Recent developments in Europe make Don Surber conclude that all the stories about growing anti-Americanism in the world since Bush became president are based on a myth. According to Don, Sarkozy’s and Merkel’s victories show that the world really does love America.
Although I would like to be able to agree with Don, I cannot do so. His reasoning is false. The voters did not elect these people because they are (relatively) pro-America, they voted for them because they are fed up with the economical and social policies of the left. They voted for them for domestic reasons, not for reasons of foreign affairs, and especially not because they are pro-America.
Having said that, the political landscape has changed, and quite significantly so – the US should jump at the opportunity to restore ties / the relationship with Europe since its leaders are more open to it. But make no mistake about it: even these leaders do not like Bush, and European voters do not like Bush either. Bush is probably one of the most hated – if not the most hated – post-WWII American presidents. Not only, however, do Europeans greatly dislike Bush, since the view is that Americans voted him into office, resentment against the American people as a whole has grown as well.
It is nice spin, but quite easy to see through. Just because people vote someone into office who is pro-America, does not mean that those voters are pro-America as well. I respect Don, but his reasoning is in this case flawed.
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