[The Hon. Galahad Threepwood]

You know, the danger in responding to any and all criticism with hatred and bile is that one never improves.

[WaterDragon]

You show up at FR just when the war starts to counsel Americans to learn from criticism?

[dandelion]

Actually, I believe this is less criticism than just a little chest-thumping on the part of British journalists. Howsumever, all's fair in love and war - so if we thump our chests in return, then it's mutual.

I'm all for letting the Brits rule the peace with some help from their overbearing American comrades; after all, we won the war, with some help from our British buddies. We all have our place!

[xJones]

You know, the danger in responding to any and all criticism with hatred and bile is that one never improves.

I was thinking that, also. The Brits do have the advantage of years of patrolling Northern Ireland. And the Telegraph did those big stories on files found in the "bombed out" foreign office that documented French leaks to Saddam's govenment among other things.

[Vigilanteman]

Agreed. The gist of the article is the Brits have a much longer history and tradition as colonial powers. Americans have neither the experience nor the desire. Which is why Bush is now talking to the armies of India and Pakistan about taking over peacekeeping duties in Iraq. Now that Saddam is gone, we have bigger fish to fry.

[Arthur McGowan]

How did you post a reply without replying to any one person?

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

You know, the danger in responding to any and all criticism with hatred and bile is that one never improves.

And you know, there is a time for criticism, and a time to keep your mouth shut.

This article is a fine demonstration of a breathtaking lack of class, in my opinion.

[AlbionGirl]

You know, the danger in responding to any and all criticism with hatred and bile is that one never improves.

You're absolutely right about that. I think the point the author makes that it's England's colonial history that gives it a leg up with the locals is right on.

Just like the subjects of the Roman Empire preferred Roman citizenship to the citizenship of their homeland, subjects of the British Empire felt much the same. Can you imagine how awful the situation in India must have been for a divided classes loving society like England to be appalled?

The article doesn't mention though that the Americans are loved in the North, where an appreciation of grit, tenacity and wariness are truly great.

It is to our credit that we're not bent on Empire, and that all we ask (in the words of C. Powell) is for enough land to bury our dead.

[ladyinred]

You know, the danger in responding to any and all criticism with hatred and bile is that one never improves.

Oh? Is that right? Did you email this to the democrat's in Washington DC? We would all so appreciate it if you would do so. I am so sure they would improve their attitude's if only they knew this.