misscam | When China is viewed more positively than you, you know you have an image problem... (Reply)

(Why not take it yourself?)

UN accuses US of stalling Guntanamo Bay visit
Survey finds China more popular than the US

Sigh.

Now, I don't think the two are automatically linked, but Guntanamo Bay sure as hell is not doing the US image any favours. So here's a piece of friendly advice, Bush - once you start thinking human rights are okay to violate in some circumstances - for 'homeland security', say - it becomes easier to think it okay to violate in the next ciscumstance. And the next. And the next. And once you're down that path, you'll find it to be very thorny.

Guntanamo Bay gives me the willies.

And there's something seriously wrong when China - China! - is viewed more positively in a global poll. It's not like China has a great human rights record to slam down. But of course, they ain't the superpower of the world proclaiming loudly the glory of freedom and democracy - and yet the US still has Guntanamo Bay. The two images clash in a lot of people's opinion. And I cannot help but think sooner or later the US must make a choice between the two. Safety has a price. So has freedom. And each are paid by the other. You pay for safety in freedom and freedom in safety.

I wonder at the future, I do. As they say, "may you live in interesting times..."

Sometimes, I am very glad Norway is mostly boring and quiet.