<The rest of the world has always hated us and will continue to do so.

Being from an American mother and a Belgian father, I totally disagree with that.

Isolationism probably isn't a wise policy, at least not total isolation, but we need to get away from the idea that the good 'ol US is the world's policeman and responsible to shell out the dough every time someone gets themselves in a jam.

Several years ago, the US decided to arm the Taliban; we know what happened next.
The US has also sided in favor of Israel no matter what; with all kinds of consequences.
Also what country has produced the largest number of weapons of mass destruction?
What country has sold the largest amount of WMD's?
What country has used the biggest amount of WMD's?
This all comes with a certain level of responsability, I should guess.
And besides, the globalization of the economy, free trade, communication and transport....what country is their champion?
Jack Schmitt told me he was particularly proud of this picture he took which shows we all live on one planet and therefore all need each other or must all help each other.
Conflicts always result from lack of understanding and at a certain point, an unwillingness to listen to the other. But free trade brings people and cultures together; in fact, it forces them to get together.

Raoul