POSTED RESPONSE TO A COLUMN BY IRWIN STELZER IN THE TELEGRAPH
Irwin Stelzer does not seem to realize that just because we have a name for a concept does not make the concept valid.
The "special relationship" is as meaningless as cold fusion or angels.
It is a concept which dates back to the days when dominance in world affairs was perceptibly shifting from Britain and its Empire to the United States, an evolutionary process completed by World War II.
I find it difficult to believe that any clear-thinking and informed adult defends what is a name with no content, but I also know that there are other (unexpressed) reasons for doing so.
Already at the time of the Suez Crisis, the concept was pretty much dead on its feet.
Since that time, there have been countless demonstrations that the United States takes no account whatever of Britain's views in critical areas.
It listens, I'm sure, but listening is cheap, particularly when the payoff is the kind of foolish loyalty Britain has demonstrated in recent decades.
When America tried to pressure Britain to join its pointless holocaust in Vietnam (about 3 million killed by America justifies the term), it was told no.
A few decades later, pathetic Tony Blair enthusiastically joined in another meaningless war, responsible for the deaths of a million and a couple of million refugees.
What did Blair get for Britain?
Absolutely nothing. His views on a number of subjects were listened to and politely ignored.
Tony personally benefited, softening the blow to his ego. He is loaded down with sinecures in the gift of the American government.
Blair goes down in history as pretty much a paid fool who degraded his office with countless lies to become wealthy.
Americans - and I spent half my life in America - simply do not care what others think. Indeed, generally they regard others with skepticism and even contempt as "foreigners."
British people are often thought of as amusing, but there is a huge reservoir of dislike underneath for everything from monarchy and manners to accents and customs.
Please, always remember, it was Americans who supplied the IRA with arms and money. Collections were taken in bars in large cities countless times, and there was little sympathy when buildings in London were blown up. Why? That wasn’t terror, it was fighting for freedom.
Britain’s best opportunity to influence world affairs is as an important member of the EU. America’s policy towards Britain also has the object of keeping that from happening.
