Bolton will serve differently than his predecessors. For one thing, he is neither the intellectual nor the emotional equal of those who came before him. For another, he will be seen as a representative only of the Bush White House — not of the United States or its people.
At a time when the United States should be a full and active participant in the United Nations, it will instead be marginalized force — an embarrassed land represented by one its most embarrassing sons.
I agree — the thing I feel most strongly about the entire Bush presidency is embarrasment — we have gone from being possibly the world’s most respected nation to an embarrassing oaf of a nation.
World turning its back on Brand America
The US is increasingly viewed as a “culture-free zone” inhabited by arrogant and unfriendly people, according to study of 25 countries’ brand reputations.
The findings, published online today, will add to concerns that anti-Americanism is hurting companies whose products are considered to be distinctly “American”.
The Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index found that although US foreign policy remained a key driver of hostility, dissatisfaction with the world’s sole superpower might run deeper.
“The US is still recognised as a leading place to do business, the home of desirable brands and popular culture,” said Simon Anholt, author of the survey. “But its governance, its cultural heritage and its people are no longer widely respected or admired by the world.”
The Bolton appointment will only serve to continue to embarrass us as a nation in the eyes of the world, create hostility towards us from other countries, and add to our problems with terrorism.
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