LOL Ionia...I'll agree, that wouldn't help
Though, the image of Americans has always been of loud overweight Texans carrying cameras, no offence to any Texans here, that is just how they are typically portrayed in Europe. Like most British football supporters are often portrayed as skinhead hooligans, I don't really mind that, most people I have encountered judge on a one to one basis, it's only when you get mobs things get sticky
I think there is genuine fear and concern in the world for a conflict which is escalating, not diminishing, Muslims are Fighting christians in Africa, people throughout Europe and America are living each day half expecting to hear the Bio-Warning sirens go off. We want it to stop, all of us, America, Europe, Israel, Palestine, the only people who don't want it to stop are the Terrorists, because they are calling the shots while this goes on.
But, as you said in your second post, Firepower alone won't do it.
Also, there is a 'trend' among certain English (I don't know about European) teenagers to vocally dislike America (Whilst wearing Nike trainers and drinking Coke I might add). But that is hormones more than hatred, give them 5 years and they will swear they were above that sort of thing.
As Blair, in one of his accurate moments put it 'To deny there are rifts would be foolish'. but I don't think most of the world truly hates America, we are concerned, about what has happened and about what will happen in the future. America really does hold 4 billion lives in it's hands at the moment, just be careful with 'em, this is the kind of War where one move to save a hundred lives might cost 10000.
To be honest to you, you are a victim of media in that respect, it's not so much that you have had bad press, as that you have had press at all. Even World War II was mostly limited to B&W stills, but nowadays the Marines are practically tripping over the cameramen, something which I find revolting in a way. Bit it did open up peoples eyes to what War is, and most people were squeamiish. But you haven't made war any differently to any other country.
I won't agree with you that you are hated. I don't think you should have gone into Iraq in the manner that you did, and I think it was unfortunate that your government was either fed false information or gave false information regarding WMD's. But of all countries, of all people, Americans have the greatest responsiblility to be aware and tolerant of the outside world and the differences in it, because they have the most influence over it, and that, as you say, is where a large majority of the public fall down
