[Theoden]

Obviously the Socialist party in Norway is against the war, and unfortunately, they are in charge of the government right now. The snubbing was against them, not the Norwegian people, or the right-wing parties. Having said that, I still don't think it was a smart move on Bush's part. I don't like the idea of us snubbing allies, even if they disagree with us.

I know of Norway's radar contribution, it's officers who are training troops in Afghanistan AND Iraq, the elite mountain troops deployed in Afghanistan (who were decorated by President Bush), etc... We are thankful for the help, no doubts there.

The thing is, here on FreeRepublic, some of the people have intellects equivalent to that of a brick. Many don't even know the difference between the Danish and the Dutch as demonstrated on the Jullands-Posten cartoon threads. Many like to rant and rave on how they dislike Europe, but I don't think it is malice, just frustration with many European governments who are supposed to be our allies. Don't take everything personally. I'm Catholic, and the Lord knows, there's a lot of people here who don't like me for that reason alone, and feel free to share it with me. LOL. I've started to grow some thick skin, and if you are a European on FR, you need to get some too!

[mkjessup]

I'm Catholic

Did you know the Pope is the Antichrist?

(ONLY kidding, ONLY kidding!!! As a protestant, I like the Pope, I really do, just yanking your chain a little bit this morning, lol ;)

[ProudNorseman]

Indeed. I appreciate your remarks.

[EricT.]

...just frustration with many European governments who are supposed to be our allies.

Yeah, that whole defeating the Nazis and Soviets with the enormous sacrifice of American life, limb, and property thing is no reason for them to show us any gratitude.

That being said, I'm glad my great-great grandfather got so pissed off at his family in Oslo that he came here (legally) and changed his last name to spite them. I don't like socialists, sardines, or extended winters, and Norway is chock full of all of those.

[1rudeboy]

One of the most frustrating things about these "international" threads is that they receive practically no scrutiny, or certainly not the level of scrutiny that "domestic" threads receive.

Take a look at what happens here. We have an ex-government official quoted indirectly, followed by the direct quote of a professor citing to unnamed sources. If this had been a Reuters article, it would have been carrion beside the road. For all we know, the press is trying to drive a wedge between their government and ours. Anybody see that happen before?

Instead, we must be reminded of WWII as if it has any bearing on this article . . . so who's the Quisling? The professor? The ex-official?

[hershey]

If it makes you feel any better, a good many Americans feel their President isn't bothering to listen to them, too. (Glaring lack of border security, invasion by Mexico...)

[Dead Dog]

I'd like to second Theoden's post.

Everyone on FR gets slighted sooner or later. My gripe is that the Norwegian people have elected a government that is carrying on the pastime of all leftists governments..pushing the demise of the Jewish people (ie, cutting off Israel), and rolling over for the Muslim minority.

However, I greatly appreciate what the Norwegians have done in Iraq and Afghanistan. I also have the utmost respect for the Norwegian people, and definitely plan to visit when I get a chance to see Europe.

[Chena]

Well said!