[i]Even here in the UK a large proportion of thinking people hold America in contempt.[/i]

Give me peace. As a former expat American I have to call you on this one. We'll have to substitute 'knee-jerk psudo-intellectual(usually student)types' for 'thinking' in that sentence and then we'll come closer to the mark.

This is a ridiculous debate for this forum, as evidenced by me posting in disgust. I have been reading these forums for upwards of four years and count the number of times I've posted on my fingers. I usually come looking for information not half assed political debate. Instead of firing off the cuff armed with nothing but emotion, try doing a little research, look for the facts, THEN form an opinion. But I understand that's too much for some folks.

Thanks to Sharon and Teribus for actually following through with the above. Can we end this now, please?