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                                                  [New Zealand Herald, New Zealand]

 

 

Challenges, France

Regardless of Who Wins, the American Exception is Eternal

 

"A Democratic victory in November would undoubtedly open the door to a more left-wing America. But it would be a kind of American left … The change ahead will not mean the end of the American exception, but the end of American triumphalism."

 

LEADING ARTICLE

 

Translated By Kate Davis

 

May 8, 2008

 

France - Challenges - Original Article (French)

All countries are exceptional. But the United States gladly considers itself exceptionally exceptional, different from all other developed countries in its social organization and its fundamental values. The State is less extensive and the distribution of wealth more unequal. The United States is also more strongly committed to what Margaret Thatcher called the "Victorian values:" individualism, voluntarism, patriotism.

 

Thus the Bush government, which supports conservative values domestically and demonstrates an unlimited self confidence externally, is the most "exceptional" known in recent years. But at the end of Bush's mandate, isn't the United States entering a new cycle, characterized by the rejection of conservatism and a convergence with European standards?

 

In reality, three quarters of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and for example, vigorously support a system of universal health care. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both have promised to address that. They also want to improve their image in the world. The next government will certainly initiate significant reforms, such as closing Guantanamo or adopting a more rigorous environmental policy in order to address some of the country's more aberrant characteristics.

 

Yet in view of the ongoing presidential campaign, the American exception seems as strong as ever. Where else but in America would a primary race go on for more than a year? Where else would candidates obtain tens of millions of dollars a month from their supporters? Where else would party foot soldiers have the chance to select the candidate for the highest post? John McCain won the nomination of his party despite strong internal opposition. Barack Obama is the leader of an uprising against the Democratic old guard. 

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

All three preach a patriotism specific to the United States. John McCain boasts of his service in Vietnam. Barack Obama claims that there is no red or blue, but only one America united by common values. The three candidates take lyrical flight in discussing the American dream. Above all, none will hesitate to resort to force. John McCain sings, "Bomb, bomb [bomb, bomb bomb] Iran."

 


MCCAIN SINGS …

 

Barack Obama speaks of authorizing a mission to Pakistan without the approval of the government there. Hillary Clinton said this week that if elected, she wouldn't hesitate to "obliterate" Iran if it used nuclear weapons against Israel.

 

Clearly, a Democratic victory in November would undoubtedly open the door to a more left-wing America. But it would be a kind of American left, certainly not modeled on Europe. Both candidates have rejected a "single payer" system for health insurance, like the Canadian and European models. The change ahead will not mean the end of the American exception, but the end of American triumphalism. Even Bill Clinton boasted of America as "the indispensable nation," a country that saw farther than its rivals. The mood is very different today.

 


PARODY OF NICOLSON AD FOR HILLARY

 

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US May 8, 12:54am]