what faith i want and think what i want. I'm sorry, but I dont give a damn what some of these countries think, I am a proud american I will not be ashamed of us defending ourselves. those countries that do not like us, good luck to them, their people, and their leaders. For example we will not turn over for the terrorists to recieve the anal probe, we will seek them out. The Iraq war was justified in the begining, The occupation and peace keeping is Bullcrap. To paraphrase Bill Cosby

I Don't give a BLANK what those people think about us, same on the personal level, people dont like me, then move on

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[Jason Fraker]

They're just jealous!

The clothes do make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society at large.

[Debz]

LOL I agree with u guys.. im proud to be an american and wouldnt want it any other way!! :D

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[snypa]

i love my country, but definitely not my president! also, i support our troops, but not this war!
if things continue this way (bush stays in office) i'd have no problem leaving this country.
not saying kerry's the answer, though.

...and remember, tuesday is soylent green day

[Drorain]

Leave the country...to go where? I would hate it in Europe anywhere except england or ireland. . . Canada, Would be nice, and maybe australia or New Zealand, other wise. I am where I will be. IF I went to greece I'd be drafted, (father's greek line) and I dont want to deal with the pancakeing Euro or crap economies of the Circle Jerk known as the EU

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[snypa]

australia and canada would be my top two choices, in that order. i have other ideas about places where i'd like to live, but i dont feel like going into that.

...and remember, tuesday is soylent green day

[DeleteYourself]

Nice article. Thanks, Debz!

Drorain said...
I'm sorry, but I dont give a damn what some of these countries think, I am a proud american I will not be ashamed of us defending ourselves. those countries that do not like us, good luck to them, their people, and their leaders . . . I Don't give a BLANK what those people think about us, same on the personal level, people dont like me, then move on

I'm sorry to say, but this is precisely what is wrong with many Americans.

I would rather be considered a citizen of the world, than a citizen of the USA. We're all in this thing together, and thinking like this, Drorain, is selfish and ignorant. I'll leave it at that.

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[DeleteYourself]

For the record, I too, love my country and support our troops.

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Support Music and Arts Education | www.dafenix.org (http://www.dafenix.org) | 'You have no chance to win.' | GDF Mac Death Squad, Son

[Debz]

I think its ashame that people in other countries dont realize how amazing it is being in america. How many oppurtunities you have to give yourself a wonderful and fullfilling life. and how there are people living under laws that I could not even IMAGINE!

I just wish the whole world could have oppurtunities like us.

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[DeleteYourself]

There are places where people live just as free, if not more free than us. Sure, we have it better than maybe 90% of the world, and I'm grateful for that . . . but thinking that other countries are just jealous is a self-centered point-of-view.

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Support Music and Arts Education | www.dafenix.org (http://www.dafenix.org) | 'You have no chance to win.' | GDF Mac Death Squad, Son

[Drorain]

I for one do not consider myself a citizen of the world, I think one world gov't is a load, impossible with the current state of affairs, and also A selfish thing to think that one govt should try to rule everyone, people and tribes in africa, south america, and the eastern world dont give a damn about our affairs. They live a life free of money, and more focused on family, please understand I am an Anti-Globalist, thats a western idea as old as the ages, every read the article on 'The White Man's Burden' Its Discrimination to think that other peoples cant govern ourselves. And before you flip out on us going out to wars on iraq, Everyone in leadership believed there was an immenent threat to us posed by iraq, the president did his job going to war. Hind-sight we know we were wrong, we need to relize this, and pack up to let Iraq govern themselves.

People need to get back to family and stop flipping out on what everyone thinks, and focus on enjoying their own life.

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[Drawing a Blank]

I would like to start out by saying that these are my opinions not fact so if you disagree I would like to hear your side of the argument. I am an american and I am proud to be, but I do not agree with the way my government is being run. I think most politicians are liars and thieves and we should vote every one who is up for re-election in November out of office.
I have traveled in Europe, Asia and North America and the Carribean and I don't think most peole in those countries want to be American nor are they jealous of our country. They think we are arrogant and ignorant(in some cases they are correct) and most of them seem to know more about US politics than most US citizens (including me). They aren't jealous of us just more informed (generally).
They want to know why we are occupying Iraq after removing Sadam from office on the promise there were WMD's, but we are leaving Kim Jung Il (sorry about the spelling) in power when we know he has nuclear weapons. Let me say that again WE KNOW HE HAS NUCLEAR WEAPONS!! There is no oil in North Korea. There are thousands of people starving to death each month in North Koreabut no oil. So if we truly wanted to help the citizens of a country while protecting ourselves from possible attacks with WMD's then why are we not trying to remove Kim Jung from power?They want to know why we have allowed mass genocide in countries in Africa between radical religious groups (sorry can't think of the names right now) without doing much to stop it from happening. They want to know why we are still imposing sanctions on Cuba. Do we really think that after forty years of sanctions it will start to work now or do we just want to impose our form of government on everyone?



Debz said...
I think its ashame that people in other countries dont realize how amazing it is being in america. How many oppurtunities you have to give yourself a wonderful and fullfilling life. and how there are people living under laws that I could not even IMAGINE!

I agree with the second part of your statement Debz, I can't imagine living under some laws in other countries, but have you ever considered that people in other countries do know how amazing it is to be in America and they just don't want to be? I think it is a shame that some Americans don't realize how amazing it is in other countries.
Just my two cents, got to go.[/quote][/quote]

"Merry-Go-Round Broke Down! A fairly looney selection for a bunch of drunken reprobates!!"

[Debz]

greglearn said...
I think it is a shame that some Americans don't realize how amazing it is in other countries.

i havent had the balls to fly over an ocean /emoticons/biggrin.gif Been to Canada tho!! This guy in this place i ate at in canada thught i was british.. lol said my dad sounded american. I wonder what britians would think i sound like.. /emoticons/biggrin.gif

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[coconut]

That is sad that other countries feel that way. It has a lot to do with culture and religion. America is one big melting pot from all points of the world. Geeze who knows what my blood line is. I'm kinda like a stray dog but I am American, I know no other way to be. In America, if you are hungry, you can find someone to feed you, if you are sick, you can find someone to help you, if you are lonely, you can find someone to talk to. This forum is global, it seems many don't seem to mind that we are here in the states and realize we aren't the ones making the decisions. The whole subject can burn alot of people up for sure. America is made up of people just like other countries, we have prostitues, drugs, bankers, lawyers, children and wives who get beat, people who are thrown in jail for no reason, hijackings, carjacking, hit and runs, rapes, nuns, preachers who molest, educators, christians, budist, judist, catholics, mental health issues, I could go on, you all know the scoop anyways, jeeze.
You make a choice on how to live your life, in America you do have that freedom. I think it is amazing that we all have life.


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[40thCentDesign]

Let me say... I've visited Europe three times, twice before 9/11. The anti-American attitude there was actually stronger (I thought) then. My last trip in 2002 was much more pleasant. My second trip I pretended to be Canadian, just so people wouldn't treat me like crap.

Europeans are great people. But the French tend to be more stuck up. The British were great, but the Italians were very unwelcoming to Americans. Why? I think that it is because of how they have grown away from the political and moral climate that we used to share back at the beginning of the 1900's. Europe has become much more socialist, and their schools are teaching politically charged history and economics. America is always represented as the Capitalist bad guy in the classroom, so kids end up with a negative attitude towards the US and Americans in general.

But I would say that America hasn't grown distant from Europe. It's Europe that has become more scornful and disdainful of America. I've yet to see a European visit this country and come away feeling unwelcome, but I've talked to scores of Americans who have had bad experiences in Europe.

See the movie Barcelona. Kind of sums it up.


[b]
I own a timber company? Want some wood?</BLOCKQUOTE>

[Eraser Nubbin]

Drorain, I think your comments about not giving a crap about what other countries and people think about Americans is exactly the kind of thing that causes your nations relations with the rest of the world to deteriorate. It's one thing if you are ignorant of the world's outside opinion, but to be fully aware of it and mock it is even worse.

I think there is a major flaw in your Nation's ideology in that you wave the freedom flag around, and then go impose your way of life on other nations, is that not a little hypocritical?

I don't mean to dump on your country, I would definately say that my opinion of America / American's has improved since the whole 9/11 incident (not that my opinion matters) and I am leaning towards thinking that you were right to get into Iraq, although maybe it was done for the wrong reasons, who can say. There is nothing to force your country to be diplomatic towards other nations as you guys clearly have the biggest stick on the block, but wouldn't it make an outward gesture of concern towards other nations opinions all that more genuine if you weren't forced to do it?

40 Cent, I find your comment funny about going incognito as a Canadian, we here a lot about that kind of thing up here. I find it funny that we are even distinguished from you guys as I know theres no chance that I could tell a Portugese person from a Spanish person for eg.

Match in the gas tank, boom boom.

[Drorain]

Coconut, You Preach the truth, We are not ignorant or arrogant of the rest of the world, WE are made of the rest of the world, A collective of people coming here for a better life, those who got fed up with the 'old country' I'm Greek, Irish, English, Dutch and French, but most of all I am a CAPITAL A red white blue blooded American. Dont like me, screw, hate me, I've done nothing to you, I am trying to earn a living to one day raise a family and be an positive influence in this world. What ever you say of me It does not matter I have given to Missionaries, Social Clubs, and Donated to causes overseas, I live paycheck to paycheck. Do not call US arrogant, we send out more people into the world to help support more causes than you could ever know.

Even when we dont have to, we give.

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[Drawing a Blank]

I too think that Coconut speaks the truth.


Drorain said...
WE are made of the rest of the world, A collective of people coming here for a better life

[/quote]I know a lot of African Americans who would disagree with you on why their ancestors "came" to America. I also know a few Native Americans who would tell you that we aren't all from the rest of the world.



Drorain said...
Do not call US arrogant, we send out more people into the world to help support more causes than you could ever know.

[/quote]Like it or not that is what a lot of people think of us here in the US.



Drorain said...
Even when we dont have to, we give.

Yet not everyone wants what we give them. I was in South Korea 6 or 7 years ago when their economy was horrible and the IMF was going to give them money to help stabalize the economy. We here in America (myself included) thought this was a great thing. I learned when I went over there though that the Koreans were deeply insulted by the IMF and while I was in Seoul there were enormous demonstrations against the IMF and the US. I saw them burning my countries flag while I was in a taxi driving to the airport to get out of Seoul.I never heard a thing about those demonstrations here in the US nor did I hear that Korea didn't want the help.

I think that we here in the US get fed a lot of information through news sources that is less than complete with regards to the complexities of many situations. As a result we are often shielded from the opinions of the rest of the world unless we seek them through alternative sources.

Drorain it isn't you they don't like it is US.[/quote]




"Merry-Go-Round Broke Down! A fairly looney selection for a bunch of drunken reprobates!!"

[Drorain]

I know, your right, but it simply frustrates me

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[Kool]

I hate these threads. /emoticons/mad.gif

I love children but I don't think I could eat a whole one.

[DeleteYourself]

Drorain said...
I for one do not consider myself a citizen of the world, I think one world gov't is a load, impossible with the current state of affairs...

I wasn't referring to a world gov't, simply stating that I think it's important to care about what happens to others around the world because we are all human and we all matter. Just because someone doesn't speak my language, or happens to live in another place seperated from me by nothing more than imaginary lines and miles, doesn't mean they don't exist and their opinions, feelings and well-being don't matter.

Now can't we please just hold hands and start singing Kumbaya? JK.

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Support Music and Arts Education | www.dafenix.org (http://www.dafenix.org) | 'You have no chance to win.' | GDF Mac Death Squad, Son

[morea]

? ? Kum-ba-Ya ? ?

/emoticons/biggrin.gif

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[coconut]

I'll wipe the tear now, bless you delete
snivel snivel, i luv ya'll


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[Drorain]

sorry all i get heated with some of these things, as the day goes on I pretty much cool down

Kum-by-Ya

http://www.grivakisgraphics.com/images/img_logomark.jpg

~Everyday, All the Time, Without Fail!

[coconut]

hey morea, bout time you got your butt in here


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[Debz]

Kool said...
I hate these threads. /emoticons/mad.gif

/emoticons/weep.gif sry thought it was an interesting read.. /emoticons/weep.gif

*</font> Vote</font> Debz</font> &</font> DD</font> 2004</font> *</font>

I will end terrorism</font>, Stupidity</font>, Laziness</font> and eliminate all the slackers who drag us down</font>. Do not screw wit me.. buahaha! Debz & DD - 2004</font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Debbz/kittenz.jpg

[morea]

Sorry coconut... I try to remain neutral in politics until I am needed to provide some comic relief. /emoticons/tongue.gif

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[coconut]

naw, we needed you to sing with us darlin!


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[Drawing a Blank]

Debz it is an interesting read and thought provoking as well. I like anything that helps me to understand how other people feel, think and live. I can't say it any better than Coconut and Delete so I'll just leave now.


Coconut you sound like my sister who lives in Galviston and calls everyone darlin.

"Merry-Go-Round Broke Down! A fairly looney selection for a bunch of drunken reprobates!!"

[morea]

? ? ¤ ???¤ ? ?</font> /emoticons/biggrin.gif

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[DeleteYourself]

Definately an interesting read. I enjoyed it, Debz. And by the way, I've said this in multiple political threads before, but I'll say it again...debates like this are healthy. When things get heated, that just means that people are passionate about their beleifs. Although I don't agree with many of the points-of-view in this forum (and many of you don't agree with mine), I don't think any less of anyone.

I only ask that everyone who participates in these threads do so with an open mind, and I will do the same.

Thank, you, that is all.

Kumaya, muthasuckas!

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Support Music and Arts Education | www.dafenix.org (http://www.dafenix.org) | 'You have no chance to win.' | GDF Mac Death Squad, Son

[coconut]

did I tell ya I'm from Texas, everyone is darlin, honey, baby, means I like ya
just who I am. And I have 5 brothers, so I a sister too!
I enjoyed the read, it made me think about something.
Kumaya, Kumay, hey I thought it was Kumbya


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[morea]

Ya know, I don't mind discussing 'controversial' subjects so long as the ground rule is that everybody plays nice and treats each other with respect. Everybody has the right to believe whatever they want to - and I find it enlightening to see the perspective of obviously intelligent people from all over the world. So long as we can all agree to disagree and we all respect each other in the morning, then I say 'Vive la Difference!'

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[40thCentDesign]

One time I left my mind open too long and my brain fell out.


[b]
I own a timber company? Want some wood?</BLOCKQUOTE>

[morea]

Man, I hate it when that happens! You might need new velcro.

The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.

[coconut]

lol


What do I look like a smoken monkey?

[MikeyB]

I know a lot of Americans, all very nice people. Including all you guys. But from travelling around i have seen a lot of that survey to be very true. Sure, you have more chances or choices over there but at what expense? Its easy to shut off to the outside world when things are going good but i feel that america has too many fingers in too many pies.... most of the times by subtle force. Not giving aid for example. Money and power are very big tools and when other countries feel negative effects of this money or power, one result is dislike or feeling of opression.

The thing that seems to piss off other countries is the fact that so many americans are un-aware that their own 'free' country is forcing way of life on other countries or using them for resources. It is a fact that cannot be denied and too many people when confronted with it, get defensive\aggressive and claim jealousy. When i was in Asia, locals could not believe how we in the West live. It seems mad to them and they would not want it for their country. They also, however, do not want these big powers trying to control or change their way of life. Materialism is a curious thing, its impossible to live in the west and get away from it. But if you ever try it, even for a while, it does acually make sense. It also makes for happier people IMHO.

I'm not saying that we should all throw away our possetions and start chanting but i really would like to see a better understanding of different cultures and way of life from the west in general. Terroism does not just start on its own. Can everyone here really say they understand what these terroists point is?? If not, how can you insult them or claim that they are religious looneys? Don't get me wrong, i DO NOT condone any terroist activity but if it was you and your family that were feeling the influencial causes that these people have, you might feel very different.

The term; think outside the box comes into mind.

I hope this hasn't offended anyone, it was merely intended as food for thought.

:) Peace to everyone.

[coconut]

I think it is human nature for diversity and conflict. Has been going on thru the years, globaly, since the start. I don't think it will ever change. That is probably why they say there is a 'heaven'. I think this will continue, but as society matures/as it has/ the diversity and conflicts will figure more ways for unity, but I still think it will always remain in some degree. That just seems to be life.


What do I look like a smoken monkey?