Steve Valandra February 9th, 2008 1:37 am

OK, folks, I am the Steve Valandra who wrote this commentary for the Seattle P.I. [snip]

{Or, you just logged in using that name to discredit the real author. No way for anyone on this board to know who you really are.}

It is not Europe that is going to lead us out of the wilderness that George W. Bush dragged so many of us into. Crap on the U.S. if you wish. But remember that it was men like my father who delivered you from Hitler, the most notable European of them all. [end quote]

The readers and posters generally don't 'crap on the us,' you're confusing criticism with hate. Ask them about their own country's faults and had you the time you'd spend months reading about everything from the crusades to the inquisition to the endemic wars of kings. Having been there and done that gives Europeans some idea of where your country is going. As for the us saving Europe from Hitler... Dude, from 1941-45 the vast majority of Hitler's forces were concentrated against the USSR, not the west. The best that can be said for the allied war effort is that we prevented Stalin from taking Paris. By the way, when Stalin was asked his opinion on the war he lamented that although his armies did take Berlin, Tsar Alexander took Paris.

The mess that gw bush is leaving behind him will cause suffering in the usa, but agony in the rest of the world. And it's not just bush that's fucked over what was once the most productive nation in the world. Since the time of Reagan you've been on a course that leads to aristocracy and autocracy, rather than attempt to preserve the republic founded two centuries ago. From my perspective you're not demonstrating the ability to lead anyone anywhere. Let alone get your own country out of an abominable mess.

Is any political party's candidates arguing for tax hikes to pay off your nations debt? no. Anyone arguing that there needs to be regulation of major industries? no. Any serious effort to bring health care to the population? no. Does any politician express real concern for what kind of planet their children's children will grow up in? no. Is my country in any better condition than yours? Fuck no, but I still live in a free country and will speak my mind.

"The Portuguese are like most Europeans. They are anxious for the U.S. to resume leadership by getting over its many current fears."

Quite the opposite, I think they are anxious but because they fear the US continues its "leadership".

We've had enough of this, we don't need a leading nation. What we need is justice (enviornmental, social, economic, gender, etc). Obviously this author is still drinking the kool aid, I don't think people around the world are anymore. He is delusional.

This is a far more rosy picture of European attitude toward the current US than what my own experiences have shown (something more akin to hostility and disgust than anxiety for the US to come back to its old self).

And let's not expect that the US will (or can) ever resume it's "leadership" role in the world. We will be recovering from our current poor state for many years, and by then, Russia, China, India and the EU will all be stronger than they are today. The short era of the sole-superpower is already over.

"All that happens here is a lot of talk," cousin Carmo said in Lisbon. "American movies have action. They actually do something. It's wonderful to watch."

Well, geez, isn't america actually 'do(ing) something' in Iraq. Isn't it 'wonderful to watch'? Much better than the talk you find in most of Europe that has decided to stay out of Iraq?

Maybe if it were all a movie this Portugese dude would enjoy it more. Or is that too much of 'life imitating art'? Or is it 'art imitating life'? Maybe that's the problem with Hollywood (american) films. You don't know which is which or what influences what.So confusing!

Which is exactly cousin Carmo's problem...

Author Steve Valandra writes here a smarmy, child-like article for the conservative corporate newsrag the Seattle Post Intelligencer. This article does American readers a great disservice by feeding them the big lie that Europeans are waiting for "American inspiration and guidance" to lead them by the hand into the future. How laughably lame! I live in Europe and this is definitely NOT the case. Europe has been taking care of itself long before the USA existed, and takes it's own initiative in diplomacy and trade. This article reads like so much self-congratulating American feel-good propaganda, feeding into the shallow "we numma one! we numma one!" boorish jingoism that makes Americans behave like idiots abroad. Pathetic, really.

You must be dreaming; most people in Europe know the United States for what it really is: a Nation that bullies, murders, tortures, renditions, rapes and displays nothing but hubris and arrogance. A Nation of agressive wars and of justice denied. A Nation that has created the ultimate surveillance State that would do Goebbels proud.
We do not need more of this United States.

I wish I had been in Europe to see the reaction when Bush was installed for another four years.

Hopefully, Europeans can take heart in the evidence that indicates Bush was not ever legitimately elected. Illegal voter disenfranchisement in Florida in 2000, and illegally discarded, uncounted provisional ballots in 2004 in Ohio and other States.

Still, Europe must be wondering, why have these men not been impeached?

It's so painfully simple. The government has sold out completely to corporate interests. It's not that Americans have had a collective lobotomy.

One can see the process unfolding right now with Barack Obama. He is in the process of being purchased.

Now, these wealth interests in America have some rather harsh views of Europe. Europe has proven itself to be incompetent by allowing itself to be overrun with Muslims. And that means overrun with terrorists. So, in the twisted logic of those that own the government, the disdain of Europeans brings bragging rights and spurs them on.

Being a European, let me assure you that we are not waiting for the USA to "resume it's rightful leadership role," again (lol).

What we WANT (because this impacts the entire planet) is for Americans TO COME TO THEIR SENSES before it's too late. ¨Prosecution of the bushcheney thugs and sociopaths would be a good start, btw. Because they (the bushcheney war criminals) still have nearly a year remaining in which to do even more harm. Provided they don't annul the 2008 elections.

Okay...I just read this article again and I can't resist this gem-

"Sure, China is a rising power. So is Russia. India matters. So does the rest of Europe. But none is an alternative to renewed American inspiration and guidance."

Oh...my...GAWD! "India matters" and "so does the rest of Europe" author Steve Valandra of Tumwater, WA informs us. Steve has graciously granted India and the entire European continent the privilege of mattering (if only just recently)on the world stage (after America of course). Mighty fine journalism to be found here! I'm sure folks in Europe, Russia, China, and India are relieved to have Steve's vote of confidence. Thanks for the laughs, Steve :D

This chorus of readers is exactly right. Europeans aren't hopeful for our (US) leadership, they're terrified of what we'll do next. The US may be the world's biggest economic power and pop culture influence, but we do not embody the world's soul.

America is a Republic, not a dictatorship in spite of some appearances. It does not appear that Bush/Cheney could conduct a war or operate secret prisons without the consent of congress and at least a lot of the American people. Although the slanted voting in 2000 and 2004 suggests less than a majority of Americans support Bush. So if in this republic there are war crimes and war criminals, who besides Bush/Cheney should be charged? Rumsfeld for one I have heard, but any others? Who will be charged, tried and convicted and in what jurisdiction? Some people in Brattleboro Vermont are going to give it a try, as a gesture at least.

It took 30 years for the world's justice system to address the crimes of Pinochet and he was the ex-president of Chile, not the sitting president of the mighty USA. How smug and fearless must the American president and lawmakers feel?
How frustrating it is to be powerless, as frustrating as being forced to watch a band of soldiers abuse your daughter.

America, a people divided between the ashamed and the arrogant.

A childhood friend from Germany recently said to me, "yeah, I can't come to the United States anymore for holidays. My family is worried I will be disappeared or beaten up or arrested. Your country is just no good anymore. You can live in the first floor apartment here if things get bad, if you can escape before it's too late. The older people here say things there look like here in the 1930's. I think you should try to get out soon, I worry for you."

Squares up with what most Euro's appear to be saying... except for Stevo's Porto pals, which are most likely fictional characters anyway.

Interesting choice of the action flik genre as a portrait of American excellence - the Hero as someone who can hoist a weapon, make a lot of noise, and doesn't get disturbed by a little blood on his hands... epitomizing Might Makes Right. Perhaps adequate for entertainment - but leadership? Jeeze Louise!

Please do not try to say what Europeans think about US foreign policy.

I am a European and I DO NOT want the US to reclaim its international leadership role.

Oh and please stop building missile silos all over Eastern Europe.

You so-called progressive's in the US need to stand up and do something, look at France's people power and be inspired. How long are you all prepared to let a leader that looks after the minority boss you and the rest of the world?

I wait for an America that leads by setting the right example, ie looking after its own citizens (new orleans), abolising death penalty, ending torture, the list goes on. US foriegn policy is a joke when you condemn torture by countries like Iran but torture yourself.

"I don't know about other nations, but my hunch is that they are like Portugal in wanting us to get back on track. My buddies in that little caf� in Porto are watching — and hoping — in a way that you cannot see from inside all of the borders we have created for ourselves."

Don't hold your breath.

Steve Valandra, you should officially change your name to Richard Cranium.
Fucking Leadership!!!! Jesus christ almighty.

Steve Valandra would like to use anecdotal evidence--absorbed while lying on his in-laws' couch and sipping Port wines--to impress an American audience of his European expertise. Does he even speak Portuguese? I wonder if this is the kind of ambassador America needs for communicating with the world--or the type of emissary we need reporting back.

Oh dear. There's someone who really needed to boost his enlarged ego very badly, eh?

No. Absolutely nobody in Europe - maybe outside a few hand-picked cafés in Porto - is waiting for America like kids are waiting for a kindergarten teacher. We are not into leaders and saviours to change our lives and lead the way, thank you very much.

The entire 20th century showed us where this leads us. We've had it, once and for all - one hopes - but at least for the time being. On this front, Europeans are way more adult than Americans who every 4 years are searching for their ultimate saviour.

What we want in Europe is a sane, educated and intelligent American administration, for a change. While we don't share the same values on all fronts - religion is a private matter in Europe, for example, and politicians don't have to parade their spouses or children all the time, and we don't believe in outsized armies, and we don't believe in the death penalty, we don't believe in a weak state and in the law of the jungle for most of the population as a result, and we don't believe that you can make it if only you want to really badly since we believe that it takes an entire social fabric that works for you to make it - we share beliefs in democracy and freedom and together we are a minority in the world.

An America that keeps to itself and becomes isolationist as a result of the disasters of past decades would still be preferable to an America which goes to all the places where angels fear to tread. Just a non-sable-rattling America would be progress. If they elected someone who even knows how to find Asia and Africa on a map, it would be bliss.

And: Action movies are in Europe mainly consumed by less educated males. They are the only ones who love that trash. Good American films resemble European films and vice versa, except that Europeans tend to find happy endings corny (while secretly loving them).

It is not just the Europeans who are pondering after Bush. I too worry about what is coming in the way of a President and what he stands for not only in world affairs but in domestic affairs. The whole infrastructure of the U.S. has deteriorated to a point of disgrace. The money that has been spent on the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan - has it been worth it or has our nation danced to the tune of waging war, but cutting out prior to the job being finished? What is the outcome to be? How many years will it take to get the job done, and what is the cost in human life and money? Are we going to stay the course? Who knows? Will we be remembered is liberators or idiots for trying to instutionalize democracy on people who don't want any part of it?

What gives USA the moral authority to lead the world???? Except for it's involvement in WWII (which to has its problems) I see nothing but greed, aggression, double-speak, hypocrisy, immorality,....

I wonder why reasonably intelligent people get things so wrong....

.... it's best for rest of the world not to have an arrogant, selfish, and yes, evil USA to lead the world....

I have heard it said that many countries watch the US like a sleeping tiger; they are very aware of every heave and sigh and flicker of the tiger, aware of the movements of a very dangerous, yet beautiful creature. Sort of like living near an active volcano - ok I took some artistic license.

Portugal, to my understanding has always been somewhat Other from the rest of Europe; always prided themselves on their autonomy. Perhaps Portugal identifies with the (American archetype of) Under-dog who comes out on top a winner -as the Harrison Ford example may suggest.

I can understand the sentiment in this article because I am an American citizen and I watch and Hope every day. I feel very akin to those people he described in the Porto cafe.

All the commenters from Europe please do me and all other middle class Americans a favor. Throw all of our military out of your countries and close all of the American military bases in your countries. We will be leaving your countries eventually because America is bankrupt. Unfortunately if we do become bankrupt we will be taking your countries into bankruptcy with us. So it is your best interest to throw
our military out now before we are bankrupted.

That is why I support Ron Paul, he understands that the pursuit of empire is destroying America. Although I do not like some of his domestic policies, I support a strong Democratic congress soften his domestic views. Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich are the only candidates that are not members of the "Council on Foreign Relations" Democratic or Republican of all the original presidential candidates. Unfortunately
Kucinich dropped out of the race and that only leaves Ron Paul.

Whats required is for the United States Justice System to get back on it's feet and start being the equal dispenser of Justice for All as it used to be noted for.

The other poster said it right the world does not need leadership from any single county, it does need leadership and that should come from the UN as was originally envisioned. Minus the security council.

That being said the real big question is, How will Dick and Bush avoid prosecution for war atrocities after their departure from the White House?

wow - i wonder who sponsored this bit of underhanded nonsense...

OK, folks, I am the Steve Valandra who wrote this commentary for the Seattle P.I. For the record, I have been married for 22 years to a native Portuguese, born and raised in Tabuaco in the heart of the Douro Valley. I have lived in Portugal. I do speak Portuguese well enough to get around. I made a point of learning the language when I lived there. My daughter was born there. And the name of the cafe in Porto is Pedro dos Frangos. (Try the grilled chicken; it's the best in town). I appreciate all of your comments, and I wish you the best. We are all in this together. But let's be brutally honest. It is not Europe that is going to lead us out of the wilderness that George W. Bush dragged so many of us into. Crap on the U.S. if you wish. But remember that it was men like my father who delivered you from Hitler, the most notable European of them all.

It's quite a can of worms that has been opened here. What Steve Valandra doesn't seem to understand is that the world outside the US is anxious to know if there's is going to be a regime-change in the US. Many Americans seem to see themselves as a kind of Chosen People of Herrenvolk, destined to lead this planet to a Disney-like future. Just because a country is the biggest arms-manufacturer and the biggest polluter (amongst other things), doesn't mean it has the quality to lead anyone anywhere. There might be 'insignificant' countries most people never even heard of, that could set a better example then the US, propably not in bullying and out-grossing the world.

So Steve, let the US lead by example after cleaning up it's own mess. And please, could you Americans please stop reminding us Europeans of WWII? Just like the Nazis in their days, you've felt justified in killing quit a lot of Untermenschen.

Stave Valendra: please, please stop perpetuating yet another American lie: that in World War II America defeated Hitler and saved Europe. This is completely false jingoistic USA propaganda. Military historians all agree it was Russia who defeated Nazi Germany. A quick glance at the casualties says it all: the U.S. military had 600,000 casualties in World War II. The Russian military? 27,000,000 casualties (not to mention a staggering 19,000,000 civilian deaths). Do the math, Steve. It's in very poor taste to erroneously claim credit for singlehandedly defeating Hitler when so many people all over the world gave their lives to defeat the Nazis--especially the Russians who have always (and rightly so) felt unappreciated for their massive sacrifice in World War II.

As a US citizen I take absolutely no offense at some of the criticisms expressed here.We have been in a 7 year long nightmare-"led" by a sadistic coward.
Regardless of the outcome of this year's presidential race-chances for meaningful progressive reforms are dim indeed.From the Supreme Court on down the courts have been packed with reactionary right wingers who will not easily give up their nasty ways.
Neither Clinton nor Obama have made strong anti-war statements.
Until the US would agree to shut down all but a handful of the 170 odd overseas bases we will be the most prominent imperialist nation-oppressors at home and abroad.
Were it not for the severely diminished status of unions {only about 9% of the workforce-a solidarity movement with Europe could be forged.As it is I'm a 65 year old grandpa who worries mightily for his grandkids.

Uh... this Steve Valandra guy was even more disingenious than I feared. The idea of US exceptionalism is deeply rooted, even in those authors that seem to be exposed to the rest of the world.

I think the commentators have made it perfectly clear what their objection is -- that he shouldn't assume that we're like a bunch of kids waiting for a parent to come to its senses. We're not after US "leadership", especially it is just defined as Europeans meekly tagging along with whatever the US comes up with next.

Yet, the patriarchal fiction is so dear to Steve that when its validity is questioned, he feels the need to essentially ignore the argument (by reducing it to "crapping on the US") and to lash out with the dumbest retort of them all -- by drawing the Hitler-card. By calling him the most "notable" European, he truly shows some true colors and proves that his supposed international experience is merely cosmetic...

Steve, America is a Cult and it's people are willing victims.
They are slow to surrender the myth of America. Their denial of reality is infinite. They are uneasy because they cannot see the rot, they can only smell it. Yet they persist in the myth.

A German author once said: "America does not exist, I know this because I have been there".

America is a myth....have a look beyond the varnish and you'll (you should, if you use your intellect)find the reality does not match up with the aura. Take your pick and compare with other industrial nations: freedom of speech, health care, prison population, disparity between the rich and the poor, police brutality, international aggression, lack of democracy, independent elections,.....

So I say: "America is greatest marketing success of all times".

And Steve is one of the millions of victims of the marketing ploy.

The world will move on with or without the United States. Frankly I'd prefer it to be with. Steve, time for a little history lesson; please do tell me where the U.S. was from Sept. 1939 (the beginning of WW II, in case you didn't know) until Dec 1941? Also tell me why the U.S. did not declare war on Germany at the same time it declared war on Japan? Let me answer that for you Steve - the U.S. had no intention of declaring war on Germany. If Hitler doesn't make his second fatal mistake (the first being invading the Soviet Union) of 1941 and declare war on the U.S., you guys don't go to Europe! The biggest struggle in the history of humankind for freedom and the U.S. (the most populous, most powerful democracy in the world at the time) takes a pass. It wouldn't be the first time either; the second biggest struggle of the 20th century, WW I, began in Aug 1914 and ended in Nov 1918. You guys thought April 1917 would be a good time to get into this one. Now, having cleared up a little history I personally am grateful to the U.S., neither war may not have been won without you. Do NOT take the above for anti-American sentiment - IT IS NOT! Personally I believe America is the greatest country in the world!

equalityforall

I am a "so called progressive". Believe me.. we are working it. I know that abroad (actually. I probably don't know.. I can only imagine) that you all look at the US has having gone of the rails. WE Progressives feel the same way.

I find frustration in the Progressive movement here too. There are small groups of committed people doing some things.. but you are right.. we are not "revolting" en masse.. taking to the streets. That isn't the way Americans do anything anymore.

I think after the 60's we found that distasteful. Too much violence. We apparently felt we were better than that.

Apart from the WTO.. I haven't seen massive movements. I KNOW that there have been demonstrations.. but you see. OUR media is owned by the ELITE Corporate interests.. so they don't get covered either.

The US was supposed to be about calm rational change. We didn't have to have violent revolutions each time we changed leadership. AND THAT IS A GOOD THING!...

However.. we swung too far the other way. I fear that we crave stability at any cost. Our libraries have cut hours and funding... we are Not committed to the idea of an informed citezenry. We are trying to get back to those values.. but we waited too long and the powers are too entrenched.

I am NOT happy with the choices that are before me as a Liberal. While I grateful that for the first REAL time in US history we FINALLY have a woman and an African American running for the presidency.. .. I am not complacent to think that they will not fall to Corporate interests.

It basically boils down to The people of the WORLD against the CORPORATElY OWNED interests... We are moving away from Nationstates to world Corporatocracy.

We need to reclaim our local power.. our HUMAN power....

Watch Whale Rider to get that idea..

Bush's fantasy about himself must surely be that he is the American hero, first stunned by events, who then regroups, takes action and comes out on top. Hitler was also addicted to Western novels. Is this the mindset to which Mr. Valandra wishes us to return? As far as I'm concerned somebody else can be top cowboy. America needs to sit down and shut up.

"But remember that it was men like my father who delivered you from Hitler, the most notable European of them all."

As others have stated already it was not the US alone that stopped Hitler, it was done by the incredible sacrifice of the Russian people (and other nations of the USSR). It was done by the British who resisted even when they were left to fight alone after France surrendered. And finally it was done by thousands of people who joined the resistance group throughout the occupied parts of Europe including my grandfather and four of my great grandfathers (and their brothers and relatives) who spent over four years in the wilderness and forests fighting a guerrilla war against the Germans and Italians. You Americans merely quickened Hitlers inevitable defeat, nothing else.

Oh, and believe me we are not waiting "for the U.S. to resume leadership" in the world. We are merely anxious to see if you will finally come to your senses and stop "bringing democracy" to every country that stands in your way and/or has precious oil or other resources.

pnac, Europeans should throw out the US bases?

Well DeGaulle closed all US bases and asked America to leave France BACK IN 1966 !! Is that why this current crop of US fascists hate France so much?!?

With the disintegration of the former Soviet Union and bellicose communism, any raison d'être for US bases in Europe ended. So these neocon sociopaths frantically set about creating other useful boogeymen like islamo-terrorism, china, Putin, Iraq/Iran, Korea, etc to

continued

.... to JUSTIFY the massive transfer of wealth via Pentagon spending, from the USA Treasury to off-shore accounts of millitary-industrial (and now media-related) corporations.

Sorry pnac, IT'S UP TO YOU CITIZENS TO BRING DOWN THE PILLARS OF THIS FASCIST REGIME, and to ensure they never rise again to vampirize your children and our children.

Whether or not the US ever was a good guy, right after World War II it was perceived as such by much of the world. It sure isn't now.

I agree with other posters that this Valandra guy is a jingoist. I do think however that Portguese wanting a more prominent US role may not be incorrect. Europe feels threatened by a rising Asia. Perhaps they'd prefer a white euro-friendly power over a rising Asian tide. The conduct of the Europeans vis a vis other nations isn't exactly model conduct, with plenty of brutality, oppression, and violence on their account. Maybe they want power to be a white man's game. In that respect I could see Valandra's article as having some legitimacy.

This guy is right on.

There is an online petition asking the DNC to choose the candidate with the most votes and delegates rather than take the chance on a secret backroom deal.

Please sign the petition and pass it on to your friends.

Petition http://www.petitiononline.com/Superdel/petition.html

"The American hero, first stunned by events, regroups, takes action and comes out on top."

Not in reality

Steve Valandra February 11th, 2008 12:30 am

This guy is right on.

Wow, thanks for agreeing with me. I expect you're going to ask your editor to retract your hyperpatriotic rant and rewrite the thing to be more realistic, and include some of the comments from real Europeans. Rather than the fictional ones from your original story.

This article is misleading and overly optimistic. Go to foreignpolicy.com for a more accurate perspective of what the rest of the world is hoping from the U.S. come 2009, "an end of an error."