Unfortunately, the Bush administration's bullying, often childish attitude towards Europe does nothing but widen this cultural gulf. What we desperately need is a bridge: something, or better someone to remind Europeans and Americans that, beyond superficial differences, they fundamentally share the same vision of the world, and they need to stick together to uphold it. Hey, I have an idea: bring back Bill Clinton!
Would that they'd take him, eh?
I didn't even get to the Clinton part. I quit reading at "bullying, often childish".
Gosh, haven't heard that before.
Posted by: Angie Schultz on November 16, 2002
Oh well, at least you liked my design
:-)
Anyhow, I do think it is important America and Europe find a common ground, because, despite many differences, we share much more with
one another than we do with the rest of the world. The ideals we want to uphold are the same. That's why I am desperate for someone who could bridge the gap. I know Clinton is not much loved in the States, but he did an excellent job of making American policies palatable for Europeans. Maybe he could still find a role as the US 'ambassador' in Europe. And the good thing is, you get rid of Hillary in the process.
Posted by: Carla Passino on November 18, 2002
Whether the U.S.and the European Union "want to uphold the same ideals", once we've moved beyond platitudes, is a highly debatable proposition.
That being said, even if we accept the need to "find common ground" (a reasonable assertion), one is puzzled at your belief that bridge-building is entirely an American responsibility, and any rupture in the relationship entirely the fault of Americans.
May I gently suggest that the parochial and knee-jerk opinion reflected in the paragraph that I reproduced is not conducive to bridge-building? There is nothing so "childish and bullying" that Mr. Bush has uttered that it could not be over-matched by a statement from a European mandarin. (Mr. Bush, at least, has the virtue of not being pompous.)
As for your whimsical notion of making Mr. Clinton our ambassador - you are welcome to enjoy his celestial presence socially but few of us are inclined to trust him with the advancement of our national interest. At any rate it is unlikely that his wife could be induced to abandon her Senatorial duties.
Posted by: Moira on November 18, 2002