How to lose friends and alienate people

A new international study makes it clear what many already know. The reputation of the US in the world has fallen off of a cliff under Bush. I am not one to think that everything France, Britain, Canada, etc. does is perfect but these numbers are bad news. As an American businessman who works overseas, I can say that the mystique of America that was present in the 1990s is no longer there. Sure it has something to do with the collapse of the economy but Bush policy has really taken its toll in the business world. If you are in a competitive situation with a non-American firm, you are in trouble. Middle class business people who traditionally were strong supporters of America are openly hostile.

I often reflect on just how much opinions have changes in such a short time and it is quite clear that Bush will do nothing to build bridges or improve that situation. He will only pour more gasoline on the fire and continue his "with us or against us" bullshit. We desperately need a fresh start and we need someone who knows how to build coalitions. Save the confrontations for the bad guys and not our friends.