[Catwoman]

Originally Posted by BobfromAmerica

So sad to see so much hatred on this and other u.k. boards I have read.

What hatred? I don't know a single brit on this board that has spouted hatred. Frustration is probably a better word. Can you not understand our contempt at your support of an unashamedly homophobic, trigger happy president that justifies war with rhetoric and does not understand the crucial paradox of a 'war on terror'? And your reasons for voting Dubya? Tax cuts? "Homeland security"? God that's selfish. You support war? You wouldn't if it was happening in your back yard. Your childrens' heads blown off because Iraq is scared of you. The only reason you support the war Bob is because you believe it will make the world safer, you've fallen for the rhetoric. It's not safe in Iraq. Or does that not count as 'the world'? Is America the world?

I would say the same to any Brit that supports the war. I would say the same to Tony Blair. Unfortunately Brits can't vote against Bush, but you can. That's why I may feel more frustration towards you than a fellow Brit.

Now, the above is not directed towards all Americans, but to you, personally, based on your post. By supporting Bush you are helping to perpetuate that stereotype you so protest - that American's are selfish, scared, patriotic, ignorant.

But hang on one second. Who can blame you for being ignorant if all the information you have access to is spun sugar from a president bleeting the buzz words of success and safety? And you are no different to us here in England that are fed exactly the same lines, just through a stiff upper lip rather than rousing hyperbole.

I think what the British don't like is that you are honest about your pride in your country, your desire for more money/less tax, your American dream. We're just more discreet, we vote Tory sorry New Labour because it provides the best deal for ME. We're all the same.

So how can I accuse you of being ignorant, selfish? I am just the same. I don't know anything about war yet I oppose it; I've never been to America yet I think I know it's people. I have a lot to learn.

But at the same time, there is something that just feels wrong about war, about pain. Of course, survival of the fittest - you would kill rather than be killed, we all would. But what if the threat is not real? The other guy's gun is not loaded, he just says it is. What if he just wants your attention, wants to be heard, and this is the only way he knows how?

Do you still shoot, even though you don't know?

I think, sadly, the answer is yes. Which is why we will always have wars, unless we start listening to each other. The words peace and understanding are over-used but I think applicable here.

So we don't hate Americans. I don't hate Americans. I hate war, fascism (for want of a better word) and people who do not listen. Your government has a habit of all of the above, and your implicit support of this is what some Brits (and other countries) may protest. Do you understand?