NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=VNCGC1Q1FXR1UCRBAE0CFEY?type=topNews&storyID=7696173

So, what you all think of his speeches? Do you think he is being honest, or just looking for more military auxiliaries?

Well I think he's kissing up to Europe in hope they'll support his crusade. He hasn't changed any of his opinions since last year, so why would we? It would really help if he wasn't so stubborn about the Kyoto-regalations. Almost the entire world is trying (and some failing) but they are attempting to reach it.

For the kissing up part: is it working? Can't say, my prime minster (of Belgium) says he wants to improve relations with our American allies yet what this really means, we'll have to wait to find out.

Here is what my newspaper has to say about it, I apologize for any typos or mistakes, as I translated this on the fly:

He says that this visit is a new beginning in relations between Europe and America. Condoleeza Rice has promised the same.
They both say that the split over Iraq is now a thing of the past. And despite making belligerent statements to the contrary earlier, Bush now says America needs Europe.
But while Bush is in power, and he stays on track with his policies, there will always be a rift between Europe and America.
The policy of America is built on the idea that it's superior to other countries, economically and in military. The superior military is something Americans desperately want to hold on to. And prevent that other countries ever come close to them in military power.
This superior military is what Americans want to use to boss the world around, by waging "pre-emptive" wars such as in Iraq. Of course, Americans think this power of theirs is good for the world, no wonder, since foreign policy is always portrayed to them as a struggle between good and evil. And America as being examplary to the world, the ultimate model for freedom, and therefore must change the rest of the world into what they think is best: America. Americans have often looked at this as a gift from god, and there is hardly any doubt how Bush looks at his own role and America's role.

The United States foreign policy is one-sided, and Bush claims he does not have to ask anyone about matters of American interest or security. Should decisions on American security be taken in Paris? Asked Bush with contempt in his campaign last fall.
The international community is not asked about any decisions Americans may take, and international institutes, such as the U.N. are regarded with suspicion, if not contempt. The coalition of the willing is the future; A coalition of nations which unconditionally and without protest follow America, which plays the role of a leader.

The American foreign policy is based on the principle that America is completely independant and that other nations indipendance must make way for theirs. This attitude causes many nations to regard America with suspicion, and seek a new force, which gives a balance to America. The European Union is allready such a balancing force against the USA economically.

He's trying to rebuilding the burning bridges to Europe while warning Syria, North Korea and Iran because the US does not have enough troops due to Iraq being a drain on resources.

To all of you Europeans on NATIONSTATES: Give the gay-fuck Pres. Bush a "nice" welcome. In other terms, make it a living hell for the son-of-a-bitch.
He's nothing but lies and is a stain on both the U.S.A and the rest of the world.

I love all the people on this site and the rest of the internet, saying "Bush's foreign policy is one sided"

Well folks, I hate to break the news to you.. But foreign policy is determined to better your country and your country alone.. Not for the good of the world.

In all realism, Bush's job is to do what he thinks is best for the U.S.A. not the rest of the world..

But.. France and Germany did the same thing when they where against the war. Countries agree to a point, that point being where they can get as much as possible to better their country.

Yes some of Bush's things where stupid.. I was a US Marine for 4 1/2 years (Corporal, 1st Marine Division) (Went to Afghanistan, Was stationed off shore during Liberia)

Iraq was a dumbass thing to do, Afghanistan was the real issue at hand.. And from first hand knowledge (cause I was there) the afghans love us.. the iraqis have always hated us.

To all of you Europeans on NATIONSTATES: Give the gay-fuck Pres. Bush a "nice" welcome. In other terms, make it a living hell for the son-of-a-bitch.
He's nothing but lies and is a stain on both the U.S.A and the rest of the world.

Well when he visited Mainz (think it was there), here in Germany, they had to seal off the entire city, stop public transport completely and even put steel covers over the trains to prevent bombs being placed in them...so I am sure the people of Mainz like him for making them do nothing for the day and taking away all their transport and creating hell in the city...oh yeah nice one...

Well I think he's kissing up to Europe in hope they'll support his crusade. He hasn't changed any of his opinions since last year, so why would we? It would really help if he wasn't so stubborn about the Kyoto-regalations. Almost the entire world is trying (and some failing) but they are attempting to reach it.

For the kissing up part: is it working? Can't say, my prime minster (of Belgium) says he wants to improve relations with our American allies yet what this really means, we'll have to wait to find out.

Kyoto went through legislative system, the president didn;t even touch it.

I love all the people on this site and the rest of the internet, saying "Bush's foreign policy is one sided"

Well folks, I hate to break the news to you.. But foreign policy is determined to better your country and your country alone.. Not for the good of the world.

In all realism, Bush's job is to do what he thinks is best for the U.S.A. not the rest of the world..

But.. France and Germany did the same thing when they where against the war. Countries agree to a point, that point being where they can get as much as possible to better their country.

Yes some of Bush's things where stupid.. I was a US Marine for 4 1/2 years (Corporal, 1st Marine Division) (Went to Afghanistan, Was stationed off shore during Liberia)

Iraq was a dumbass thing to do, Afghanistan was the real issue at hand.. And from first hand knowledge (cause I was there) the afghans love us.. the iraqis have always hated us.

So a ruthless and aggressive foreign policy is the only foreign policy that works?

Normally I would say it is not a good idea for Bush to go to Europe but I hope this trip will do some, if just a litle, help in mending the U.S. - Europe relations. I doubt it though.

For all I care, Bush may choke on a pretzel and fall over dead. Nobody wants him here and nobody wants to pay the bill the security measures for this world dictator cost. It's us, the taxpayers, who pay so he survives this trip to Europe. Germany is his next step tomorrow and he is not welcome here by at least 80% of the population.

Seconded. They should get him an XXXL pretzel as a welcome gift.

Seconded. They should get him an XXXL pretzel as a welcome gift.


I got something you can choke on, right here!

Pretzels are too salty for me. :)

Seriously though, I think Bush visiting Europe without even considering changing any of his policies is a waste of everyone's time and money.

I got something you can choke on, right here!
I thought you had no limbs.

Come on now. Don't you think he has changed? Don't you buy into he wants to preserve his legacy?

He will be your friend as long as you do what you are told!

Did I say that with a straight face? ;)

So a ruthless and aggressive foreign policy is the only foreign policy that works?
Ruthless and aggressive is good, but ruthless, aggressive and smart is better. Unfortunately, Bush overlooks the need for a smart foreign policy.

I was demonstrating this afternoon in the "parc du cinquantenaire" in Brussels to say to Bush that he was not welcome in Belgium.

The belgian authorities closed down whole areas of the city and I couldn't go to work today (I work right next to the NATO buildings).

Bush security agents had a word fight with the belgian police on the first day of his arrival. The US security agents thought they had authority here to stop belgian tax-paying citizens from entering public areas or to throw them away. Fortunately order has been properly and quickly restored by the belgian police.

Bush is trying to get away with what his government has done without apologies whereas the war crimes comitted by his government should be under investigation. He asks Europe to forget about the past and to help the US but he showed no sign of listening to european opinion. His credibility is low and there is no sign of improving.

He asks Europe to forget about the past and to help the US but he showed no sign of listening to european opinion. His credibility is low and there is no sign of improving.

We've all heard European opinion, believe me. If he's meeting with European leaders he'd be hard pressed NOT to hear their opinions. I think if they shout loud enough he'll hear them even if he's covering his ears and singing. I doubt he'll do that though, so I think he'll be exposed to some sort of conflicting opinion.

Who needs credit when we have nukes? I don't care if you have nukes too. We can blow up the world more times then you can.

Bush is surveying his new provinces...

We've all heard European opinion, believe me. If he's meeting with European leaders he'd be hard pressed NOT to hear their opinions. I think if they shout loud enough he'll hear them even if he's covering his ears and singing. I doubt he'll do that though, so I think he'll be exposed to some sort of conflicting opinion.

Who needs credit when we have nukes? I don't care if you have nukes too. We can blow up the world more times then you can.Sorry I don't get your post. What are you talking about please?

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=VNCGC1Q1FXR1UCRBAE0CFEY?type=topNews&storyID=7696173

So, what you all think of his speeches? Do you think he is being honest, or just looking for more military auxiliaries?I don't really care. I'm just happy he's out of the country for awhile.

He seems to do less damage when he's abroad.

Bush security agents had a word fight with the belgian police on the first day of his arrival. The US security agents thought they had authority here to stop belgian tax-paying citizens from entering public areas or to throw them away. Fortunately order has been properly and quickly restored by the belgian police.



Very cool, don't let the bastards push your citizens around on your own soil. They're always too ready to ignore the laws and customs of other countries like they're above them somehow.

Bush really needs to tour his new acquisition and meet all the friendly people on the streets. Or is he too scared?

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=VNCGC1Q1FXR1UCRBAE0CFEY?type=topNews&storyID=7696173

So, what you all think of his speeches? Do you think he is being honest, or just looking for more military auxiliaries?

His speeches are terrible...

He's trying to ensure that NATO stays important to Europe... France and Germany have both recently suggested diminishing the role and importance of NATO, letting it take a back seat to the European Union.

Reason: He needs NATO to take over peacekeeping roles in Afghanistan and free up US troops, also to take over training and such like in Iraq for a start. He wants to maintain the huge influence that America has through the NATO treaties, hence him warning about not taking it for granted and his statements to the effect that American defence and European access to hi-tech US military hardware would be at risk if Europe didn't toe the US line (specifically, some countries in Europe are wanting to lift arms embargoes with China).

He's also trying to fluff up most of the Euro countries enough so that we'll ignore the fact that he's lied continuously and broken international law repeatedly, he's made an attempt at pretending to listen to our grievances and then paid them no attention whatsoever again, which is what we really notice.

Ah well. Like some papers said. Bush came empty handed. But what else did you expect?

Shame on you Europeans for not mooning him and/or pelting him with eggs! :mad:

Ah well. Like some papers said. Bush came empty handed. But what else did you expect?

And empty-headed. :D

Shame on you Europeans for not mooning him and/or pelting him with eggs! :mad:
And risk getting shot by his asassins?

And empty-headed. :D
That goes without saying.

And risk getting shot by his asassins?

Eh, good point. :(