Um Katherine, I think it’s a little rash to make such a sweeping generalization of socialists everywhere.

That being said, the ad is indeed reprehensible. A word on boycotts:

As Roger notes, Spain is a beautiful country and a great place to visit. I lived in Italy for quite awhile as a student, and I encountered my fair share of anti-American sentiment from a variety of people I spoke with (Italians are not shy about expressing their political beliefs to perfect strangers).

In each instance, when I delved deeper into the subject, I found that these people didn’t know much at all about our country and society. Their animosity toward the US was a consequence of ignorance.

Often, Italians (and other Europeans) expressed surprise upon meeting any American with an inkling of knowledge of foreign affairs or their nations’ customs.

There are, of course, legitimate criticisms of our country to be made, and foreigners can provide an interesting perspective. The ad in question is not a legitimate criticism. It’s disgusting.

So I would say- travel to Spain, to France, to Germany, and represent the US well so that a few minds might be changed. It would be a major tragedy, in my opinion, if foreigners ceased visiting the US due to erroneous generalizations of who we are.

And finally- for all of the idiots I’ve met here and abroad (and there have been many)- they are far outnumbered by good people with genuine concerns yet the equanimity to see both sides of the coin.