Ugly Sentiments Sting American Tourists

USA TODAY ^

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

As an A-list celebrity, actor Vince Vaughn employs an array of weapons to cope with hecklers, from a Saharan wit to a waiting limo. But during a movie shoot recently in England, Vaughn found himself repeatedly reaching for the same comeback. Three totemic words from the attic of history: the Marshall Plan.

"I'd say one in three conversations wound up the same way, basically that 'America is the devil.'

[nickcarraway]

Speak for yourself, if you've mistreated Europeans. Most people in the U.S. haven't.

[nickcarraway]

Sometimes the complaints left him speechless, like the time he was told " 'America had no culture' by a kid wearing a Kobe Bryant T-shirt and listening to rapper DMX."

I have seen this so often. People who ``hate the U.S.'' but can't get enough of the culture and products.

[tracer]

"NYC cabbies could tell those Europuke cabbies where to stuff it. (The homegrown ones, anyway.)"

Yeah, both of them.....

[thinktwice]

Meanwhile, American Clintonites -- the anti-war demonstrating treasonists -- insult America, and especially those Americans serving in our military.

Thank God George W. Bush is President, and may God fortify his courage to press on against terrorists inside and outside our country.

[valkyrieanne]

How not to be an "ugly american..."

[Dead Dog]

Visit the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.

I'm planning on it. However, the string of oneliners his hard to fallow. What are you getting at?

[lonewacko_dot_com]

This points out that the U.S., and specifically the WOT, needs a strong PR component, which it obviously isn't getting currently.

[Happygal]

Yes, there is an amount of 'anti-Americanism' in Europe. Or rather, an amount of dissatisfaction for the Republican administration.

But I'd also profer that there is a similar voice of dissent within the US own borders - so therefore to mark EVERYONE in Europe as anti-American, is not fair, and inaccurate.

Remember the media reporting on this 'rampant anti-Americanism' are the very same people who repeatedly bash the Bush Administration. It suits their very purpose to report 'anti-Americanism' in Europe and blame it all on Dubya.

Yes, there is quite an opposition to the war on Iraq. But for everyone I who argues against action in Iraq with me, I find a (probably less vocal) person who supports the action of the USA and Britain.

I'm Irish, therefore European. I'm not anti-American. It would be wrong to paint the entire citizenry of Europe with the one brush, just because of the bad experience a person had with a taxi-driver.

I had my own bad experience with a taxi-driver in New York, last time I was there. You didn't find me whining to the media about it.

Just my opinion.

[MadIvan]

What you are saying is absolutely true, darling, but I would put in one proviso - the French don't like anyone, particularly English speaking people. And this is not dependent on the war, or who is President.

Love, Ivan

[Happygal]

Oh! I wasn't counting the French into that equation. But seeing as most of Europe hates the French, it's easy to understand why they are so bitter! *L*

[MadIvan]

We can call France, "the bitter old queen" of Europe then, Love. ;)

Love, Ivan

[americanbychoice]

except the "narcissist" Schroeder. He loves the French. He will be able to rule the EU together with Chirac, or so he thinks. He, after all,isn't too smart.

[Happygal]

He will be able to rule the EU together with Chirac, or so he thinks. He, after all,isn't too smart.

Over MY and every other Euro-skeptics body, he will! ;-)

[onedoug]

"Next Year in Jerusalem."

Someday....

[MadIvan]

except the "narcissist" Schroeder. He loves the French. He will be able to rule the EU together with Chirac, or so he thinks. He, after all,isn't too smart.

The British and Spaniards have made that reasonably clear this is not on the cards, I believe.

Regards, Ivan

[Dead Dog]

I think by losing two wars, and showing pure ingratitude, the French have lost the right to their own country. They should be removed and the land turned over to either the Italians (who are what the French dream of being, talented engineers and artists) or a people who drink beer.

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

If I ever go to Europe, I'll wear my jeans, t-shirt, workboots and NRA cap, thank you very much. But I don't see why I'd want to waste my money on such a trip.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

but.. Tortola is so nice and quiet. :-/

[americanbychoice]

Have you read the proposed EU constitution written by "Frog" D'estaign?

[Happygal]

I haven't read it. Madivan has been telling me about it on the phone.

No constitution will go through without another referendum in Ireland, and if I have to chain myself naked (isn't that how you get your point across these days?) to the gates of Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament), to get the Irish electorate to listen...I will!