Aussie affection for America doesn't extend to Bush

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

David S. Broder / Syndicated columnist


SYDNEY, Australia — "George Bush is not an easy export."

That judgment, expressed over lunch at a beautiful harborside restaurant by Allan Gyngell, executive director of the Lowy Institute, a year-old foreign policy research center, describes the only blemish on America's relations with this traditional ally in the South Pacific.

Gyngell, a longtime member of the Australian foreign service, is, like almost everyone one meets here, instinctively pro-American. He points out that ever since the British base at Singapore was captured by the Japanese in 1942, Australia has looked to the United States for protection. Supporting the alliance with the United States has been the consistent policy of both major parties, the Labor government that was in power during World War II, and the Liberal government of Prime Minister John Howard, who is in office now.

-snip-

Gerard Henderson, executive director of the Sydney Institute, a think tank dealing with a broad spectrum of political and economic issues, commented that both Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton were more popular in Australia than the current president appears to be. Henderson, who once served as Howard's chief of staff, said he recognizes the strength both Howard and Bush derive from their directness of expression and bluntness. But he said the style that works well for both men in solidifying their domestic constituencies is less amenable to winning friends overseas.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2002178303_broder13.html

[Trajan]

1. The Right Wing Radio Hacks ....

ALL repeat this mantra : "Europe is a hot-bed of anti-americanism"

It is a complete lie ....

Europe adores America: they simply dislike Bush and his ridiculous Straussian, neoconservative agenda ....

The RW paints a strawman of Europe ... it is a huge, bald-faced lie ....

[Mokito]

2. Europe?

I basically agree with your sentiment, but if I'm not mistaking the article/opinion deals with Australian sentiments, not European.
In your defense; you probably mistook Aussie for Austria.

[Trajan]

4. chuckles ....

yeah .... but the RW hacks dont mention Aussies much in their tirades ....

Your right: I gave the right answer to the wrong question ...

[queeg]

3. I don't much like John Howard, so is it even?

[Contrary1]

5. I have heard the same sentiments from my Aussie friend

regarding the Shrub. I asked her why Howard was re-elected when most don't like him (sound familiar?),
she told me that his opponent was so much worse, they had no choice.

Of course the press here reported that it was an affirmation of Howard's backing this administration's
war by sending some of its own troops.

Yeppers. :eyes:

[queeg]

6. I lived in Australia when he was leader of the opposition

Durring one interview he took a glass of water and smashed it on the floor at an interviewer and stamped out after he didn't like a question on asian immigration