Friends: Positions and Views

What is it with our "allies?" Are they really so naive as to think that they can openly disrespect us and not have any ramifications? The French are still trying to find the piece of their backside that has been removed in the last month- courtesy of a pissed American populace. The Canadian government has proven itself to be a little quicker on the uptake- there has only been one major insult to the US in the last couple of months. And now the Mexicans think they can get something for free.

Apparently, the Mexican government is becoming concerned about a potential backlash if they vote against us in the UN. Well, duh. Of course we're going to get ticked. They want to return to pre-9/11 relations where we're "amigos" with absolute friendship and happiness all around. They're worried about making a decision that might upset us.

Sometimes playing with the big kids on the block means having to make decisions that will tick somebody off. If one of those big kids is a close friend of yours, you have to take that into account. If you're worried about the strength of the friendship, give in and make the decision your friend wants you to. If the relationship is as strong as you think it was pre-9/11, make whatever decision you want, trusting that the bond is strong enough to survive the strain. But do not, under any circumstances, back away from making a decision. It only proves that you're spineless and weak, even your friend will hold you in contempt if you don't.

The Mexican government has a decision to make. If they don't want to go to war, and they believe the bond to be strong, they need to say so - and be ready for the consequences of that decision. We may get upset; we may retaliate. But we will forgive a principled stand.

If they're concerned about the strength of the bond that ties us then they need to vote for the war, regardless of the position they want to take.

But they can't avoid the decision and expect us to be agreeable. Friends can disagree. Friends can have polar opposite views. But friends always know where the other stands.

It's decision time Vincente. What's your call?