glen, you may have missed my point that, rather than being a "master race" as you would call them, in what might be characterized as a supercilious tone, is that for the most part, we Americans are not afraid of our government, have no fear of a military coup, and within the bounds of well-considered disagreement, have a healthy discourse on the military and political policies of our government. Rather than being driven by some jingoistic impulse, our Nation is known for being increasingly concerned about military casualties, and leaving the scene of a fight after sustaining what would be considered in most countries, as negligible losses. All this may be bad or good, but it is certainly not the stuff of a "Master race." Moreover, our politicians know this.

Bush could nuke Baghdad tomorrow, but in a manner uniquely characteristic to this Nation, we can only "sell" going to war to the voting population, by being attacked (Pearl, 9-11, etc.) or coming to the aid of an ally. Thus the "floating" of ideas dealing with Iraq, in the papers. And again characteristically, it will be a hard sell. Not exactly the stuff of cabals, dictators, or jingositic nations.

And by the way, if your country (unstated in your comment) is irrelevant to mine, I would consider it an act of kindness to make my country irrelevent to yours. This "I would to buy the world a Coke" mentality is a drag on both our countries. If you wish to visit or immigrate lawfully to our country, a 1000 welcomes, but please learn to drive on the right side of the road. If we are irrelevant, go in peace. If you wish to harm us or harbor those who do, don't shoot weapons in the air at a wedding. It's kind of a IQ test...

And Hothgar, you, like Big Mick, have made my point exactly... with the subtle inclusion of Canada in the bargain. (Though I do believe the concept of war in Canada has more to do with neatness than American football). ;}