[Another Galt]

"If you don't believe in freedom and democracy and free markets; if you think the only use for power is its utility for furthering your own ambitions then American foreign policy is going to look bizarre. And, if like so many Europeans, you believe that power and force are no longer necessary, that everything in the international arena can be settled by democratic debate or, better, intelligent conversation in the lobby of a four-star hotel, then American foreign policy will look pretty darned weird to you, too."

I for one get sick of people criticizing Americans, saying that we are arrogant snobs (ususally this is coming from foul smelling intelligentia in Berlin or Paris). The fact of the matter is, for all of the reasons that Jonah mentioned and then some, we are "all that". We are different. Harken back to the world amazement when George Washington voluntarily stepped down, setting a precedent of peaceful transfer of power. Damn, I am proud to be an American...

[weikel]

I wonder how the so called "intellectuals" got taken over by the commies.

[El Gato]

mythic members of the Scoop Jackson wing (or is it a feather?) of the Democratic party

I think it's asingle barb. (The barbs make up the vane which is the flat "feathery" part attached to the shaft of a feather)

[Chu Gary]

"Harken back to the world amazement when George Washington voluntarily stepped down, setting a precedent of peaceful transfer of power."

And of course, Washington set the tone thru his leadership, refusing the offered title of King and instead choosing to be a President of the country. What a great leader, what a great man!

[JimSEA]

Arab nationalists and Muslim fanatics believe that the United States wants to colonize the Middle East.

No they don't, that is just a rant to get their troops and civilians worked up. They say they believe it but it is just like the claim that Usama is innocent and the Israelies bombed the WTC. They know what happened, are delighted that their guys did it and want to work up a good hate. This is ultimatly about who is top dog and who wants to be.

[SunStar]

A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for posting this unrelentingly coherent article.

[Woodman]

BUMP for a must read editorial.

[Junior]

bump

[Southack]

Nice article.