[Michael81Dus]

I like Naumann. And he expresses what all of us think.
We´re NOT COMPARABLE to US ENEMIES. Rumsfelds words were criticized by politicians from all parties.

[An.American.Expatriate]

Michael,

I really and trully believe that the Germans in general and in this case syou specifically are too thin skinned!

Rumsfeld was TESTIFYING before a congressional committee. He was asked a question about support. He responded that 3 or 4 countries didn't support in any way ... these were Cuba, Libya & Germany. This is a statement of fact.

My "re-write" of Naumann was not to disparage him, but to point out that the sword cuts both ways.....

[geedee]

I like most of what you post. BUT you're wrong here, hoss. In war there is two choices to be made. The choice for "alleged" allies should be plain. German leaders don't think so.

Do I think Germany should agree with everything we say and/or do? No. But silent dissent is a helluva lot different than the "in your face" BS Schroeder has given us.

If the Germans want to salvage this relationship, and it's their responsibility to do so since they caused the rift in the first place, they'd best look up the definition of ALLY in the dictionary. Mine says "see synonyms at partner." Schroeder is not our partner.

Please warn your countrymen. You're a valued FReeper...but even you have missed the virulent anger the French and Germans are stirring up in my countrymen.

Terrorists and the countries who support them declared war on the United States on 9-11. We've answered the call. The rest of the world has choices to make. There is two to pick from.

[skeeter]

We´re NOT COMPARABLE to US ENEMIES.

Some of us have not forgotten the tactics Schroeder used to win the last election... do you think comparing a highly popular US president to Hitler is the proper way to treat an ally?

[Petronski]

I admire your defense of Germany, but you need to understand, Rumsfeld said that Germany is one country that is not lending assistance. It was not a statement about the German people, but the official acts of Germany: the German Government. Right now your government is NOT acting like an allied government.

Similarly, I think you would be justified to point out to me that America blew up a Somalian aspirin factory in a fit of pique that solved nothing. The fact that most of us Americans thought the administration was doing so for political purposes does not diminish the fact that it was America which took this action.

[smith288]

He was speaking about the govt. not doing anything in regards to Iraq. But a guilty concious is taking over by the German citizenry.

[dennisw]

Libya and Cuba should be insulted to be grouped with the Germans. How about THEIR hurt feelings!!!

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

You should also be aware of the history behind such a comment. Who was it that kicked the US off two UN panels and replaced us with countries like...Libya and Cuba? For better or worse, Germany and Europe have been at this game since Bush was successful in defeating Gore's coup (which Europe supported, remember), and they are now starting to learn that 2 can play this game.

If this history hadn't occured, Rumsfeld wouldn't be saying such things and he would probably be fired if he did.