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.
Ms. Gould was consorting with the educated and intellectual classes of the left.
Perhaps you were in more civilized company.
I agree, my wife and I toured a week in London and a week in Scotland in May 2002.
The only time we were told we weren't really welcome there was when a CNN reporter named Walter Rodgers(recently reporting drivel from Baghdad) told us that, just b4 he interviewed us for a story about post 9/11 travel to Europe, while we were sightseeing in front of #10 Downing Street.. I'm rather certain he didn't use us in the piece since we were just having a great time.
He "wanted" us to express "fear" of travel and "unwelcome" feelings we had experienced in England.
I spent two weeks over there just this summer and did not hear one unkind comment. Even my commie teacher's-union cousin was decent to me.
-ccm