Comments on: Restoring Our Honor

By: legion

legion — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

James, There were times in the past, in various different countries, when America was liked. But today's crisis has nothing to do with dislike of the US. The problem is that nobody in the world _respects_ us any more. Lots of right-wingers seem to think that being 'tough' in the war on terror will drive respect, the random and inexplicable way it's being prosecuted by Bush makes us look less like a tough, implacable, old-west sheriff and more like a violent schizo. Invading Iraq, but staying friends with Saudi Arabia. Invading Afghanistan, but staying friends with Pakistan. Being publicly humiliated on the world stage as our 'bestest buddy' Chalabi cozies up to Iran. We still have no idea what to do about North Korea. And now this prison thing will probably get worse before it gets better - that's just the way life has been lately...

By: oceanguy

oceanguy — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

We were just as hated in Europe during the mid-80's when Reagan was President. I was living in England from 85-88 and the Libyan Raids, cruise missiles at Greenham Common, SDI, and Reagan taunting the Russians, upsetting the Balance of Power were the topics of the day.

Same hate, same jealousy... different excuses

By: Eddie Thomas

Eddie Thomas — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

People who don't have power hate those who do, even when the power benefits them. As we bloggers know very well, nothing is easier than coaching from the bleachers.

By: norbizness

norbizness — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I'm happy to hand off Friedman's nuttiness to the other side of aisle; I've been dealing with it for the last 18 months.

By: Robin

Robin — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

The media are having a field day with this whole Abu Ghraib mess. To them it's a much bigger deal than when American soldiers and marines are killed. It's a bigger deal than when private American citizens are murdered and mutilated, as they were recently in Fallujah. Friedman is just a product of that whole crazy media culture.

And as far as the kids in Japan liking us; give me a break. Nations don't have friends. They have allies that share common interest. They have enemies that oppose those interest. And Friedman won a Pulitzer? He's doing his best to become a joke.

By: SwampWoman

SwampWoman — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Friedman would surely be handicapped if he ran a business because every single freakin' decision you make has a downside that is going to negatively impact something or somebody. I cannot imagine a scenario in which somebody could effectively run a business in which he/she would have to make any decision based upon the happiness quotient. (Ooooh, this decision would negatively impact my rivals! Well, better not make THAT one then.)

By: Art Keon

Art Keon — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Firing Rumsfeld would signal Americans and the World that the Bush Adminstration is prepared to accept responsibily for its actions. Owning up to responsibilty is one of the things that Bush does not do well.

Bush and his Administration are simply reflecting society when they weave and dodge the issue of responsiblity for a crime of this nature. When was the last time you heard someone take responsibilty for a traffic ticket or their child's progress in school? How can we ever convince the World, let alone the Arab World that what we are offering them is something they should want when we allow crimes of this nature to occur and then have everyone in a position of responsiblity, deny responsibilty?

Bill Clinton did they same thing, trying to deny his dalliance with ML. At least that lapse only affected Clinton and his family. Bush can be resolute and firm and still take responsibilty for what happens. Firing Rummy would send a message to the remainder of his staff that: "if you mess up, you will be held accountable".

Art

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Art,

The difference, though, is that Clinton personally received sexual favors with "that woman, Ms. Lewinski," lied about it under oath, and various other things. Rummy did not in fact stick a chem light up someone's ass. So far as I know, Rummy opposes the insertion of chem lights into asses even when it's consensual.

By: Floyd Marrett

Floyd Marrett — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

James,

OK, you know that chem lights were out... So what did "Rummy" officially approve of, you know, to shove up the arse of all those Iraqi prisioners? And are you sure he didn't unload after watching the video? Porn is big business in America, but strictly off-limits to a conservative guy like the "Rumpster"... but a military training manual. Hmmm. Think I'll watch that one for homework.

Floyd

By: Insults Unpunished

Insults Unpunished — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Thomas Friedman's Take On Our Honor
Restoring Our Honor
I agree with James that Friedman's take on this is a little strange. America has always been resented to some degree or another, whether it's for our prosperity, military might or the reach of our culture. People who think ...

---