As if there aren't already enough threads here, I found this link as a result of a thread on the radio side. The following is a longer version than the one linked on over there.

http://chump-style.blogspot.com/2006/08/john-cleeses-letter-to-america.html

My question is why the British would WANT to take back America in its current condition?

I've always been a HUGE Monty Python fan.
I recently read "Monty Python Speaks" a history of Monty Python through individual inteviews with members.

And I have to say, as much as I like his work, Cleese came off as kind of a jerk.

I laughed at the letter, but you are right, Cleese is a jerk. I still admire his work. If there were a member of Python that is essentially unapproachable, it would be John. A shame really, since most folks adore him.

Sorry folks, it's an "urban legend". Cleese is not the author.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/satire/revocation.asp

Good catch Merkin! The real John Cleese has shared strong opinions about America.

Oops, I usually check these things but neglected to do so this time. It's still a fun read though.

Really, the British have no more claim on the USA than the European descendants who are currently unfit to govern. Give it back to the Turtle Islanders instead.

I love snopes.

Has anyone verified snopes' credibility?

I fear that if I tried to prove Snopes' claims, I would be pulled right into - or perhaps OUT of - The Matrix. See? It's already started.

Amus wrote:
Cleese came off as kind of a jerk.

Oh really, so what is it you don't like?

1. He's right, we didn't elect a competent president.

2. We don't LIKE communicate well and the term US english is more than a little arrogant. It's kind of like these right wing rube squads that have been running thing the past few years saying we speak American and the Swiss speak swiss.

3. Congress SHOULD be dissolved. That way maybe we can elect something besides special interest crap.

4. You don't like the idea of resolving issues without the use of guns, lawyers or therapists????

Finally, you really need to lighten up. You have heard of a parody haven't you? That's all this is, to demonstrate what our arrogance looks like to the rest of the world. He says America should be more like England.

So what's the difference between that and us trying to make the rest of the world like us, anyone????

I wasn't talking about those things he didn't really write.

I was talking about his attitude towards his early work and some of his fellow Pythoners.

Just seemed snobby and dismissive.