NationStates Jolt Archive

Now there are all these treads, why is this better than that, and why you hate this and that, many directed towards Americans and why people hate them.

So i propose something new: why don’t you say why you like America, or better yet, why you like your country, which ever that may be. Stop bitching how you hate things, because hate is a pretty strong word and breeds more hate. It's all done through generalizations, ignorance and bigotry. So please, let’s focus on the positives.

Here goes mine: I am an American citizen and the reason why i LOVE this country is because

1) The opportunities here are truly endless; at least i have found that. I admit things are hard to come by sometimes, but my family being Russian/Ukrainian and the basic things which we have access to here are so much more than in Ukraine. Here we can have a nice house and cars and good universities, as well as clean water and food. Compared to my former country we lived in an ancient apartment things were falling appart but we never had money to fix them because my parents didn't get paid since the government was running low on cash, we had to wait in line for a scrawny little chicken which was radiated due to Chernobyl.

2) Better health care

3) The people in this country have many different view points, granted things are biased in so many ways, but it is still relatively open to new things, more so than many other places around the world.

4) The economy here is still better than lots of other places too.

I’m not saying that there aren't problems in the US, frankly there are many. But just for a little while, let’s see the good people!

Stop bitching how you hate things, because hate is a pretty strong word and breeds more hate. It's all done through generalizations, ignorance and bigotry.



Is the assertion "hate ... breeds more hate" not also a generalization?
The same question applies to your claim "it's all done through generalizations, ignorance and bigotry."

Is the assertion "hate ... breeds more hate" not also a generalization?
The same question applies to your claim "it's all done through generalizations, ignorance and bigotry."

tis true, but remarcably accurate in my experience. I think that it is easier to hate something one is unfamiliar/afraid of, and its easier to polarize people to think that way rather than change, tolerate and accept. but anyway, join in the topic. Im curious what people actually have to say.

My problem is the subversion of American ideals. I dont hate America, its usually people who try to discredit me who say that.

but, our government ahs been perverted, and is walking all over teh principles that this country was founded on.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither."
- Ben Franklin

"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."
- Samuel Adams

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
- Edmund Burke

"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it."
- President Abraham Lincoln

"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce and brave man, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
- 'Mark Twain'

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President."
- President Theodore Roosevelt

"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly as necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
- President Theodore Roosevelt, 1912

The quotes above are the reasons that I love America.

tis true, but remarcably accurate in my experience. I think that it is easier to hate something one is unfamiliar/afraid of, and its easier to polarize people to think that way rather than change, tolerate and accept. but anyway, join in the topic. Im curious what people actually have to say.


Hating Americans and America is the popular thing for those in other countries to do right now. They must not have anything better to do with their time.

Im curious what people actually have to say.

I won't say I love the country in which I live - Northern Ireland - instead all I can say is that I love parts of the city that I live in - Belfast. Those parts that I love are those that I know: it basically comes down to people.

This is not to say that I hate those that I don't know: simply that I don't know them and so have no feelings towards them : it is a conditional love which judges on merits, rather than unconditional love that gathers all to its bosom.

I don't really get this idea of loving a nation: would you still love the US if healthcare was cut back, if the ecconomy declined and with that the choices open to you? All these things shall pass...

Hating Americans and America is the popular thing for those in other countries to do right now. They must not have anything better to do with their time.

Yes while all Americans are so pleasant and never bash on Canada or France or Germany or... the list goes on and on. Give me a break.

I think it is mainly the conservatives who are always filled with hate and distrust of everyone who always call for war that are the ones bashing other Nations (that goes for all Nations)

I won't say I love the country in which I live - Northern Ireland - instead all I can say is that I love parts of the city that I live in - Belfast. Those parts that I love are those that I know: it basically comes down to people.

This is not to say that I hate those that I don't know: simply that I don't know them and so have no feelings towards them : it is a conditional love which judges on merits, rather than unconditional love that gathers all to its bosom.

I don't really get this idea of loving a nation: would you still love the US if healthcare was cut back, if the ecconomy declined and with that the choices open to you? All these things shall pass...

i think the reason why i really love this nation is mainly for 2 reasons: there are people here who i love (family and friends included). And i love the opportunities afforded here, things i would never have a chance to do, or ever be exposed to if i lived back in the ukraine. If the opportunities were to change for the worse i would have to reconsider. I like many of the premices which this country was founded on. I guess previously i was stating things which just make it a good place to live. I am not saying this is the only place i want to ever live... but it's pretty secure for the moment, and i have a lot invested in this country. But as far as staying here permanently, we shall see after the elections.

Yes while all Americans are so pleasant and never bash on Canada or France or Germany or... the list goes on and on. Give me a break.

I think it is mainly the conservatives who are always filled with hate and distrust of everyone who always call for war that are the ones bashing other Nations (that goes for all Nations)

well said, i agree. I just happen to be american but threads like "what's better france or america"... they're stupid because views contained therein are very limited by lack of experience and exposure. I really think to TRULY hate, it takes a lot.

I'm sure you have some very valid & worthy arguments there. However, being the bloody minded bitch that I am, I feel that I must say:

Kill the Yanks! Kill them all! :sniper:

Have a nice day! :)

PS: Better health care than whom?

Thanks but i too was just generalizing there. Many many conservatives are very respecful and don't shame themselves with such talk.

I agree with you that hate can breed more hate. And I also agree with yout hat there are too many, us against them threads. Thats why I starterd threads a couple days ago like "which planet is better?: mars or earth" and "which race is better humans?: or grays". I mean really... who has the bigger penis? Kerry or Bush? What the hell does any of this matter? We are all humans on the same boat heading toward the same future and as population grows the mroe we will all have to work with and accept each other.

Yes while all Americans are so pleasant and never bash on Canada or France or Germany or... the list goes on and on. Give me a break.

I think it is mainly the conservatives who are always filled with hate and distrust of everyone who always call for war that are the ones bashing other Nations (that goes for all Nations)


Ever since I joined NATIONSTATES I have been very polite to others up to a point. As soon as people learn you are an american all they want to do is flame. I haven't done that with people from Canada, France, England and so on. The only time I fought back was with some idiot who just wanted to flame. So the biogtry is rampant here. My friend Nat lives in Toronto and we can have fun with the differences between our countries. She calls me a bloody yankee and I call her a Canuck and it is all in fun, but most people on nationstates wouldn't know what fun was if it bite them in the ass.

Can't cite reasons why I love my nation when my love for it is unconditional. The best I can really come up is that if not for my nation, I would not be who I am.

PS: Better health care than whom?

i can only draw conclusions from my own experience, otherwise i feel its not accurate. Definately better health care than ukraine. I mean obviously more expensive, but the difference is amazing.

We are all humans on the same boat heading toward the same future and as population grows the mroe we will all have to work with and accept each other.

many would disagree... unfortunately. I wish people saw things more coherently and separated less.

I'm sure you have some very valid & worthy arguments there. However, being the bloody minded bitch that I am, I feel that I must say:

Kill the Yanks! Kill them all! :sniper:

Have a nice day! :)

PS: Better health care than whom?


See? Now that was funny. :)

i can only draw conclusions from my own experience, otherwise i feel its not accurate. Definately better health care than ukraine. I mean obviously more expensive, but the difference is amazing.

Well I suppose so. Then again most people have better health care than the Ukraine, with the possible exception of places like Sierra Leone.

We have some pretty darned good heath care here in Australia too.

And we have Tim Tams. Thus we win. :cool:

You mean better Health Care than Iraq :)

I love this Country because Bush is going to pay for his crimes: Either now with the election or later in Spirit Prison.

Because we are based on wonderful ideals and because of the religious Freedom we have. Not that some Right wing people like Pat Roberson don't try to take away some peoples rights but overall we have freedom.

There's a fairly reasonable discussion of the same topic here:

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=346234&page=1&pp=15

Bottom line: most people don't hate the US, they hate its current politics.

many would disagree... unfortunately. I wish people saw things more coherently and separated less.

The only time countries ever seem to work together towards a common goal is during a time of war. Other than that it is everyone for themselves. Hey maybe if the Earth were threatened by Aliens things would change :)

The problem is that nations breed hate. Look : you are in america and you seem to hate Ukraine (based on your comment on Tchernobyl).
I have a better exercise to suggest : tell us the things you love in a country enemy of your nation.
For instance : you are american, tell us something good about North Korea. You are in Israel, tell us something good about Palestine. If your country does not have enemies, tell us something good about the US (since your country is obviously enemy of the US).

I have a better exercise to suggest : tell us the things you love in a country enemy of your nation.

I like New Zealand because it gives us something to laugh at. :D

The problem is that nations breed hate. Look : you are in america and you seem to hate Ukraine (based on your comment on Tchernobyl).
I have a better exercise to suggest : tell us the things you love in a country enemy of your nation.
For instance : you are american, tell us something good about North Korea. You are in Israel, tell us something good about Palestine. If your country does not have enemies, tell us something good about the US (since your country is obviously enemy of the US).

no i dont hate ukraine. It's just frustrating, i just think in terms of the things which i care about US is better. Ukraine has endless history and amazing minds and people who seem to persevera through so many horrible things. Not to mention the fact that i still have family there. Unfortunately, there are too many problems in that country and i do not wish to live there, not in the least.

The problem is that nations breed hate. Look : you are in america and you seem to hate Ukraine (based on your comment on Tchernobyl).
I have a better exercise to suggest : tell us the things you love in a country enemy of your nation.
For instance : you are american, tell us something good about North Korea. You are in Israel, tell us something good about Palestine. If your country does not have enemies, tell us something good about the US (since your country is obviously enemy of the US).


Something good about another nation. Oh I know. North Korea doesn't have to deal with people from Ohio hehehehe. All kidding aside. Something good about North Korea.. hmm well they do have a very long and interesting history and I guess you would have to be there on the ground to study it.

us the things you love in a country enemy of your nation.


first i think you should follow your own advice. second i follow your idea:

so Iraq: I am constantly amazed by the people of that country, with seemingly nothing, they have still withstood family members getting killed or jailed as well as everything around them being destroyed. These people still have vigor and life, and they are fighting for what's right. Though i feel this is not something which is ONLY true of Iraq, it's the circumstance. It still amazes me.

Yeah. So you know what really pisses me off? When I criticize the health care system or decry welfare to work or protest the war, it's because I'm "hateful" and just don't appreciate things enough. Newsflash: just about all Americans, from Michael Moore to Bill O'Reilly, who are passionate about socio-political issues feel that way BECAUSE they love this country. We disagree, but for the most part, we have the same goals in mind.

As for the endless opportunity in this country, I wouldn't base it on your individual experience. My father worked two jobs, and my mother ran a babysitting business out of the home, and we were still on public assistance and using foodstamps and sleeping in snowsuits to keep warm. My father is also an army vet. So yes, there are just a few things wrong with this country, love it though I do.

Another country that I would love to see would be China. Before I die I want to visit the temple of Liu Bei that is in Cheng Du. Then I could die content. Always was interested in Chinese culture.

Yeah. So you know what really pisses me off? When I criticize the health care system or decry welfare to work or protest the war, it's because I'm "hateful" and just don't appreciate things enough. Newsflash: just about all Americans, from Michael Moore to Bill O'Reilly, who are passionate about socio-political issues feel that way BECAUSE they love this country. We disagree, but for the most part, we have the same goals in mind.

As for the endless opportunity in this country, I wouldn't base it on your individual experience. My father worked two jobs, and my mother ran a babysitting business out of the home, and we were still on public assistance and using foodstamps and sleeping in snowsuits to keep warm. My father is also an army vet. So yes, there are just a few things wrong with this country, love it though I do.

so i dont think anyone was calling anyone else here unamerican or hateful. I agree with you, that because we have people who speak out against things, it just shows that this country is very diverse, and thus another reason for me loving it. I never said it was easy for people, by saying i base things on my own experience i mean more like things which i have felt with my own senses. The comparison between ukraine and the US is just to show that i would rather be here, even though it may be hard, what i have here is more than i ever would have dreamed of in the ukraine. More power to you and your family, it is amazing that people can still persevere and work hard and It's heartwarming to find people who aren't idle and lazy.

Yeah. So you know what really pisses me off? When I criticize the health care system or decry welfare to work or protest the war, it's because I'm "hateful" and just don't appreciate things enough. Newsflash: just about all Americans, from Michael Moore to Bill O'Reilly, who are passionate about socio-political issues feel that way BECAUSE they love this country. We disagree, but for the most part, we have the same goals in mind.

As for the endless opportunity in this country, I wouldn't base it on your individual experience. My father worked two jobs, and my mother ran a babysitting business out of the home, and we were still on public assistance and using foodstamps and sleeping in snowsuits to keep warm. My father is also an army vet. So yes, there are just a few things wrong with this country, love it though I do.


I have noticed that. Whenever a person who isn't in a position of power mentions the ills of society they are branded as fools, unpatriotic and so on. Unless you have a group backing you. Your voice is never heard. That is one thing that I hate about American society.

I love Scotland; I can't quite put my finger on why.

I get good free health care; I've had what is in my opinion the best education taxes can pay for. The only terrorist incident we've ever experienced was the Lockerbie bombing (though a Jewish friend of mine from Gifnock was killed in Israel by a suicide bomber)

the water is clean and pure, and we export it. Lots of whisky, real whisky, not that sour mash bourbon or rye stuff, but pure malted barley. The beer is gnats piss, but it's what I'm used to, and if I feel fussy I'll buy something Czech.

I live in the countries biggest city, Glasgow, and have all the amenities of that. We have four cathedrals, more art galleries than I can count (GoMA and Kelvin are the best) with free entry for all and three universities, free to attend for EU students.

We've got the highest cinema in Britain, and probably Europe, an IMAX cinema, and several other commercial and artistic cinemas showing a wide variety of films.

An opera house and several theatres, including the Citizens and the Kings.

Masses of shopping, the biggest centres being Princes Mall, Buchannan Galleries and St Enoch's, each with their own unique character.

The streets themselves are of a particular architecture, just look over the shop fronts at the buildings above, immense.

If you aren't up for culture, then the pubs and clubs have far longer opening hours than the rest of the UK and are plentiful and varied.

If you don't like the city though, it's only a ten minute drive out of the city to the countryside. I've walked it; it takes about four hours on foot before you can no longer see any evidence of the city. Awesome.

The surrounding campsie mountains are quite pretty, but travel a little further and you can see so much more, from the rolling fields of Galloway, the rugged western Isles, the majestic Highlands or the great cities of the East coast, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. (Homer Simpson is an Aberdeen Football Club fan).

The whole place is just beautiful (except a few estates in the big cities), but the effect is somewhat ruined by the weather, as it rains all the time.

Seen "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson? Forget it. Fun film, no history lesson.

The history of the place is almost as immense as the scenery. Scotland has made a huge contribution to the world inventing many things we take for granted, here is a very short list: Anaesthetics, Bicycles, Cash credit, Continuous electric light, Decimal points, Fax machines, Financial services by telephone, Fountain pens, Electro-magnetism, Hollow pipe drainage, Hypodermic syringes, Insulin, Kaleidoscopes, Lime cordial, Motor insurance, Noble gases, Paraffin, Postage stamps, Quinine, Radar, Reflecting telescopes,
Retail banking, Savings banks, Tarmac, Ultrasound scanners, Vacuum flasks, Waterproof mackintoshes. The list goes on and on. Television too, almost forgot that one.

Scots played a major role in the British Empire, particularly in the field of politics. Take a look at the current British government, or the "Tartan Mafia" or "McMafia" as it is referred to by some English newspapers.

The Scottish regiments have a long and distinguished history, fighting for and defending freedom throughout the world. Our compassion for our enemies has won many a war where bombs could not, policing areas such as Kosovo and Basra, where the Scots are not seen as an invading force suppressing the people, but as a police force, protecting the people.

To be a part of this history swells the Scottish bosom with pride. The Scots are a proud people. Warm and friendly to all but the Auld Enemy, the English!
A long tradition of social and family values, of pride in ones self and country and a stoic, hard working mentality drives Scots to succeed in all areas of life both at home and abroad.

I love Scotland. I love the people, the place and the idea that is Scotland, and I contest anyone to hold up a nation and people who can rival it in history, spirit, beauty and drinking games.

Scotland the Brave!

I want to thank everyone for being civil and you all have a great day. :)

I want to thank everyone for being civil and you all have a great day. :)
Wanker.

Wanker.


LOL.. see again funny and I'm gone :) GO BLUE! :)

LOL.. see again funny and I'm gone :) GO BLUE! :)


hehehehe yes it was funny. I have a question though. What does go blue mean?

My next door neighbour's called Blue. :D

[shuffles feet]

This utterly pointless post brought to you by the Nomadic Peoples of the Ancients of Mu Mu.

Well I suppose so. Then again most people have better health care than the Ukraine, with the possible exception of places like Sierra Leone.

We have some pretty darned good heath care here in Australia too.

And we have Tim Tams. Thus we win. :cool:

YES! GO THE TIM TAMS!
We also have di<kheads! Which brings me to my point, what if Di<k Smith made cheese?

(Sorry but only Australians are going to get that at all)

Now, the enemy of our country... well the rival of Australia is New Zealand and a good thing about them is their inflatable latex sheep which is in high damand. :D