World Opinion - And What It's Worth

justin-paulette

Justin Paulette

Justin Paulette is an attorney practicing international law in bella Italia. He hails from the great Buckeye State, "The Heart of it All," the only state with a bridge which you can cross and still be on the same side of the river, home of the hot dog, pop top soda can and the largest basket in the world! Though he's spent the past decade jet-setting across the Atlantic with one foot in London and the other on Capitol Hill, he still fancies himself a Mid-western, God-fearing, role-playing geek at heart.
Posted:
09/11/08

Back in 2004, citizens of foreign countries protested that they ought to be allowed a vote in the U.S. Presidential race. Since the president (or "Leader of the Free World," as Americans coin the job) has so vast an influence over the entire world, the world has an interest in voting for the president. So goes the logic.


Of course, it is probably precisely because we do not allow foreign opinions, or the ideologies which inform them, to sway our elections that we are the super-power envy of those nations. Nevertheless, the BBC reports that the rest of the world would overwhelmingly cast their votes for Obama. The BBC poll surveyed 22 countries - all of which preferring Obama.


To contemplate this revelation meaningfully, consider an international poll reported by Reuters the following day: No consensus on who was behind Sept 11. Apparently, seven years, two wars and dozens of investigations later, the world is yet utterly ignorant of Al-Qaeda and their activities. Only half of the 17 countries polled and 46% of individuals overall believe the terrorist group conducted the 9-11 attacks (despite Al Qaeda's having claimed responsibility). After Al Qaeda, the country most often cited as carrying out the attacks on America: America.


Before Obama glories in his prestige abroad, he should perhaps reflect that his clueless supporters abroad may not have America's best interests in mind. Do foreigners see their friend Obama as the enemy of their enemy... the United States? Add to Obama's new-found multinational support his previously secured endorsement by the Hamas terrorist organization and Obama could almost certainly run for the UN Sectary General spot should he come up short in November. He would find himself in amiable and like-minded company.