How The World Sees America

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Favoring Free Trade Free trade has generally been, as you say, a factor of progress throughout history ("The Siege of Seattle," SPECIAL REPORT, Dec. 13). Free trade, however, means just that: to allow everybody to trade freely. This is, unfortunately, not a feeling shared by Boeing or Microsoft (cohosts of the meeting), who believe they should be able to trade freely and be allowed to cheat smaller competitors with cartel policies. That sort of system only leads to monopolies and, eventually, to self-destruction.

Rene Gardea

Prague, Czech Republic

Interest groups are not solely a Western species. Representatives of poor countries oppose environmental and workplace regulation, which would benefit the masses, for the sake of a minuscule minority--the only ones in developing countries who can afford world-class goodies. The Brits opened India to "modernization." The consequence? Exploitation and impoverishment--a favor to the poor indeed! The Seattle coalition needs to hang together as long as the threat of globalization dangles over us.

S. D. Jog

Mumbai, India

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I have traveled a great deal, most recently in South and Central America, but elsewhere as well. I have rarely met anyone who openly expressed hatred for America or Americans, though some have expressed disagreement with political policies. I think many Americans are too touchy about what others may think of them. Disdain for neighboring countries is the norm everywhere that I have gone and it shouldn't be surprising when you see it. Also, America bashing is sometime resorted to by the intelligencia and the politically active, as a way to distract attention from their own responsibility, or helplessnes as the case may be, regarding their national shortcomings. Some Americans in foreign countries are apologetic for their nationality. That is so unseemly and, I think, not usually appreciated. I think most people the world over expect a person to be loyal to his/her country and find it a little bit embarrasing for someone to be apologising, even if they agree with them. I would rather be respected than liked, and apologising for your country is no way to gain respect. All in all, I am immensly greatful for the good things I have experienced and learned from the people in other countries. My travel has made me appreciate not only what we have here in the States, but also what they have to offer of their own culture for our enlightenment.
Louis Acker

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Posted By: tin can man @ 10/28/2008 11:17:22 PM

I have traveled a great deal, most recently in South and Central America, but elsewhere as well. I have rarely met anyone who openly expressed hatred for America or Americans, though some have expressed disagreement with political policies. I think many Americans are too touchy about what others may think of them. Disdain for neighboring countries is the norm everywhere that I have gone and it shouldn't be surprising when you see it. Also, America bashing is sometime resorted to by the intelligencia and the politically active, as a way to distract attention from their own responsibility, or helplessnes as the case may be, regarding their national shortcomings. Some Americans in foreign countries are apologetic for their nationality. That is so unseemly and, I think, not usually appreciated. I think most people the world over expect a person to be loyal to his/her country and find it a little bit embarrasing for someone to be apologising, even if they agree with them. I would rather be respected than liked, and apologising for your country is no way to gain respect. All in all, I am immensly greatful for the good things I have experienced and learned from the people in other countries. My travel has made me appreciate not only what we have here in the States, but also what they have to offer of their own culture for our enlightenment.
Louis Acker