Speaking of being "mildly incensed", I consider this question at this time to be insensitive, intrusive and America-bashing. At this point I would appreciate and would have expected a more sympathetic air from the UK, not to mention Canada. Damn it, you know how we are feeling.

But to answer the question: NO. Unless the people you elect, appoint or inherit impact the US in a major way, I'll take only a mild interest in who fronts you. They are mostly just names to me- with occasional bits of information filled in by Mudcatters in that country.

On the other hand, when you let us know how you are feeling about individual issues you will have my interest, my sympathy and my voice.

There are still a great ;many people in this world and on the Mudcat who don't realize the importance of geography. Countries that have 80 other principalities and powers within 5 hours of them are of course going to take greater interest in them and have access to much more news about them than we in the US do. What you hear and what you feel about other countries are analogous to what I hear and feel about Minnesota, say, or about Florida or about Hawaii.

Grow up.