[I can see I'm going to have to register ]

From my experience of American foreign policy, I wouldn't say that America (as a national entity) was 'evil' any more than any other country - it's the leaders of a country (at whatever level) who decide where a country goes (figuratively speaking), both abroad and at home.

If anything, it's the fact that Americans are so good natured (speaking from the P.o.V. of a foreigner) that gets them in trouble - I suspect that they see the best in whatever their government tells them and maybe aren't as skeptical (as a rule) of what's going on as other people might be of what the reasons are behind it all.

I think perhaps Americans underestimate the degree to which everything is a shade of grey - there is no black and white in international politics. Having said that, I think that a lot of English are like that too - I've seen several laws coming through our legislation that just horrify me, all in the name of 'anti-terrorism' or suchlike.

Ah well, what can you do... anyway, I certainly hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July, and may whatever god you believe in (if any) bless you all.