I think part of the problem is that we don't really pay attention to the world outside of the U.S. You have to remember that this country is the size of Europe. If you go from one European country to another, you have to adjust to a different culture, different language, and, before the euro, different currency. In the U.S., you can get on a plane in New York, get off on the other side of the continent in California and still have the same language, currency, culture [generally] and laws. I think the size of our country makes us feel that if we travel four hours to California or four hours to London, we should be treated the same.
I also think there are times when we as Americans don't adjust to our surroundings properly. I remember being in Rome, sitting at an outside cafe eating some of the best Italian food I have ever had, and the couple behind us was getting pissy because they asked for water and the waiter brought them a bottle of carbonated water, as if something was wrong with the waiter when, really, that is what you do there. Literally, when in Rome, do as the Romans.
And yes, I think Bush has alot to do with the resentment as well. Foreigners coming to this country are treated like criminals getting fingerprinted and photographed. After 9/11, we had every country supporting us. Now, the largest nations in our coalition of the willing are Ecuador and Poland -- but they are pulling out of Iraq.
Lovely reputation we have worldwide.
