NationStates Jolt Archive

Firstly, I don't mean to offend the many Americans on this site - hey I love you folks (well, most of you anyway). After all, my wife is American and Atlanta is kinda my second home. My first home is Canada.

However, I keep seeing one or two members of this site repeatedly trumpet a very knee-jerk opinion that America is unquestionably "the greatest country in the world".

I just want to point out to my American cousins that many folks around the world consider their countries just as "Great" as the USA is, and are not holding any burning desire to move to America. We are not all jealous of Americans either - sometimes we even feel sympathy for you, and wish you could learn from our successes.

How does one measure "greatness" anyway? I recently read a few interesting statistics. They showed that America scores worse than Canada (and MUCH worse than Sweden) in:

Life expectancy, infant mortality, literacy, poverty, health care, social spending, infastructure spending, job security, voter turnout, murder rates, assault rates, prison incarceration, and several other indicators of what makes for a "Great" country.

Obviously, most countries in the world fared much worse than America in these indicators, but America definitely lagged behind a couple dozen countries.

I'm just trying to show that there is more than one way to measure "Greatness", and that there is much more involved than just having the largest consumer marketplace and most powerful military.

This is not meant as an insult against America nor Americans, just food for thought.

well seen as america came from everywere else apart from america including britain. It may be the best place in the world
8)

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

*prepares for flamewars to begin*
Seriously, why not just stage a battle between liberals and conservatives and drop the pretenses?
I find it hard to believe that any one country is "the greatest."

Oh, thanks for the reminder!

*dons his FlameMaster3000 flamehelmet*

Phew!

Each person is different, ive met tons of europeans who love america much more then europe. and tons of americans who would kill to move to europe; it all depends on what u like.

Oh, thanks for the reminder!

*dons his FlameMaster3000 flamehelmet*

Phew! Any time. It's my job to keep the citizenry informed and aware.

to be fair its one of few places i will want visit before i pass my time.

nascar, big everythings. And just the look of the place from fils makes me wanna visit ..

Ill come and see ya yanks. just dont freindly fire me ok :)

just go up north. less guns and rednecks.

just go up north. less guns and rednecks.

Yep, just a bunch of hockey fanatics wearing Kenora Dinner Jackets, eh! ;) Yes.... I love my country, much better than the states.

I think the best answer is

Several nations are as good or even better countries than America is. Plenty of people have no desire to live in America.

Agreed Stepistan,

I should point out that America isn't one 'cultural' nation. A recent article, (sorry can't recall where I saw it...perhaps the economist) noted the existence of three culturally unique 'america's'.

Maybe those people defined greatness as "most ass-kicking nation"?

We obviously get #1 for that. Who else nuked another nation? Who else was a major player in WW1 and WW2? Who was the Soviet's biggest rival? Who defeated the British in the American Revolution and gave em a run for their money in the War of 1812? Who could've annexed Mexico? Who burned down the British capitol in Canada? Who has the highest amount of nuclear weapons? Who has the strongest military? Who defeated the Imperial Japanese? Who split N. and S. Korea? Who got the idea for the Panama Canal? Who invented the cotten gin? Who got into a major civil war with 2mil+(?) deaths and STILL managed to be one of the top 10 strongest nations? Who spread from East to West and not let the Pacific Ocean stop them?

The answer, my friend, is America!

But yeah, we got our problems. But not like Canada is a ****ing paradise!

Unfortunatly, we seem to have inherited that particularly 'French Disease' known as Nationalism.

Maybe those people defined greatness as "most ass-kicking nation"?

We obviously get #1 for that. Who else nuked another nation? Who else was a major player in WW1 and WW2? Who was the Soviet's biggest rival? Who defeated the British in the American Revolution and gave em a run for their money in the War of 1812? Who could've annexed Mexico? Who burned down the British capitol in Canada? Who has the highest amount of nuclear weapons? Who has the strongest military? Who defeated the Imperial Japanese? Who split N. and S. Korea? Who got the idea for the Panama Canal? Who invented the cotten gin? Who got into a major civil war with 2mil+(?) deaths and STILL managed to be one of the top 10 strongest nations? Who spread from East to West and not let the Pacific Ocean stop them?

The answer, my friend, is America!

But yeah, we got our problems. But not like Canada is a ****ing paradise!

You would actually be alot better at kicking ass if you army was to standard like the British army, but you have like millions maybe billions more people.
And hitler was trying to nuke New york was he not.. Hey what a cool guy

just go up north. less guns and rednecks.

Yep, just a bunch of hockey fanatics wearing Kenora Dinner Jackets, eh! ;) Yes.... I love my country, much better than the states.

um, i meant north US. Go to far north and youll freeze your nuts off and cry because everybody is speaking french and being WAY to nice to you. :wink:

Oh yeah I forgot. Over 200 years and still no damn King or Queen telling us what to do without getting their armie's ass kicked :wink:

Ah, the last time we got into a war with the British, they outnumbered us by at least 100 if not 200 percent in total population. (Not including the British Empire!...and Billions more...there is 275 million of us little Yanks...that's not a billion by a long shot...)

yeah nuke em cool we are the best..

Hmmm somewhat shallow i think. Hey ive never once sworn allegiance to the queen. tofee nosed bint.

But we fough tooth and nail for the rest of europes freedom while ours was in great pearl. And without attack either while being so much smaller.

but wait america needed to be attacked first ME ME ME ME.

Hmm. And at least we have culture from way back, you came from us behave..

The royals spend all our taxes on the english mostly (well the government now), but we cant do anything. At least they dont wage war for no reason and steal oil. They made so much trade for our counrty its a miracle.

Im scottish and i hate the queen but it stands for our culture, and we aint afraid to fight for freedom and peace even whe ours is at risk, ask france we were helping them and poland, and holland etc..

They had no choice we were lucky being on the sceptic isle. They would of done the same, but totally all powerfull america Hmm they done f all mate, f bloody all. untill attacked unlike tiny britain willing to risk all for freedom of our friends ..

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it matey

Gonna quote this a couple of times as im personally pleased with this reply to a somwhat shallow set of remarks

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.

I dont think america is the best and anyone who claims so is that worried about a reflection of the past, they need to say that for comfort or denial or what ever it may be.

Scotland is no way the best country, maybe for fun but thats because my whole life is here, but if i travelled i know i would find other places better.


Must admit America as a place would be cool to visit as i said before, but there attitude really sucks to the max.

(so does mine but we aint discussing it)

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.

I think a country should be judged by it's standard of living.. New Zealand would certainly fall in to this category in a very positive way.. since they have re-vamped their entire system, which did go through some growing pains.. it's come out beautiful.. other notable countries that have a very high standard of living would be Sweden and Norway and of course Canada. If I'm not mistaken, which I don't believe I am.. Canada held the UN ranking for the highest standard of living in the world for 7 or 8 years in a row.. Then they changed the formula.. (because of American pressure) I know this because my mother-in-law in quite high up in the UN in my country.. (I'll just leave it at that).. at any rate.. when you look at standard of living for all people in a country.. the USA doesn't hit the mark by a long shot. In fairness they are in the top ten though, except education where they fall about 26th I believe. I suppose it would depend on how you rate "worth".. what is important to you in a country.

Each person is different, ive met tons of europeans who love america much more then europe. and tons of americans who would kill to move to europe; it all depends on what u like.

You’re absolutely right. i don’t think there's such a thing as "the greatest nation in the world." Each country has its own great qualities and unique cultures. But if i had to pick a nation, it'd be Japan. I’m sure if it were a country as big the U.S., it'd # 1 in many more areas than just lowest mortality rate and life expectancy. And culturally, I’d pick France.

I am proud to be an American. However, I do not think America is the greatest country in the world. No country is. America has a lot of really awful problems that need to be fixed. Norway and Sweden, for example, have less. I still would rather live than anywhere else though, but then again this is my native land. I would expect people from other countries to feel the same way.

Maybe those people defined greatness as "most ass-kicking nation"?

We obviously get #1 for that. Who else nuked another nation? Who else was a major player in WW1 and WW2? Who was the Soviet's biggest rival? Who defeated the British in the American Revolution and gave em a run for their money in the War of 1812? Who could've annexed Mexico? Who burned down the British capitol in Canada? Who has the highest amount of nuclear weapons? Who has the strongest military? Who defeated the Imperial Japanese? Who split N. and S. Korea? Who got the idea for the Panama Canal? Who invented the cotten gin? Who got into a major civil war with 2mil+(?) deaths and STILL managed to be one of the top 10 strongest nations? Who spread from East to West and not let the Pacific Ocean stop them?

The answer, my friend, is America!

But yeah, we got our problems. But not like Canada is a ****ing paradise!

Kudos to you! indeed, without the U.S.A. who knows how bad and primitive this world would have been. And you forgot to mention all the scientific innovations which the entire world takes for granted, such as the light bulb, the telephone, the computer, and the internet. yup, all american inventions...ahh yes. the american ingenuity!

Maybe those people defined greatness as "most ass-kicking nation"?

We obviously get #1 for that. Who else nuked another nation? Who else was a major player in WW1 and WW2? Who was the Soviet's biggest rival? Who defeated the British in the American Revolution and gave em a run for their money in the War of 1812? Who could've annexed Mexico? Who burned down the British capitol in Canada? Who has the highest amount of nuclear weapons? Who has the strongest military? Who defeated the Imperial Japanese? Who split N. and S. Korea? Who got the idea for the Panama Canal? Who invented the cotten gin? Who got into a major civil war with 2mil+(?) deaths and STILL managed to be one of the top 10 strongest nations? Who spread from East to West and not let the Pacific Ocean stop them?
The light bulb was first invented by Joseph Swan in England. Look it up. Eddison was first to patent the idea, that is why he joined with Swan to produce light bulbs.

The answer, my friend, is America!

But yeah, we got our problems. But not like Canada is a ****ing paradise!

Kudos to you! indeed, without the U.S.A. who knows how bad and primitive this world would have been. And you forgot to mention all the scientific innovations which the entire world takes for granted, such as the light bulb, the telephone, the computer, and the internet. yup, all american inventions...ahh yes. the american ingenuity!

The light bulb was first invented by Joseph Swan in England. Look it up. Eddison was first to patent the idea, that is why he joined with Swan to produce light bulbs. The computer was also derived from a Babbage invention (another English gent) and the first electonic computer was in the UK and used to crack german codes during the second world war. The world wide web is also the invention of and English man. (look that up).
yes the US was responsible for alot of inventions, but don't try steeling those that are not US.
Just as Clement Ader (Spelling) was the first to fly a powered aircraft. The wright brothers flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft.
I think you will find that Scotland, England the rest of the UK combined account for a vast number of inventions.
Saying all that the US is an OK country, but not the best.

The light bulb was first invented by Joseph Swan in England. Look it up. Eddison was first to patent the idea, that is why he joined with Swan to produce light bulbs. The computer was also derived from a Babbage invention (another English gent) and the first electonic computer was in the UK and used to crack german codes during the second world war. The world wide web is also the invention of and English man. (look that up).
yes the US was responsible for alot of inventions, but don't try steeling those that are not US.
Just as Clement Ader (Spelling) was the first to fly a powered aircraft. The wright brothers flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft.
I think you will find that Scotland, England the rest of the UK combined account for a vast number of inventions.
Saying all that the US is an OK country, but not the best.

Ok and shall we add the following non US inventions to the list that revolutionised the world:

Jet engine (German-British)
Supersonic flight (British)
Hydrofoil (British)
Steam driven technologies e.g. locomotives, turbines and reciprocating engines (British)
The automobile (French)
Glider (pre-flight) (Italy - Leonardo Da Vinci also noted for his research on scuba and submarines)
Lawn Mower (Australia)
Black Box (Australia, eventually bought out by the USA)
Gunpowder (Chinese)
Aircraft Carrier (British)
Dreadnought/battleship (British)

Geez I can see a pattern here regarding British inventions...hmmmm interesting.

Any more people, please add them. We can complie a list of all the brilliant British inventions that helped make America powerful :D

Firstly, I don't mean to offend the many Americans on this site - hey I love you folks (well, most of you anyway). After all, my wife is American and Atlanta is kinda my second home. My first home is Canada.

However, I keep seeing one or two members of this site repeatedly trumpet a very knee-jerk opinion that America is unquestionably "the greatest country in the world".

I just want to point out to my American cousins that many folks around the world consider their countries just as "Great" as the USA is, and are not holding any burning desire to move to America. We are not all jealous of Americans either - sometimes we even feel sympathy for you, and wish you could learn from our successes.

How does one measure "greatness" anyway? I recently read a few interesting statistics. They showed that America scores worse than Canada (and MUCH worse than Sweden) in:

Life expectancy, infant mortality, literacy, poverty, health care, social spending, infastructure spending, job security, voter turnout, murder rates, assault rates, prison incarceration, and several other indicators of what makes for a "Great" country.

Obviously, most countries in the world fared much worse than America in these indicators, but America definitely lagged behind a couple dozen countries.

I'm just trying to show that there is more than one way to measure "Greatness", and that there is much more involved than just having the largest consumer marketplace and most powerful military.

This is not meant as an insult against America nor Americans, just food for thought.

You make a very good point- it all depends on what you mean by 'great' so there's no sense in arguing about it.

Having lived exactly half my life in the US and half my life in my home country Sweden, I have to go with the latter in preference. There are a few reasons, but probably the biggest is that in Sweden you have a lot more freedom (you heard me).

America is just riddled with federal and state laws that meddle with the details of ordinary people's lives. You can get busted for just about anything, depending on where you are, by unknowingly breaking some obscure law.

Also, here people are much more tolerant, towards people of other ethnicity, religion, and towards homosexuals like myself. In fact, the archbishop of our nation has recently given the OK for gays to get married in church, with the argument that "love is love, no matter what the form."

I'm not saying that Sweden is the greatest country in the world. We have our problems too, but many Americans need to learn that the world is more than just "us" and "them". :?

The light bulb was first invented by Joseph Swan in England. Look it up. Eddison was first to patent the idea, that is why he joined with Swan to produce light bulbs. The computer was also derived from a Babbage invention (another English gent) and the first electonic computer was in the UK and used to crack german codes during the second world war. The world wide web is also the invention of and English man. (look that up).
yes the US was responsible for alot of inventions, but don't try steeling those that are not US.
Just as Clement Ader (Spelling) was the first to fly a powered aircraft. The wright brothers flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft.
I think you will find that Scotland, England the rest of the UK combined account for a vast number of inventions.
Saying all that the US is an OK country, but not the best.

Ok and shall we add the following non US inventions to the list that revolutionised the world:

Jet engine (German-British)
Supersonic flight (British)
Hydrofoil (British)
Steam driven technologies e.g. locomotives, turbines and reciprocating engines (British)
The automobile (French)
Glider (pre-flight) (Italy - Leonardo Da Vinci also noted for his research on scuba and submarines)
Lawn Mower (Australia)
Black Box (Australia, eventually bought out by the USA)
Gunpowder (Chinese)
Aircraft Carrier (British)
Dreadnought/battleship (British)

Geez I can see a pattern here regarding British inventions...hmmmm interesting.

Any more people, please add them. We can complie a list of all the brilliant British inventions that helped make America powerful :D

i must add that European engineers did pioneer gasoline-powered vehicles as replacements for horses and carriages, BUT these new inventions were intended primarily for prosperous users and they did not realize there was a hidden demand. The American industrialist Henry Ford seized this opportunity...and this is just one example...but i will not waste my time defending my claims, for frankly I don’t have to. I know I’m right and that’s all that matters….but it is quite sad how ignorant some people can be. Anyway, the point is that when Americans didn’t invent, they sure did make improvements.

i will not waist my time defending my claims, for frankly I don’t have to. I know I’m right and that’s all that matters….but it is quite sad how ignorant some people can be.

Obviously not a politician :roll:

When you make a statement, any educated person (I'm asking a lot from many people in NS haha) gives evidence in support.

The issue was inventions, not improvements.

i will not waist my time defending my claims, for frankly I don’t have to. I know I’m right and that’s all that matters….but it is quite sad how ignorant some people can be.

Obviously not a politician :roll:

When you make a statement, any educated person (I'm asking a lot from many people in NS haha) gives evidence in support.

The issue was inventions, not improvements.

Oh yes, rolling your eyes...that's definitely politician material! and the subject here is not inventions, its whether u think america is the best nation or not...so whats your point( if you have one) ?

Oh yes, rolling your eyes...that's definitely politician material! and the subject here is not inventions, its whether u think america is the best nation or not...so whats your point( if you have one) ?

Your hostility towards me is unprovoked and you know it. Be civil please.

The argument was that america is great because of all the things they invented. I merely pointed out, as others did that America has invented little of significance in light of the debate material.

Calm down, calm down (scouse accent).
America is a great country as are many others. I could not say which is the best, but would have to say where I live is best as far as I am concerned, I ma happy with that and happy that many disagree.
My point about inventions however was simply that it was a very poor basis for basing the assertion that the US was the best. As they are hardly at the forefront when it comes to inventions. I won't get into an debate about it as Europe is responsible for the vast majority of scientific dioscoveries and inventions and Great Britian is extraordinarily well represented when it comes to inventions and discoveries.
If you think the US is the leader in this field I am happy to let you wallow in your own ignorance. :P

Life expectancy,

Sure.

infant mortality, literacy,

These could help too, but are secondary and more so means to an ends than ends in and of themselves.

poverty, health care,

Define "poverty". These conditions are far from good ways to measure how nice a country is. There's very little relative poverty in Burundi -- everyone's equally poor.

social spending, infastructure spending, job security,

It seems to me that a great nation would do LESS of these things. If a natiion has to do things like put an oppressive tax on its citizens to fund "social" spending and "infrastructure" spending, then it has already degraded itself to the point where big government is needed, and then it's only a step away from the bread-and-circuses tyranny of Rome.

voter turnout,

Irrelevant to how good a country is.

murder rates, assault rates, prison incarceration,

Blame the War on Drugs.


The biggest indication for how good a country is are rights protection, followed by economic strength/growth. Rights must be protected first and foremost, because that is the function of nations in the first place. Rights include both economic rights and personal rights. A right is a freedom from government*. Social spending constitutes entiltements, and directly violates the economic rights of others. Economic growth is the best indiciation of how nice it is to live there.

*Analysis of rights by the Newspeak Dictionary

At first glance, it would appear that the citizens of the USSR had more rights than their American counterparts. Stalin's constitution guaranteed the people the right to work, the right to rest and leisure (no overtime), maintenance in old age (Social Security), right to education, economic equality, right to form unions, right to privacy, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. Unfortunately, the constitution doesn't explain exactly how these freedoms are guaranteed.

For instance, the US Constitution grants freedom of speech with the following paragraph:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


The USSR constitution grants in citizens freedom of speech with this passage:
In conformity with the interests of the working people, and in order to strengthen the socialist system, the citizens of the USSR are guaranteed by law:
a. freedom of speech;
b. freedom of the press;
c. freedom of assembly, including the holding of mass meetings;
d. freedom of street processions and demonstrations.
These civil rights are ensured by placing at the disposal of the working people and their organizations printing presses, stocks of paper, public buildings, the streets, communications facilities and other material requisites for the exercise of these rights.

Notice the difference?

Our freedom of speech is guaranteed because our constitution says that congress "shall make no law" that infringes on that freedom. All of our rights are guaranteed in this manner... by explaining what it is exactly that the government can't do. Phrases like "shall make no law", "shall not be violated", and "shall not be infringed" are pretty straightforward and leave little room for interpretation -- Your rights are protected because government is prohibited from passing any laws in these areas.

On the other hand, the "rights" granted to the citizens of the USSR are in fact a list of things that the government must do - The government must give you a job ... the government must give you health care ... the government must give you an education ... and (since the state owns all machinery) the government must give you a printing press for you to practice your freedom speech. But of course, if you aren't working "to strengthen the socialist system", don't hold your breath waiting for your printing press.

So, the next time you hear a politician trying to get into power by promising to protect your the "Right to Work" or your "Right to Health Care", please try to remember what "rights" really are -- protection from the government, not protection by the government.

I would prefer Britian, I think that it has controbuted a hell of a lot to the world and it has free health-care no guns ect. It has problems but not too many. In the USA going to the doctor can cost a hell of a lot. By the way did you know that Americans are strinking and Becoming fatter and Europians are growing and becoming tinner. the things you learn from the observer.

As for that comment about Rome, it did a lot of things, Democracy, roads, baths, hot water ect. It was not tyrannical and it did basically let those who it conquored live their own lives. Until the Emporers or Hadrian at least.

America the best?....nawww...hell..I may be a "patriot"...but as far as other places?...Ireland is having an ecnomic boom lately Im told..Switzerland is awesome scenery....Norway has buxom blondes named Inga (grrrrrrrrrr)...Bermuda has great deep-sea fishing and fantastic snorkling and breath-taking beaches..lots of places just as good.

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.

I think a country should be judged by it's standard of living.. New Zealand would certainly fall in to this category in a very positive way.. since they have re-vamped their entire system, which did go through some growing pains.. it's come out beautiful.. other notable countries that have a very high standard of living would be Sweden and Norway and of course Canada. If I'm not mistaken, which I don't believe I am.. Canada held the UN ranking for the highest standard of living in the world for 7 or 8 years in a row.. Then they changed the formula.. (because of American pressure) I know this because my mother-in-law in quite high up in the UN in my country.. (I'll just leave it at that).. at any rate.. when you look at standard of living for all people in a country.. the USA doesn't hit the mark by a long shot. In fairness they are in the top ten though, except education where they fall about 26th I believe. I suppose it would depend on how you rate "worth".. what is important to you in a country.

Sweden man...Heaven on earth

America the best?....nawww...hell..I may be a "patriot"...but as far as other places?...Ireland is having an ecnomic boom lately Im told..Switzerland is awesome scenery....Norway has buxom blondes named Inga (grrrrrrrrrr)...Bermuda has great deep-sea fishing and fantastic snorkling and breath-taking beaches..lots of places just as good.

Yeah Inga is sweet :P

[Just as Clement Ader (Spelling) was the first to fly a powered aircraft. The wright brothers flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft.I just want to point out that this is not exact. Clement Ader (good spelling, kudos) flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft. The wright brothers were the first to fly it and take a picture of it flying.

abc

social spending, infastructure spending, job security,

It seems to me that a great nation would do LESS of these things. If a natiion has to do things like put an oppressive tax on its citizens to fund "social" spending and "infrastructure" spending, then it has already degraded itself to the point where big government is needed, and then it's only a step away from the bread-and-circuses tyranny of Rome.

The biggest indication for how good a country is are rights protection, followed by economic strength/growth. Rights must be protected first and foremost, because that is the function of nations in the first place. Rights include both economic rights and personal rights. A right is a freedom from government*. Social spending constitutes entiltements, and directly violates the economic rights of others. Economic growth is the best indiciation of how nice it is to live there.

*Analysis of rights by the Newspeak Dictionary

So, the next time you hear a politician trying to get into power by promising to protect your the "Right to Work" or your "Right to Health Care", please try to remember what "rights" really are -- protection from the government, not protection by the government.[/quote]

For an example of what such Libertarian thinking would lead to, one need look no further than The Global Markets own country:


"The Confederated Trade League of The Global Market is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its absence of drug laws. Its hard-nosed, hard-working population of 2.178 billion enjoy some of the most opulent lifestyles in the region, unless they are unemployed or working-class, in which case they are variously starving to death or crippled by easily preventable diseases.

There is no government in the normal sense the word; however, a small group of community-minded, liberal, pro-business individuals juggles the competing demands of Education, Commerce, and Law & Order. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Arms Manufacturing and Book Publishing.

Murder rates are on the rise as the popularity of soylent products grows, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, X-Files ratings have hit an all-time low, and the latest Harry Potter book is a bestseller. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is crippling. The Global Market's national animal is the Human, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the Aureus.

The Global Market is ranked 36th in the region and 124,061st in the world for Most Compassionate Citizens."


Gee! What a great place to live huh? For contrast, try visiting my country. Ask yourself which place you'd *really* rather live in. Since his country is clearly killing itself, I expect to see The Global Market asking to emigrate to Garaj Mahal.

Dumb Norway and Sweden, it's Finland :wink:

Telehone - Scotland

Television - Scotland


All my online needs are there. this is the basis of the internet we are using today.

Actually we've got the minitel in France since far longer than the internet (which was invented in switzerland if I remember correctly).

The telephone was invented in Canada by a man of Scots descent, Alexander Graham Bell. The world's first phone call was made in Canada.

Later Bell took his invention to the U.S. because he needed investors and that's where he happened to find them. (Canadians are notoriously over-cautious about risk-taking investments, to our detriment in cases like this.) Somehow though, U.S. history books have always reprinted the error that the telephone was invented in the U.S.

BTW basketball was also invented in Canada. We just liked hockey and football a lot better though, so basketball became known as an American game mostly because Canada just never got too interested in it. :?

Thinking about it americans never gave the world much, did they, except for trouble. As for America breaking free of England, the English didn't care they where more concerned with conquring India, hindsight is a wonderful theing.

You're all wrong. The greatest nation on Earth is Uzbekistan.

I'd much rather live in America than Bangladesh, but then I'd much rather live in Sweden or Canada than America.

If "greatest" means most powerful then consider the British and Mongol Empres. Not particularly friendly.

America has the economic strength to support a large portion of the internet and NASA, both of which are worthwhile, but these advantages are, in my opinion, outweighed by lack of free healthcare, lack of gun control and the sexist, homophobic, xenophobic attitudes of a significant portion of the population (mainly in the traditional "Southern" states.)

Oh, and the Brits also invented the concentration camp.

Aidan

Bah, America is great. It's fun getting so much attention! :P :wink:

to be fair its one of few places i will want visit before i pass my time.

nascar, big everythings. And just the look of the place from fils makes me wanna visit ..

Ill come and see ya yanks. just dont freindly fire me ok :)
To be honest,it's the last place I'd want to visit.....and I like travelling. I've been to various parts of Asia, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand (the best place in the world) most of North Africa, Brazil Uraguy and Argentina. So I think it's kind of obvious that the USA is not one of my intended destinations.

to be fair its one of few places i will want visit before i pass my time.

nascar, big everythings. And just the look of the place from fils makes me wanna visit ..

Ill come and see ya yanks. just dont freindly fire me ok :)
To be honest,it's the last place I'd want to visit.....and I like travelling. I've been to various parts of Asia, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand (the best place in the world) most of North Africa, Brazil Uraguy and Argentina. So I think it's kind of obvious that the USA is not one of my intended destinations.

The light bulb was first invented by Joseph Swan in England. Look it up. Eddison was first to patent the idea, that is why he joined with Swan to produce light bulbs. The computer was also derived from a Babbage invention (another English gent) and the first electonic computer was in the UK and used to crack german codes during the second world war. The world wide web is also the invention of and English man. (look that up).
yes the US was responsible for alot of inventions, but don't try steeling those that are not US.
Just as Clement Ader (Spelling) was the first to fly a powered aircraft. The wright brothers flew the first controled, heavier than air powered airecraft.
I think you will find that Scotland, England the rest of the UK combined account for a vast number of inventions.
Saying all that the US is an OK country, but not the best.

Ok and shall we add the following non US inventions to the list that revolutionised the world:

Jet engine (German-British)
Supersonic flight (British)
Hydrofoil (British)
Steam driven technologies e.g. locomotives, turbines and reciprocating engines (British)
The automobile (French)
Glider (pre-flight) (Italy - Leonardo Da Vinci also noted for his research on scuba and submarines)
Lawn Mower (Australia)
Black Box (Australia, eventually bought out by the USA)
Gunpowder (Chinese)
Aircraft Carrier (British)
Dreadnought/battleship (British)

Geez I can see a pattern here regarding British inventions...hmmmm interesting.

Any more people, please add them. We can complie a list of all the brilliant British inventions that helped make America powerful :D

:roll: If you want to define "national superiority" by what that nation invents (I dont see how ONE person inventing something defines how great a nation is but whatever) then I should tell you that the most powerful nation would then be China

Personaly, I feel America is the best country.

Come on, sure other countries may be stronger in certain areas but overall, it's America.

We have 30% of the world's economy and have 20 times as much influence as any other country.

The world is being Americanized, McDonalds is fricken everywhere, US elections are more important than anywhere else.

I know there's alot of people who like Canada here but it's pretty much America Jr.

After all, if it wasn't for America's actions after WWII there's no telling what Europe would have looked like now... But then again the European's won't be around too much longer, their population is declining faster than you can blink.

US is the Best. :D

I doubt America will be around much longer either then.....seeing as though your combined weight is sinking the entire continent.....

BTW basketball was also invented in Canada.

Actually, while James Naismith was Canadian by birth, the first basketball games was played in Massechusettes.

lack of free healthcare

No, we do have a national healthcare system. over 80% of our population just happens to rather private companies so the federal system is kind of crappy.

lack of gun control

Oddly enough, most of our major metro areas have heavy gun control, and manage the largest crime rates.

and the sexist, homophobic, xenophobic attitudes of a significant portion of the population (mainly in the traditional "Southern" states.)

Great job generalizing a portion of the country. May I ask when you polled the entire Southern United States?


Seriously, this topic was just going to cause trouble. I believe the US is the best, but if you personally prefer somewhere else, fine. It is completly subjective.

I just happen to dislike people who make these big sweeping generalizations of a country while in the same sentence telling us you would never visit it. As if you somehow sound enlightened doing this.

I doubt America will be around much longer either then.....seeing as though your combined weight is sinking the entire continent.....

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Switzerland is the only nation which is better overall.

It's got to be the UK thats the greatest nation ever. We had it all!
The Empire, technology (Imagine what the world would be like with no industrial revolution), we were the first western power to abolish slavery, we held the nazi's off long enough to save the world, and, you may say, back in the first page (can't remember who, that America burnt down the UK capital in Canada, but we burnt down the White house! (I'm sure that you all know thats why its white.) we gave the world the army that we use nowadays (Cromwell) we have the best peacekeepers around (compare Basra to Baghdad), we have culture, Celtic and Anglo-Saxon, and British, free health-care, some of the finest, if not the finest universities in the world, and to top it all off, we make a damn fine cup of tea (Earl Gray, lovely...)
(I'll leave it to your own discretion which parts are ironic.)

It's got to be the UK thats the greatest nation ever. We had it all!
The Empire, technology (Imagine what the world would be like with no industrial revolution), we were the first western power to abolish slavery, we held the nazi's off long enough to save the world, and, you may say, back in the first page (can't remember who, that America burnt down the UK capital in Canada, but we burnt down the White house! (I'm sure that you all know thats why its white.) we gave the world the army that we use nowadays (Cromwell) we have the best peacekeepers around (compare Basra to Baghdad), we have culture, Celtic and Anglo-Saxon, and British, free health-care, some of the finest, if not the finest universities in the world, and to top it all off, we make a damn fine cup of tea (Earl Gray, lovely...)
(I'll leave it to your own discretion which parts are ironic.)

Oh no you don't!

The best peacekeepers around are Australians.

Whilst being in the front lines throughout the Iraq conflict (elite forces) nobody has been killed. However, the British and US have lost many men.

Australia's SAS is the most highly trained and well equiped force in the world (even the US and UK have had Australian trainers come to give tips - please do not argue this because it is true...this doesn't make Australia some powerful nation though).

Free health care in non existent...somebody pays and that is the tax payer...essentially you are paying for your healthcare.

As for holding the Nazis off long enough, thanks to Chamberlain Germany was able to start a second world war, so please do not start that!

Also, bragging about the white house burning down is going to start americans bragging about the British defeat at Yorktown (although the British could have won but the 20,000 reinforcements were never deployed - instead waited and waited for deployment that never happened, a total waste of money really).

As for the first nation to abolish slavery that is incorrect. In 1807 the British banned the slave trade. In 1833 the Abolition of Slavery Act was approved. The first nation to abolish slavery was France in 1794 (although this was restored by napoleon in 1802 and later abolished for a second time in 1848).

But I will ask this: What makes a country "great"? How do we define greatness. I believe this needs to be addressed before any argument can truely be made.

The US is ok, nice place to visit but I could only ever live in one or two cities down there. I am a Canadian but I personally think either Norway or Australia are the "best" countries in the world. Both have good standards of living and quality services. I still like living in Canada the best, we aren't always starting wars and and whinny when everyone calls us names and crap. We take it like men, drink some maple syrup, play some hockey and then off to chop wood in our beaver fur hats and plad shirts. Eh?

Go America! :D

As for holding the Nazis off long enough, thanks to Chamberlain Germany was able to start a second world war, so please do not start that!

Heck. Chamberlain ruined the plans of the German officers who wanted to depose Hitler in 1938 once he declared war on Czechoslovakia. By handing Hitler Sudetenland on a silver platter.
Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

ab

Personaly, I feel America is the best country.

We have 30% of the world's economy and have 20 times as much influence as any other country.

The world is being Americanized, McDonalds is fricken everywhere, US elections are more important than anywhere else.

But how does any of this prove that the U.S. is "the best"? All it shows is a country which (like Britain a century ago) can throw it's weight around more than anybody else at this moment in history.

When America can show that it has the best-educated population, the fewest per-capita people in jail, the lowest number of homicides, and the least number of people living in poverty - then maybe it can start bragging.

What you (and folks like you) are saying Shinoxia is "In this world the most dominant country IS the best country - and that's America". I'd call that kinda dumbass logic wouldn't you?

I know there's alot of people who like Canada here but it's pretty much America Jr.

Umm, I don't think so. Canada is no American Jr. What an offensive thing to say. We have our own identity thank you very much! All one needs to look at is our laws and our culture to see we are no America Jr. our disdain for guns, capital punishment.. the list goes on. We don't have a President.. we have a Prime Minister.. if any thing we are more like Europe then America.. but as I said..Canada is full of Canadians.. not America lite!

Yes, Canada & America depend on each other for their economies.. we both do. That doesn't make us America Jr. In fact you depend on us as much as we do you. We are your largest trading partner. You take more imports from us then any other country in the world. That's because Canada is the second largest land mass and has the largest amount of natural resources in the world.

Gawd, some nerve.. I just love it when Americans say that about Canada.. the only thing America has ever done for Canada is try to invade us. THANKS!

:roll: America Jr. Pfft


The best peacekeepers around are Australians.

I'm not sure where you get that idea. Not only did Canada invent peace keeping we won the Noble peace prize for it. Also, let's not forget who wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights. It was Canada. I think Canada has the market rather cornered when it comes to peace keeping ;)

The reason why Americans claim Bell made the phone in the US is because they couldn't stand to have something so many of them waste half their lives on made in country they have lost respect for because they aren't out to conquer the world, just a thought from Canada.

Shock just shocking. Yet another America sucks thread.

The reason why Americans claim Bell made the phone in the US is because they couldn't stand to have something so many of them waste half their lives on made in country they have lost respect for because they aren't out to conquer the world, just a thought from Canada.

Who said that Bell made the phone in America? That's nonsense. Bell was a Canadian of Scottish decent. He did however go to America after he invented the telephone to market it. But that man was a Canadian.

Maybe they're thinking of Naismith. However even he only went to the U.S. to teach, he never gave up his Canadian status.

Dr. James Naismith is known world-wide as the inventor of basketball. He was born in 1861 in Ramsay township, near Almonte, Ontario, Canada. The concept of basketball was born from Naismith's school days in the area where he played a simple child's game known as duck-on-a-rock outside his one-room schoolhouse. The game involved attempting to knock a "duck" off the top of a large rock by tossing another rock at it. Naismith went on to attend McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

After serving as McGill's Athletic Director, James Naismith moved on to the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA in 1891, where the sport of basketball was born

Maybe that is what they're talking about? :shock:

Shock just shocking. Yet another America sucks thread.

To suggest that America isn't necessarily "the greatest" country is not at all the same as saying "America sucks". Just asking people to take a reality-check and to be self-aware isn't being critical of them. Why do so many take instant offence at this?

First what is greatness?

Then you can determine what nation is the greatest, if there is in fact a greatest nation.

Personally I think my nation, Benicius is the greatest lol.

Only greatness equals greatness

(God I hate that commercial)

As for holding the Nazis off long enough, thanks to Chamberlain Germany was able to start a second world war, so please do not start that!

Heck. Chamberlain ruined the plans of the German officers who wanted to depose Hitler in 1938 once he declared war on Czechoslovakia. By handing Hitler Sudetenland on a silver platter.
Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

Besides what... the airplane, the lightbulb, the computer, air conditioner, automatic gear shift, egg beater, elevator, fountain pen, peanut butter, pencil sharpener, stethoscope, stove, traffic light, motor, interchangable parts, assembly line, fire extinguisher, modern motion pictures, and hundreds of other things.


http://members.aol.com/loann3/llopau/inventions.html
http://inventors.about.com/library/bl_by_state_inventors.htm

Of course, how could I expect something sensible from someone as entrenched in anti-american prejudice as you. :roll:

Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

Well Bush comes from America...so there goes your statement outta the window!

Shock just shocking. Yet another America sucks thread.

To suggest that America isn't necessarily "the greatest" country is not at all the same as saying "America sucks". Just asking people to take a reality-check and to be self-aware isn't being critical of them. Why do so many take instant offence at this?

Oh I am not all offended. I just noticed this is one of the themes of this particular board.

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days. The American young seem to think the world still owes them for WWII. The European young seems to think America really didn't do anything in that war.

I am a person that has wunderlust and so I do get around. I particularily like talking to old soldiers. They tend to paint a differnt picture of the Americans. ;) One of my best times was hanging with a bunch of 60+ Australians. They were New Guine(sp) veterens. Many they could drink ;)

People sometimes let their "nationalism" blind their eyes. Even the invention talk. Inventions are bascially an improvement of something else or a better way of doing something. Said improvement was over another improvement ....

Leonardo was amazing with his ideas. How many of them did he actually produce?

It was said, Ideas are a dime a dozen. It's the results of those ideas that count.

Finally, it's the first one recognised that counts. The Wright brothers had proof of their flight. For our British cousins we only have their word. Hmmm for all their self congratulating, they have had their moments.

*coughs Piltdown Man!* :P

yeah nuke em cool we are the best..

This right here irks me. Yeah we have nuclear weapons, but we're not the only ones. And yes we may have the most (for better or worse) but that doesn't mean we'll use them. See, we have this thing called "nuclear deterrence" which means we keep them around pretty much for the sole purpose of discouraging originally the cold war (ie mutually assured destruction,) but also any other large-scale potential wars.

Anyway, I like America, love it even, but I think that saying it's "the best nation" or the "greatest" is a bit pretentious. Sure we might have a few aspects that are better off than others, but certainly not by and large. You have to weigh the pros with the cons. Other nations have strengths where we might have a glaring weakness, and this all balances out. Which is as it should be. Saying that we are "the best" breeds arrogance (which there is already too much of if you ask me) which ultimatly sparks malintent and hatred.

I can understand why people from other countries would not want to live here, and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and preferences. Besides, if everyone did want to live here, we'd have some serious immigration and employment issues, among other things. I just think it's sad that people choose to focus entirely on the negative.

So, it is my humble opinion that America is a great place. One of the best. But not top by a long shot.

The US is one of the best, but certainly not the best. Besides, the US is a better place to live than Madagascar by most standards. However, I feel the US is one of the most powerful, economically and militarily.

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

Mark my words, once Bush is no longer in power and provided another neo-con type person doesn't replace him.. you will slowly see the world come back around. For America to really believe that they can survive in the long run without their allies would be a grave mistake. Right now because of this current administration, not the American people as a whole. I'm actually one of the people quite aware that more then 50% of the people who voted in 2000 voted for "the other guy"... so I do realize that the majority of Americans are not pro-Bush. He has proven to be the problem, far from the solution.

While granted, it will probably take America time to gain it's credibility back in the international community.. I don't think it's impossible.. I just don't think it's possible under America's current administration.

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."

I don't believe she was referring to (monetary) foreign aid....Seems lately most people are referring to Iraq when they quote our "foreign policies."

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."

I don't believe she was referring to (monetary) foreign aid....Seems lately most people are referring to Iraq when they quote our "foreign policies."

All foreign policy is on the table. You can't have it both ways. Take it or leave it.

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."


This is fun!
What aid?
Which countries are accepting money from the nation they believe is the "great satan" ?

Which European countries is the US giving aid to?
It's not often I hear all of Europe summed up as a "needy nation"...But allright: So who are you giving aid to?

All great nations fall, America is NO different.

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."

You're not the only nation to give aid to other countries. That dosen't entitle us to go around treating the world like it's our little play thing, why should the US?

My opinion on the US - way too introverted , seem to think their way (right wing politics, totally open market, no social safety net, no unions, poor workers rights, ect.) is the right and only way of doing things. I know not all Americans are like that, but allot seem to hold this belief and their land is somehow "chosen by god". That is what gets me, 'the American way is the right way' attitude.

America, powerful economy & military, but lacking in the social equality department. Far from the greatest.

America, powerful economy & military, but lacking in the social equality department. Far from the greatest.

Also lacking in intelligence too
http://www.shanemcdonald.com/laughs/l-george_bush_quotes.html

I'll rephrase that, just their leader...

I'll rephrase that, just their leader...

But then, the leader of a (democratic) country usually gives some indication of the people that voted for him. Oh, wait, that's right. The majority of American people *didn't* vote for him... :wink:

I have also noticed it is also a new "thought process" of the teen to 20 somthings these days.

Hey, we're not all teens here. I don't know your age, but I'm 35, married and have two of my own children. I think the reason for this is not exactly rocket science. While there has always been a bit of "anti-American" thought in the world never really like this. It's America's foreign policy. The world is sick of America's foreign polices. That's all it really is.

So maybe we should stop aid to all these needy nations (including Europe) that decry us as "The Great Satan."

I don't believe she was referring to (monetary) foreign aid....Seems lately most people are referring to Iraq when they quote our "foreign policies."

All foreign policy is on the table. You can't have it both ways. Take it or leave it.

Yes, because living without any allies will get you far.. I believe the Romans suffered the same fate. Hey, I'm Canadian.. you don't do sh*t for us.

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Yeah, umm were you not the poster trying to take credit for Canada's work in peace keeping? You recall peace keeping.. Canada invented it, won the Nobel peace prize for it. Just to throw another nugget in, Canada also wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights.. I do believe we have the market cornered in the peace department.. but I do thank you for all you contribute to our idea and cause.. it actually doesn't go un-noticed! ;)

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Yeah, umm were you not the poster trying to take credit for Canada's work in peace keeping? You recall peace keeping.. Canada invented it, won the Nobel peace prize for it. Just to throw another nugget in, Canada also wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights.. I do believe we have the market cornered in the peace department.. but I do thank you for all you contribute to our idea and cause.. it actually doesn't go un-noticed! ;)

So you guys all got together as a nation and wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights? That must have been one big room.

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Yeah, umm were you not the poster trying to take credit for Canada's work in peace keeping? You recall peace keeping.. Canada invented it, won the Nobel peace prize for it. Just to throw another nugget in, Canada also wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights.. I do believe we have the market cornered in the peace department.. but I do thank you for all you contribute to our idea and cause.. it actually doesn't go un-noticed! ;)

So you guys all got together as a nation and wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights? That must have been one big room.

It was Canadians.. what a very unclever comment though :P

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Yeah, umm were you not the poster trying to take credit for Canada's work in peace keeping? You recall peace keeping.. Canada invented it, won the Nobel peace prize for it. Just to throw another nugget in, Canada also wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights.. I do believe we have the market cornered in the peace department.. but I do thank you for all you contribute to our idea and cause.. it actually doesn't go un-noticed! ;)

So you guys all got together as a nation and wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights? That must have been one big room.

It was Canadians.. what a very unclever comment though :P

Thank you.

Well I am Australian and America is very generous to us. Free Trade Agreement, new military base, and oh yeah thanks guys for the honkn aircraft carrier fleet off our coast!

Yeah, umm were you not the poster trying to take credit for Canada's work in peace keeping? You recall peace keeping.. Canada invented it, won the Nobel peace prize for it. Just to throw another nugget in, Canada also wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights.. I do believe we have the market cornered in the peace department.. but I do thank you for all you contribute to our idea and cause.. it actually doesn't go un-noticed! ;)

So you guys all got together as a nation and wrote the UN Charter of Human Rights? That must have been one big room.

It was Canadians.. what a very unclever comment though :P

Thank you.

Any time.. after all this is Nationstates.. we expect nothing less around here.. lol. :lol:

As for holding the Nazis off long enough, thanks to Chamberlain Germany was able to start a second world war, so please do not start that!

Heck. Chamberlain ruined the plans of the German officers who wanted to depose Hitler in 1938 once he declared war on Czechoslovakia. By handing Hitler Sudetenland on a silver platter.
Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

Besides what... the airplane, the lightbulb, the computer, air conditioner, automatic gear shift, egg beater, elevator, fountain pen, peanut butter, pencil sharpener, stethoscope, stove, traffic light, motor, interchangable parts, assembly line, fire extinguisher, modern motion pictures, and hundreds of other things.


http://members.aol.com/loann3/llopau/inventions.html
http://inventors.about.com/library/bl_by_state_inventors.htm

Of course, how could I expect something sensible from someone as entrenched in anti-american prejudice as you. :roll:
Americans, still trying to claim the light bulb. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/edison/lightbulb.shtml
And the computer. Babage was the father of computing but not the inventor and your so called US inventor was Bulgarian and his work was a refinement rather than a leap.
The traffic light:The very first traffic light was a revolving gas lantern with red and green lights installed in a London intersection in 1868, before the advent of automobiles. A later version of the traffic light based on railroad signals was installed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1920. But we have Garrett Augustus Morgan to thank for the modern version and first patent of this traffic-stopping invention.
so again a refinement of a current invention fifty years after the event.
The airoplane :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: no wait wait :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: cough :lol:
Yes the US is responsible for alot of inventions but again don't claim those that are not yours.

For an example of what such Libertarian thinking would lead to, one need look no further than The Global Markets own country:


"The Confederated Trade League of The Global Market is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its absence of drug laws. Its hard-nosed, hard-working population of 2.178 billion enjoy some of the most opulent lifestyles in the region, unless they are unemployed or working-class, in which case they are variously starving to death or crippled by easily preventable diseases.

There is no government in the normal sense the word; however, a small group of community-minded, liberal, pro-business individuals juggles the competing demands of Education, Commerce, and Law & Order. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Arms Manufacturing and Book Publishing.

Murder rates are on the rise as the popularity of soylent products grows, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, X-Files ratings have hit an all-time low, and the latest Harry Potter book is a bestseller. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is crippling. The Global Market's national animal is the Human, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the Aureus.

The Global Market is ranked 36th in the region and 124,061st in the world for Most Compassionate Citizens."


Gee! What a great place to live huh? For contrast, try visiting my country. Ask yourself which place you'd *really* rather live in. Since his country is clearly killing itself, I expect to see The Global Market asking to emigrate to Garaj Mahal.

Notice that I have a much stronger economy, higher population and much better civil liberties than you do.

SOcial spending is a MEANS to an END (the end to a high average income, etc.) not an END in itself. It CANNOT be used to meausre quality of life or human development for that very reason.

The things used to measure human development must be valuable IN AND OF THEMSELVES, and directly contribute to quality of life: I.e. rights protection, per capita income, life expectancy, etc., two of which I have higher ratings than you and the other one the game doesn't rank.

america is only the most militarily powerful
at the moment it seems also to be among the most gratuitously belligerant
i do not know what nations are greatest
or even for sure what anyone means by the greatness of them
to me greatness is measured by the gratifyingness of life of the least favored of a nation's citizens
i doubt very much the we are any where near the top of that heap
and if so only by keeping others worse off then ourselves through manipulation of our policies and relationships with other nations and alliances
yes i do live in the u.s.
and i can remember when it was in the top ten percintile of more different good things then any other single nation
but that was when we had a majority in a real middle class and strong unions representing a majority of workers
not that there weren't irritating imperfections even then
some of which have been partialy solved, only to be replaced by others.
what do i think is a great nations?
india is a great nation
canada is a great nation
switzerland is a great nation
though i have never been to any save canada and that only a day trip, a day and half overnighter.
if america did not worship the automobile nor romantacize aggressiveness
then i think perhapse we would be a great nation
or could be
or atleast a greater nation then we are

it's been an ok place to live
not great by my estimation
but oh kay
it shames me though the way the poicies of the socalled political right act among nations in the world

i'm not proud to be living here
no proud at all

if there is anything we cannot have without making big holes in the ground full of unhappy dead people
i would be happier myself to live without it
then to be a part of anything that does so

=^^=
.../\...

Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

Well Bush comes from America...so there goes your statement outta the window!
:roll: By your logic my statement would go out the window cause Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer were Americans too.

america is only the most militarily powerful
at the moment it seems also to be among the most gratuitously belligerant
i do not know what nations are greatest
or even for sure what anyone means by the greatness of them
to me greatness is measured by the gratifyingness of life of the least favored of a nation's citizens
i doubt very much the we are any where near the top of that heap
and if so only by keeping others worse off then ourselves through manipulation of our policies and relationships with other nations and alliances
yes i do live in the u.s.
and i can remember when it was in the top ten percintile of more different good things then any other single nation
but that was when we had a majority in a real middle class and strong unions representing a majority of workers
not that there weren't irritating imperfections even then
some of which have been partialy solved, only to be replaced by others.
what do i think is a great nations?
india is a great nation
canada is a great nation
switzerland is a great nation
though i have never been to any save canada and that only a day trip, a day and half overnighter.
if america did not worship the automobile nor romantacize aggressiveness
then i think perhapse we would be a great nation
or could be
or atleast a greater nation then we are

it's been an ok place to live
not great by my estimation
but oh kay
it shames me though the way the poicies of the socalled political right act among nations in the world

i'm not proud to be living here
no proud at all

if there is anything we cannot have without making big holes in the ground full of unhappy dead people
i would be happier myself to live without it
then to be a part of anything that does so

=^^=
.../\...

Well said, especially about unions and the middle class. Most Americans seem to have some kind of pathological hatered of labour organisations, anything that gives the working man (and women) greater power seems to get them angry.

Once again, hate to sound all emotional, but that for some reason that post struck me as profound.

I think that Russia is a great nation, because of its people. They are very proud of their country, and achievments, the fact that communism is in fact a perfect form of government, if it wasn't for the people in charge. (Perfect equality and so forth becomes, worship the glorious leader -work that one out- . Also, Russians are generally unafraid to stand up for what they believe, in the world stage, and are completely overlooked as a powerful nation by the U.S, despite the fact that if it came to it, nuclear weapons or not, neither country has an advantage.)

I think that Russia is a great nation, because of its people. They are very proud of their country, and achievments, the fact that communism is in fact a perfect form of government, if it wasn't for the people in charge. (Perfect equality and so forth becomes, worship the glorious leader -work that one out- . Also, Russians are generally unafraid to stand up for what they believe, in the world stage, and are completely overlooked as a powerful nation by the U.S, despite the fact that if it came to it, nuclear weapons or not, neither country has an advantage.)
If it was just nukes the French and British could also do some severe damage. The number of nukes hardly are an indicator for greatness.

I wasn't really saying that at all. My main argument is that Russia is not often thought of as a great nation because of the cold war. America does not respect it militarily, because they have a more primitive army, and less nuclear missiles. Russian greatness id from the people, is what I'm really saying.

All countries suck. By definition, a country is oppressive.
Defining the greatest is defining the less sucky. A country is nothing to be proud of, to fight for or to swear allegiance to. The people in it are important, but no more or no less than the people who are not in it.

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.

All countries suck. By definition, a country is oppressive.
Defining the greatest is defining the less sucky. A country is nothing to be proud of, to fight for or to swear allegiance to. The people in it are important, but no more or no less than the people who are not in it.

Good thought, I like it.

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.
I hope your either six or having a laugh.

dp

All countries suck. By definition, a country is oppressive.
Defining the greatest is defining the less sucky. A country is nothing to be proud of, to fight for or to swear allegiance to. The people in it are important, but no more or no less than the people who are not in it.

what a shame it must be to have such a philosophy psylos?...listen to John Wooden Legs, a Cheyenne

"Our land is everything to us... I will tell you one of the things we
remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with
their lives."

or from Crow Chief Plenty Coups

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the
blood of our ancestors."

Yes...no one can own the land..but one can be proud of the nation that the people make up of it.

My people believe in these aspects...countries do not suck..they give life's full expression to a people...my "nation" once dominated a huge expanse of the Southeastern US...now..reduced to a pittance..two reservations split between the states of Tennessee and Oklahoma...yet still our "country" survives..it survives in the souls of my ancestors and in the hearts of the young....no...countries do not suck...but men make bad decisions as well as good ones.

All foreign policy is on the table. You can't have it both ways. Take it or leave it.

Yes, because living without any allies will get you far.. I believe the Romans suffered the same fate. Hey, I'm Canadian.. you don't do sh*t for us.

We do plenty for you. Canada's most powerful weapon is the telephone which they can use to call America and say, "Help, we're being invaded."

"Our land is everything to us... I will tell you one of the things we
remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with
their lives."
My ancestors fought for the land. Previously they fought over religion. Previously they fought for the gold. Previously they fought for the fire. Previously they fought for no reason.

The price they paid was a waste. I'm not gonna waste any more life by giving mine. No land is holy. If anything the land is damned by the people claiming it. Jerusalem is the most damned place I know. The more the people give their blood to take it, the more they damn it.

I think it is time to stop and put value on the only thing holy on this planet : the human being.

"Our land is everything to us... I will tell you one of the things we
remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with
their lives."
My ancestors fought for the land. Previously they fought over religion. Previously they fought for the gold. Previously they fought for the fire. Previously they fought for no reason.

The price they paid was a waste. I'm not gonna waste any more life by giving mine. No land is holy. If anything the land is damned by the people claiming it. Jerusalem is the most damned place I know. The more the people give their blood to take it, the more they damn it.

I think it is time to stop and put value on the only thing holy on this planet : the human being.

the body is merely a shell for the soul psylos...from Grandfather Creator it is given...and return to him it will of it's own accord..and unfortunately I can not agree with you that there is not a price is put into the land we inhabit..Life is an ongoing circle...a circle of struggle and reward..

the body is merely a shell for the soul psylos...from Grandfather Creator it is given...and return to him it will of it's own accord..and unfortunately I can not agree with you that there is not a price is put into the land we inhabit..Life is an ongoing circle...a circle of struggle and reward..The real struggle is the struggle to survive as a people, not a struggle in which we kill in the name of a creator, a land, a race or a ressource.

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.

That's some weird math.

So, didn't like all of Europe eh? Let me guess, no Wendys?

All countries suck. By definition, a country is oppressive.
Defining the greatest is defining the less sucky. A country is nothing to be proud of, to fight for or to swear allegiance to. The people in it are important, but no more or no less than the people who are not in it.

what a shame it must be to have such a philosophy psylos?...listen to John Wooden Legs, a Cheyenne

"Our land is everything to us... I will tell you one of the things we
remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with
their lives."

or from Crow Chief Plenty Coups

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the
blood of our ancestors."

Yes...no one can own the land..but one can be proud of the nation that the people make up of it.

My people believe in these aspects...countries do not suck..they give life's full expression to a people...my "nation" once dominated a huge expanse of the Southeastern US...now..reduced to a pittance..two reservations split between the states of Tennessee and Oklahoma...yet still our "country" survives..it survives in the souls of my ancestors and in the hearts of the young....no...countries do not suck...but men make bad decisions as well as good ones.


Just my opinion, but this has got to be the best post I've read on this thread.

As for holding the Nazis off long enough, thanks to Chamberlain Germany was able to start a second world war, so please do not start that!

Heck. Chamberlain ruined the plans of the German officers who wanted to depose Hitler in 1938 once he declared war on Czechoslovakia. By handing Hitler Sudetenland on a silver platter.
Oh, and America sucks. Nothing and no one good ever came from there.

Besides what... the airplane, the lightbulb, the computer, air conditioner, automatic gear shift, egg beater, elevator, fountain pen, peanut butter, pencil sharpener, stethoscope, stove, traffic light, motor, interchangable parts, assembly line, fire extinguisher, modern motion pictures, and hundreds of other things.


http://members.aol.com/loann3/llopau/inventions.html
http://inventors.about.com/library/bl_by_state_inventors.htm

Of course, how could I expect something sensible from someone as entrenched in anti-american prejudice as you. :roll:
Americans, still trying to claim the light bulb. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/edison/lightbulb.shtml
And the computer. Babage was the father of computing but not the inventor and your so called US inventor was Bulgarian and his work was a refinement rather than a leap.
The traffic light:The very first traffic light was a revolving gas lantern with red and green lights installed in a London intersection in 1868, before the advent of automobiles. A later version of the traffic light based on railroad signals was installed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1920. But we have Garrett Augustus Morgan to thank for the modern version and first patent of this traffic-stopping invention.
so again a refinement of a current invention fifty years after the event.
The airoplane :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: no wait wait :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: cough :lol:
Yes the US is responsible for alot of inventions but again don't claim those that are not yours.

Hey buddy, we can play games if you want. Basically every invention is a refinement or a rebuilding on a previous one, so we can go and say that Leonardo invented it all, k?

Well no. Take the traffic light, its was in use fifty years before it supposed invention in the US.
All I am saying is that invention is not a good basis to use as a basis for the greatness of the US, especialy since the UK have been responsible for more discoveries and inventions. I accept we have been at it for longer but facts are facts, again that is my point with the aircraft thing. Flight was an established field when the wright brothers took off. If it had been the first balloon for example that lifted a man from the ground, then there you have a break through (not UK sadly).
Also my point is there are many inventions that have come from US citizens (even if you exclude imigrants) so again there is no need to claim those that don't sit under the US banner.
It does demonstrate the propensity the US has for rewriting history.
No knee jerk reactions, I'm not getting at the US just making an observation. :wink:

I really don't get this about the U.S
Is it true that at school, you swear allegiance to the flag before classes start? That seems a little oppresive to me, but of course, it may not be true at all. Enforced patriotism is hardly a great way of showing how much people love the U.S

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.
I LOVED Europe when I visited, and I think America could take some lessons from how things work over there. Nevertheless, it always feels good to come home to the US of A.

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.
I LOVED Europe when I visited, and I think America could take some lessons from how things work over there. Nevertheless, it always feels good to come home to the US of A.
Nothing better than to be happy with where you live.
I love to travel but love to come home!

Well no. Take the traffic light, its was in use fifty years before it supposed invention in the US.
All I am saying is that invention is not a good basis to use as a basis for the greatness of the US, especialy since the UK have been responsible for more discoveries and inventions. I accept we have been at it for longer but facts are facts, again that is my point with the aircraft thing. Flight was an established field when the wright brothers took off. If it had been the first balloon for example that lifted a man from the ground, then there you have a break through (not UK sadly).
Also my point is there are many inventions that have come from US citizens (even if you exclude imigrants) so again there is no need to claim those that don't sit under the US banner.
It does demonstrate the propensity the US has for rewriting history.
No knee jerk reactions, I'm not getting at the US just making an observation. :wink:
Well I said "Airplane" rather than flight, so the baloon thing really dosen't have any bearing on it.

To tell you the truth, though, you might be totally right - I don't know, I just did a quick bit of reasearch and found some sites that said what American inventors had invented. The point is that when in 1492 Columbus went sailing over, he landed somewhere in the Bahamas and was credited with discovering America. Of course Leif Erikson was there sometime in the 11th century, and people like St. Brendon the Navigator might have been there even earlier - we really don't know. And of course the Natives crossed the land bridge in however many thousand years BC and were the first humans to reach America. Regardless, Columbus is still generally credited with being the European to discover America because his led to something - more Spanish expeditions which eventually led to them (And the rest of Europe) taking over all of the New World and the establishment of lasting colonies. So of course we can say that some obscure guy in the early 1800's managed to set fire to a piece of carbon and set it inside a container of light, and then call it a lightbulb. That dosen't mean that he was the most important guy in the chain or the inventor of anything really important, just a new place to watch something burn for 5 seconds.

All foreign policy is on the table. You can't have it both ways. Take it or leave it.

Yes, because living without any allies will get you far.. I believe the Romans suffered the same fate. Hey, I'm Canadian.. you don't do sh*t for us.

We do plenty for you. Canada's most powerful weapon is the telephone which they can use to call America and say, "Help, we're being invaded."

Hahahaha rotflmao.. hold on.. have to finish laughing.. whew.. ok done.

Umm... why would Canada need to call America for help? Given the only country in the world who has ever tried to invade Canada is umm... let me think.. oh right! It was America! LOL..

Canada backs your play almost every time (exception Iraq).. on the other hand.. Canada has never needed you to back our play because no one hates us and no one but you has ever tried to invade us.. and if we want to thank any one it would be the UK for helping us kick your sorry asses back to the south.. but thanks any way.. haha :lol:

Oh and as for the telephone, you're welcome, we invented that too! :P

I really don't get this about the U.S
Is it true that at school, you swear allegiance to the flag before classes start? That seems a little oppresive to me, but of course, it may not be true at all. Enforced patriotism is hardly a great way of showing how much people love the U.S

You don't have to do it, and at least in my school its only once a day.

Well I said "Airplane" rather than flight, so the baloon thing really dosen't have any bearing on it.

To tell you the truth, though, you might be totally right - I don't know, I just did a quick bit of reasearch and found some sites that said what American inventors had invented. The point is that when in 1492 Columbus went sailing over, he landed somewhere in the Bahamas and was credited with discovering America. Of course Leif Erikson was there sometime in the 11th century, and people like St. Brendon the Navigator might have been there even earlier - we really don't know. And of course the Natives crossed the land bridge in however many thousand years BC and were the first humans to reach America. Regardless, Columbus is still generally credited with being the European to discover America because his led to something - more Spanish expeditions which eventually led to them (And the rest of Europe) taking over all of the New World and the establishment of lasting colonies. So of course we can say that some obscure guy in the early 1800's managed to set fire to a piece of carbon and set it inside a container of light, and then call it a lightbulb. That dosen't mean that he was the most important guy in the chain or the inventor of anything really important, just a new place to watch something burn for 5 seconds.The people who discovered and settled first in america also led to something, didn't you visit the inca's pyramids in Mexico? That's quite what I call something.
Anyway, the mongolfier brothers who invented the baloon in France also led to something you're not aware of because you live in the US. In France we've never ever been teached at school about the wright brothers. Clement Ader invented the airplane, that's what is teached in France at least. I think it is a matter of perspective. You know better what is closer to you and think it is superior to what is farer.

DA CURICULUM OF ANY SKOOL IS LIABLA 2 B VASTLY SUBVERTED BY LOCAL POLITICS AND RELIGION!!11!1! OMG LOL I SERIOUSLY DOUBT TAHT IT IS POSIBLE 2 GAT A TRULY OBJ3CTIEV 3DUCATION11!1!! LOL

The people who discovered and settled first in america also led to something, didn't you visit the inca's pyramids in Mexico? That's quite what I call something.
Anyway, the mongolfier brothers who invented the baloon in France also led to something you're not aware of because you live in the US. In France we've never ever been teached at school about the wright brothers. Clement Ader invented the airplane, that's what is teached in France at least. I think it is a matter of perspective. You know better what is closer to you and think it is superior to what is farer.
Thats why I included the adjective "European". But anyway, clearly a misunderstanding no biggie. We're probably both right in some regard - its like the explorer analogy. The case can be made for any number of things, and all could be considered basically equally right.

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D

America might be the best country ever.
I love America. And I’m proud to be an American. :D
R3GARDLES OF WH3THAR I AGRE WIT UR VEIWPOINT I WUD HAEV 2 SAY IT IS BTAR 2 FEL TAHT WAY ABOUT UR COUNTRY THAN DA ALT3RNATIEV WHICH IS BIT3R AND ANGRY POSIBLY ASHMED1!!1 WTF

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

lower infant mortalities --> for your information in the Netherlands the rate is the highest of the whole of europe! (because women get pregnant on a higher age...)
btw don't forget Cuba, they have very good healtcare! (and nothing else...)

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D

I didn't really see any thing in this that Canada doesn't have.. and we're bigger.. with less population. We are the second largest land mass in the world next to Russia.. Canada is considered one of the most scenic places in the world.. and we have more natural resources then any one else in the world too.. you should know, you import A LOT of them from us. We have just as much freedom if not more then the US.. and our people don't go around killing each other for sport. We also don't have capital punishment.. there is no government sanctioned murder in this country. Hmm.. our standard of living over all is better.. we are by far one of the most diverse countries in the world.. our education system is better then that of the US.. our health care is universal.. we have a social safety net which you don't have.. Sorry, I'm not seeing it..

But hey, if you just wanted to say you love your country.. that's kewl! I love mine too! :)

thanks for telling me, do swear? I would, if it was introduced to Britain, but I would be very,very against it being introduced, voluntary or not.
Whilst not trying to dissuade you from your view (thats a first for me) America is not the only Country with such diversity. Britain has much diversity, especially ethnically. Whilst we may have a smaller populace, it is probably as individual as Americas. Your constitution is not as liberal as South Africas for example, which has 11 official languages, as a small example. Health care is a matter in which improvements could certainly be made, like a more British way of operating things. (NHS and Private)
The way news is reported should also be drastically overhauled. I see several American news broadcasts, and the way they are reported is a far cry to any other nations. It is far less international, and seems to have much more of a "how does this directly impact America" spin.
Of course, they way you put your argument across is far better than most other Americans, look at the first page, so whilst this may seem as some kind of "don't you bs me" rant, it isn't.

Cuba dosen't have exceptional healthcare... thats just a myth promoted by the Castro Regime.... :(

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D


whahahaha historie????? the american historie does go back a couple hundred yers and before that??? and a rich culture???whahaha
you've not been to europe i pressume!

"unprecedented position on the world scene of politics" : "we want it that way, and if you disobay we nuke you!" ??

"a system considered to be one of the best in the world" by who? americans????you only have two parties to chose from, it's like chosing between two evils (dutch saying : kiezen tussen twee kwaden, chose between two evils)
i think that the political system in my country is far more better: everybody can start a party, and if they get enough votes they are in the parlement.

"There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous.""when will that time end??? [ just look at the dept of the usa!!!! whoaaaaaaaaaaa]


moere reasons??? i'm glad to life in the netherlands: at least nobody starves or lives in ghettos! and all kids go to school!

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D

I didn't really see any thing in this that Canada doesn't have.. and we're bigger.. with less population. We are the second largest land mass in the world next to Russia.. Canada is considered one of the most scenic places in the world.. and we have more natural resources then any one else in the world too.. you should know, you import A LOT of them from us. We have just as much freedom if not more then the US.. and our people don't go around killing each other for sport. We also don't have capital punishment.. there is no government sanctioned murder in this country. Hmm.. our standard of living over all is better.. we are by far one of the most diverse countries in the world.. our education system is better then that of the US.. our health care is universal.. we have a social safety net which you don't have.. Sorry, I'm not seeing it..

But hey, if you just wanted to say you love your country.. that's kewl! I love mine too! :)

Oh don’t apologize. It’s completely understandable that some people don’t see things. Hehe. And what are my thoughts on Canada? Canada is a great nation I think. I have nothing against it. And frankly, I’m tired of the media making fun it.

But it’s a little too cold. And culturally, the only place that interests me is Quebec! Vive le Québec Libre !
:)

For an example of what such Libertarian thinking would lead to, one need look no further than The Global Markets own country:


"The Confederated Trade League of The Global Market is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its absence of drug laws. Its hard-nosed, hard-working population of 2.178 billion enjoy some of the most opulent lifestyles in the region, unless they are unemployed or working-class, in which case they are variously starving to death or crippled by easily preventable diseases.

There is no government in the normal sense the word; however, a small group of community-minded, liberal, pro-business individuals juggles the competing demands of Education, Commerce, and Law & Order. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Arms Manufacturing and Book Publishing.

Murder rates are on the rise as the popularity of soylent products grows, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, X-Files ratings have hit an all-time low, and the latest Harry Potter book is a bestseller. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is crippling. The Global Market's national animal is the Human, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the Aureus.

The Global Market is ranked 36th in the region and 124,061st in the world for Most Compassionate Citizens."


Gee! What a great place to live huh? For contrast, try visiting my country. Ask yourself which place you'd *really* rather live in. Since his country is clearly killing itself, I expect to see The Global Market asking to emigrate to Garaj Mahal.

Notice that I have a much stronger economy, higher population and much better civil liberties than you do.

SOcial spending is a MEANS to an END (the end to a high average income, etc.) not an END in itself. It CANNOT be used to meausre quality of life or human development for that very reason.

The things used to measure human development must be valuable IN AND OF THEMSELVES, and directly contribute to quality of life: I.e. rights protection, per capita income, life expectancy, etc., two of which I have higher ratings than you and the other one the game doesn't rank.

Your answer demonstrates why Libertarians would answer the challenge of creating a liveable society with statements of ideology instead of thoughtful action. The obvious has been missed, so here it is:

In my country, no one is starving or crippled by easily preventable disease. In yours, the poor are and there are plenty of them. My country has low crime, yours has crippling crime and widespread murder. Your country makes most of its money from Uranium mining and Arms manufacturing, which kill the planet therefore yourselves eventually. In your country forests and species (including humans) are becoming extinct - in mine life is flourishing.

There is nothing to back your claim that your population's life expectancy is greater than mine are - where are you getting that from? Your country's per-capita income only appears higher because your wealthy class is much richer than mine is and has skewed the numbers - your poor people are greater in number and far worse off than mine are. (BTW the latest addition to Global Market's country description reads "...college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys.")

Re economies, notice that mine is quite healthy but obviously not as stellar as yours. The point is, my economy is *perfectly good enough* to provide a reasonable standard of living for all - it just isn't necessary to have a spectacular economy especially when society pays too high a price for it.

Do tell us what good your stronger economy, bigger population and (only slightly) higher degree of civil liberties will do you when your country has DIED of deforestation, pollution, crime and poverty?

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

lower infant mortalities --> for your information in the Netherlands the rate is the highest of the whole of europe! (because women get pregnant on a higher age...)
btw don't forget Cuba, they have very good healtcare! (and nothing else...)
Netherlands 4.26
Uk 5.28
USA 6.75

Actually average income is not an end either

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

lower infant mortalities --> for your information in the Netherlands the rate is the highest of the whole of europe! (because women get pregnant on a higher age...)
btw don't forget Cuba, they have very good healtcare! (and nothing else...)
Netherlands 4.26
Uk 5.28
USA 6.75

Canada - total: 4.88

Each person is different, ive met tons of europeans who love america much more then europe. and tons of americans who would kill to move to europe; it all depends on what u like.

You’re absolutely right. i don’t think there's such a thing as "the greatest nation in the world." Each country has its own great qualities and unique cultures. But if i had to pick a nation, it'd be Japan. I’m sure if it were a country as big the U.S., it'd # 1 in many more areas than just lowest mortality rate and life expectancy. And culturally, I’d pick France.

lol i'm quoting myself. i just thought i needed to show this again.

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

lower infant mortalities --> for your information in the Netherlands the rate is the highest of the whole of europe! (because women get pregnant on a higher age...)
btw don't forget Cuba, they have very good healtcare! (and nothing else...)
Netherlands 4.26
Uk 5.28
USA 6.75

Canada - total: 4.88

Interesting that Canada's rate is so much better than the U.S's is given that we're right next door. Any speculations on why that might be?

Netherlands 4.26
Uk 5.28
USA 6.75

Canada - total: 4.88Figeac (a city of 10000 pop, about 120 km north of Toulouse, south of France) - total: 0 (for the year 2003).
Conclusion :
Canada, Netherlands, UK and the USa all suck, Figeac rocks.

I would say that America is probably in the Top Ten best nations on Earth, but not number one by a long shot...Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, etc. are all better. Higher life expectancies, lower infant mortalities, better healthcare, education, social safety nets...yeah, Western Europe dominates us.

lower infant mortalities --> for your information in the Netherlands the rate is the highest of the whole of europe! (because women get pregnant on a higher age...)
btw don't forget Cuba, they have very good healtcare! (and nothing else...)
Netherlands 4.26
Uk 5.28
USA 6.75

Canada - total: 4.88

Interesting that Canada's rate is so much better than the U.S's is given that we're right next door. Any speculations on why that might be?

Better pre-natal care.. it's free here.. It's not covered in the USA. Makes sense to me.. we also have a higher Life expectancy as well.

Life expectancy in the USA - total population: 77.14 years

Life expectancy in Canada - total population: 79.83 years

So next time an American tells you that our free health care isn't that great.. just *smile* .. ;)

You guys have to question whether healthcare is the only reason life expecancy is different.

General eating habits? Smoking prevalance? Murders/Crime? General exercise time? ect.

You guys have to question whether healthcare is the only reason life expecancy is different.

General eating habits? Smoking prevalance? Murders/Crime? General exercise time? ect.

Well when you put it that way.. you make us look even better..lol .. but we were talking about infant mortalities basically.. I just threw in the life thing as an extra.. and infant mortalities is about pre-natal care.. so yes, that's health care.

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

"Each person is different, ive met tons of europeans who love america much more then europe. and tons of americans who would kill to move to europe; it all depends on what u like."

the grass is always greener on the other side????

just another though....i dont think anyone has the right to criticize another country unless you know what its like to live there. Like I’ve said before, some people won’t understand because hey haven’t experienced living in the states. Statistics might give you an idea of what a country is like but it’s obviously that is not the whole picture. Also, I wouldn’t base my assumptions on what is shown in the media; they can be highly subjective.

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

just another though....i dont think anyone has the right to criticize another country unless you know what its like to live there. Like I’ve said before, some people won’t understand because hey haven’t experienced living in the states. Statistics might give you an idea of what a country is like but it’s obviously that is not the whole picture. Also, I wouldn’t base my assumptions on what is shown in the media; they can be highly subjective.

Kewl, then I get to say any thing I want about the USA.. been to every single state except Alaska & Hawaii... and yep.. lived in quite a few places.. Ah, America isn't that bad, it is not Canada.. but then again.. it could be far worse. There are many countries that are far, far worse then America will probably ever be.. but it's still not Canada.. ;)

P.S. I got my stats from the CIA World Factbook.. go ahead and check.. :roll:

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

My point is that there's a multitude of factors that could affect it, so simply saying that its only healthcare (or, on the other hand, only substance abuse) is silly.

The only other countries I've ever been to are Canada and France (well, and I guess Switzerland and Luxembourg and Belgium for one night, but for the most part it was France) and I definitely have to say that I prefer the US to both. Canada is way too cold and (when I was there) France was way too hot (though I'm sure it would normally be too cold) But I've never lived in either place. Truthfully, the thought that the US might be the best place to live in the world just depresses the hell outta me... :(
but then...France and Canada are even worse... (they are both, no doubt, more socialist, that's what you all have been arguing as the great benefit to living in such places)

Figeac is the greatest, end of story. Ya can take any criteria and you will find Figeac is kicking ass.

I've lived around a lot. Singapore was nice but a little on the strict side. Australia was a great place except for the skin cancer issues and some stronger racism there than I expected. Canada is a great country, but for its proximity to the US.

The only other countries I've ever been to are Canada and France (well, and I guess Switzerland and Luxembourg and Belgium for one night, but for the most part it was France) and I definitely have to say that I prefer the US to both. Canada is way too cold and (when I was there) France was way too hot (though I'm sure it would normally be too cold) But I've never lived in either place. Truthfully, the thought that the US might be the best place to live in the world just depresses the hell outta me... :(
but then...France and Canada are even worse... (they are both, no doubt, more socialist, that's what you all have been arguing as the great benefit to living in such places)

Umm yeah okay..lol What is it with this too cold BS? Yes, if you live in the Yukon..lol 98% of Canadians live close to the Canada & USA border.. I guess if you live in the Keys.. but other then that.. It's no colder then a lot of the States.. and umm.. Canada ROCKS hehe ;)

just another though....i dont think anyone has the right to criticize another country unless you know what its like to live there. Like I’ve said before, some people won’t understand because hey haven’t experienced living in the states. Statistics might give you an idea of what a country is like but it’s obviously that is not the whole picture. Also, I wouldn’t base my assumptions on what is shown in the media; they can be highly subjective.

Kewl, then I get to say any thing I want about the USA.. been to every single state except Alaska & Hawaii... and yep.. lived in quite a few places.. Ah, America isn't that bad, it is not Canada.. but then again.. it could be far worse. There are many countries that are far, far worse then America will probably ever be.. but it's still not Canada.. ;)

P.S. I got my stats from the CIA World Factbook.. go ahead and check.. :roll:

haha ok. Isn’t that nice…. patriotic, eh. Quite surprising! (Notice sarcasm) well next year I’m planning to go to Canada so I’ll draw my own conclusions then. But seriously, the only thing that might be unique to Canadian culture is the French side of it. The rest seems to blend in with the northern united states.

It depends. When you are visiting a country, are you visiting it for the people you meet or for the landscape you see?

just another though....i dont think anyone has the right to criticize another country unless you know what its like to live there. Like I’ve said before, some people won’t understand because hey haven’t experienced living in the states. Statistics might give you an idea of what a country is like but it’s obviously that is not the whole picture. Also, I wouldn’t base my assumptions on what is shown in the media; they can be highly subjective.

Kewl, then I get to say any thing I want about the USA.. been to every single state except Alaska & Hawaii... and yep.. lived in quite a few places.. Ah, America isn't that bad, it is not Canada.. but then again.. it could be far worse. There are many countries that are far, far worse then America will probably ever be.. but it's still not Canada.. ;)

P.S. I got my stats from the CIA World Factbook.. go ahead and check.. :roll:

haha ok. Isn’t that nice…. patriotic, eh. Quite surprising! (Notice sarcasm) well next year I’m planning to go to Canada so I’ll draw my own conclusions then. But seriously, the only thing that might be unique to Canadian culture is the French side of it. The rest seems to blend in with the northern united states.

How do you know that the nothern United States just don't want to be like Canadians? Hmm.. ever thought of that? We're pretty kewl.. and you weren't alive 137 years ago..lol :mrgreen:

The only other countries I've ever been to are Canada and France (well, and I guess Switzerland and Luxembourg and Belgium for one night, but for the most part it was France) and I definitely have to say that I prefer the US to both. Canada is way too cold and (when I was there) France was way too hot (though I'm sure it would normally be too cold) But I've never lived in either place. Truthfully, the thought that the US might be the best place to live in the world just depresses the hell outta me... :(
but then...France and Canada are even worse... (they are both, no doubt, more socialist, that's what you all have been arguing as the great benefit to living in such places)

Umm yeah okay..lol What is it with this too cold BS? Yes, if you live in the Yukon..lol 98% of Canadians live close to the Canada & USA border.. I guess if you live in the Keys.. but other then that.. It's no colder then a lot of the States.. and umm.. Canada ROCKS hehe ;)
Really? It's just as warm there as it is in New Orleans? The northernmost half of the US is too cold to, but we cover the warm AND cold parts, not just the cold. And as for the French flavor, this is where to be. It's warm AND French.
By the way, sitting here in the deep south of the US I'm wearing a sweatshirt.

America is the best, and the onyl reason the life expectancy is lower is becuase america population si at least twice that of any countr with one higher. Also America is a well above average country where even the poorest person is dirt rich compared to most other countries. And I live here and have been to most of Europe for about 5 years and i havent really liked it.

That's some weird math.

So, didn't like all of Europe eh? Let me guess, no Wendys?

Actually Wendys is a small player in the fast food business.

I really don't get this about the U.S
Is it true that at school, you swear allegiance to the flag before classes start? That seems a little oppresive to me, but of course, it may not be true at all. Enforced patriotism is hardly a great way of showing how much people love the U.S

Used too. Not as much. However, it was on the same level of "Ein Reich, Ein Volk..."

It was more about acknowleging the heritage and the people that have sacrificed.

The only other countries I've ever been to are Canada and France (well, and I guess Switzerland and Luxembourg and Belgium for one night, but for the most part it was France) and I definitely have to say that I prefer the US to both. Canada is way too cold and (when I was there) France was way too hot (though I'm sure it would normally be too cold) But I've never lived in either place. Truthfully, the thought that the US might be the best place to live in the world just depresses the hell outta me... :(
but then...France and Canada are even worse... (they are both, no doubt, more socialist, that's what you all have been arguing as the great benefit to living in such places)

Umm yeah okay..lol What is it with this too cold BS? Yes, if you live in the Yukon..lol 98% of Canadians live close to the Canada & USA border.. I guess if you live in the Keys.. but other then that.. It's no colder then a lot of the States.. and umm.. Canada ROCKS hehe ;)
Really? It's just as warm there as it is in New Orleans? The northernmost half of the US is too cold to, but we cover the warm AND cold parts, not just the cold. And as for the French flavor, this is where to be. It's warm AND French.
By the way, sitting here in the deep south of the US I'm wearing a sweatshirt.

hehehe.. well my point is it's not as cold as a lot of people think.. and we don't all drink beer.. (I prefer wine) and we don't all play hockey.. (Although I do watch the play-offs) and we don't all live in igloos.. hehe.. well.. I have to jet for a while.. but just remember..

CANADA ROCKS :mrgreen:

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D

I didn't really see any thing in this that Canada doesn't have.. and we're bigger.. with less population. We are the second largest land mass in the world next to Russia.. Canada is considered one of the most scenic places in the world.. and we have more natural resources then any one else in the world too.. you should know, you import A LOT of them from us. We have just as much freedom if not more then the US.. and our people don't go around killing each other for sport. We also don't have capital punishment.. there is no government sanctioned murder in this country. Hmm.. our standard of living over all is better.. we are by far one of the most diverse countries in the world.. our education system is better then that of the US.. our health care is universal.. we have a social safety net which you don't have.. Sorry, I'm not seeing it..

But hey, if you just wanted to say you love your country.. that's kewl! I love mine too! :)

Ahh but as with the former USSR, how much of the land is really usuable for large populations?

As to the education system? Well I would give you the primary and secondaries. Universities....? Welll take Berkeley. More Nobel Laurites then all of the USSR in its history. Don't know the Canuck University level......

The only other countries I've ever been to are Canada and France (well, and I guess Switzerland and Luxembourg and Belgium for one night, but for the most part it was France) and I definitely have to say that I prefer the US to both. Canada is way too cold and (when I was there) France was way too hot (though I'm sure it would normally be too cold) But I've never lived in either place. Truthfully, the thought that the US might be the best place to live in the world just depresses the hell outta me... :(
but then...France and Canada are even worse... (they are both, no doubt, more socialist, that's what you all have been arguing as the great benefit to living in such places)

Umm yeah okay..lol What is it with this too cold BS? Yes, if you live in the Yukon..lol 98% of Canadians live close to the Canada & USA border.. I guess if you live in the Keys.. but other then that.. It's no colder then a lot of the States.. and umm.. Canada ROCKS hehe ;)
Really? It's just as warm there as it is in New Orleans? The northernmost half of the US is too cold to, but we cover the warm AND cold parts, not just the cold. And as for the French flavor, this is where to be. It's warm AND French.
By the way, sitting here in the deep south of the US I'm wearing a sweatshirt.

hehehe.. well my point is it's not as cold as a lot of people think.. and we don't all drink beer.. (I prefer wine) and we don't all play hockey.. (Although I do watch the play-offs) and we don't all live in igloos.. hehe.. well.. I have to jet for a while.. but just remember..

CANADA ROCKS :mrgreen:

OMG you don't live in igloos? When did that happen? Come on! i don’t think anyone who’s rational thinks that about Canadians. And I do know that Canada is not cursed with a magical force that prevents it from getting hot during summer. It gets pretty comfortable during the height of the season. But weather wise, the U.S. is much better.

All countries suck. By definition, a country is oppressive.
Defining the greatest is defining the less sucky. A country is nothing to be proud of, to fight for or to swear allegiance to. The people in it are important, but no more or no less than the people who are not in it.

what a shame it must be to have such a philosophy psylos?...listen to John Wooden Legs, a Cheyenne

"Our land is everything to us... I will tell you one of the things we
remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it - with
their lives."

or from Crow Chief Plenty Coups

"The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the
blood of our ancestors."

Yes...no one can own the land..but one can be proud of the nation that the people make up of it.

My people believe in these aspects...countries do not suck..they give life's full expression to a people...my "nation" once dominated a huge expanse of the Southeastern US...now..reduced to a pittance..two reservations split between the states of Tennessee and Oklahoma...yet still our "country" survives..it survives in the souls of my ancestors and in the hearts of the young....no...countries do not suck...but men make bad decisions as well as good ones.


Just my opinion, but this has got to be the best post I've read on this thread.

Thanks..just wanted to put into perspective for psylos that love of somethings be it country or nation or land isn't a bad thing in and of itself.

I hate how people insist that the US is the freest country even though gay marriages and pot are allowed in some other countries.

-------------------------
Free your mind!

I hate how people insist that the US is the freest country even though gay marriages and pot are allowed in some other countries.

-------------------------
Free your mind!

Is gay marriage and the ability to get stoned the highest forms of freedom you can imagine?...Gods woman...I bled so you can speak your mind, that is freedom...I bled so that you can worship as you please...I bled so that you take what life gave you and shape it to fit your dreams....a sad state when you consider the right of alternative lifestyles to be considered the norm and the ability to get high more important then being able to speak your mind, worship as you please, and vote.

I hate how people insist that the US is the freest country even though gay marriages and pot are allowed in some other countries.

-------------------------
Free your mind!

Is gay marriage and the ability to get stoned the highest forms of freedom you can imagine?...Gods woman...I bled so you can speak your mind, that is freedom...I bled so that you can worship as you please...I bled so that you take what life gave you and shape it to fit your dreams....a sad state when you consider the right of alternative lifestyles to be considered the norm and the ability to get high more important then being able to speak your mind, worship as you please, and vote.

i don't think that's what he was saying. while America certainly is a great place for all the reasons you stated, it's impossible to deny that there are other nations that have come at least as far, if not perhaps even farther. no, getting high isn't my priority, but i think the freedom to chose "alternative lifestyles" (whether those be defined by sexual choices, drug use, or other factors) is central to what is important to me. true freedom would include the freedom to make those choices about one's own life and fate, otherwise it's just the freedom to be like everybody else...that's a sort of freedom i can do without.

I hate how people insist that the US is the freest country even though gay marriages and pot are allowed in some other countries.

-------------------------
Free your mind!

Is gay marriage and the ability to get stoned the highest forms of freedom you can imagine?...Gods woman...I bled so you can speak your mind, that is freedom...I bled so that you can worship as you please...I bled so that you take what life gave you and shape it to fit your dreams....a sad state when you consider the right of alternative lifestyles to be considered the norm and the ability to get high more important then being able to speak your mind, worship as you please, and vote.

i don't think that's what he was saying. while America certainly is a great place for all the reasons you stated, it's impossible to deny that there are other nations that have come at least as far, if not perhaps even farther. no, getting high isn't my priority, but i think the freedom to chose "alternative lifestyles" (whether those be defined by sexual choices, drug use, or other factors) is central to what is important to me. true freedom would include the freedom to make those choices about one's own life and fate, otherwise it's just the freedom to be like everybody else...that's a sort of freedom i can do without.

But that isn't what Letila said..so I took her (I believe it's a she) verbatim at what she wrote...that apparently these actions were more important freedoms to her then the ones I and ever other veteran fought, bled, and died for in order to be preserved

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

Numbers are not valid. Percentages. US has oh 300 million people....

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

Numbers are not valid. Percentages. US has oh 300 million people....

Statistically speaking, that is to say as a precentage, has a relatively poor rate of infant survival, for whatever reason. I attribute it to a fairly inaccessible health care system, but that's purely opinion.

1. Sweden 3.44 deaths/1,000 live births
2. Iceland 3.53 deaths/1,000 live births
3. Singapore 3.60 deaths/1,000 live births
4. Finland 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births
5. Japan 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births
6. Norway 3.90 deaths/1,000 live births
7. Andorra 4.07 deaths/1,000 live births
8. Netherlands 4.31 deaths/1,000 live births
9. Austria 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births
10. France 4.41 deaths/1,000 live births
11. Switzerland 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births
12. Macau 4.44 deaths/1,000 live births
13. Slovenia 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births
14. Belgium 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births
15. Germany 4.65 deaths/1,000 live births
16. Luxembourg 4.71 deaths/1,000 live births
17. Spain 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births
18. Australia 4.90 deaths/1,000 live births
19. Liechtenstein 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
20. Canada 4.95 deaths/1,000 live births
21. Denmark 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
22. Ireland 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births
23. United Kingdom 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
24. Czech Republic 5.46 deaths/1,000 live births
25. Malta 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births
26. Hong Kong 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
Monaco 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
28. Italy 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births
29. Portugal 5.84 deaths/1,000 live births
30. San Marino 6.09 deaths/1,000 live births
31. New Zealand 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births
32. Greece 6.25 deaths/1,000 live births
33. Aruba 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
34. United States 6.69 deaths/1,000 live births

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

Numbers are not valid. Percentages. US has oh 300 million people....

Statistically speaking, that is to say as a precentage, has a relatively poor rate of infant survival, for whatever reason. I attribute it to a fairly inaccessible health care system, but that's purely opinion.

1. Sweden 3.44 deaths/1,000 live births
2. Iceland 3.53 deaths/1,000 live births
3. Singapore 3.60 deaths/1,000 live births
4. Finland 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births
5. Japan 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births
6. Norway 3.90 deaths/1,000 live births
7. Andorra 4.07 deaths/1,000 live births
8. Netherlands 4.31 deaths/1,000 live births
9. Austria 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births
10. France 4.41 deaths/1,000 live births
11. Switzerland 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births
12. Macau 4.44 deaths/1,000 live births
13. Slovenia 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births
14. Belgium 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births
15. Germany 4.65 deaths/1,000 live births
16. Luxembourg 4.71 deaths/1,000 live births
17. Spain 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births
18. Australia 4.90 deaths/1,000 live births
19. Liechtenstein 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
20. Canada 4.95 deaths/1,000 live births
21. Denmark 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
22. Ireland 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births
23. United Kingdom 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
24. Czech Republic 5.46 deaths/1,000 live births
25. Malta 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births
26. Hong Kong 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
Monaco 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
28. Italy 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births
29. Portugal 5.84 deaths/1,000 live births
30. San Marino 6.09 deaths/1,000 live births
31. New Zealand 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births
32. Greece 6.25 deaths/1,000 live births
33. Aruba 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
34. United States 6.69 deaths/1,000 live births
It sounds unlikely. I've never heard of a baby born at home. They're either born at a hospital or a birthing center, but I've never heard of births at home.

we were the first western power to abolish slavery

We abolished it because it was no longer profitable. The Government saw this, and thought, we'll, it's not making money anymore so let's stop it and make ourselves look the hero.

Really? Infants can be affected by things like drugs, alcohol, and violence too. Quite easily, really.

Well, if that is your suggestion.. then I think one would have to suggest that America is full of a whole lot of drug addicted pregnant women compared to Canada.. which of course again would only go to say that Canada is a far better country then the States.. I think I'll go with the health care stats.. besides.. the things you noted don't usually cause death in the infant.. but rather mental problems.. etc.. it doesn't usually kill them.

Numbers are not valid. Percentages. US has oh 300 million people....

Statistically speaking, that is to say as a precentage, has a relatively poor rate of infant survival, for whatever reason. I attribute it to a fairly inaccessible health care system, but that's purely opinion.

1. Sweden 3.44 deaths/1,000 live births
2. Iceland 3.53 deaths/1,000 live births
3. Singapore 3.60 deaths/1,000 live births
4. Finland 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births
5. Japan 3.84 deaths/1,000 live births
6. Norway 3.90 deaths/1,000 live births
7. Andorra 4.07 deaths/1,000 live births
8. Netherlands 4.31 deaths/1,000 live births
9. Austria 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births
10. France 4.41 deaths/1,000 live births
11. Switzerland 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births
12. Macau 4.44 deaths/1,000 live births
13. Slovenia 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births
14. Belgium 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births
15. Germany 4.65 deaths/1,000 live births
16. Luxembourg 4.71 deaths/1,000 live births
17. Spain 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births
18. Australia 4.90 deaths/1,000 live births
19. Liechtenstein 4.92 deaths/1,000 live births
20. Canada 4.95 deaths/1,000 live births
21. Denmark 4.97 deaths/1,000 live births
22. Ireland 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births
23. United Kingdom 5.45 deaths/1,000 live births
24. Czech Republic 5.46 deaths/1,000 live births
25. Malta 5.72 deaths/1,000 live births
26. Hong Kong 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
Monaco 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births
28. Italy 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births
29. Portugal 5.84 deaths/1,000 live births
30. San Marino 6.09 deaths/1,000 live births
31. New Zealand 6.18 deaths/1,000 live births
32. Greece 6.25 deaths/1,000 live births
33. Aruba 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births
34. United States 6.69 deaths/1,000 live births

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I'VE HAD IT WITH THIS PLACE!!!
*moves to Sweden*

i live in holland but sweden sounds good to me 2 !
good healthcare, good jobs, good food, clean air and more women then men!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D 8) :wink:

i must say that the cia factbook numers are outdated, because last week the eu conducted an investigation and the rapport clearly stated that the netherlands now had the worst(of europe) rate for baby deaths...
because dutch women are older when they get baby's. a career comes first then an baby...
:roll: :? still better then the usa tough!
i don't have the figures rigjt now, if needed i'll look them up in about 12 hours (it's now 2 in the nighthere and i've got an exam tomorrow so i got to sleep now)

but another mayor adventage is that we dutchies won't have to be so afraid for terrorists attacks.
(alltough dutch soldiers are also in iraq, they are all trained for peace missions, not for occupation as the americans are...)

i must say that the cia factbook numers are outdated, because last week the eu conducted an investigation and the rapport clearly stated that the netherlands now had the worst(of europe) rate for baby deaths...
because dutch women are older when they get baby's. a career comes first then an baby...
:roll: :? still better then the usa tough!
i don't have the figures rigjt now, if needed i'll look them up in about 12 hours (it's now 2 in the nighthere and i've got an exam tomorrow so i got to sleep now)

but another mayor adventage is that we dutchies won't have to be so afraid for terrorists attacks.
(alltough dutch soldiers are also in iraq, they are all trained for peace missions, not for occupation as the americans are...)

By the way, sitting here in the deep south of the US I'm wearing a sweatshirt.

In Vancouver today I was wearing a t-shirt outside and in the car with the windows rolled down and the sun-roof open! :)

Was around 65 and Thurs it's supposed to be 70.

I think it snowed twice this year and got below freezing for a week.

Some years it never snows here and the flowers start coming up in January!

I know it's truly "spring" when the ice-cream trucks start coming around--generally in March! :D

(alltough dutch soldiers are also in iraq, they are all trained for peace missions, not for occupation as the americans are...)

And the difference would be ...?

Peace keepers play a more passive role, to an extent. Peacekeepers are unlikely to raid houses, carry out mass arrests etc, than an occupying force. That said, given that occupationals tend to be doing other things, peacekeepers are generally more common on the street, all things being equal. (I hope I'm not wrong)

And I do know that Canada is not cursed with a magical force that prevents it from getting hot during summer. It gets pretty comfortable during the height of the season. But weather wise, the U.S. is much better.

In the interior of B.C. it easily gets to 100+.
But -- it's a dry heat! :lol:

Here on the coast it's generallly 80-90, but muggy. :(

Esseldee, I'm also in vancouver, at UBC... :D

Esseldee, I'm also in vancouver, at UBC... :D

Cool! :D

Whatcha taking??

Are you originally from here?
(I always assumed you were from Edmonton - I used to live there...before the mall). :lol:

Esseldee, I'm also in vancouver, at UBC... :D

Cool! :D

Whatcha taking??

Are you originally from here?
(I always assumed you were from Edmonton - I used to live there...before the mall). :lol:

I'm origingally from Vancouver Island, now i'm here doing a poli sci degree...

ahhh!
I've not been to the island much, but loved it when I was there! :D
Vic and Tofino and Gabriola...

Can I ask whence your name? :)

It is obvious 62% of people who voted are mentally retarded.

ahhh!
I've not been to the island much, but loved it when I was there! :D
Vic and Tofino and Gabriola...

Can I ask whence your name? :)

Alex Boland

Please excuse my ignorance, uneducated as I am! :P

Alex Boland??

Please excuse my ignorance, uneducated as I am! :P

Alex Boland??

err... sorry, I thought you were asking for me RL name.

My NS name doesn't mean anything really, just something i randomly picked> I didn't even realize it was a reference to Edmonton until months later.

Please excuse my ignorance, uneducated as I am! :P

Alex Boland??

err... sorry, I thought you were asking for me RL name.

My NS name doesn't mean anything really, just something i randomly picked> I didn't even realize it was a reference to Edmonton until months later.

Excuse me for bringing this thread back to its origins. Is America really the greatest nation on earth?

Why do the canucks feel obliged to answer? You are better cos you 'invented the peacekeeping forces?' peacekeeping... where's the profit anyways?

Do we need the european answer? They have done nothing. Apart from inventing the basis of the how the american gov't works today... and democracy. But it doesn't count... it's not who invented it... it's about who capitalized on it!

Is there really a question about it? For USA really must be the greatest nation. You can quote as many statistics you want, it won't make any difference. Hell, infante survival percentage now? Are you people for real?

Why paste those figures on this thread? it makes absolutely no difference. there perhaps is better healhtcare in europe the americans ever can fathom, and the freedoms the americans held so dear are everyday bread in europe. But so what?

Reading through this forum I've seen such rediculous claims this is tame. Just let them hold the belief America really is the greatest. That is the humane thing to do.

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country…it’s a state of mind. And I’m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is…you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences… not some numbers and figures. :D

i feel the need to show this again because i think its the least aggresive way of saying why (in my opinion) America is the best nation.

Excuse me for bringing this thread back to its origins. Is America really the greatest nation on earth?

Why do the canucks feel obliged to answer? You are better cos you 'invented the peacekeeping forces?' peacekeeping... where's the profit anyways?
Where is the profit? If there is no profit in peace why bother? A lot of American profit or should I say deficit is going up in smoke right now in Iraq. Not to mention you are losing human resources too (soldiers), but I guess they would be expendable to the greatest nation in the world?

[quote=UTLPNA]America might be the best country ever.

i feel the need to show this again because i think its the least aggresive way of saying why (in my opinion) America is the best nation.
If you say it over and over enough times, it just might convince you that it is the truth?

[quote=UTLPNA]America might be the best country ever.

i feel the need to show this again because i think its the least aggresive way of saying why (in my opinion) America is the best nation.
If you say it over and over enough times, it just might convince you that it is the truth?

If you deny it over and over again many times, it just might convince you that it is the truth?

Canada might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
Canada is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the rugged coast of Newfoundland to the verdant forests of the Rocky Mountains, and the beauty of Lake Louise characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the Canadian landscape. From thunderous Niagara Falls to suburban Victoria with its moderate climate, from the old world charm of Quebec City to the Arctic regions of Nunavut, from the wheat fields of Saskatchewan to the highly urbanized, and multicultural environment of Toronto, Canada has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of Canada are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Constitution of Canada, with its’ Charter of Rights and Freedoms; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love Canada. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have come to admire. They are our strength, and our truth. Canada is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Canada, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. Canada is not just a country…it’s a community of the world, respected by many nations and visited by millions every year. I’m proud to be a Canadian.

Canada might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
Canada is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the rugged coast of Newfoundland to the verdant forests of the Rocky Mountains, and the beauty of Lake Louise characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the Canadian landscape. From thunderous Niagara Falls to suburban Victoria with its moderate climate, from the old world charm of Quebec City to the Arctic regions of Nunavut, from the wheat fields of Saskatchewan to the highly urbanized, and multicultural environment of Toronto, Canada has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of Canada are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Constitution of Canada, with its’ Charter of Rights and Freedoms; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love Canada. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have come to admire. They are our strength, and our truth. Canada is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Canada, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. Canada is not just a country…it’s a community of the world, respected by many nations and visited by millions every year. I’m proud to be a Canadian.


:D hahaha! hmm somehow i get the sense that its not very original. lol amusing imitation i must admit...always trying to imitate us...but its funny you left this part out ...> "Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics."

and about being the MOST diverse...lol...get your facts straight! its culturally and geographically not as diverse as america.

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it?s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country?it?s a state of mind. And I?m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I?ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is?you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences? not some numbers and figures. :D

I have lived the "American experience" for 12 years (half my life), and I can say that I agree with very little of what you write.

You mention the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Great documents indeed, with fine values. It is a pity that almost none of the politicians in power today bother to follow them. The uniting of diversity seems to be functioning poorly considering how many african-americans are living in poverty.

My image of America is a semi-fascistic country where you constantly have to watch your back in case you do something "Big Brother" doesn't approve of. Freedom is a charade. Even in school the students are drilled strictly with little to no freedom to think for themselves. The American people on average have fallen far behind in education, tolerance, democracy, and liberty compared to many other countries of the world.

The only ones with real freedom are the ones with money. Those that aren't rich have to live with poor (or no) healthcare, unhealthy food, and substandard living situations.

The American dream may once have been a grand thing, but it has been corrupted beyond recognition. I am thankful that I moved away when I did. Oddly, I didn't really notice just how bad things were until I left. You don't really know how good your own country is until you have something to compare it to.

I am sorry if I offended people, but these are my personal experiences and reflections. There's lots more, but if you want it you can always read a book by Michael Moore. :wink: For those of you that do believe in the "American experience", keep working! Maybe you can change it back to the splendor it once was! :)

Culturual and Environmental Diverstiy - Try Australia. Ever been to Melbourne? If that isn't culturually diverse, I don't know what is. Landscape. We have desert, mountains, forests, tropical environments. Turst me, it's one diverse country. Unless, that is, you think we all live like Steve Irwin in the bush.

Your history is nothing special, get over it, simple. Interesting to an extent, but nothing compared to somewhere like China or Europe. South Africa too has an interesting history. Australian history is bland, I'm the first to admit it. I'm glad of it though, we have never had to turn guns on each to settle our differences and became our own nation without fighting a war. We have fought in plenty of wars though. We too are a nation that has always be democratic, though technically the Queen is the Head of State. Women were allowed to vote here before anywhere else, except New Zealand, that was the first country where women were allowed to vote. We have treated the Aboriginals like s**t though, so you are not all good.

In closing, Australia neither America are the greatest countries on earth and you should go on about how great America is all the time.

Canada might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
Canada is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the rugged coast of Newfoundland to the verdant forests of the Rocky Mountains, and the beauty of Lake Louise characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the Canadian landscape. From thunderous Niagara Falls to suburban Victoria with its moderate climate, from the old world charm of Quebec City to the Arctic regions of Nunavut, from the wheat fields of Saskatchewan to the highly urbanized, and multicultural environment of Toronto, Canada has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of Canada are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Constitution of Canada, with its’ Charter of Rights and Freedoms; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it’s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love Canada. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have come to admire. They are our strength, and our truth. Canada is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Canada, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. Canada is not just a country…it’s a community of the world, respected by many nations and visited by millions every year. I’m proud to be a Canadian.


:D hahaha! hmm somehow i get the sense that its not very original. lol amusing imitation i must admit...always trying to imitate us...but its funny you left this part out ...> "Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I’ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics."

and about being the MOST diverse...lol...get your facts straight! its culturally and geographically not as diverse as america.
You have never visited Toronto or Quebec so you wouldn't know just how diverse Canada is in the cultural sense. Toronto is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. With the 2nd largest country in the world, you bet we are one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. Don't take my word for it, do some research.

America might be the best country ever. Here are some thoughts on why:
America is the most stunning and diverse country in the world culturally and environmentally speaking. Never in the history of the world has a country been braided together from so many strands of people arriving with different languages, histories, and cultures. Spectacular sceneries as diverse as the subtropical wetlands of Florida to the sub-arctic forests of the Alaskan mountains characterize the unsurpassed beauty of the American landscape. From the Grand Canyon to suburban California with its Mediterranean climates, from the Great Plains to the highly urbanized environment of New York City, America has become home to countless people looking for a better life. These icons of America are much more than visual attractions, they are symbols of what this nation has offered to the people: a sense of freedom and opportunity.

The glue that binds us is the political system created by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; a system considered to be one of the best in the world, for it must be; it?s the only way to unite such an immense and culturally diverse nation.

I love America. I love our freedoms, our energy and our insistence that we can do anything we set our minds to. These are qualities that some have labeled arrogance. But, it is our strength, and our truth. America is essential to the world as a place of ideas and exchange; of liberty and principles. Yes, we have, historically, made mistakes. There were times we were ignorant, prejudiced, and covetous. Each country has had its mistakes in the past. But America, as a whole, has developed a conscience and granted freedom unlike any other. America is not just a country?it?s a state of mind. And I?m proud to be an American.

Now am I saying for a fact that America is the best nation in the world? Of course not. But to me it is. And I?ve given you very short examples of why I think it is. I could have easily written several more paragraphs about its incredible history, its international influence on culture, and its unprecedented position on the world scene of politics.

And I know I might be criticized for putting this up, but the truth is?you will not understand these feelings unless you have lived the American experience.

I guess in the end, all that matters is your personal feelings, perspectives and experiences? not some numbers and figures. :D

I have lived the "American experience" for 12 years (half my life), and I can say that I agree with very little of what you write.

You mention the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Great documents indeed, with fine values. It is a pity that almost none of the politicians in power today bother to follow them. The uniting of diversity seems to be functioning poorly considering how many african-americans are living in poverty.

My image of America is a semi-fascistic country where you constantly have to watch your back in case you do something "Big Brother" doesn't approve of. Freedom is a charade. Even in school the students are drilled strictly with little to no freedom to think for themselves. The American people on average have fallen far behind in education, tolerance, democracy, and liberty compared to many other countries of the world.

The only ones with real freedom are the ones with money. Those that aren't rich have to live with poor (or no) healthcare, unhealthy food, and substandard living situations.

The American dream may once have been a grand thing, but it has been corrupted beyond recognition. I am thankful that I moved away when I did. Oddly, I didn't really notice just how bad things were until I left. You don't really know how good your own country is until you have something to compare it to.

I am sorry if I offended people, but these are my personal experiences and reflections. There's lots more, but if you want it you can always read a book by Michael Moore. :wink: For those of you that do believe in the "American experience", keep working! Maybe you can change it back to the splendor it once was! :)

thanx for your comment. its sounded much more rational than others that simply criticized and declared their own country the best...you know, i never denied that america has problems. i believe the ideals that the constitution aimed for are still trying to be reached, and hopefully we'll get to that point one day. and i also i want to add that "Characteristics such as democracy and equality flourished in the American environment long before taking firm root in European societies, where the ideals originated."

Canada is second biggest? (though looking at a map I see it looks pretty true.)
I know Russia takes up 1/7 of the worlds landmass. What does Canada get?

Hmm what Russia shows is that land size doesn't really matter if you dont know how to use it......just a thought

Canada is second biggest? (though looking at a map I see it looks pretty true.)
I know Russia takes up 1/7 of the worlds landmass. What does Canada get?
Russia 17,075,400 sq km, (6,592,812 sq miles)
Canada 9,330,970 sq km, (3,612,187 sq miles)
China 9,326,410 sq km, (3,600,927 sq miles)
United States 9.166,600 sq km, (3,539,224 sq miles)
Brazil 8,456,510 sq km, (3,265,059 sq miles)
Australia 7,617,930 sq km, (2,941,283 sq miles)
India 2,973,190 sq km, (1,147,949 sq miles)
Argentina 2,736,690 sq km, (1,056,636 sq miles)
Kazakhstan 2,717,300 sq km, (1,049,150 sq miles)
Sudan 2,376,000 sq km, (917,374 sq miles

thanx for your comment. its sounded much more rational than others that simply criticized and declared their own country the best...you know, i never denied that america has problems. i believe the ideals that the constitution aimed for are still trying to be reached, and hopefully we'll get to that point one day. and i also i want to add that "Characteristics such as democracy and equality flourished in the American environment long before taking firm root in European societies, where the ideals originated."

Perhaps. I won't claim that Sweden was far ahead on that front. Women weren't even allowed to vote until 1921 here. But history, however interesting, says little on how the situation is today. America was ground-breaking in its time, but lately has more or less gone backwards: less freedoms, less equality, and a democracy that entails that the one with the most powerful friends wins the election.

Of course, most of the world's countries today are in a sorry state. Which country is best in the world? I'd say Antarctica (if that can count as a country) because they don't have any people to screw it up. :lol:

Toronto is, without a doubt, the most cosmopolitan city in Canada, if not all of North America. Writer and actor Peter Ustinov described Toronto as “New York run by the Swiss.” Although Toronto gets far less press than its American counterpart, New York City, many savvy travelers prefer the relaxed Canadian pace with its clean city image and one of the lowest crime rates in the North America. Toronto is the financial heartbeat of Canada and competes Montreal for the cultural center of Canada with its heritage and World renowned theatre shows and modern architecture unmatched anywhere in Canada.

http://www.afghan-network.net/Toronto/

Did You Know.......

... that Toronto has twinned city with Amsterdam, Holland.
... that Yonge Street, our main thoroughfare, is the longest street in the World (1896 km long)?
... that "Toronto" is the Huron Indian (Aboriginal/Natives of Canada) word that means "Place of meeting"?
... that the United Nations has designated Toronto as the World's "most ethnically-diverse city" five times in a row?
... that the world's tallest building, the CN Tower, has been identified as one of the Seven Wonders of the modern World?
Quick Facts

Total 4.7 million residents in the Greater Toronto Area.
GTA is the 5th largest metropolitan area in North America.
The capital of the central province of Ontario and Canada's largest city.
A multicultural city, with more than 80 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages.
The Economy

Toronto is one of the top five financial centres in North America - it ranks as the fourth largest financial centre in terms of income and third largest by direct employment. It is also one of the fastest growing financial centres on the continent.

Toronto is Canada's largest financial centre. The financial sector in Toronto (GTA) is more than twice the size of any of its Canadian counterpart cities.
Toronto employs more people in finance than any other Canadian city, approx. 25% of the national workforce.
Most of Canada's banks are headquartered in Toronto. Together, the six major banks hold 98% of all assets held by Canada's banks.
The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) ranks as North America's third largest by dollar value traded. The value of shares traded on the TSE accounts for 85% of the total value of Canadian stocks.
The T.S.E. is ranked the tenth largest stock exchange in the world.
A Lively & Enjoyable Place

Over 5,000 restaurants and eateries.
The Third-Largest Theatre Centre in the English-speaking World after New York and London.
Some of the finest shopping centres in the world, including the Eaton Centre and Queen & Cumberland Streets.

Would love to show you around some day :-)

Wow. Russia is gigantic. Canada has a huge size too, but pretty much double canada!
The other nations look similar in size, but there is almost 100,000 sq miles difference between Canada and U.S

thanx for your comment. its sounded much more rational than others that simply criticized and declared their own country the best...you know, i never denied that america has problems. i believe the ideals that the constitution aimed for are still trying to be reached, and hopefully we'll get to that point one day. and i also i want to add that "Characteristics such as democracy and equality flourished in the American environment long before taking firm root in European societies, where the ideals originated."

Perhaps. I won't claim that Sweden was far ahead on that front. Women weren't even allowed to vote until 1921 here. But history, however interesting, says little on how the situation is today. America was ground-breaking in its time, but lately has more or less gone backwards: less freedoms, less equality, and a democracy that entails that the one with the most powerful friends wins the election.

Of course, most of the world's countries today are in a sorry state. Which country is best in the world? I'd say Antarctica (if that can count as a country) because they don't have any people to screw it up. :lol:

i don't know much about Sweden but i'm sure its quite an interesting country.lol it would have been interesting to have been born in Antarctica......."i'm an Antarctic(an)...yes..rased by the penguins"

ok, seriously, nothing will make me change my mind about america. I will always say its the best nation OVERALL....but i respect and admire other nation's cultures. i hope to go to Europe soon and stay for a year or two. what i've noticed when travelling to another country is that i learn to respect what is different and i learn to be grateful for what my own country has given me...and you know what, i know many people who have come to the U.S. and loved it. some actually never went back..but like i've said millions of times before, it is your personal experience that determines how you see things. if you move to the ghetto places, of course you wont like the U.S.

Marseille is the greatest ountry on earth because :
*The pastis come from there.
*They have the greatest players of petanque in the world (except maybe Belgium).
*The people are friendly and have a funny accent.
*The girls are hot.
*My ex girl friend comes from there.
*She might beat me if I don't say Marseille is the best.
*It might piss off some dumb americans as well which is a plus.
*It is sunny.
*the Pastis is cheaper than anywhere else there.
*Marseille rocks
*Massilia sound system band is playing there very often.
*Marseille is a planet bigger than Mars.
*Your country suck
*I don't care about the infant mortality rate
*It is only 3 hours from where I live
*Pedro, the barman of the macumba bar in Marseille is cool
*Lavende smells good
*...

I can go on like this for 50 pages. Marseille

Um, Marseille isn't a country...

Um, Marseille isn't a country...Um, you're right, it's a planet.

Excuse me for bringing this thread back to its origins.

Oops...
Sorry about the hi-jacking! :(

I think - generally speaking - that the Scandinavian countries do most things best.

Just sayin'.
:)

Oops...
Sorry about the hi-jacking! :(

I think - generally speaking - that the Scandinavian countries do most things best.

Just sayin'.
:)You didn't go to Marseille very often, did you?

USA born from the greatest empire the world has ever seen (guess my nationality :lol: ) is indeed a great nation in many ways....

but it does hide behind a number of facades....

....politically -
its citizens are literally indoctrinated, almost brainwashed, with the idea that everyone in USA is free because they are a democracy......to the point where (we lived in the USA for a bit) my bro came home from elementary school and announced to us that he liked living in the USA cus it meant that he was free!
despite this, the USA uses its significant global influence to control and manipulate numerous smaller countries, e.g. who put the Taliban in control of Afghanistan (they were anti-russia), who puts Saddam Hussein's party in control of Iraq (they were anti-iran), who blackmails countries across the world with illegal trade embargos (this includes their European 'allies')

....their history -
i don't know who else found this but the USA has fooled itself into thinking it invented everything, am just gonna run through a list of things it definitely did not invent!
- the telephone (UK)
- the television (UK)
- the internet (European - Switzerland in CERN)
- the fax machine (UK)
- the first antibiotic (UK) (we also came up with viagra, and many others recently, so it's not like the USA has taken over the pharma industry!)
- trains (UK)
- cars (Germany - Carl Benz of Mercedes-Benz fame!)
- computers (UK - Turing came up with the theory - but will give this one to Germany mostly who were the first people to build one)
- the lightbulb (dare i take it away from Edison! - look up Sir Joseph Wilson Swan - built the first lightbulb - and Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans - Edison bought the patent off these lads and copied their design)
- most of science!

now clearly i've ignored everything before 1800 cus, give or take a few years, that's when the USA started.......but you can see my point......i've listed pretty much every item that has become integral to our daily life and none of them come from the USA.......

without throwing more examples at you guys, i often feel that Americans are slightly deluded about the current state and the history of their country.......whilst it has played a part in the world we know today, i think most Yanks will be surprised to find that it's not nearly as big a part as they thought!

Firstly, I don't mean to offend the many Americans on this site - hey I love you folks (well, most of you anyway). After all, my wife is American and Atlanta is kinda my second home. My first home is Canada.

...

This is not meant as an insult against America nor Americans, just food for thought.

Im american and I find this insulting. I am not a xenophobic dumb evangelical Christian american. I'm just someone who had the misfortune of being raised in Puritan country and not in Amsterdam or something.

America is based off of great ideals. But you can't mix civil rights and Christianity, the two don't go together. That's how you get conservatives, who should all die a quick death [so they can go be with jesus sooner... or whatever their delusion is].
:twisted:

without throwing more examples at you guys, i often feel that Americans are slightly deluded about the current state and the history of their country.......whilst it has played a part in the world we know today, i think most Yanks will be surprised to find that it's not nearly as big a part as they thought!
You'd be suprised about who's the nationalistic one here, considering you think that a piece of carbon that is lit on fire for 3 seconds counts as a lightbulb.

without throwing more examples at you guys, i often feel that Americans are slightly deluded about the current state and the history of their country.......whilst it has played a part in the world we know today, i think most Yanks will be surprised to find that it's not nearly as big a part as they thought!
You'd be suprised about who's the nationalistic one here, considering you think that a piece of carbon that is lit on fire for 3 seconds counts as a lightbulb.

Ooops,

someone doesn't know what they're talking about.............one might say deluded :wink:

In 1878, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan who was an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical electic lightbulb lasting a total time of 13.5 hours! Swan used a carbon fiber filament derived from cotton. Then a year later, Edison - after buying the patent to the idea from two other Englishmen (Woodward and Evans - again see above) - merely improved the length of time that the lightbulb could be used (to 40 hours). Furthermore, Edison had nothing to do with the designing of the modern day lightbulb (with a Tungsten filament). So whilst he seemed to have been a successful entrepreneur (something the Americans are indeed good at), he didn't seem to have invented anything to do with lightbulbs!

As for the others, please trust me or look them up on a REPUTABLE website, cus it makes me sounds f*$@ing boring if I have to go into that much detail for all of them.....

without throwing more examples at you guys, i often feel that Americans are slightly deluded about the current state and the history of their country.......whilst it has played a part in the world we know today, i think most Yanks will be surprised to find that it's not nearly as big a part as they thought!
You'd be suprised about who's the nationalistic one here, considering you think that a piece of carbon that is lit on fire for 3 seconds counts as a lightbulb.

See, this is the kind of stupidity that makes americans look bad. Get oof your high horse. Even in Uganda they have electricity. Quit being such a jingoistic twit. You make me look bad enough already... even if I do have the luxury of living on a more learned costal part of the US.

Allow me to once again apologize that Americans haven't come up with a better name for our country. We know that Canada and Mexico are also North American, and though most try and forget about our brothers to the south, we also have South Americans and Central Americans.
If America wasn't such a moronic Christian roachville, I'd give it a majestic name that exudes pride. As it is now, however, I'll just leave it for you fools who think that we run the world to come up with our names. Maybe youll even give us a nice little confederate jesus flag.

In 1878, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan who was an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical electic lightbulb lasting a total time of 13.5 hours! Swan used a carbon fiber filament derived from cotton. Then a year later, Edison - after buying the patent to the idea from two other Englishmen (Woodward and Evans - again see above) - merely improved the length of time that the lightbulb could be used (to 40 hours). Furthermore, Edison had nothing to do with the designing of the modern day lightbulb (with a Tungsten filament). So whilst he seemed to have been a successful entrepreneur (something the Americans are indeed good at), he didn't seem to have invented anything to do with lightbulbs!
---

I'm hardly considering myself american, I just live here. lol. I like learning, something that is alien to these bible beating twerps.

without throwing more examples at you guys, i often feel that Americans are slightly deluded about the current state and the history of their country.......whilst it has played a part in the world we know today, i think most Yanks will be surprised to find that it's not nearly as big a part as they thought!
You'd be suprised about who's the nationalistic one here, considering you think that a piece of carbon that is lit on fire for 3 seconds counts as a lightbulb.

See, this is the kind of stupidity that makes americans look bad. Get oof your high horse. Even in Uganda they have electricity. Quit being such a jingoistic twit. You make me look bad enough already... even if I do have the luxury of living on a more learned costal part of the US.

Allow me to once again apologize that Americans haven't come up with a better name for our country. We know that Canada and Mexico are also North American, and though most try and forget about our brothers to the south, we also have South Americans and Central Americans.
If America wasn't such a moronic Christian roachville, I'd give it a majestic name that exudes pride. As it is now, however, I'll just leave it for you fools who think that we run the world to come up with our names. Maybe youll even give us a nice little confederate jesus flag.

LOL,

credit where credit's due though.........lived in the USA for 4 years in the early nineties and thought it was quality.......got some wicked friends from their still, who are living proof that irony and American aren't oxymorons :)

See, this is the kind of stupidity that makes americans look bad. Get oof your high horse. Even in Uganda they have electricity. Quit being such a jingoistic twit. You make me look bad enough already... even if I do have the luxury of living on a more learned costal part of the US.

Allow me to once again apologize that Americans haven't come up with a better name for our country. We know that Canada and Mexico are also North American, and though most try and forget about our brothers to the south, we also have South Americans and Central Americans.
If America wasn't such a moronic Christian roachville, I'd give it a majestic name that exudes pride. As it is now, however, I'll just leave it for you fools who think that we run the world to come up with our names. Maybe youll even give us a nice little confederate jesus flag.

I live in Pennsylvania, OK? Its above the Mason-Dixon line. It fought with the North in the Civil War. Voted for Clinton twice and Gore as well. Its essentially on the Eastern Seaboard, we have an Ivy League university and we're the 6th most populous state. Maybe if you'd stop assuming that I'm a bible-beating Southern Baptist from Alabama (Catholic, btw, and a minority). Of course, the bigotry has obviously changed from the Conservative descendants of the slaveowners to elitist atheists like you. There's more to it than just the KKK. Talk about oxymoronic. Of all people, it shouldn't be you accusing me of being on a high-horse. The Confederacy and the states that used to make up it are known for their Jim Crow laws and such in which Blacks were discriminated against. I guess there was reverse-carpet bagging or something, because all those feelings seem to have moved to a different place.

why are you people making such a big deal out of a stupid light bulb?! what Thomas Edison did was develop a PRACTICAL light bulb which had all the essential features of a modern light bulb--an incandescent filament in an evacuated glass bulb with a screw base...that's it! can't u people look it up? and about the car....Henry Ford invented the Automobile with a COMBUSTION ENGINE! (the other ones were powered by steam)

dp

LOL,

credit where credit's due though.........lived in the USA for 4 years in the early nineties and thought it was quality.......got some wicked friends from their still, who are living proof that irony and American aren't oxymorons
Clearly they're not like Saipea.

I'm hardly considering myself american, I just live here. lol. I like learning, something that is alien to these bible beating twerps.
More bigotry from the one from the learned coastal state.



Ooops,

someone doesn't know what they're talking about.............one might say deluded

In 1878, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan who was an English physicist, was the first person to invent a practical electic lightbulb lasting a total time of 13.5 hours! Swan used a carbon fiber filament derived from cotton. Then a year later, Edison - after buying the patent to the idea from two other Englishmen (Woodward and Evans - again see above) - merely improved the length of time that the lightbulb could be used (to 40 hours). Furthermore, Edison had nothing to do with the designing of the modern day lightbulb (with a Tungsten filament). So whilst he seemed to have been a successful entrepreneur (something the Americans are indeed good at), he didn't seem to have invented anything to do with lightbulbs!

As for the others, please trust me or look them up on a REPUTABLE website, cus it makes me sounds f*$@ing boring if I have to go into that much detail for all of them.....

Oops...
Edison :
The first public demonstration of the Thomas Edison's incandescent lighting system was in 1879, when the Menlo Park laboratory complex was electrically lighted.

Swan :
Swan's first electric lamps did not provide a significant amount of illumination and required a battery source to be located close to the light source. These limitations compromised the practicality of his invention until 1879 when Swan was able to demonstrate an advanced light bulb in Britain.

Seems like they both "invented" and showed it publicly at the same time. Hmm... clearly not a
a year later

At best, even if Edison did purchase the patents, it was from Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans - not Swan - and, although not for 3 seconds, he turned the longevity from 13.5 hours to over 1200 hours. So even if Edison didn't "invent" the lightbulb, to take away from what he did to do it (increase its longevity by about 100x, and make it much more viable), is like saying Swan really dosen't deserve credit, either - after all, Warren De la Rue managed to get it going using a platinum wire.

why are you people making such a big deal out of a stupid light bulb?! what Thomas Edison did was develop a PRACTICAL light bulb which had all the essential features of a modern light bulb--an incandescent filament in an evacuated glass bulb with a screw base...that's it! can't u people look it up? and about the car....Henry Ford invented the Automobile with a COMBUSTION ENGINE! (the other ones were powered by steam)

There is no best country in the world, but if there was, it would most definatly not be America.

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.

drinking a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough NZ, so Kiwi wine. Great stuff and as a Belgian wine fanatical that lives in France: NZ must be number1, a country as pure as the Alps 500 years ago. :wink:

But Bouthan is a nice two (specially the Zogs that I saw)

why are you people making such a big deal out of a stupid light bulb?! what Thomas Edison did was develop a PRACTICAL light bulb which had all the essential features of a modern light bulb--an incandescent filament in an evacuated glass bulb with a screw base...that's it! can't u people look it up? and about the car....Henry Ford invented the Automobile with a COMBUSTION ENGINE! (the other ones were powered by steam)

see, this is what i'm talking about.......i'm not trying to take away from Ford's or Edison's contribution to the car and lightbulb respectively.....

but they only added to the process.......Edison did well to improve the longevity of a lightbulb that was already out there by altering the gas component.......Ford pioneered the assembly line by using a combustion engine (developed by Daimler and later Benz) and a template for a car (first constructed in France, around 1890, about 25 years before Ford got into the business)

......the USA has a habit of ignoring all that has gone on before it and proclaiming the first American that got involved in the process to be 'the founding father' to coin a phrase.......as my first post explained, many Americans are surprised to find that their country's involvment in events wasn't nearly as big as they thought!

My version of the story is that the combustion engine was invented in Germany. Taylor invented Taylorism (a more efficient way of mass production) and Ford used it and made a hell lot of money out of it.
Oh and the plane was not invented in the US (that's the 100th time I repeat it I know, but I'm sure some people still believe it).

(bump)

You're all wrong! Iceland invented all those things!
Obviously inventions are the only way to measure the quality of life...And we INVENTED EVERY SINGLE THING YOU'VE MENTIONED!
Oh...and another thing: We invented freedom you wankers!
And where would all you guys be if we hadn't saved your butts in 845BC ???? You'd be speaking indo-arameic, that's where you'd be!!!!
Alot of people have moved here and liked it! Just ask all those norwegian people!

*sings the Icelandic national anthem and bursts into tears*

PS: Our alcoholic beverages are the best!!!

PS: Our alcoholic beverages are the best!!!Um... No. It's Pastis and it is in Marseille.

America is the greatest country in the world, by far. Although the citizens of almost every nation say the same about their country, so whatever. :)

I believe that Australia is great for the following reasons:

1. We attained independence (in respect that we govern ourselves) without war - the only country to do so.

2. We have a high standard of living.

3. We have some of the largest mineral deposits in the world which could easily be maximised if someone took the initiative (could be an economic superpower).

4. We are an island continent - relative security as a result.

5. We have some of the best beaches in the world.

6. We are relatively a peaceful nation (not big on war)

7. We have teriffic sporting teams

8. We are still a young nation and have much to offer as we expand over the next century - culturally, politically and economically.

I am sure there are other reasons as well, but 8 will do. Note I did not say we were the "greatest" as I believe no nation can claim that title.

I also do not believe inventions alone make a country great, or how long it has been around either. I do believe that greatness lies within how you treat your fellow countrymen.

There was a time when people talked to their neighbours, when you could leave your windows open and door unlocked at night, when children could play in the street or at a park and be children. Those days are long gone and I truly believe that those times were great. Perhaps if society's overriding selfishness and increasing hostility against one another (in one's own country to begin with) could be scaled back then we would all truly be great.

Greatness, true greatness lies within how we treat one another and how we live our lives.

I do believe that greatness lies within how you treat your fellow countrymen.I don't agree. It is about how you treat the people, end of story. There is no border that can make you great.

I do believe that greatness lies within how you treat your fellow countrymen.I don't agree. It is about how you treat the people, end of story. There is no border that can make you great.

Oh a globalist aye...good for you then I suppose.

But I have absolutely no care for these thugs blowing troops up overseas or those fanatical religious folk. I draw a line there.

Oh...and another thing: We invented freedom you wankers!


Not UH!! George W. Bush invented freedom when he freed the Iraqi people from the weapons of mass destruction.

Oh a globalist aye...good for you then I suppose.

But I have absolutely no care for these thugs blowing troops up overseas or those fanatical religious folk. I draw a line there.Oh I see, but there are some of them in your country dude.

Current standings:

Unquestionably! Critics of America are all idiots - anyone with brains wants to live there and agrees with their policies
10% [ 27 ]
Sure it might need to improve a bit, but even with its faults there's no place as good as America
25% [ 63 ]
Several nations are as good or even better countries than America is. Plenty of people have no desire to live in America.
51% [ 126 ]
America is a terrible country - nothing good comes from there.
12% [ 31 ]

Pretty balanced poll according to this audience. So far ~1/3 like the US (which I assume is meant) the best. If "America" refers to Guatemala I'd be a bit suprised of the outcome.

You're all wrong! Iceland invented all those things!
Obviously inventions are the only way to measure the quality of life...And we INVENTED EVERY SINGLE THING YOU'VE MENTIONED!
Oh...and another thing: We invented freedom you wankers!
And where would all you guys be if we hadn't saved your butts in 845BC ???? You'd be speaking indo-arameic, that's where you'd be!!!!
Alot of people have moved here and liked it! Just ask all those norwegian people!

*sings the Icelandic national anthem and bursts into tears*

PS: Our alcoholic beverages are the best!!!

I thought Iceland was were the Viking dumped their retarded people! :P :lol:

As to the drinking! There is one I have been looking for! Something called(of course I just blank on the name) Black Death?

I heard it is excellent!

Is it even exported?

Is it?

My arrse it is.

This thread reminds me of the movie "The American President" where the President says in a speech:

"Americans can no longer afford to pretend they live in a great society"

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.
Yep. I completely agree with you.....and I'm a Scot

Just for all those Yanks out there.

Now if i hear one more time, "Well if it wasnt for us yanks you would all be nazis right now."

Well i have two things to say to that.

1) If it wasnt for us there would be no Unitied States since you all are mostly Europes rejects.

2)In WW2 it there was alot more british troops than american fighting. "Now some Yanks will say your wrong." However unlike us brits the yanks get their information from Hollywood. (Not the best source of historical accuracy) And if you intend to prove me wrong look it up. For most of WW2 there was more Brits in combat then Americans and we were doing a dam good job to. Just look at the D-day landings seen as an entire American venture when in fact it was planned by Brits and the sheer fact that there was more Brits on the landings than Americans.

So this isnt really a rant at america its turned into a rant against Hollywood. :)

America is not the best country in the World, I think New Zealand is, and no I'm not Kiwi, I'm an Australian.
Yep. I completely agree with you.....and I'm a Scot

The anschluss is coming :wink:

DP

In WW2 it there was alot more british troops than american fighting. "Now some Yanks will say your wrong." However unlike us brits the yanks get their information from Hollywood. (Not the best source of historical accuracy) And if you intend to prove me wrong look it up. For most of WW2 there was more Brits in combat then Americans and we were doing a dam good job to. Just look at the D-day landings seen as an entire American venture when in fact it was planned by Brits and the sheer fact that there was more Brits on the landings than Americans.
Does WW2 only exist in Europe for you?

((bump))