America will not respond to peer pressure

These days it has been pretty hard to argue that America has much popularity overseas. President Bush has not been well received in the States, so it should come as no surprise that he’s not all that favored among those in foreign countries either.
His invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, his refusal to sign the Kyoto Treaty and even something as trivial as his improper grammar during speeches has dropped America a few rungs on the popularity ladder since the 1990s.

But it is one thing to be out of the clique and another to suddenly be considered the poor kid in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, that is what seems to be the sentiment some countries of the world have of the good old United States.

In a recent statement, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez chastised Bush and America’s economic policies, claiming the U.S. was responsible for the world’s current economic turmoil and stating that “socialism is the only route to the salvation of the world.” Although it would be hard to argue Americans were not answerable for the financial crises, it is irresponsible to think that America must revert to an entirely new market system to have any hope of returning to its former standing.

Even Peer Steinbück, the German finance minister said on Thursday that “the U.S. will lose its status as the superpower of the world financial system.” Steinbück referred to the strengthening market systems in Asia and Europe and blamed America for its ignorance in not responding to Europe’s call for stricter regulation. He went on to criticize the United States for its loose, laissez-faire form of economics and even went as far as to characterize the system as “dangerous.”

The finance minister did applaud America for packaging in some relief for foreign interests affected by the crises with the rescue plan. Thanks, Steinbück.

And it should come as no surprise that America’s biggest fan, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad considers the latest turn of financial events an indication of “the American empire” coming to an end. He also used the opportunity to bring up his favorite topic: his desire that America stop all military engagements in other counties due to the continued monetary burden.

Expecting warm wishes from nations that have been displeased with the affairs of our latest administration would be naive, but to see such animosity during hard times does seem excessive. America has proven itself time and time again, showing that although it may fall into economic turmoil it can rise back to its former glory. These foreign leaders are suggesting that America abandons its capitalist policies for the rigid market restriction of socialism. And although not many on Main Street or Wall Street are celebrating the idea of a $700 billion bailout at the expense of taxpayers, there has been no outcry of a complete overhaul of our basic economic system.