Well, a new poll is out, and according to it, the world would vote for John Kerry as our next President. So what? Do we not teach history, civics, and social studies in school anymore? Anyone with a rudimentary education on these three subjects knows that on the international stage, nation-states are always jostling for power and influence-yes, even today. Because of this, Americans would do well to pay little consideration to silly polls such as this. Do you think vineyard worker in France would want to see America elect the better man? Hardly. That vineyard worker knows that a poorly run, less secure United States means more difficulty for California wine producers to compete, which means more business for him. Do you think the German factory worker wants to see America strong with competent leadership? Probably not-national pride would lead him to desire a greater German influence in the world, even though that has rarely been good for the world. How about the civil servant in a third world country. That person wants a higher standard of living, and is probably jealous of the American civil servant who owns a house and two cars. Do you think that person wants to see continued American strength. Not hardly.
The fact of the matter is individuals as well as nation-states act out of self interest in 99.9% of all cases. Most of the world take for granted the safety American power affords them. Instead they just see that they aren't as rich, powerful, or influential as us, and they resent it. Because of that, my first conclusion is that they would want to see the weakest of two people lead this country, and that's how I take this inconsequential little poll. Other Americans should avoid the "I want to be popular" mindset as well. Popularity does not put food on the table in a nice house in a neighborhood safe from war and strife. National strength does. John Kerry does not project the image of American strength at all, and that's why he is popular amongst non-Americans.
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