Our Foreign Friends: Will American Policies Be Different Under Kerry?

[Zhade]

This post may potentially anger some people, but I want to get the viewpoint of our fellow DUers who reside outside the United States.

Here in the belly of the beast, I believe we as a citizenry do not have the whole picture, even those of us who spend a lot of time researching and educating ourselves about what's going on with our government and its actions in the world. I think many have a slight (or not-so-slight) nationalistic blindspot that prevents a complete understanding of how other countries view us around the world.

Let me make this perfectly clear: I am not asking this question to begin a flamewar, or to anger anyone. Some of the possible answers may anger some, but my hope is that this thread will spur a serious discussion of the United States government and its policies.

This is not about one man (Kerry), but about one government that has done much bad and much good over the past few decades. I personally believe that no person is able to ascend to the presidency without at least giving lip service to America's imperialistic policies. Others may disagree with that assessment, and I respect their right to disagree.

To that end, I'd like to hear from our foreign friends here on DU about their feelings toward a United States under Kerry. Specifically, do you think much will change in the way of American policies toward the rest of the world?

Clarification and expansion of your views, either way, are highly welcome. I hope to learn more about how others view my country, and what they hope or expect for the future once we kick b*sh out of office. Naturally, this simple poll can, and should be, fleshed out by additional answers, and so I humbly ask that those foreign DUers who vote give a little detail on their answers (and please indicate your location, to better illustrate where you're coming from).

Thanks to all our friends out there!

EDIT: Tempting as it may be, I'd like to ask DUers living in the United States to refrain from voting, so as to not skewer the poll (should have mentioned it beforehand).

[JuniorPlankton]

1. I think most of the goals will remain the same

However, our actions will well thought out and much more mindful of the world.
(and fewer wars!)

[Zhade]

2. Thanks for the reply. Where do ye hail from?

NT!

[Goldmund]

3. I think your title contradicts the message body

[Zhade]

4. Most of America's goals seem to be inconsistent with peaceful coexistence.

But that's my inside-the-machine view, which is why I'm curious to hear from foreign DUers.

[AndyTiedye]

5. NO CRUSADE!

Kerry isn't on a Crusade. Big difference.

[Zhade]

6. The fact that Kerry is not a religious psycho does give me much relief!

No question about that. Of course, the Christian Reich will still be around (I had to work with them years ago, they are even scarier in person).

[AndyTiedye]

12. They Won't be pRez and We'll have an AG who is not John Ashcroft

Let Ashcroft's political career die like that of any other pol who loses to a corpse.

The fundies will still be around, but they won't be in charge.

[Zhade]

7. Kick for knowledge!

GD2K4 is busy today!

[ben_packard]

8. It seems to me even dems have to be right wing

at times to pull in the vote, particularly on this issue of foreign policy. One of the most memorable moments of the campaign so far for me was madison square garden unanimously booing the mere mention of the UN - a body that despite the flaws represents a massively significant step in world security (or at least did until bush undermined its importance so bluntly). A similar thing gets me everytime I hear o lielly or someone similar deride france, russia etc, as though these populations and leaders compose policy based on a hatred or jealousy of the US.

Back to the RW dem thing. I'm probably in the minority but I would LOVE to see 'americas security' and particularly rights to preempt attack in the hands of the world at large. Such a statement would of course would be political suicide for JFK. Without oficial backing from a body like the UN, america taking on Iraq is the same as Canada attempting to invade the US, aside of course from ideological positions (I know i'm over simplifying here). Global consensus is all that marks an empirical invasion from securing world peace.

[Zhade]

9. As far as rightwing Dems go...

...check out my DLC signature links for a hint as to why they have sway.

Good comments, thanks for the reply!

[DinahMoeHum]

10. Zhade, I think this post belongs in State & Country Forums instead

of here. This way, you have a better chance to avoid the problem you describe in "EDIT"

Once you get there, scroll down to near the bottom - you'll see the threads for Democrats Abroad, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

:kick:

[Zhade]

11. Ahhh, you might have a point.

I can't move it yet, so I'll repost it there tonight. Thanks for the tip!