I think the whole $$$ issue is made up to balance the market. America can export more now and so re-coup some money lost in the war on terror, trade with Asian competiors and so forth. As long as China and the middle east don't take the brakes seriously it will continue. No whining needed. The world as a whole owes a lot to America, America, the paymaster here and there and everywhere. Nations need to rethink their policies in order to keep a reasonable balance. Even when Iran wants to stop $ currency it won't work. It will come back to the $ again and again in one way or the other. Europe is not interested in making the leads either.
Goods and Services Deficit Increases in October 2007 The Nation's international deficit in goods and services increased to $57.8 billion in October from $57.1 billion (revised) in September, as imports increased more than exports. http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/ustrade.html
One has to believe that if the dollar was stronger, the trade imbalance would be even that much greater.