Recently we have seen several elections in countries around the world that have tilted left and right.  And some seem to think that is an indication of America's policies and influence.  Venezuela and Bolivia tilt left.  Canada Tilts right.  So all are an indication of the approval or disapproval of the current American administration.

But is it?  In America, we have a saying.  "All Politics are local."  What that means is that while people may agree or disagree with what the current trend of the national administration is doing, when it comes to voting for their representatives and Senators, that seems to go out the window.  And indeed, with minor exceptions that is the case.  We have conservative Senators in liberal states, and liberal senators in Conservative states (due to gerrymandering, the reps are indicative of their constituency).

So it really is not a reflection, as perhaps in the past it was, of the leadership of the president.  Once upon a time, as many Europeans and other non-Americans have noted, the difference between the 2 parties was not clear cut.  6 of one, half dozen of the other.  But since the Reagan revolution, the 2 parties have pretty much defined who they are and they are clear choices.  Much like other nations.

But what about foreign countries?  Did Canada elect a conservative government due to America?  Did Bolivia elect a liberal one for the same reason?

I don't think so.  I think, like in America, all Politics are local.  They elected their majorities due to issues in their countries.  And for the most part, America, and the Bush administration has said "well done, and now let's work together".  Some have spat on that proffer, but did America take notice?

Not really.  We looked at the elections and nodded our heads, and did not take credit, or blame.  The administration is still willing to work with whatever government that is elected, and like foreign governments, we have our differences.  Venezuela and Bolivia seem to be basing their policies on "Let's see how we can goad America".  So Cindy Sheehan runs down there to get a photo op and try to relive that 15 minutes. 

And America Abides.  We don't run over to Germany or up to Canada and declare that now we are in solidarity.  No, we work for our goals and when they are in sync with other countries, we are bosom buddies.  When not, we are trying to unseat them!

Neither of which is true.  We try to work with all, and they can use America as their whipping boy to incite their population, and we abide.  They can try to use their election of an affirmation of America, and yet we still have differences.

There is no such thing as 'friends' in the community of nations.  There is only a commonality of goals of the nations.  Hence why we supported Stalinist USSR during WWII (and no one would say we were bosom buddies).

While many like to look at America as the land of Black Helicopters and a super strong CIA that can change regimes at will (then why did we not do that in Iran, Iraq and North Korea?), the truth is we may root for one guy or another, but when all is said and done, we accept the other nations decision and move on.  The only ones obsessing over the whole thing are those that tenuously hold onto power and need a bogeyman to keep themselves in power.

Yesterday, Palestine elected a decidedly not friendly government.  Was it due to hatred of America?  or was it due to dissatisfaction with the former regime?  I think the latter.

In the end, who other nations elect does not really matter to America.  Only how we work with them.  France is governed by a 'conservative' government, yet I don't see them being bosom buddies with us!  Our relations are strained. 

As they are will the very liberal Venezuela.  Bolivia is too concerned right now with just figuring out how to govern to worry about anything more than pontificating.

So if you want to, celebrate your victories and stick that needle in the eye of America.  Or mourn your losses and blame America.  The truth is we will work with you whomever you elect.  We may not agree with you, but then we make our own laws, and you make yours.  And I don't hear this administration 'backing' any candidate in any foreign election.

The cold war is Over.  We don't care if you want to run your country into the ground.  That is YOUR choice.  Not ours to make.  Great Britain is not an Imperialistic nation, although it was at one time.  America is not supporting Banana republic Dictators, although it did at one time.

Stop living in the past.