Buying our friends

William Safire comments that the Polish, who apparently unlike the Germans and French, are "freedom's friend." Because of this, they our the friend of America; and as long as they do what we want, they will be rewarded with money. But will they be "free" to make decisions that might go against U.S. interests in the future, or will they risk losing our "freedom money"?

Polish-American communities ... will beam with pride at the new strategic importance, and financial guarantees for new contracts, Bush directs to their land of origin.
France and Germany are democratic states, not our enemies, and no punishment is in store — only a withholding of rewards that fairly should go to those who joined freedom's cause.
It makes sense to strengthen nations we trust. As we reward freedom's friends, future leaders in Berlin, Paris and Moscow will get the message that shortsighted political actions have long-term consequences. William Safire - The Bush Polonaise


(Polonaise: a stately Polish processional dance popular in 19th century Europe.)