PATRIOTIC GAMES

You see a lot of American flags out here, as would be predicted for a country that is very patriotic. Also those 'Support Our Troops' car stickers are a common sight. As would be expected of a superpower who is, in historical terms, a young nation, there is also that unbridalled optimism and naiveity that goes hand in hand with patrioticism.

In America's self appointed role as the worlds policeman, most people here genuinely believe that America's crusade is one of promoting democracy and freedom. Hmm. And it is so easy to take snipes at America's real role and how that is so closely linked to oil and control of other natural resources. America is the superpower, and, just like the school playground bully, will make sure it is first in line for all the best things.

That's what happens when you are the superpower. You become an easy target for other countries, some of whom may be jealous of the advantages you gain. Britain was the largest Empire the world has seen. We cloaked our right to invade and rule other lands in the name of civilisation and bringing the 'natives' out of what were perceived to be their dark ages. We built railways. American builds oil pipelines. We used the railways to transport raw materials like sugar, spices and tea. America uses the pipes to pump oil. American is addicted to oil, as Mr Bush said in his State of the Nation address.

In Britain people are not really - apart from at sporting moments, especially the football World Cup - that patriotic. If you hung a Union Jack outside your house you're either a member of the BNP or a mad old colonel.