Anne Macios – 10/7/04

This page was last updated on October 8, 2004.

War unpopular in Europe; Anne Macios; Beaver County Times; October 7, 2004.

10/8/04 - I believe the following quote is relevant to this letter. “In a word, I want an American character, that the powers of Europe may be convinced we act for ourselves and not for others; this, in my judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and happy at home.” – George Washington - Letter to Patrick Henry, October 9, 1775

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“In regard to Rita Gavert’s letter to the editor (‘Good reason to fear Kerry,’ Wednesday), she says that the United States is not hated in Iraq because of Bush’s war.

“As an American living in Belgium, I can tell you that this is not so here. My children attend an international school with families from all over Europe and Asia, the parents of which I have come to know quite well.

“I haven’t met one parent yet - including the British, whose forces are serving with ours - who supports Bush or who is ‘grateful,’ as Ms. Gavert says, for the war and all that it entails.”

[RWC] Everyone following current events knows most of “old” Europe opposed action in Iraq from the beginning. There’s no news here.

“They’ve asked me how Bush was elected, and it is difficult for me to explain that almost half the nation actually voted for him in the last election. I’ve even had the comment made to me by a Swede, ‘We don’t blame you Americans personally; we know it is just George Bush that is responsible for this.’

“So, as you can see, the actions of Bush are not well received here in Europe, contrary to what might otherwise be assumed.”

[RWC] Who cares? When has Europe been right? If you’ll recall, many in Europe routinely protested against the United States even as we protected Europe from the Soviet bloc. Many in Europe hated and protested against President Reagan even as his policies and resolve were driving the final nails into the Soviet Union’s coffin.