I've been watching the U.S. presidential campaign. And one of the things that attracted my attention is the common recognition by all the candidates, about the U.S. image abroad. It is said that in the not too distant past the image of America was a country with leadership that the international community sought to imitate, which was the repository of the ideals of freedom and democracy. However, after an attack and one of the most horrific presidencies in history, America is perceived solely as an abuser of the course, as a country that preaches but does not practice, as a country uninterested in the fate of the international community, cynical , dirty, angry, cruel, and many other descriptions of the same order. The reasons, in my view, are both theoretical and practical. On the one hand, the U.S. puts eyes and take the apologetic stand against global warming and environmental protection. Result? Not sign the Kyoto Protocol. U.S.
torn clothes, puts the fuss and affirms its commitment ancient and essential to freedom and human rights. Result? Does not endorse the agreement establishing the International Criminal Court, and in passing buried and mops the floor with the Geneva treaties on the protection of prisoners of war (including Abu Ghraib).
United States, bullhorn in hand, screaming and crying for help to the international community that Saddam Hussein comes to an end and an end to the suffering of thousands of Iraqis repressed by the government. Result? Sitting down to eat popcorn and watch the Super Bowl while killing thousands in Burma and a few others tortured in Zimbabwe. United States write real poems politicians about the friendship of the peoples and the importance of strengthening ties with countries that share its values. Result? No reference to a foreign policy oriented towards Latin America by the candidate.
Point and Mr. Bush deserves. Not much more can be said of the disaster that marked his presidency, of the blunders he committed his administration, the unprecedented intellectual unpreparedness who supposedly ruled the most powerful country in the world. History will certainly judge but who - no doubt - you will be placed closer to the Greek Tánathos of Valhalla Viking.
Hopefully the future will bring a turnaround in the country's north.
