And, as for the Middle East, they have largely themselves to blame for their situation. Completely failed and despotic governments (which at times we helped support) have left their people in poverty. When modernity came, they had a choice: Soviet Style totaltarianism or liberal democracy of some sort. They chose the former. Is that our fault? Our Iraq policy is a good one....a way way long shot, but a good one. Motivated by self-interest? Yes. But, their people will be a heck of a lot better off in the process. A true empire would not do what we are doing. A true imperialist empire would simply take over and enslave the people, not send in hundreds and humdreds of billions of dollars to help them create a decent life.

So much of the anti-Americanism is the result of two things: Bad marketing from an inarticulate President and just plain envy.

BTW, I rarely get political on lj. Please forgive me.