Even the French have responded lately. The French have announced a willingness to work to reduce the debt of Iraq (much of which was incurred buying things in violation of U. N. sanctions). The fact is, people like you better when you do not cause a fuss. They can manage you, run over you, get what they want, and they like doing that. They do not respect you for it, however.

When you stand up to people and stand firm in your cause, they often do not like you as well. You are more difficult to deal with, you will not talk forever rather than act, and they often do not get what they want. But, they respect you. And ultimately, they must consider that you will continue to stay the course and they must deal with it. That is what is happening in the world.

And by the way, Howard, still no terrorist attacks on U. S. soil since 9-11.