Given the country's self-centered media, it is often difficult for the average citizen to grasp just what exactly it is that other cultures hate so much about America.  Post 9/11, the government has tried to pawn off the idea that other cultures are jealous of our success and freedoms, but really we all know it goes deeper than some patriotic excuse designed to stir up enthusiasm for the next Patriot Act... But what, then?

Basically it boils down to a few key ideas:

1) Americans are lazy and refuse to participate in their system of government. The American bureaucracy is so vast and unmanageable that even if the citizens were informed, they would have little control over it's operation. America bullies other countries into their idea of democracy, while practicing a parody of democracy within it's own borders.

2) America is an arrogant bully of a nation that uses it's wealth and influence in the UN and the WTO to selectively veto or promote any measure that comes up for vote.  The authors provide many examples of various ecological or economic proposals which were widely supported by all members-- save the US-- which used it's political influence to kill the proposal.  This happens time after time and stirs up enormous resentment by participating countries.  On the other hand, when a country voices a dissenting opinion, the US government cries that they are undermining the credibility of the entire organization (France, anyone?)

3) America's culture is virulently polluting and destroying the cultures of smaller countries.  Small countries are bullied into joining the WTC, but provisions thereof force them to open their borders to absurdly low priced, high quality American imports.  They are unable to set tariffs which would protect local farmers and workers.  As a result, the country goes into bankruptcy and is forced further and further into debt to the WTC.  There is an elite clique of American businessmen and politicians which are systematically destroying thousand-year old traditions and cultures, and becoming billionaires 'under the radar'. 

4) America paradoxically spends billions and billions of dollars funding Israel while pursuing aggressive military buildup in other Arab countries in the area.  US media portrays Muslims and the Islamic faith as a zealous group of murdering savages who aren't happy unless their jihading against something.

Although the book carried on a bit too long for my tastes, and it honestly seemed a little 'whiney' at times, it was an eye-opening read and a good introduction into why exactly 'they' hate America.

Rating 7.5/10 stars

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