Perhaps nothing so clearly highlights the differences in perspective between Old Europe and the still first generation free Eastern Europeans like the current conflict in Israel.
The Western Europeans who were given their freedom by hundreds of thousands of American soldiers are busy condemning Israel and ignoring hundreds of rockets fired by Hamas into Israel. The French, who hate everything good, lead the way:
The French Foreign Ministry said: "France condemns the Israeli ground offensive against Gaza as it condemns the continuation of rocket firing."
It said the "dangerous military escalation" complicated efforts to end the fighting and bring aid to the area.
While those in Eastern Europe who earned their freedom from the yoke of Soviet oppression see what's really going on:
"At the moment, from the perspective of the last days, we understand this step as a defensive, not offensive, action," Czech EU presidency spokesman Jiri Potuznik said.
I find it notable that the Europeans with whom we are supposed to have so much in common so often seem like they're from another planet, while people who grew up under the heel of an oppressive, autocratic government machine actually seem to get it.
If it was just the French, though, it probably wouldn't be news. The Brits are also bucking their EU President:
"Unfolding events show the urgent need for the immediate ceasefire that we have called for. The escalation of the conflict will cause alarm and dismay," British Foreign Minister David Milliband said. A British government source said of the Czech statement: "It is not the position of the British government."
Ironic, isn't it, that a bunch of people who'd be goose-stepping if it weren't for us may end up goose-stepping anyway, while the freedom-loving people are being found rising from the rubble of the former Soviet Bloc. Ever think maybe we saved the wrong half of Europe?
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