An answer to 'Who Stands Alone' at http://united4ever.tripod.com/
Doggerel written by straightrazor, while quaffing a glass of French wine.
May be freely reproduced without conditions.

WHO STANDS WITH YOU?
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Eleven million marched against the US-led invasion.
In London, and in Rome and France, with placards of persuasion.
We had our doubts. We disagreed. We tried hard to placate you -
Oh USA, why can’t you see that didn’t mean we hate you?

And now the roads to old Baghdad are drenched in sweat and fear, 
Eleven million hungry kids who just don’t want you here.
Three thousand people dead in mud, and that’s just civvie dudes -
(And no, you won’t see all this blood on rah-rah-rah Fox News.) 

Bush quotes Saddam‘s bin Laden links, and weapons of destruction,
But with no shred of proof just yet, perhaps he’ll have to fake some.
Not many willing soldiers here? You’re right - for the wrong reason.
Years of pain have taught us much, and we don’t call it treason.

Our countries soak in centuries of blood both rich and poor,
Is it really hard to see why most of us hate war?
The USA, between vast seas, with friends to north and south,
Only needs to please itself when opening its mouth.

But in old Europe, side-by-side live centuries of hate.
Millions here in conflict died than ever lived in States.
So we believe that talk is best, even with cheats and liars - 
You don’t, and it’s now causing deaths. (A lot from friendly fire.)

So I’ll still enjoy Camembert, but - pass a Big Mac too.
‘Cos we in Europe all still hope that there’s still hope for you. 
Those millions on our streets in March on foot, on skates, on wheels,
Marched for the right to disagree - AMERICAN IDEALS!

You see, those freedoms, human rights, enshrined red, white, and blue,
We protest now because it seems WE LOVE THEM MORE THAN YOU!
Look and listen: Limbaugh’s bile, the Dixies yanked from view.
Beltway rebrands ‘freedom fries’ as if they had a clue.

If in Guantanamo, don’t ask for lawyers - Rums won’t heed ya!
(And don’t expect no outrage from the cringing US media.)
Since that day in Sep, you’ve gone to even worse extremes.
Kyoto, nukes, the ICC - treaties in smithereens.

You had ideals. They may be gone. But ‘fore you start to bomb us,
I’d like to think there’s still a chance you’ll yet revive your promise.
‘Cos you and France ain’t far apart - except in forms of parlance.
Your Constitution says great things, AND SO DOES THAT OF FRANCE.

It intoxicates, this freedom stuff, addicts you like a drug.
You share this truth - so quit the huff, stop acting like a thug. 
You both believe in freedom? Prove it, with a transatlantic hug.
Celebrate your differences - C’mere now, you big lug!

America, we know you’re hurt. But please don’t lose your nerve.
The USA means more than oil and military verve.
Your land is great, your people kind, it’s time now to get real.
Stop the gung-ho boasts and rants - LIVE UP TO YOUR IDEALS!

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- straightrazor, 29/04/2003