Letters to the Editor
Has Professor
Hanson Ever Been To The Real Europe?
The recent article “Classicist blasts Europe,” (Sept. 30)
puts doubt in my mind if Professor Hanson makes for a good source regarding
“empirical” research.
Hanson says, “Europe has a negative perception of the United States
and the reasons are not based on fact.”
I am from Germany. Having lived in Europe for 21 years and still visiting
twice a year I do wonder where Professor Hanson gathers his “facts”
for such blatantly false statements.
Remarks like his pose great danger to an already strained relationship
between Europe and the U.S. – which he himself deems critical –
because students consider his opinion as trustworthy.
It is not. If you ever decide to travel to Europe – which I strongly
suggest – you will find that Europeans truly love Americans.
Ask any returning soldier stationed in Germany and their accounts will
be filled with friendships and hospitality. Let alone that many bring
home a European spouse.
If Europeans hate Americans then why do thousands of students and tourists
come here every year?
Any “deep-seated emotional responses” in Europe are far from
being “anti-American” as he falsely claims. Rather, they are
a passionate reaction to changes in American politics and foreign policy
since the end of the Clinton Administration.
Agree or disagree, sovereign states are entitled to their sovereign opinions
and to do what they deem in their country’s best interest.
Hence, it is the United States’ prerogative to do what it feels
is right to further its national interests yet Americans should not be
surprised if other nations choose to disagree.
Simon F. Haeder
political science, senior
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