The US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney confirmed what I’ve known all along - Australian adore and deplore Americans.  This week the centre released a study focusing on the likes and dislikes of Australians when considering America.

Fast food, foreign policy and popular culture are the top concerns.  What’s interesting is “People and Popular Culture” are rated as the top like - as well as the top dislikes.

Sadly the view of USA government has dropped considerably. In 1986 some 62 percent had a favourable view of the USA government but by now that’s dropped 13% - just 49% have a favourable view.

It’s a shame that America’s status in the world has fallen so quickly.  In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 the world opened its heart to America. Yet foreign policy and government policy have shattered that good faith. Almost daily I’m chided as an American for having elected President Bush - twice.  It doesn’t matter if you voted for him or not.  He represents your nation - you’re responsible.

It will take a decade to undo the damage of the past five years. I hope the next President elected has the strength and vision to return America to its rightful mantle of high opinion in the eyes of the world. 

As for Australia it may be quicker and easier - there are so many similarities and so much mutual love between the two nations. In the meantime I’ll take it on the chin every time an Aussie gives me grief for being a Yank! 

(Hint to fellow Yanks Down Under: It does NOT help to retort to Australians they;re just jealous because they’re not Americans - believe me. I’ve tried.)