i know this is the strongest and best country in the world, and i wouldnt get out of here for the world. but i strongly disagree with the direction bush is taking us in. and i have relatives in italy and they say everyone there is against siding with the us and is royally pissed. however, this is still a free country. at least i can complain about bush without getting beheaded or something.
We live in a Republic, where any voice is as strong as the next. If this country was a Democracy, debates like gun control, elderly entitlements and finance reform would've ended 20-30 years ago.
I heard one analyst on CNN who said that France does not provide troops to NATO (ever) and their 'veto' ability is largely an un-required right bestowed on the French, but may very well be retracted. FWIW.
