President of the World?

This experiment by the Guardian is really thought-provoking:

In the spirit of the Declaration of Independence's pledge to show "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind", we have come up with a unique way for non-Americans to express your views on the policies and candidates in this election to some of the people best placed to decide its outcome. It's not quite a vote, but it's a chance to influence how a very important vote will be cast. Or, at the very least, make a new penpal...It works like this. By typing your email address into the box on this page, you will receive the name and address of a voter in Clark County, Ohio.

The Guardian reader should then write to this Ohio voter and make the foreign case for whichever candidate, although, given the Guardians leftward tilt, the goal is to support Kerry. The Guardian will publish a selection of letters on Oct. 20th. I wonder whether any will support Bush.

My first reaction to this was "Buzz off. Don't you people have your own candidates to vote for?" And I'm still leaning in that direction. But it makes me wonder. Does America have so much sway over the lives of non-Americans that they feel disenfranchised by not being able to vote for the US president?

I still can't work up much sympathy for Europeans on this matter. Consider that the EU has a larger population than the US and a comparable GDP. If Europeans wanted to be players, they could be. They act as if there is something in the water over here that gives us prosperity and a strong military. They ignore the choices/sacrifices we have made regarding taxes, welfare benefits and military spending.

Sorry, but POTUS is not President of the World. If the Euros feel their needs aren't being met, they should start by writing letter to their own politicians, before concerning themselves with ours.

(via Little Green Footballs)

Update: I don't know why the Guardian makes the pretense of neutrality when describing this experiment. All three example letters from prominent Britons are no-holds-barred slams against Bush. My favorite quote, from Richard Dawkins, a "professor of the public understanding of science"(?) at Oxford University:

Don't be so ashamed of your president: the majority of you didn't vote for him. If Bush is finally elected properly, that will be the time for Americans traveling abroad to simulate a Canadian accent.

Update: The Guardian devotes a whole page to how Brits can contact the US media, but there is no readily apparent way to contact the Guardian regarding this story. Hmmm. "Here, stupid Americans, listen to our wise advice. Oh, you have an opinion? Not interested."

Update: Tim Blair to the rescue. Here's a list of e-mail addresses to help you offer your opinion to the good folks at the Guardian.