It seems alot has been made about how we (the US) are viewed by the world as a whole. And now some people are saying in order to rectify this we need to elect Obama, because the Chosen One will fix all the problems on the world scale. My question is, do you care what the world thinks about us? I mean, does that really affect us at all? BTW, it's strange the world would hate us so much, considering the US gives more in monetary, food, clothing and medical aid than does any other country in the world. They may hate us, but not enough to turn away our help.

Yes, I care. Admiration breeds influence for the US. Influence for the US means we are able to better get others to do what we want. Getting others to do what we want is beneficial to America.

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"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jan. 17, 1961

So, you would go disagree with what Washington had warned us about over 200 years ago. To do what WE want? So, America is to become an Imperialistic nation? Why do we want others to do anything for us?

At the risk of stating the obvious, America IS an imperialistic nation. Your actions since the end of World War 2, since the Truman Doctrine, have been entirely focused on protecting American moneyed interests worldwide at the expense of foreign lives.

And it is exactly this attitude that has created the current terrorism crisis, which you do seem to care about.

Well we are the world Hyperpower, and other Nations should care more about what we think of them. Im looking at you Iran

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"True Freedom is the Freedom to oppress others"

Ideology: Self Preservation.

Really? Let me tell the uneducated what we do. We send support to nations that need it. We protect the nations that cannot protect itself. The UN was suppose to handle this, but as we have seen they are more interested in simply talking and condemning and resting on their laurels than actually doing anything. It's not a question of an "Imperialistic America". We send more support in every way than anyone else. Even to the countries that don't like us very much. What are we getting in return for sending aid to Africa? To Asia? What are we getting in return for helping Georgia stand up against Communist aggression? What did we get from Korea and Vietnam? Nothing. Imperialistic, no. Charitable, yes.

To Oxy:

You have tried that philosophy for over 60 years now, and people in the world now hate you enough that they fly planes into buildings in the US. Is keeping this course a wise strategy?

Good point. Maybe if we didn't act as if we own the world (eg. "why is OUR oil under THEIR sand?"), there would be no terrorists plotting to kill us.

If we isolate ourselves from the rest of the world, it will get us in the end.

Traveling in other countries is different since Bush was in office. Before Bush, random foreigners I met along the way didn't discuss politics much. Since Bush, they seem very curious and always ask if I like Bush. No need for me to reply here what my answer to that has always been.

To Heff:

Firstly, Georgia was the agressor, most people are aware of that. Secondly, Korea and Vietnam were prime examples of US imperialism, both caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands, and in both America supported autocratic, undemocratic governments. Furthermore your charity comes at a price.

You better care...as a person I don't care what anyone thinks of me because it doesnt matter..but as a country, you had better care how your percieved to the rest of the world. The more respect we have, the less chance of furthere attacks, more chance to recieve aid from other countries in times of need, and more business opportunites over seas and abroad.