Many years ago a book was published entitled "The Ugly American," that mirrored feelings others in the world have of us as being arrogant and aggressive, bungling through the world pushing our agenda around.

In my recent travels I have found that the view exists not so much for individual Americans, but certainly for our current administration, especially for George W. Bush. I've had people in Europe tell me pointedly, "We like Americans, but not your president."

Latin America has a long history of abuse at the hand of foreign powers, beginning with the Spanish rule. While we've handed out billions of dollars to those countries, the hatred exists still, because money came with things that were not so good. The fruit companies provided jobs but ruined the ecology in many of those countries. We call ourselves Americans, but people in South America consider themselves to also be from America. Our money is desired, and then resentment comes from being helpeed. The attitudes are complex, the problems are difficult. But Bush appears arrogant to those leaders and that has had added to the problems that have been brewing for years.

Can you name one thing that Bush has done to hurt Latin America? If anything the Bush Administration has ignored Latin America because he and his administration has been busy keeping us safe with the war on terror. (Not one attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.)

Because he has ignored Latin America, these countries are going through a temper tantruem via socialist revolution because they are not getting the attention (money) that they used to get from America.

Nathan's accusation - that South American countries only view the US through the medium of money - is an insult. Temper tantrum? Who's throwing the tantrum when Bush says "you're either with us or against us"? I don't blame these countries for looking elsewhere to improve their situation, and wish them luck. Maybe they'll find trading/business partners with stable economic systems.

Do you know that the leaders of the countries who don't like it are often communisits or fascists? Do you know that they have always hated America, but of course, do love the economic assistance they get - and when that is cut off, they look for funding with countries who share their political viewpoints.

"..communists or fascists"?? What/who are you talking about? Cuba's communist, but we don't trade with them. Fascists? Name a couple, please. And just who do they hook up with. Mr. 4:13 writes like an FBI agent - lacking facts.

Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina _ is that enough for you to check out?

I think what "Do you know" is suggesting would be news to the people involved in these countries. But maybe he knows something that no one else does.