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Nov. 3, 2004 So - four more years of President George W. Bush. World leaders have made the usual polite comments, but there has not yet been time for the popular reaction to make itself felt. I suspect the first reaction around the world will be surprise. Perhaps we outsiders should understand that the rest of the world looks very different when seen from the American heartland. Then again, perhaps it is hardly seen at all. I get the feeling that America's foreign relations - beyond the Iraq debacle - just were not an election issue. The influence of American conservative protestantism is not widely appreciated overseas. It was clear that many Americans are very comfortable with the President's brand of religion. It fits very well with their own attitudes, and they followed their instincts. It is unfortunate that those good people are not noted for their tolerance or their interest in things foreign. So what is on the calendar for the next four years? Most countries will, of course, just sit it out. They will continue to reject the "you're either for us or you're for the terrorists" test, and maintain their own policies. Support for American actions in Iraq will decline and troops will be moved out. Even British involvement there will be questioned as Tony Blair finds his closeness to President Bush is an electoral liability. Foreigners main concern will be to isolate themselves from the financial strains of the money being poured in Iraq, and the growing American deficit. (If you are planning a European holiday, do it now because the weakness of the dollar is likely to get worse.) There are, of course, people who are very happy with the result. The Russian leadership are delighted; they can use America's posturing over terrorism to cloak their own actions in their unhappy Muslim fringe. And Israel is very happy that they can rely on unquestioning support as they secure their land grab in the West Bank. And then there are the people who hate America and wish it ill. They are rubbing their hands at the prospect of keeping the American army stretched on rack, where they are free to goad and plague and kill young Americans. Osama must be raising a congratulatory cup of tea to President Bush today. If the American population had not been frightened to death by their own leaders, he would not have so much significance. His status is increased by the attention America has granted him. Another winner from the election. Should we be suprised that the American people do not seem to appreciate the risk they have taken? Perhaps not. After all, Richard Nixon was re-elected AFTER the Watergate scandal had lifted the lid on a pot of corruption. ------------ About the author: Eric lives in tropical Queensland and writes books - some naughty, some nice - that can be found through Renaissance eBooks (renebooks.com) He reads widely and when he is not thinking about lunch, worries about the state of the world. Email: ericge@westnet.com.au Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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