I've read parts of the report, and I anticipated the dismissive response of the Rightists (I have this little simulation in my head, VirtualRightist™, refined over the decades that now produces near-perfect results). "They're just jealous" is a nice, comforting, attitude, but it's intellectually dishonest.

It's nowhere more obvious than in the question about whether America takes into account other nations, or whether we act unilaterally. Americans, of course, think we act globally and treat everyone fairly, but to be blunt, in this case the opinion of Americans doesn't count. What counts is how people in other countries--the ones on the receiving end--perceive it. That's just common sense--if you think you're treating someone well, you might want to ask for his/her feedback to find out if you're actually succeeding. You can't see your own eyeballs--you need a mirror.

The rest of the world overwhelmingly thinks that America acts unilaterally, and they also think that American business practices are exploitive and unfair. If we had any common sense, we'd pay attention. We're not alone in the world, and our actions have consequences.

A wise man once said that your friends aren't the people who tell you what you want to hear. Your real friends are the people who tell you the truth.

If we define our friends as only those people and nations who flatter our self-image, we can be sure we'll have no friends. Despite the arrogance of the Right, America needs all the friends it can get.

--Robert