An American scapegoat in London

UK Guardian ^ | Oct. 16, 2004 | Carol Gould

[jwalburg]

Getting kind of scary out there. Glad she pointed out that this attitude goes back longer than the Bush term.

[Slings and Arrows]

After beginning this article, I wondered if we should have let Hitler take England. After finishing this article, I wondered if he did.

[OH Swing Voter]

my daughter lived in Britain for a year--some people were horrible to her (one man came and started harassing her with anti-American garbage on a train) but some people were really lovely and went out of their way to be kind.

On her way home, she shared a taxi with a kind woman who insisted on getting the entire fare and helped her with her baggage.

Some of the Brits are truly are friends. But some of them are really really brain washed.

[jwalburg]

Well put.

[NationSoConceived]

Glad I'm abroad in China instead. They seem to generally like Americans over here.

[conservative in nyc]

Human rights conferences and trade unions. What do these have in common?

More examples of "tolerance" from the left, this time in England.

[okie01]

What is significant about this rage is that it emanates not from the great unwashed but from the educated and intellectual classes.

Obviously, Ms. Gould would benefit from hanging out with a better class of folk.

That is to say, people who don't read The Guardian...

[bt_dooftlook]

Yes, one would have to question the definitions of "educated" and "intellectual", perhaps...

[WOSG]

Great - but disturbing - article.

And note how the idiocy of Kerry that we pushed away our allies is refuted ... 2 days after 9/11 and Brit a-holes were acting like we deserved it! In France, it was worse, the French media practically celebrated our difficulties against terrorism.

There is a severe envy factor here, combined with the socialists' hatred for Christian morality and freedom.

[rem22-250]

Yep, it's too bad it is that way. And you can see it the same attitude growing in Canada also. I have relatives in Canada and UK and they shake their heads at the Liberals attitude toward the U.S. As one of them put it "these fools don't know that the U.S. is our savior." They tell me that for the last 30 or so years that the education systems have been spreading the anti-U.S. sediments along with the media and governments.

[WOSG]

But she is right.
the most vicious anti-Americans are the ones who spent too much time in College seminars soaking up leftist cant and hatred, and projecting it on to the helpless American tourist. Working class yobos dont have that sneering contempt.

[Capriole]

Well, it's a bit odd. I travelled extensively in the UK and never encountered this sort of abuse--or any, in fact. It's true that I haven't been there since GWB took office, but many of my friends and relatives have, even just a few weeks ago, and they've never mentioned anything but kindness and courtesy.

[CitizenUSA]

Sorry, but I don't buy it. I've been to England several times and have NEVER had a single problem. I've also been to the Continent more than a couple times, and again, no probs. I even visited France lately, and the French treated me wonderfully (I speak no French, and they could easily tell I was American).

I'm not saying the author is lying, but I suspect it isn't so bad.

[rem22-250]

sentiments

[okie01]

I travelled extensively in the UK and never encountered this sort of abuse...

Ms. Gould was consorting with the educated and intellectual classes of the left.

Perhaps you were in more civilized company.

[Boiler Plate]

I have relatives in England seeing as my Grandfather was born there and to be honest from the times I have visited there and elsewhere in Europe the Brits have always had a undercurrent of resentment and envy. This is just an excuse to let it out. Next to the french they really suck and their food is awful. As far as my Mother is concerned the Brits were simply the rudest people she had ever met and that was after visiting a dozen different countries from Australia going west back to the US.

I think Dan Gurney had the best comeback back when he was racing over there back in the 60's.

In response to a comment about why Americans don't speak English properly he replied "Well if it wasn't for us Americans speaking English so poorly, you guys would be speaking German."

[Pastnowfuturealpha]

Sounds like something along the lines of propaganda -

Unless the schools all over the world have been getting the same kind of teachers we have here in the U.S. I mean if it can happen on our own soil - where the young are turned against their own nation - why is it so hard to believe citizens from other nations would have the same feelings.

The dots need to be connected -

that's my thought -

[drtom]

It depends a lot how you approach people. If you are friendly, open minded and interested in their culture, maybe even apologize that you don't speak their language - most people are just friendly. If you come in as a "member of the mightiest nation on earth", and major attitude, of course they'll turn against you.

I've seen it many times in Europe where Brits and Americans simply demand that everyone speak English without the slightest attempt to show some interest in the host country. Of course that'll trigger contempt.

[Pastnowfuturealpha]

Tom Daschle - you are from his state - ? Poor soul -

And neat picture on your about me page -


It lighten things up a bit - (grin)

[vrwcagent0498]

Here in the USA, my husband practically begged me to accompany him to a new church this past Sunday. He is Episcopalian, I am a Roman Catholic. I decided too, because I love him, and I didn't want him to go to a new church alone.

Afterwards, they had coffee and they invited us. We accepted. Two of the ladies I spoke with were British. We started talking about UK affairs and the out of control immigration over there. I mentioned 9/11/01. One of the "ladies" said "I'm so tired of hearing about 9/11..."
and proceded to talking about her childhood during the Blitz. (WW2) She then complained about Americans coming over to Britain "telling us what to do" as far as how to fight a war... I was shellshocked. This bint has been living in this country for quite a few years, and she dares spit on America? She mentioned one of her children, and I asked, "Where does he live?" She replied, "California" I chuckled. I regret now that I didn't say "Why, are you over here, if we're so terrible as you say? Even your children choose to live over here!"

I will tell my husband I really would not be comfortable having anything to do with this church anymore. (I could not be a member anyways, because I am steadfastly a Roman Catholic)

Unfortunately, it seems after that awful day in September 3 years ago, maybe some people's TRUE colors (and true feelings) about America are coming out.

Now I wish I had told that witch that we have a saying over here regarding America: "Love it or Leave it!"