I think that America did great things to help in WW I and II, and for that most people feel immense gratitude. Whether it changed the overall outcome of the wars is a point that will be debated forever-and-a-day since no one can give a definitive answer

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tokyo_james
[B]
Before the current tragedy, Bush was characterised by many American

 

Jeez, I always miss the debate!
Now it's because of time delay...
First I want to apologize if people have been hurt by what I said on the 11th, I guess it was not the right moment, but I, as many others, was scared by the possibility of a global conflict - kind of as if you were sitting next to a huge rotweiller who got hit by a bee - remember that Europe is much closer to the middle east, and if a real war had started, Sondra would have watched it on CNN whilst I would have been "under attack".

Second I want to state clearly that I am horrified by those terrorist acts, and that I feel very close to the people in New York. As it's been said everywhere, attacking New York is hugely symbolic, for this town is probably the most international city in the world. When I'm in NYC I just feel at home (I'm still considering moving there in the future, btw), and the Greek and French communities are both present there. It felt as if it had happened on my doorstep (for ex. the last time I was in NY I stayed in a friend's flat on Canal St., and the time before at another's on 14th st. - 2 streets used as zone limits in the aftermath), and having experienced terrorist attacks before in my country, I knew the feeling of anger and incomprehension.

However, I strongly suggest that people in America try to read some of the foreign press to have a better understanding of how exactly the world reacts to this (if they ever care). Sharing the grief doesn't mean that we can't still voice criticism on the way Bush and his team deal with this, and if you only beleive what you see on TV, then you're far from getting the whole picture. Try www.guardian.co.uk for examples of very good opinion pieces, analysis and some reader's letters that would make ElTianti's face turn red with anger in a matter of milliseconds (but some others that would certainly please him too).
And I'm still amazed by how naive the comments from some people are : the fact that brave american soldiers saved us from the nazis doesn't excuse Americans for their current actions. And the fact that W reacted with strenght (well...) to this attack doesn't change anything to his medieval stance on death penalty, abortion et al. Now is his chance to prove he's got what it takes to deal properly with one of the most complicated problems the world has had to face ever.

But I'd still like to read what has been said in this mysterious thread... even if it hurts

 

I still hate him though [/B][/QUOTE]



Hey le,

Americans are completely overwhelmed at the amount of hatred we have seen against us in the past couple of weeks. Believe me I know because I have lost a brother-in law and a friend in this tradjedy. And although I totally agree that you have the right to say anything you want. Lets hold back you feelings of hate against any american (especially our president) for an appropriate time. So keep your F*#king mouth shut for a while.

 

I'm with jcastao2.

You can disagree with his ideas, or even call him an idiot, but saying you 'hate' someone you've never met or whose actions don't directly affect you really just shows an inability to express your feelings and control your emotions. It's more a reflection on you Le Car than on George W. Bush.

There's a rule that says you have a right to express your opinion. There's no rule that says you aren't allowed to think before you do.

 

Ok, "hate" was maybe not the proper word, let's just say he would make me laugh if he didn't have such an important role, directly affecting my life and billions of others.
If he is the 'leader of the free world', then as a citizen of the free world I think I can express my feelings on my leader, can't I?

By the way they're changing my transmission under warranty because of the clicking sound in the back. I thought it was the differential but they diagnosed something else... I hope they're right.

 

I don't want to pick a fight, but this particular comment really struck me. Who was watching on CNN when the U.S. was under attack? You were along with the rest of the world. You see, it cuts both ways.

Also, do you think that if Europe does come under attack that the US will not send it's sons and daughters too? It's very likely that more Americans lives will be lost before we find and punish those responsible for these heinous acts.

I agree that it's not always correct to say "look what we DID". Think about what we would DO if your country needed our assistance. We would come to your aid and die on your soil.

Dave

 

I agree with your point, DaveZ, but my fear at the moment was more a comeback of my childhood memories of cold war nuclear mayhem. I imagined a deadly chain of reactions happening in a few hours, with giant mushrooms appearing all over the world before anyone could say anything. Unlikely to happen now I know, but at that time everything seemed possible.

And one more thing : I don't have TV, and when I watch it it's certainly not CNN. If I want information I'll read the papers, including the excellent ones coming from America : NYT and Washington Post.
I only saw the TV images 2 days later, and for 15 minutes.

 

I would say that with over 6000 dead a real war has already started with more impact in the US than you will ever see out of it in your country.