For the past several years I've heard the drumbeat that "because of the eviiiil Bush administration we've lost our reputation in the world community". Often pointed to were countries like France and Germany.
You may know that President Sarkozy of France is visiting our country this week, but have you heard the things he's said about the USA? Perhaps not, since it doesn't fit the media template of How Things Are™.
To the millions of men and women who came from every country of the world and who — with their own hands, their intelligence, and their hearts — built the greatest nation in the world, America did not say, "Come, and everything will be given to you." Rather, she said, "Come, and the only limits to what you will be able to achieve will be those of your own courage, your boldness, and your talent." (applause)
He went on:
The America that we love throughout the world impedes this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance, another chance, because, in America, failure is never the last word. There is always another chance. Here — in your country, on this soil — both the humblest and the most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That is what constitutes the moral value of America. (applause)
And later:
America liberated us, and this is an eternal debt we owe America. (applause) Every time, whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them — (applause) — and I am sad as one is saddened to lose a member of one's family.
And lastly:
We need France to be stronger. I am determined to carry through with the reforms that my country has put off for all too long. I will not turn back. I will implement all of them, because France has turned back for all too long. I have come to present to you today a France that comes out to meet America, to renew the covenant of friendship and alliance that Washington and Lafayette sealed in Yorktown. Together, let us be true to their memories. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I say this to you on behalf of the French people: Long live the United States of America. Long live France. Long live French-American friendship! (applause)
Yep, that eviiil Bush administration is ruining what Europe thinks of us.*smirk*
P.S. You can find similar optimism in Gerhard Schroeder chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.