I think the best thing America can do is to become Isolationalists. As an Isolationalistic country they hopefully won't get into any more trouble with the world. The world can then solve all their problems and we'll all live happy ever after. No more America to kick around...hmmm...what would we do?

Mary Jo...
I think that's a great idea.

The US is condemned for being in Iraq. Then, when we don't jump into the fray between Israel and Hizbullah we get criticized for doing nothing. What's a country to do?
We get criticized for giving mega-bucks to Israel in foreign aid but nobody mentions the fact that most other middle eastern countries also get big bucks from us. Difference is, Israel almost always supports us in the UN and the others vote against us at least 70% of the time.
You may not have been serious, but I'm all for the isolationist thing if it were at all possible.

Knee jerk reactions like "We should become isolationist" are not the way to go. What is needed is US recognition that Israel's treatment of the Palestinians is nothing less than barbaric.

Those who claim the current conflagration was triggered by the capture of the Israeli soldiers must have been born yesterday or they have been subject of news censorship for the last 50 years.

Token dollars to the Palestinians do not compensate for their inhuman treatment.

Until the powerful Jewish lobby relinquishes their influence on the US government, we won't be expecting change for the foreseeable future.

I really don't think the US could be to much more insular if it tried.

There are plenty of US dollars for WAR but who remembers the pathetic ammount they first offered when the tsunami swept through Indonesian area?

As for the Semitic people: theirs is a 3000 year history of violence. Recall that when Moses led the Isrelites out of Egypt and into Canaan (now Israel) they slaughtered every man, woman, child and beast. This is well documented in the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho in the Bible.

A fledgling UN gave Pallestine (a seperate autonomous country) to the Jews, disposing all the original inhabitants. I wonder how you, a member of the public, would like it if part of your country was annexed and given to another race?

And let us not forget that the father of the Jews, Abrahm, came from (by common agreement) UR, now in Iraq.

Nice one Quentin, I read that book when I was younger too. Got it from the library under 'Fiction'

The USA simply does not like the idea that they are part of the problem; it was the same in Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, Vietnam. They claim to be these great goodie, goodies but their annexation or attempted annexation of terrtories around them is in the historical record. Their multi-nationals would make sure that no US Government went down the isolationist route as it would hit them hard and after all it is the likes of Haliburton who inform current US overseas policy.
The message is simply this: we do not care for Blair, we do not want US arms to Isreal going through Prestwick - find another route.

Willy, the reason the rest of the world give the US so much criticism is because they are so hypocritical. They remove a regime in Afghanistan because they actively fund and promote terrorism. This as a result of the US being targetted. They remove a dictator from Iraq because he has 'WMD' oops, no he doesn't, he just a really bad man. They do nothing in Israel because this country is a second America. They don't get involved with Mugabe or any of the African nations at war because there's no oil. Where were the US Marines during the 30 odd years of violence and terrorism in Northern Ireland? Or has the Americans' non involvement got anything to do with the fact that most bullets and bombs that were killing British troops were purchased with US Dollars?

This complaint by Mrs Beckett, supported by some MSPs, is so much belly wind! Total gesture politics of the worst kind. I mean what difference does it make to the fate of Arabs and Jews, where the planes are refueled? Furthermore if the complainers imagine this gesture will gain them any credit amongst Muslims, then they totally fail to understand the fundamentalist's thinking.

Hi Willy USA and also Mary Joe USA,

I believe that we have to get rid of these radical islamists once and for all. Hezbollah operates within a soverign state sponsored by both Syria and Iran, and also they are the ones who cause all the trouble in Iraq.

Israel is protecting its borders and rightly so, and the UN, who have operated within that region, have stood idly by and watch this all unfold.

The reality is that we are at war with these radicals, and until such time that they come to realize that we are not going to bend to their way of thinking the better.

Never mind all this religious dogma it is all a front and the Palatinians have been sucked into it, and being used by these radical groups. It's all power politics at the end of the day.

I feel ashamed to see kids getting hurt by what is happening, but let us not forget that Hezbollah positioned themselves right in the middle of suburban areas, how convenient, knowing sooner or later that they were going to be attacked.

The lebonese government again stood idly by and did nothing by allowing a seperate entity set up a state within a state, which country in the world would tolerate this.

The solution is very clear, that clear warnings should have been given to both Syria and Iran by the world community and also by that glorified debating society namely the UN, that we have all had enough, and really get that message across.

As far as the US is concerned, you have taken over the policing of the world just like Britain used to do, that's what happens when you have a Super Power tag around your neck, Live With It!!

We must all stick together and comfront these radicals, else we are all going to be in a world of hurt.

And further bombing your way to the conference table is not going to work either.

The American & British Governments are hypocritical in their policies regarding the Middle East - they took us to war against terrorism allegedly to destroy weapons of mass destruction which in reality didn't exist, they then said that Iraq was in breach of U.N. resolutions.

Israel has been in breach of U.N. resolutions to (a)revert to the borders that existed prior to 1967, (b)they have developed a nuclear weapon in breach of the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty and (c) are now apparently war criminals in the way they are attacking Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. QUESTION: Since Israel is in breach of all these resolutions - when do we declare war on Israel for being in breach of these U.N. resolutions???

Geoff Chaplin

The US is the only country that can stop this tradgedy unfolding in the Middle East. However they are delighted to see an arabic country get destroyed, especially if there is any possible connection between Lebanon and their "war on terror". Its disgraceful

I Agree with James to a certain extent. The extremists are converting all Palestinians to their radical way of thinking. My father was in Palestine im 1946/47/48 and made friends with a certain family that used to farm on a hillside. They took him into their house and shared everything they had with him. The last occasion he visited the farmhouse had gone and the Jews had taken the farm for residential use. The family had no bitterness towards the British in the area and the only time he was shot at it was with Israeli bullets. This burning of flags in the streets is a modern concept, there was no hatred like this before. The UN has created this problem for themselves. Why on earth should a nation be set up for religious group? It's ridiculous.
God is supposed to be love. But only if you believe in my God. If you have another God I will kill you. In His name. I'm so pleased I'm a non believer.

After reading the previous comments, here is some food for thought! Remove the current fundamentalists and dictators and what replaces them? More of the same!! You can't beat a good series of conflicts to stimulate the economy, and then sanctify it in the 'name of god', jeeeeeeeeeeez!

The truth is that Israeli weapons are killing hundreds of innocent people. Justify this if you can, Mary Jo and Willy! These weapons are supplied by the US - the same US which started most of the wars in the past, the US which are responsible for Vietnam, and the thousands of deaths in Iraq. It's just another form of terrorism. What saddens me is that the UK is following suit, since new "labour" has taken over. I wonder if it is still possible to talk of Britain as of an independent country.

RE Geoff#10

"Every state has the right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force"

The Resolution did not say that Israel must withdraw from all the territories occupied in the 1967 defensive war against neighbouring Arab states. The resolution clearly calls on all Arab states to make peace with Israel, and ensure Isreal's security before Israel gives up any territory. The Palestinians are not mentioned in this resolution.

What UN resolutions have they broken?

And as for you point on declaring war on Israel, one of the few democratic nations in the region (not to mention being our ally), I believe you should lie down for a while - you're obviously not feeling too well.

There is religious extremism on both sides of this conflict. Don't doubt for one second that Israel's motives are also driven by religious fanaticism.

As for who holds the higher ground on democracy then wasn't Hamas voted into office in the W Bank ? Just because that election didn't produce the result that Israel wanted doesn't mean it wasn't undemocratic.

The comments made by Robert (3) from Australia sum up the exact situation and I agree 100% with him, and until the Americans deal with Israel and force them to review their treatment of the Palestians there will never be a peaceful resoulution to the troubles in the Middle East.

I hope that the Roman Catholic Church is watching the behaviour of the evil lap-dog Blair and that they ex-communicate him even before he becomes a member of that church. He has the blood of so many on his hands through his undivided loyalty to that other religious freak, the despot Dubya Bush who, by the way, claims to speak directly to God. I, for one, hope that they both rot in hell for the suffering they have, and will further cause, to mankind.

every bomb dropped in lebanon creates 1000 more hezbollah volunteers. why can't israel see this. the current action is going to create enough hatred and anger to cause more fighting for a generation. if for example, england were to declare that it had enough of anti-english feeling in scotland and invaded with an intent to completly eradicate the population of lowland scotland, wipe out and ethnically cleanse the area completely, would it stop anti-english sentiment in scotland? the israel/lebanon question is solvable but not while the USA are sellling israel weapons. surely the UN has rules about countries selling/offering other countries weapons in times of war.

I'm sadly growing to loathe Blair and new labour for allowing these planes to land here. May 2nd 1997 - I cried in front of TV as I saw him walk down downing street, now I cry again as I see what he has done to this country and how he has offered us on a plate to the USA.

The current situation in the Middle East is contrived by the US and Israel to bring Syria and Iran to war, simple as that. The US economy is predicated on military contracts; sentimentality about war casualties does not enter into their reasoning. If the US thought it was in their interests they would attack the UK, such is the level of their cynicism.

In this context, Tony Blair is simply window dressing for the war criminal George Bush, otherwise he is irrelevant.

I agee Stephen that Blair is irrelevant but I would'nt mind betting that when he leaves British politics he will be offered and given lucrative employment in the USA for his unqustioning support and loyalty to his despot political master Bush. I call it blood money.

Mr. Blair is in limbo. What I mean is that he has been scoffed at. Please read the following from, the magazine that clearly shows the position of Mr. Bush, Mr Putin and Dr Rice. . Mr. Blair after the “Yo boy” should have understood the lingo. The TV clearly showed Mr. Bush is chewing something when Mr. Blair is “Trying” to talk to Mr. Bush. I do not know if he managed.
The whole world is against the aggression toward the helpless youths and women (I am leaving the ones who dare fight but the issue is so bad), that there is sympathy from all around the world. At this time Mr. Blair, want to hold a conference? Shame on him. When the Iraq issue was on the table, he went on the way to make sure that all system goes green. This issue he wants to confer?????

MR. BUSH AND MR PUTIN. MR. BLAIR IS OUT BUT THE GESTURE IS AWFUL
But after Iraq, many of those leaders find it hard to rush to Bush's side, and he has struggled to win them back. Over the past three years, since the invasion, his options have narrowed; circumstances have taught him to speak the language of diplomacy more fluently. Yet he still trusts his gut to tell him what's right, Friday, July 14: A Call From on High
In the two days since he left the White House, Bush has wooed the new German Chancellor Angela Merkel and enjoyed feasting on wild boar Putin arrives in his white electric cart. Bush climbs in and calls Rice and Hadley over to join them. Rice has been making cell-phone calls to the Middle East all morning and is distracted. She doesn't even glance at her driver as she steps into the cart. The only totally secure place is the president's armored, soundproofed limo, which the White House has airlifted to Russia. Whenever Bush's advisers want to strategize about Putin, they're forced to sit in the car, parked in the driveway. But when he turns around and smiles at her, she realizes the chauffeur is the Russian president. "Oh," she says as Putin leans over to embrace her

The war machine rolls on, Beckett trying to make us think that the government is anti war by making a stupid "protest" at the missile laden palnes.
Is is quite daft that the government is supplying aid while allowing the war to carry on unabated.

Blood money it is Brian!
It looks as if Margaret Beckett can't stand much more of Blair's hypocricy if she is trying to put distance between them.
But, where is our putative leader Gordon Brown? He looks as though he's moved to a different dimension, where this war isn't happening. I think he would enhance his credibility by making some kind of statement distancing the Labour Party and the UK from this nauseating spectacle created by the war criminals, Bush and Olmert.
I don't see many hands up for this war from the other political parties either though.

The bombs are so the Israelis can be more accurate when they attack the aid convoys!

What everybody is totallty ignoring is that terrorism is eroding countries all over the world. Bin Laden now has offered his help...............surprise, surprise. I am sure that your attitudes would change if an Islamic flag did fly from Big Ben. Last night I watched a programme about an Iranian Girl of 16 who was hanged for "acts of Chastity".....based on this mentality, there is a long way to go before you will get any civilised thinking in that part of the world

Blaming Prestwick Airport/Scotland/Britain for allowing US Military Transport to stopover, as they have done for more than half a century is like blaming a motor way service area for selling petrol to a suicide bomber. Or like blaming all American tax payers for everything the US Government does. Get realistic!!!

As for 'barbaric'. Every bomb/rocket/missile detonated/fire/dropped by Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Authority/PFLP/PLO, Fatah, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade..., Israel, USA, Britain, France, Germany...is barbaric. What the British Government did under Blair to tens of thousands of lawful gun owners was barbaric. "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

Someone posted that the refueling of US flights carrying yet more bombs to Israel is like blaming motorways....etc. However, if a major accident happens on a motorway, that motorway is closed down and traffic diverted. The U.S. is inferring that bomb sales/deliveries to Israel continue because of an existing contractual agreement (I can liken this to any continued approval of refueling for bomb flights). However, the U.S. doesnt seem to realize (or care?) that when there is a raging inferno, the thing to do is NOT through more fuel upon it.

I hope Blair is accepted into the Catholic church ASAP. It's embarrasing to us, having a war criminal in the Anglican Church...

Maybe if the US didn't continue to re-supply the bombs then Israel would run out and we could jave a ceasefire.
Oh silly me that's not what we want at all is it,

Of course we don't Peter. If there were no wars in the middle east or anywhere else come to that; and all governments done as their people wanted; everthing in the garden was lovely for all of mankind; then us bloggers would not have to rant at a forum such as this. what a boring world that would be!

I guess we can sit hear and debate about middle-east events all-the-live-long-day. But remember Mr. & Mrs. Religious, Mr. & Mrs. Aethiest, and Mr & Mrs. Pagan the eventuality of the ultra-muslim terrorist view is to liquidate first the Saturday people, next the Sunday people and at the end of the day if you don't muslimize you, you are next at the choppying block soft-head!

To James 9
Well said, ,just one thing you forgot, that is the Palestine refugee camps are still there in Lebanon after 60 years, THE WORLD PAYS WHY SHOULD I WORK?

I agree with post# 1. I as an American would love to see our borders rolled up and that our tax dollars be used to help AMERICANS! Yes, I agree we have a very scary fellow in charge (I DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM EITHER TIME!!) and our country is going to hell in a hand basket.

Thank you Russell from Sterling for pointing out that the typical American taxpayer isn't at fault for what our government does. We do not like seeing our boys going to other countries to lose their lives over oil anymore than someone else would.

And I also agree with the other American poster that pointed out that the US is condemned for fighting other peoples' battles and then condemned again if we stay out of it. I saw several references on this thread where we didn't get involved in N. Ireland, didn't give enough for the tsunami, etc. If we HAD gotten involved, we would have been flamed for that, too!!! Can't win for losing! I say we Americans keep all our wealth to ourselves and let the rest of the world solve their own problems.

It is indisputable that Israel is merely acting in self defence & that a cease fire could be obtained any time Hezbollah decided that their losses (& the deaths of bystanders though, like the Bosnian Nazis, they clearly don't care about arab civilians) were not "proportionate" to the benefit of being able to engage in kidnapping & terrorism.

Margaret Beckett was, of course, a resolute supporter of bombing civilians & of deliberately criminal aggressive war when carried out by the US, UK NATO & their assorted KLA Nazi terrorists against Yugoslavia, but is opposed to Jews even being allowed self defence.

It is quite obvious that it is impossible for anybody who supported illegal aggressive wars in the Nazi cause but criticises the Jews right to defend themselves to ever claim any racial impartiality.

She and the rest of the cabinet should be on trial for their war crimes & genocide rather than pontificating to an Israeli government whose understanding of human decency is so much greater than their own.

Post No. 3 Robert,
I bet you are one of these new Aussies with a rag on his head. Go home.

Hi Bert. Have you got your tinny in your hand and your shelia by your side you old godger you?

Thanks, everyone.
36 posts (so far) that prove exactly what Mary Jo stated; If the US became isolationist the rest of the world would have no one to kick around.

That's exactly what most of the individual responses have done so far, and that's what most of the ones to follow will do.

At least the US does something. There's an old saying, "Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way."
Some of the European appeasers need to get the hell out of the way.

William Mixon

Let me add one more thing:

There are American appeasers, also. Everyone has the right to free speech, but in WWs I and II, some would have found themselves "detained" for the type remarks they make here, for giving "aid and comfort to the enemy."

Willy, you prat, in the eyes of the world; you and your ilk are the enemy you son of the despot bush.

Post 41

Charming.........

Willy @ 39

Just because people criticise the way this latest conflict between Israel and Lebanon is being conducted does not make them appeasers. Just as to criticise Israeli policies is not anti-semitic, or to criticise the polices of the USA administration is anti American. To criticise our own UK government does not make us self-loathing. We are lucky enough to live in western countries where freedom of speech has been fought for and sacrifices have been made by successive generations to ensure that we continue to have this right.

Re: post no 12 - Read that post again, and now answer this: Who/what is converting Palestinians to a radical way of thinking?

Why, thank you, Brian, post 41.
A confirmation, reaffirmation, of my statement. Is that supposed to be an insult? Surely you can do better than that.

re: vivian (35)
Isolationism or non-isolationism for the U.S. is not really the issue for which criticism of their policy arises. The biggest issue to me is that whatever its foreign policy the U.S. is pursuing its own interests but refuses to be honest in recognising that fact. Both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were begun to protect the U.S. from terrorists. It was only once WMD were not in evidence in Iraq that the name of the game became regime change for the welfare of Iraqis.
This pursuit of self-interested foreign policy is also a British legacy. And both nations have given Arab nations good cause to distrust their intentions and politics.
Condoleeza Rice speaks of a "new Middle East" and a "we" who will win and bring this about. Changing the Middle East needs to come from within the Middle East, neither Britain nor the U.S. truly has the credibility to enact change in that region. And much of the anger coming from the Middle East currently is the result of previous misguided interventions (ie the Mossadegh overthrow in the 1950s and the support of the Shah in Iran).

A.J. (47)
Thanks for saying it so clearly and so well!
What is democracy if it doesn't include the freedom to critique and the bravery to oppose when governments fail to pursue the interests and well-being of their people!

Read Koran!

Thanks for your support Willy. You are right about the remarks given here today (concerning the USA). I feel the hate that is printed here every day when I read the Scotsman. I am a peaceful person and hate confrontations of any kind. Yes, part of me was joking last night when I posted the #1 reply. I knew it would create a stir, but part of me is extremely serious when I say the US should back off and be Isolationalistic for awhile. Perhaps, if they did and stood back to look at things, before they reacted, they would make better judgements. I love my country and the freedom I have here. I love Canada and Scotland. I have been to visit them both. I don't think closing the borders is the answer tho. I think the Scotsman is a grand newspaper to allow this kind of discussion board. I hope that we, who write here, can perhaps be nicer to each other. We will not obtain kindness if we call people names and accuse them of having their private parts in their hands. Lisburn...tsk, tsk. I love the way the Scottish reason things out and I think you will hopefully see that some of us Americans want love not war. I'm just an old hippy trying to spread some old idealistic views. PEACE YOU ALL!!!

A J @ 48

Right. We can criticise.

Russians too could critisize British as much as they wished.

So do the Muslims - they can critisize all of us as much as they wish.

Read Koran.

Find out who is allowed to be critisized and also what is the punishment for critisizing the wrong guy.

Wait a minute Yoram, you can't critise the yanks, there too good for that. Did you think that Israel was God's nation on earth; think again, its the great U S of A. Ask despot Bush: he talks to God on a regular basis. I can't wait for the Chinese to become the dominant world power. At least their people have some intelligence.

Anent #46, Fionn

Ahh, the dear little Arab nations Never follow their own self-interests, do they? 500 million victims of the 5 million Israelis.

The nations of France, Russia, and the UK all believed that Iraq had WMDs. They did, too, but smuggled them across the border into Syria whilst we were arsing around at the UN, trying to get a PC stamp of approval on deposing the good old Butcher of Baghdad. But I suppose George Bush, the Evil and Stupid (but somehow omnipotent) arranged all that, too.

The US protects Israel because, to quote Lyndon Johnson, it's the right thing to do. They're the only nation in the Middle East that has no oil. They're surrounded by nations that have Jew-hatred as a national pastime, and who've started several wars to exterminate them. If America had just wanted a client state in the region, it could have cozied up to the wealthy Arab nations and had a much easier time of it.

But don't let me annoy you with the facts, people. It's much easier to feed the Jews to the radical Islamists than to haul up our socks and fight them.

"Appeasers think that if you keep feeding steaks to a tiger, he'll become a vegetarian." --Heywood Broun

Oh, and I must say I love hearing from self-righteous "pacifist" Canadians, who've been sheltering under the US defense umbrella for the last 50 years, courtesy of the American ratepayers. Ciao, babe.

[ Note: following remarks and observations are to be read with tongue firmly in cheek. ]

Wake up to reality, you guys/ladies. The current Regime leading...if that word still has meaning in the English language....US frankly doesn't give a hoot about your opinions, your history, your family, its own history, its own Constitution, International Law, the UN (which is feels it has to support because it is, actually, housed in NYC.) (Note: US HLS has reduced "funds" for terrorist protection for both NYC and DC. A coincidence, surely), common sense or any useful intellectual, scientific or social advances since Ethelburt the Unready.

Well, many of the Regime Supports (Mr. Kristol comes instantly to mind) appear to like the idea of using one of its wonderfully cute "nuclear devices" to help Democracy come to Iran. Oh, some say that their is a very strong desire to promote Armageddon and the subsequent Rapture (for Republicans and many oil men).

As a US citizen who remembers "why we fought WW2"...and is currently re-reading Berlin Diary...a little dose of Isolationisms positively Utopian. And it might save others from having to speculate about the consequences of The New Reich....should it appear. Pay close attention to the next several months and don't forget the ...yuk...immortal commentary by Joseph Goebbels concerning telling "Big enough lies, long enought".

Have a nice day.

wayne

#51 Thanks for proving the point about name calling etc. You do it so well. How do you propose to bring about peace in the middle east? Would you call the Lebanese Ignorant Proles and the Israelis Porkers? Then I suppose you'd expect them to give in to your demands my telling them to **** themselves. People like you are hard to take serious. So I am in no way insulted by your child like behaviou. Perhaps you could talk the Chinese into taking over. That would be a LOVELY change and I for one hope it happens soon. When they do something, you don't like, what do you plan on doing to insult them? I'm certainly glad you don't run the world. The word forgiveness isn't in your vocabulary.

So, Brian, you think the US is throwing its weight around -- and your remedy is to bring in a Communist dictatorship? Let me remind you that they don't f. around. They really DO kill people who defy them: ask the Tibetans.

As far as criticizing the US goes, it's an international pastime. Don't see anyone getting hauled away to the hoosegow on account of it. Even the ACLU hasn't found a case.

It would be nice, though, if some people gave a thought to criticizing folks who've publically and repeatedly declared their intention to destroy Western civilization, behead "infidels," enslave women, stone gays to death, blow up civilians in terror bombings around the world, and institute Islamic theocracies in every nation they inhabit.

Don't equate the actions of the firemen with the actions of the arsonists.

And nor is the word forgiveness in your nations vocabulary.

Is'nt the Western world trying to destroy the Muslim world?

Anyhow people of all nations; thanks for the entertainment over the past hour or so; I am off down the pub to have a real debate with my Irish friends. I am English by the way.

#57-59 There's one more word you've forgotten. It's 'sorry'. You may have gone and run away to the pub before this gets posted, but for all concerned...I say SORRY. Truly I am sorry if my comments in #1or any of them caused anyone to be upset. Besides saying the word 'forgiveness' we, as ADULTS, must learn to say I'm sorry too. May this space always be used to prosper goodwill towards all whether they be English, Scottish, Iraqi, Israeli, Lebanese or yes even American.

Re: 53 - Anyone who makes the foolish statement that Canada has been 'protected' by the U.S.of A. should be obliged to say from whom it has been protecting us .
The only country that has ever attacked Canada and the only current potential enemy of Canada is the U. S. In 1812, we sent them "homewards tae think again" . When the golf courses of the Arizona desert start to turn brown and they come for our water, it might not be so easy this time. Who'll 'protect' us then?

Lee @ 62

You are not representative of the many decent people in your country. Your post is ill thought out, ignorant, rude and immature. The fact that you think this country should be constantly on it's knees with gratitude to the USA is immature and crass. Your kind of attitude discredits the sacrifices of all the people of the allied nations who fought and died together for the freedom of speech which you so readily abuse. I am sorry to say that you are not fit to wipe their boots.

Btw: Wasps are insects in this country and it is not a term that is used in any other context .......... I know what it means in America but it does not apply here... so if you are using it as an insult it is a bit self defeating I'm afraid......... to us it is meaningless and does not cause any offence!

Actually "Old Glory" was isolationist in 1935. That was when the League of Nations tried to impose sanctions on Mussolini for attacking Ethiopia. The US refused to be involved in that.

Still at least back then you weren't openly supporting Nazis as Chamberlain did & as you do now.

May I ask Lee if you are smart enough to notice the contradiction in describing the people of the UK of being both "wasps" & "mongrels" in 2 sentences?

Will someone delete Lee again, he`s insane Post 62

Neil...post 63...I think you mis-read Lee's comment. He calls you, in the UK, WASPs, and those you have let in, mongrels.

Mis-reading things here seems to be a way of life. Do we in the US support Nazism? I wasn't aware of that. And what does Chamberlain have to do with this discussion? I'll admit, there seem to be many people who post on here who subscribe to the Neville Chamberlain school of thought, but I don't believe they are American.

And Mary Jo, don't apologize for expressing your opinion. Others don't mind lambasting the United States and I sure as hell don't see them apologizing. But, then, they are always right

William Mixon

I am in agreement with so many of the above comments; I chose to site #3, Robert in Australia, and #13, Kenny in Cambuslang Glasgow. In my view, you have both hit the nail right on the head.
Why are so many americans so easily duped into believing "Jeffersonian Democracy" has God on it's side?
My Scottish mother, grandmother Symon, and my grandfather Rev. John Symon (founder of St. Paul's Free Church in Perth)
all believed that the greatest hypocritical "oxymoron" is to be a "Christian Soldier." And I agree. Why don't these so-called christians ever bother to read the Sermon on the Mount?
They seem inebranlablant in a literal belief in the Old Testament (i.e. the Hebrew holy book) as well as in the New Testament. Most of the comments I have read above give me hope that enclaves of sanity still exist. Fed up in the U.S. of A.

it is interesting that the civilised world can destroy the population of this planet.so to can mother nature.the planet earth is at conflict with its greedy inhabitants 24-7 .soon we will experience un paralleled destruction by mother nature as the current inhabitants of the planet deserve to be removed forthwith. greed being the motivating factor of many of the current self-interest governments. its of no surprise that there are no known peoples in the universe like our intolerable selves.

America the biggest evil today

Please stop whining. Some of you are fine and others are whining and it's annoying.

Also, has everyone forgotten about Sept. 11? Have you forgotten that day that our rights were threatened? I don't understand why we are the bad guys. We were threatened and fought back. Would you all rather we sat back and just take it? Not going to happen. I don't always agree with everything Bush has done. The only thing I can do is make sure there is a better president in next time. Me sitting around on a computer and venting isn't going to get anything solved. My friends and family are fighting over in the middle east to protect the rights of Americans, Europeans, Aisans, and protect those in the Middle East who are being oppressed. If we don't all do something now and step up to the plate, other countries will be targeted next. We can't afford for that to happen. Everyone who is against America is looking at this the wrong way. It's so easy to sit and point fingers when you are not as involved. However, if nothing is done, you will be threatened. You will watch as your family and friends are murdered in cold blood they way we did on Sept. 11. I hope nothing like that ever happens again. However, I know I cannot make a lot of you happy. Whether America would have fought back or just took the hit and ran off like a dog with its tail between its legs we would be targeted to be made fun of. Damned if we do, damned if we don't. If you don't like what's going on, do something about. Stop sitting around on your computers and talking about how you hate everything that is going on. When was the last time you took political office, joined the armed forces, or did anything other than complain and tell American's how horrible they are? No, this is not directed towards everyone, but some of you are just out of control. Plus, if we become isolationists, other countries will be happy...for awhile. Until they get targeted, and then they'll want help.

To BRIAN #58: America doesn

I thought this site was for people to discuss the article mentioned above. Hello?!?!? The Scotsman did not allow this forum for the world to start a war on the web page. Tsk Tsk. Willy you're sweet. But I apologize because we as people of the world need to stop calling each other names. #69 #70 and if you read through the other #'s you will see this has turned into a name calling match. This is why the world is in the state it's in. It's not the USA's fault or Britain's fault. We have to stop this kind of behaviour and think of how we as PEOPLE not countries can come together and live at PEACE with one another. Lee if you're a good old southern boy then I know your mama brought you up better. Yes the world hates the USA, but lets try to help each other. Where our politicians have failed us shouldn't we try to rise above them and do better and set a better example of our people to others?

Megan you type faster than me. Nice thoughts!

After reading most of these post, Iv'e came to the conclusion, most people are anti something, be it Israel, America, Britain etc.
Human nature I suppose.
Winston Churchill, once said, You can count on the Americans to do the right thing; after they have tried everything else.
Pretty good quote.
America is trying, but the people it is dealing with have no idea about American values, hell, a lot of them I dont agree with too.
Israel is allied with America and Britain, Israel was attacked be Hezbollah, therefor we stand with our ally wish we could say that about all the rest of our friends in Nato, during the Falklands war, Belgium refused to sell Britain ammunition for our rifles, France sold Exocet missiles to the Argentinians, America helped us with its satellites and other intelligence, who are your friends who are your enemies.
Yes Israel is going a bit heavy handed in Lebanon, yes too many people are being killed, yes Hezbollah does not care who it kills, as long as they are killed, if they are Israelie muslim arabs, then they are martyrs.
Another question, for all you fainthearts who have never worn a uniform or served, will Hezbollah give back the prisoners, or will they chop off their heads, all these freedoms you cherish and adore, they did not come cheaply, take a day trip to the WW1 and WW2 war graves in France and Belgium, that was the price that was paid for your democracy.
Democracy, a funny intangable system of government, but the people of the world that America and Britain is presently fighting against, they dont want any part of it, furthermore, they dont want you to have it.
If the fundementalists take over, you can forget your hard won freedoms, they will be taken away from you at gunpoint.
No I dont support Bush and Blair, thankfully their time is almost over, with a bit of fresh meat running things we may get some fresh thoughts.
Something on a lighter note, I bet Pontius Pilate was pixxxx off when he was in t

Margaret Becket , Foreign Sec has every right to submit a formal protest, but it should be noted doesnt its freedom from England, Unfortunatley , Scotland is only a Provincial goverment, of the U.K and is still controlled by the Federal govermant in England, so no matter what our Scottish Parliment had to say, if the Federal goverment wanted to become an American state , Scotlands voice would be only a cry in the wind..
As for David Hamilton "suggesting " Mr Bush should not use U.K. for their bomb carrying planes to refuel in .. why was it . that they cannot use U.K as a refilling station.
I guess it will always be that those that have the gold will rule the world, and we all appreceiate the help that has been given by the American goverments in the past years, but lets not try to totally rule the world.
Emporor Bush has enough of an Empire without Scotland, the Roman Empire came and left , maybe Mr bush will too.

Mary Jo you sweetheart my mama made the best peach cobbler you ever tasted its just that i cant stand to see these lilly white englishman constantly down grading old glory when they really should be kissing our *** after all we have done for them they are just resentful because they live like our hunting dogs do in small flats with only one toilet for whole families

Lee, you are a bit of a nutcase really, old chap.
Don't you know that a mongrel is a much healthier animal than a pure bred. Must be the gene pool.
I'm sure a great American once said that America was a race of mongrels, also something about taking the poor and dispossesed of the world.
Get a grip, you are the reason most people are anti American, bet youve never been out of Hicksville in your life
As for being yellow bellied, well we had the greatest empire ever, including your neck of the woods,

Lee, you're making all of us (Americans) look bad, please quit trying to help.

alan dont get cute with me i loved the raf and i love your beautiful shakesperean actresses but the the guys in your country have slipped quite a bit since you crossed the rhine. yes you had a great empire and yes your responsible for the slave trade and 40 million dead africans and yes your converting the natives in the south pacific and casuing millions more by spreading your germs..but lets get past that and admit to me that you owe america a big debt and thats the cause of your resentment

It's not like we have the best history either, Lee. Unfortunately. Plus, everyone needs to stop looking at the past. Can't do anything, but be better from here on out.

I am ashamed of my Scotish friends, instead of protesting abot the USA using Prestwick why dont all you protesters go to Tehran or Damascas and start protesting there. That is if you have the courage

Thank you, Bill. But it's just not the Scottish...it's everyone complaining from every country.

To Megan, 71 et al: Thank you! Washington STATE is lovely too and so are your wise words. Obviously, you were not raised on a surfeit of peach cobbler! It was Gail,53, who unearthed that old chestnut of a quivering, helpless Canada under the 'protection' of the United States.
Up to 1939, Canadian officers in training spent most of their time on battle plans designed to repel an American invasion. I kind of hope they are at it again.

Megan Sorry but being the most powerful Nation always attracts criticism. We are still suffering , & Lee is doing his bit. By the way GB did not instigate the slave trade, it had been in place for many hundreds of years & actually the UK was the first country to abolish slavery. What does shame me as an English person is Tony Blair and to think I was one of the many to vote him in.

How sad that peaceful Scotland has been enlisted by the US military/industrial complex as a link in its supply chain to Tel Aviv's war machine. Here in America, average citizens can no longer stand up to the government and the big money corporate interests that control it, but I would hope that at least the independent-minded Scots would stand up for themselves. When Tony Blair leaves office for a cuhsy job at Citibank or the Carlyle Group you'll see what all this was about.

Lorne I am sorry but i have to laugh it would take about half an hour before all of atlantic canada would fall to a division of our boy scouts. Now maybe if you put a few hockey players on the border that might casue us a little trouble God bless Canada

I really am beginning to think Lee is a wind up !

Why are you British doing nothing about your Leader dragging you into this unholy alliance with Emperor Bush, Dr Evil himself. I always believed you were a Country balanced with common sense and fairness!

Lee from Dixie

You are not representative of the many decent people in your country. Your posts are ill thought out, ignorant and rude. The fact that you think this country should be constantly on it's knees with gratitude to the USA is immature and crass and is never going to happen. Your kind of attitude discredits the sacrifices of all the people of the allied nations who fought and died together for the freedom of speech which you so readily abuse. I am sorry to say that you are not fit to wipe their boots.

Btw: Wasps are insects in this country and it is not a term that is used in any other context .......... I know what it means in America but it does not apply here... so if you are using it as an insult it is a bit self defeating I'm afraid......... to us it is meaningless and does not cause any offence!

Just wait & see William @ 89 Our next election due in 2-3 years but he may have to go before then. Not a popular person in UK anymore.

Brigitte Gabriel is a Lebanese Christian. Her comments at Duke University are available @ http://www.standwithus.com/news_post.asp?NPI=144

Lee, Dixie #83

Just read some of your posts, and I'd like to try to put you right if I may on one or two things.

Yes, we are grateful to USA for helping us out of two world wars and we couldn't have done it without you. The bombing stopped the war; there was no other way. When I visit France I see the US war graves and Patton's way through Normandy and I salute you.

Anti American and anti Jewish is something we don't do, some exceptions but they are oddballs. I've worked with Americans all around the world pretty well all my life in the oil business and I'm proud to say it.

I look forward to your electing a real leader; I look forward to us electing one here in the UK as well.

Sunset here, time to go to the pub; I'll have a pint of draught beer with you.

i think i will have that glass of Red Kola now thank you

Well said Bill cheers to you & Lucifer. Have a good day America.

We Americans try to get it right. Unfortunately, foreigners keep making it so complex we don't know what to do. Then, we have the Likudnik-Zionist-Neocon-PNAC-JINSA cabal running Bush's empty head into the sand. It is now Israel and America against the world. I guess Sir Michael Levy runs Blair while Richard Perle runs President Bush. It would seem we are doomed to permanent war against Muslims while Israel picks up the marbles. I think the USA should spend all of its money on the Border Patrol and the Coast Guard and tell the rest of the world to go to hell. We could also cut foreign aid to zero for the next 10 years and watch to see what happens. I doubt that anything would happen except a lot of consultants would starve to death--and Israel would have to pay for her ammunition consumption herself. This mess in the Middle East got started with the Balfour Declaration. I think the Europeans made the mess. They should fix it, while the USA goes home and stays there.

Re ;69. Lee, Dixie / 7:19pm 28 Jul 2006
Go & use yer computer for something useful like finding out what else folk in England eat, other that the weird & decidedly strange stuff you cite like Eels & Mash & Kidney pie, get yer facts right you NUMPTY, some folk in England might eat eels(jellied), & sausage & mash, Steak & Kidney pie.
Some British foods are better than the sh*** a lot eat in the US, eg McDonalds, go in weighing 12 stone a week later they weigh the same as an elephant!.
With regards the other comments you make are codswallop, go back to the funny farm!.

Re;.76 Lee, Dixie / 7:41pm 28 Jul 2006
Hey Lee have you got an ass??????, if so put it online it'll probably type more sense than you do.
You should lay off the home distilled hooch it's obviously rotting yer brain, assuming you had one in the first place.
Hey did you not star in that film Deliverance?< I bet you were the banjo player.Obviously breeding within the family in yer case's gone too far...

To be fair, the Balfour Declaration was a condition of US help for Britain in WWI, thanks to the Jewish lobby.