RESPONSE: U.S. rescues the French?

I would suggest that before Mr. LeFrancis puts pen to paper he actually understands international political economy.

The only reason the U.S. has military bases overseas is to project its power. After the war (in which this country prospered like no other) its foreign policy was about protecting its own interests. As such it became the biggest economic and military power on the planet. The U.S. consequently meddled in nearly every region in the world, causing no end of strife and conflict.

The comments from the new head of the International Fund hit the nail on the head. If the U.S. did default on its debt, it would destabilize the world economy, cause panic-selling on stock markets - more than likely affecting any investments Mr. LeFrancis has. The only reason the U.S. has such power is because after the war, it decided that it would become the world policeman. I can't remember the rest of the world ever having a say in such a "selfless" gesture.

The writer's suggestion on how to "cure" the deficit illustrates his naivete on his own society. Whilst European countries have free health care and actually care for their citizens, many Americans live hand to mouth, just about supported in part by inadequately funded federal and state social support systems. The debt is there because of structural issues within U.S. society that no one, including Democrats and Republicans, will discuss. They have been there for years.

I suggest the writer casts his eyes outside Coeur d'Alene and past the borders of the USA.

IAN COLEMAN

London

Editor's note: Mr. Coleman is a tourist from England visiting Coeur d'Alene with his wife.