Submitted by Just another Ugly American, Sep 26, 2007 23:46

So Europe has had a change of attitude, timed, not incoincidentally, with a newly resurgent Russia flexing its muscles in the neighborhood?

So now the "Hyperpower" -- the "Hegemon" -- is not so bad, eh?

Frankly, I don't really care if Europeans like us or not. (I only value the opinions of people I respect, who have earned their own way in the world, which Europe has not done for some time now.) The freedom we won for them twice last century includes the freedom to mock and malign us if they must.

But if we were truly a hyper-powered hegemon, you would think we would get a little something worthwhile out of the deal, not just insults and spit in the face, not to mention a budget deficit -- at least a little old-fashioned respect or an occasional thanks. Being a hegemon doesn't seem to be very profitable from my vantagepoint. I vote we Americans resign the "hegemony" and let Europe pay its own defense bills and see to it own affairs. They are oh so much smarter than us anyhow, as they are always happy to tell us.

Of course, running your own affairs means policing little troublespots in your own backyard (like Bosnia) by yourself without asking old Uncle Sam to get involved. And if Iran gets nukes, Europe is a whole lot closer to Iran than we are, the last time I looked at a map. And it sure looks like the line separating Europe from the Middle East is moving west, and quickly.

My patience -- and that of millions of other Americans -- with Europe has dried up. Next time they need help...I say ask Mr. Putin. Perhaps we will do a better job at this hegemon thing. At least It looks like he is willing to give it a try.

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