At the Root of "Ugly Americanism"

"John McCain recently told a British newspaper he'd make it a "top priority" as president to change the image of the "ugly American" and rebuild the nation's international popularity. He proposed to win worldwide admiration by closing Guantanamo, moving terrorist detainees from Cuba to Kansas and showing more leadership on global warming.

But even with miraculously enhanced affection for the U.S.A., how would we benefit? Would other nations sell us even more stuff, and send us even more immigrants and foreign students?

In fact, anti-Americanism isn't a new phenomenon, and the very phrase "ugly American" goes back to a bestselling novel of 1958! The world inevitably envies American power and prosperity, and our suffering on September 11th created only a temporary interruption in this resentment. As long as we're determined to defend our own interests and ideals--and refuse to revel in victimhood--we'll always draw hostility from less fortunate nations, no matter who's elected president."

—Michael Medved
Townhall.com