Defense

It doesn't seem like the US gets much respect these days on the world stage. Kind of reminds me of Rodney Dangerfield. Somebody is on <a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12100697-2,00.html" target="_new">our side though</a>. Not that it is what I would call a stirring defense.<br />n<br />n<blockquote>JOHN Howard has lashed out at "old Europe", describing criticism of the US as "unfair and irrational", as global tensions grow over the Iraq war and free trade.<br />n<br />n During a vigorous panel debate on US global relations at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, several European officials attacked President George W. Bush's Iraq policy, but Mr Howard stood up to defend his ally. </blockquote><br />n<br />n<blockquote>"Some of the criticism (of the US) by some of the Europeans is unfair and irrational," Mr Howard said in the panel debate, organised by Britain's BBC TV. <br />n<br />n"I mean the negative mindset of the last five minutes (of this debate) is ridiculous – of course America has made mistakes," he said.</blockquote><br />n<br />nI am not sure it sounds real good the way he says it but at least he is defending us. I find it refreshing at least some country is defending us. Not many are now days. I guess you make the hard decisions you pay the price.<br />n<br />n<b>Government exists to defend the weak and the poor and the injured party; the rich and the strong can better take care of themselves. Ralph Waldo Emerson</b>