A Belated Thanks

We have friends in Europe despite the widespread annoyance with us that polls indicate.

I don't think this ill will is deeply held except for a minority. Unfortunately, that minority tends to be over-represented in the ruling elites and media of Europe. And our liberal media picks this up eagerly. So it is probably easy to think that all Europeans have a deep hatred for us that is no different than our own Left feels.

Here, I can refer to our Left to distinguish from the broader liberal side of the aisle. The Left, with its reflexive anti-Americanism is repulsive. I disagree with liberals on most issues, but they are decent people. Our Left sadly infects liberal thought and pulls it left, I admit. But the Clinton administration shows how the Left can be shunted aside and marginalized in foreign policy by the broader left and middle of the Democratic Pary.

But for Europeans generally and countries in particular, whether Germany, France, or Britain, it is too easy to lash out at the French when I really mean the government or the elites.

So here's a belated thanks to the French for this thoughtful gesture of solidarity and appreciation for our past friendship.