I don't know whether Guest Edward/Euphemia is a real person, but the points he raised are valid. When viewed from this side (UK) of the pond, America, as a nation does appear to be naive and/or arrogant. Or perhaps it just has a lousy PR department.

I too saw reports that America believes that retaliation is justified 'even if it brings about the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians'. The USA is getting almost unanimous sympathy and support right now, but go down that route and that support will disappear.

It has been said here that America needs help right now. The UK has an expert search and rescue team. They go on immediate standby, and offer their help, when there is a major disaster (natural or otherwise) anywhere in the world. Their particular area of expertise is locating and rescuing people from collapsed buildings. They went on standby last Tuesday, within 24 hours they were stood down because America said it didn't want outside help. There's people dying under what is left of the WTC and they don't want expert help. JESUS CHRIST!

This thread was started by someone who dared to criticize the USA, they immediately got called a flamer. Why? They may not have used a name, but they didn't do anything other than raise valid points. I doubt if the same points raised by a member would not have prompted the same response. Sympathy for the victims of this dispicable act is justifed. Re-writing history to whitewash the USA as perfect is not.

The USA did attempt to wreck the Scottish woollen industry because we dared to buy a few bananas from independant growers, whilst continuing to 'stand shoulder to shoulder' with us. Over the weekend, we heard an American crowing on about how the USA stood shoulder to shoulder with Britain during the blitz. Oh really? The blitz took place in 1940 the USA stood back and watched, and joined the war a year later.

Could somebody explain to me just how this wonderous misile defence system that the USA proposes is going to work. Do they propose to blow up nuclear warheads 'harmlessly' in the atmosphere, or perhaps shoot them down where they'll do 'minimal' damage - like on Canada or Europe or in the ocean. Gee, thanks guys, I'm glad you're on our side!

America can rightly claim credit for a great deal, but not everything. It is also guilty of a great deal, and should accept the criticism that goes with it.

Brian