[risk]

Now I understand your perspective, thanks!

But you raise yet another interesting issue: she's changed her mind. Maybe there are a lot of people around the world now who are changing their minds about America and what we've done for the world. We practically invented anti-americanism here with all of our self-examination, self-doubts and such. All good and healthy things for a growing republic. But now it's time to step back and realize that we've been one of the most important steps forward for democracy in the history of the human race.

I think Oriana has understood, finally. On FOX News Sunday, Brit Hume made the powerful observation that Europe is littered with the graves of American soldiers who were there to free the continent, not imperialize it. He pointed out that once the war was won, their comrades went home as soon as possible. I think the world, including Japan, is just starting to realize how incredible that was. Those men fought for freedom, not plunder.

I'll concede on the rest of your points :)

[Truthsearcher]

I think we are basically in agreemnt, there has never been a military power as dominant over the other nations as the US. A lot of people don't realize what a tremendous testament of our character is has been for the U.S. to be so restrained in our use of it.

In the end, I am convinced that most of the fear and resentment of America stems from what those people know deep in their hearts what they would do with that power if held it, that's what they are really afraid of, that despite all our declarations to the contrary, that underneath it all we are just like them. Luckily for them, we're not.