if ever there could be a better example of an american politician only understanding others by noticing what is exactly the same between the u.s. and the rest of the world - if ever there were a better example of u.s. universalism, then i'd like to see it.

this quote appears in the age, and was stated by richard armitage in relation to recent debate in australia about the australia-US alliance. check it out.

"Some in Australia doubt the wisdom of so close an association with the United States," Mr Armitage said. "It's not an entirely frivolous debate you're having and it's not a superficial political joust. Serious, sober-minded Australians have been pondering the matter and come out on various sides. Some question America's judgement. Some question America's competence. Some question both and more. Well, in that you're just like Americans. We ponder. We debate. We question ourselves - not least over how Abu Ghraib could have happened, and what we need to do to make sure it never happens again."

(my emphasis)