NationStates Jolt Archive

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.
Paul Martin?

(Damn, I'm going to get embarrassed)

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.
On the world stage yes. On the stage in north america we are freaking huge. We are your biggest trading parter your best ally, we have the longest undefended border in the world. our countries share so much. Your example is irrelevant becuase France does jack-shit with Andorra

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.
Yeah....Bush did the same thing when talking about the countries who came to the aid of America right after 911. He did not even mention Canada. I was amazed by his total lack of class when this happened, either that or he just plain forgot?

I find myself embarassed not to know more about Canada though I recently wrote a term paper on the Canadian Health Care system. I'm embarassed that I cannot name the Prime Minister. That said, I do not want to be lumped in with the original poster. Can't you all see that this type of Narcicissm is WHY every other country in the world just despises us?? I mean really.
The Founder of Loving Balance

Don't get me wrong, Canada is a great country, and I wish in many ways that the US was more like you, but you don't really have a military, or participated in a war since WWII (I may be wrong on this point). Now this doesn't mean your wimps--I personally believe America plays its card TOO strongly--it just means that we're not going to play close attention to the details of your politics. If you don't get yourselves a dictator like ours and you'll be ignored.

I find myself embarassed not to know more about Canada though I recently wrote a term paper on the Canadian Health Care system. I'm embarassed that I cannot name the Prime Minister. That said, I do not want to be lumped in with the original poster. Can't you all see that this type of Narcicissm is WHY every other country in the world just despises us?? I mean really.
The Founder of Loving Balance

Narcicissm? I think being the nation we are we have the right to believe that our actions are extremely important on the world stage.

I'm an American...was I right?

We were in the Korean war. 100 of our men stoped approx. 2000 or 3000 chinese with only 12 dead. Though we have a small army we know what to do with it. (For more examples of superior small army tactics defeating a larger foe check out the war of 1812)

We were in the Korean war. 100 of our men stoped approx. 2000 or 3000 chinese with only 12 dead. Though we have a small army we know what to do with it. (For more examples of superior small army tactics defeating a larger foe check out the war of 1812)

I stand corrected. And CWS, if you were looking for an answer from me, I don't have it. That's why I'm so upset by the argument. I'm a liberal, I was against the war, I don't like Bush, and I love all the movies and books of Micheal Moore; but I believe this is an unfair pot-shot at Americans.

Don't get me wrong, Canada is a great country, and I wish in many ways that the US was more like you, but you don't really have a military, or participated in a war since WWII (I may be wrong on this point). Now this doesn't mean your wimps--I personally believe America plays its card TOO strongly--it just means that we're not going to play close attention to the details of your politics. If you don't get yourselves a dictator like ours and you'll be ignored.
Thanks for the compliments. However, Canada has participated in war since WW 2, most recently in Afghanistan, Gulf War, and Bosnia. We are also partners in NORAD, and NATO. We would have taken part in Iraq too, IF the UN would have sanctioned such an action.

BTW, Canada also took part in the Korean War.

Paul Martin?

(Damn, I'm going to get embarrassed)

That's actually correct... it is Paul Martin.

Okay, in terms of naming world leaders... many ridicule Americans for not knowing many other world leader's names, while people of those nations could name America's president, but that's because Bush has done so much to stir up so much controversy in the world that all the media talks about him, that's why they can name him.

Go ask any Canadian who the leaders of Japan, Canada (no I'm not joking, I've talked to many Canadians who live around here who still think Jean Chretian is our prime minister), Germany, Italy, Australia, Russia, Mexico (Mexico is included in NAFTA, I'm not sure if Canada has much trading with them, but I think another country on a continent with 3 countries should receive some attention?), and many other countries in the world. I guarantee you most of them will not be able to name any more than a 1 or 2, possibly 3. To be honest, I don't even know many of them (although I know more than the average Joe around here).

The thing is, Americans' stupidity is more publicized than the stupidity of other nations' citizens.

I'm an American...was I right?
Yes you were right!! :) Paul Martin is the Prime Minister of Canada, and before that, it was Jean Chretien. Both are members of the Liberal Party of Canada.

I think part of it is that in America we don't hear as much about Canada on the news. We instead here more about Mexico on a regular basis (in my opinion at least). So I bet more people would be able to name mexico's president (Vicente Fox, and I know I butchered the name) versus Canada's Prime Minister.

I just don't think Canada is on most American's minds at the time, especially when we have people from Mexico that keep coming across the border. It just makes Mexico stand out as a greater issue, therefore we here more about them.

(I hope that made sense)

That's actually correct... it is Paul Martin.

Okay, in terms of naming world leaders... many ridicule Americans for not knowing many other world leader's names, while people of those nations could name America's president, but that's because Bush has done so much to stir up so much controversy in the world that all the media talks about him, that's why they can name him.

Go ask any Canadian who the leaders of Japan, Canada (no I'm not joking, I've talked to many Canadians who live around here who still think Jean Chretian is our prime minister), Germany, Italy, Australia, Russia, Mexico (Mexico is included in NAFTA, I'm not sure if Canada has much trading with them, but I think another country on a continent with 3 countries should receive some attention?), and many other countries in the world. I guarantee you most of them will not be able to name any more than a 1 or 2, possibly 3. To be honest, I don't even know many of them (although I know more than the average Joe around here).

The thing is, Americans' stupidity is more publicized than the stupidity of other nations' citizens.

I'm going to kick up some Inter-Regional American prejudice here, but oh well, screw the South. In America, there are portions that are *stereotyped* to be particullarly poorly eductaed especially for the first world. This may contribute to the impression that Americans are stupid.

Hey, hey I was born in the South U.S!

Haha just joking, well I was, but California is hardly seen as a "hick" state, stereotypically speaking or not....

But yes, that's true, certain parts of the United States do tend to have a ... ummm lower level of intelligence than others.

I'm going to kick up some Inter-Regional American prejudice here, but oh well, screw the South. In America, there are portions that are *stereotyped* to be particullarly poorly eductaed especially for the first world. This may contribute to the impression that Americans are stupid.
Ah, lets just say that in some places that isn't a stereotype.

Yeah, I knew it was Paul Martin, and Jean Chretien (however you spell it) before that.

Japan, Canada (no I'm not joking, I've talked to many Canadians who live around here who still think Jean Chretian is our prime minister), Germany, Italy, Australia, Russia, Mexico
Koizumi, Martin, Schroeder, can't say for Italy but I think I know it, Howard, Putin, Fox. And anyone with a brain ought to know Blair and Chirac. I really don't see what the problem here is. Moore's just being a jerk, and some Europeans are being a bit unfair with the stereotypes.

Besides, how could anyone who gets a newspaper not know who Bush is, or Clinton? We have a war like every day. It's not quite the same as me forgetting Italy's PM, who's never in the news.

Also, I checked and Italy's Berlusconi, which I did know at one time, though I don't know how.

Hey, hey I was born in the South U.S!

Haha just joking, well I was, but California is hardly seen as a "hick" state, stereotypically speaking or not....

But yes, that's true, certain parts of the United States do tend to have a ... ummm lower level of intelligence than others.

You know if you took one dumb guy from the North and sent him to the South, the average intellegence of both regions would be increased?

Just Kidding.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

Hmm... your case is slightly damaged by the fact that Tony Blair is not Prime Minister of England. What shows a greater level of ignorance: not knowing the name of a political leader, or not knowing the name of a whole country?

I confess! I don't know the name of New Zealand's Prime Minister (for those of you who don't know, NZ is roughly to Australia what canada is to the US - a smaller friendly neighbor who thinks we're arrogant pricks (which we are)).

I should be shot! :sniper:

Our PM (who I'm sure non of you can name) was even arrogant enough not to mention the New Zealanders at a joint Australian/NewZealand war memorial ceremony thingy.

Hmm... your case is slightly damaged by the fact that Tony Blair is not Prime Minister of England. What shows a greater level of ignorance: not knowing the name of a political leader, or not knowing the name of a whole country?

Right there!
Ever heard about United Kingdom?

Saying that Tony Blair is Prime Minister of England is like saying Bush i president of Texas! lol....
Wich would be much better of course.....

I think most Americans are so wrapped up in their daily lives; work, family, etc.; that they pay little attention to politics in general. Unless directly threatened by a political situation.

Most can't name their local or national political leaders - mayor, govenor, senators or representatives. Most don't know the basic tenets of the political parties they support.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in Great Britain (not England) comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.


I'd rest better if you used the correct titles.

Southern Industrial[/SIZE]]Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.


If your name is any reflection on where in the USA you come from, I have the thought of, "No wonder the South lost the Civil War". Many of your facts are inaccurate and your views a little on the 'childish' side.

I confess! I don't know the name of New Zealand's Prime Minister (for those of you who don't know, NZ is roughly to Australia what canada is to the US - a smaller friendly neighbor who thinks we're arrogant pricks (which we are)).

I should be shot! :sniper:

Our PM (who I'm sure non of you can name) was even arrogant enough not to mention the New Zealanders at a joint Australian/NewZealand war memorial ceremony thingy.

New Zealand's prime minister is Helen Clark. Australia's is John Howard, who must have rather sore knees...

We were in the Korean war. 100 of our men stoped approx. 2000 or 3000 chinese with only 12 dead. Though we have a small army we know what to do with it. (For more examples of superior small army tactics defeating a larger foe check out the war of 1812)



I'd rather have the Canadian Black Watch beside me in hand-to-hand conflict than any US regiment that ever was!

there are no other leaders of countries because.....Bush controls the world. =)
No just kidding. I don't know ANY world leaders exept Vladimir Putin (is he still the leader of Russia? or am i way out of date) Anyways i don't really care for international affairs i just want to focus on how things are going here before i really care what goes on elsewhere, which is what we as a country should have done in the first place.

there are no other leaders of countries because.....Bush controls the world. =)
No just kidding. I don't know ANY world leaders exept Vladimir Putin (is he still the leader of Russia? or am i way out of date) Anyways i don't really care for international affairs i just want to focus on how things are going here before i really care what goes on elsewhere, which is what we as a country should have done in the first place.


...which attitude in the past had led to Pearl Harbor!

Because Canada has a smaller military than the US, and Canada does not spend more on its military budget Than the top ten military spenders in the world (Which is what the US does) that does not mean its a worse nation.

Europeans have a strong stereotype of the American, because well, the American has a strong stereotype of the European.

Tony Blair is the prime minister of England - but he is also the prime minister of Scotland, N.A,and Wales. (And, combining them the UK - obviously).

I think your reasoning is incorrect Southern Industrial - the reason maybe is because most Americans have no reason to know the Canadian PM's name.

Heck, I've met Americans who don't even know where Massachusetts is. The name hardly rang a bell to them. But anyway, on the main topic; I believe this was almost mentioned earlier: in the US, we don't see much news on tv from outside the country.

Some people will probably say it's normal to hear more of your own on country on the news than international news, and they're right; but when I spent three weeks in England visiting some cousins, I watched the news now and then, and several European countries were mentioned, America, the Middle East (as it was last summer), and even Canada. That was probably more international news I'd ever seen on TV than during the whole of my life in the US. Kinda sad, but it's true.

America used to be strictly isolationist. After WWII, we weren't shy about dealing with other countries (behind loaded guns, perhaps), but our media is still slow to get out there.

Why the hell are you guys judging a nations importance on its military budget/history?

How many Americans can point to the UK on a map?

This thread reminds me of an old joke:

A worldwide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question
asked was:"Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the
food shortage in the rest of the world?"
The survey was a huge failure...
In Africa they didn't know what "food" meant.
In Eastern Europe they didn't know what "honest" meant.
In Western Europe they didn't know what "shortage" meant.
In China they didn't know what "opinion" meant.
In the Middle East they didn't know what "solution" meant.
In South America they didn't know what "please" meant.
And in the USA they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant

The thing is, Americans' stupidity is more publicized than the stupidity of other nations' citizens.

How true! People are just as stupid elsewhere. The difference is that people elsewhere are much more aware of their own incompetence, they don't think they know it all. What upsets most non-Americans is not the ignorance but the arrogance.

Why the hell are you guys judging a nations importance on its military budget/history?

How many Americans can point to the UK on a map?

This thread reminds me of an old joke:
(...)
And in the USA they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant

And that reminds me that some US president does not know that Brazil's capital is Brasilia, not Buenos Aires... :headbang:

How true! People are just as stupid elsewhere. The difference is that people elsewhere are much more aware of their own incompetence, they don't think they know it all. What upsets most non-Americans is not the ignorance but the arrogance.


When I lived in the UK....I wore my high school graduation class ring. When a young woman asked me what it was and I replied "It is my class ring." She replied..."oh, we don't have social classes here in England." :rolleyes:

If ANY country has class distinctions, it is the UK....but that is hardly what a greaduation ring means. ;)

I also found people in the UK who had absolutely no idea of the size of the US. They would tell me that the UK was a large country because it was 600 miles from south to north, I would counter that the US is approx. 3000 miles across and the UK is about the size of Alabama...they were astounded.

There are people everywhere who have no knowledge of the culture or country of others. To think that the US has that monopoly proves that.

Tony Blair is the prime minister of England - but he is also the prime minister of Scotland, N.A,and Wales. (And, combining them the UK - obviously).

You might as well say he's the Prime Minister of Yorkshire, or Barnsley, or Little-Puddleton-on-the-Wold. The political entity of which Blair is Prime Minister is Great Britain, aka the United Kingdom.

You might as well say he's the Prime Minister of Yorkshire, or Barnsley, or Little-Puddleton-on-the-Wold. The political entity of which Blair is Prime Minister is Great Britain, aka the United Kingdom.

Or....Horton-Cum-Studley. That name always cracks me up. ;)

When I lived in the UK....I wore my high school graduation class ring. When a young woman asked me what it was and I replied "It is my class ring." She replied..."oh, we don't have social classes here in England." :rolleyes:

If ANY country has class distinctions, it is the UK....but that is hardly what a greaduation ring means. ;)

I also found people in the UK who had absolutely no idea of the size of the US. They would tell me that the UK was a large country because it was 600 miles from south to north, I would counter that the US is approx. 3000 miles across and the UK is about the size of Alabama...they were astounded.

There are people everywhere who have no knowledge of the culture or country of others. To think that the US has that monopoly proves that.

Well, again, I'm not saying Americans are more ignorant than people elsewhere. But unlike Americans people elsewhere don't consider themselves superior to everyone else (with the possible exception of the French). Ask a group of brits if they consider their own country and culture superior to other countries and cultures. I'm sure most people would answer "no" or, even more likely, "I don't know." This doesn't mean they dislike their own culture, it just means they don't know all other cultures. An American, on the other hand, would probably feel any other answer than "yes, America is the best country in the world" would be some sort of betrayal. Again, it's this groundless self-assurance that upsets non-Americans, not the "ignorance."

Most citizens of other nations can name our President, sure, and most US citizens can't name other world leaders, but I don't really think it's all that important.

On the bias, how many Canadians can name more than 2 of our Senators? Who, in fact, have more power collectively than our President. How about our Supreme Court Justices?

Really ... there's no reason to get into a pissing contest over who can name what when Google is just a click away.

You might as well say he's the Prime Minister of Yorkshire, or Barnsley, or Little-Puddleton-on-the-Wold. The political entity of which Blair is Prime Minister is Great Britain, aka the United Kingdom.

I hate to split hairs (though I've got nothing else to do so I am), but Great Britain is not the same thing as the United Kingdom.

The full name is 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'. The term 'Great Britain' is non-inclusive of Northern Ireland.

Not only that, but contrary to something someone else posted, the United Kingdom is not a country (it's a kingdom).

I hate to split hairs (though I've got nothing else to do so I am), but Great Britain is not the same thing as the United Kingdom.

The full name is 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'. The term 'Great Britain' is non-inclusive of Northern Ireland.

Fair enough. My mistake.

Not only that, but contrary to something someone else posted, the United Kingdom is not a country (it's a kingdom).

...but I'm not sure about this. A kingdom is a type of country, isn't it?

If silicon valley is the #1 spot in america for technology, what is #2?

Self confidence shouldn't be confused with arrogance. The success of capitalism in America is built on the idea that we, as individuals, are capable of doing anything, of rising from the bottom to the top. As an American, I don't think I'm better than other nationalities, but I am proud to be American. Are we loud? often. Are we pretentious? more than we should be. Are we bombastic? Did you see Indenpendce Day?

I lived in Germany for 13 years, I was born in Augsburg. My brother was born in Stutguart.

#2: Huntsville, Alabama. Stereotypes are just that. I'm sorry if our ascents disturb you, but don't for a second think that region has anything to do with intelligence.

Well, again, I'm not saying Americans are more ignorant than people elsewhere. But unlike Americans people elsewhere don't consider themselves superior to everyone else (with the possible exception of the French). Ask a group of brits if they consider their own country and culture superior to other countries and cultures. I'm sure most people would answer "no" or, even more likely, "I don't know." This doesn't mean they dislike their own culture, it just means they don't know all other cultures. An American, on the other hand, would probably feel any other answer than "yes, America is the best country in the world" would be some sort of betrayal. Again, it's this groundless self-assurance that upsets non-Americans, not the "ignorance."

I don't think the US is the "best" country in the world, but it is the only place I want to live. Yes, I have lived in and travelled extensively around the world.

Every country has its good and bad points, but one thing we in the US have is that confidence to get back up when knocked down no matter what. Some might call that arrogance, others might call is confidence. One thing is for sure, the US does have a reputation of doing what it says it is going to do and trying its best to do so. Do we stumple? Oh yes...lots of times.

...but I'm not sure about this. A kingdom is a type of country, isn't it?

Yes it is. At least I've never heard of anyone referring to Spain, Sweden, Denmark or Norway (and so forth) as anything but countries, even though they are in fact kingdoms. With a similar logic Germany isn't a country, it's a "republic."

I don't think the US is the "best" country in the world, but it is the only place I want to live. Yes, I have lived in and travelled extensively around the world.

Every country has its good and bad points, but one thing we in the US have is that confidence to get back up when knocked down no matter what. Some might call that arrogance, others might call is confidence. One thing is for sure, the US does have a reputation of doing what it says it is going to do and trying its best to do so. Do we stumple? Oh yes...lots of times.

I'm afraid most Americans I've spoken to hasn't got as balanced a view as you (rhyme not intended). Of course there are many Americans with a more nuanced perspective on things as well. But, as much as it sucks, I'm generalizing here. No, I don't like doing it, but most people (non-Americans in this case) do it, and it's their behaviour I'm trying to explain.

I'm afraid most Americans I've spoken to hasn't got as balanced a view as you (rhyme not intended). Of course there are many Americans with a more nuanced perspective on things as well. But, as much as it sucks, I'm generalizing here. No, I don't like doing it, but most people (non-Americans in this case) do it, and it's their behaviour I'm trying to explain.

Well, I may be wrong on this, but I think we as individuals need to travel and actually live in another country before we can make statements about said country. I cannot speak with any authority about South Africa, because I have never been there. I can about the UK because I lived there for 4 years. Of course my observations are based on my own experiences and are biased with my values in mind.

In short, to label an entire population based on the actions of a few is just wrong....period.

Hello Southern Industrialist,

You wrote :

"Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra."

Indeed, that would be a very, very difficult thing to do, for anyone !

Why ?

In fact, there is NO LEADER in Andorra.

That city State is governed, NAME OF COURSE, by TWO persons :

1. The Bishop of Burgos (Spain), and :

2. The Frenchy President.

Greetings !

Malines.

Don't get me wrong, Canada is a great country, and I wish in many ways that the US was more like you, but you don't really have a military, or participated in a war since WWII (I may be wrong on this point). Now this doesn't mean your wimps--I personally believe America plays its card TOO strongly--it just means that we're not going to play close attention to the details of your politics. If you don't get yourselves a dictator like ours and you'll be ignored.

"Salute to a Brave and Modest Nation"
Kevin Myers -- The National Post
(Posted just after 4 Canadian soldiers on a training exercise were killed by an American fighter pilot)

As our country honours the last of its four dead soldiers, we reprint a remarkable tribute to Canada's record of quiet valour in wartime that appeared in the Telegraph, one of Britain's largest circulation newspapers.

- - -

LONDON - Until the deaths last week of four Canadian soldiers accidentally killed by a U.S. warplane in Afghanistan, probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops were deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will now bury its dead, just as the rest of the world as always will forget its sacrifice, just as it always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does.

It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both of its friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is over, to be well and truly ignored. Canada is the perpetual wallflower that stands on the edge of the hall, waiting for someone to come and ask her for a dance. A fire breaks out, she risks life and limb to rescue her fellow dance-goers, and suffers serious injuries. But when the hall is repaired and the dancing resumes, there is Canada, the wallflower still, while those she once helped glamorously cavort across the floor, blithely neglecting her yet again.

That is the price Canada pays for sharing the North American continent with the United States, and for being a selfless friend of Britain in two global conflicts. For much of the 20th century, Canada was torn in two different directions: It seemed to be a part of the old world, yet had an address in the new one, and that divided identity ensured that it never fully got the gratitude it deserved.

Yet its purely voluntary contribution to the cause of freedom in two world wars was perhaps the greatest of any democracy. Almost 10% of Canada's entire population of seven million people served in the armed forces during the First World War, and nearly 60,000 died. The great Allied victories of 1918 were spearheaded by Canadian troops, perhaps the most capable soldiers in the entire British order of battle.

Canada was repaid for its enormous sacrifice by downright neglect, its unique contribution to victory being absorbed into the popular memory as somehow or other the work of the "British." The Second World War provided a re-run. The Canadian navy began the war with a half dozen vessels, and ended up policing nearly half of the Atlantic against U-boat attack.

More than 120 Canadian warships participated in the Normandy landings, during which 15,000 Canadian soldiers went ashore on D-Day alone. Canada finished the war with the third-largest navy and the fourth-largest air force in the world.

The world thanked Canada with the same sublime indifference as it had the previous time. Canadian participation in the war was acknowledged in film only if it was necessary to give an American actor a part in a campaign in which the United States had clearly not participated -- a touching scrupulousness which, of course, Hollywood has since abandoned, as it has any notion of a separate Canadian identity.

So it is a general rule that actors and filmmakers arriving in Hollywood keep their nationality -- unless, that is, they are Canadian. Thus Mary Pickford, Walter Huston, Donald Sutherland, Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, Norman Jewison, David Cronenberg and Dan Aykroyd have in the popular perception become American, and Christopher Plummer, British. It is as if, in the very act of becoming famous, a Canadian ceases to be Canadian, unless she is Margaret Atwood, who is as unshakably Canadian as a moose, or Celine Dion, for whom Canada has proved quite unable to find any takers.

Moreover, Canada is every bit as querulously alert to the achievements of its sons and daughters as the rest of the world is completely unaware of them. The Canadians proudly say of themselves -- and are unheard by anyone else -- that 1% of the world's population has provided 10% of the world's peacekeeping forces. Canadian soldiers in the past half century have been the greatest peacekeepers on Earth -- in 39 missions on UN mandates, and six on non-UN peacekeeping duties, from Vietnam to East Timor, from Sinai to Bosnia (Emphasis mine -- Hinterworld).

Yet the only foreign engagement that has entered the popular non-Canadian imagination was the sorry affair in Somalia, in which out-of-control paratroopers murdered two Somali infiltrators. Their regiment was then disbanded in disgrace -- a uniquely Canadian act of self-abasement for which, naturally, the Canadians received no international credit.

So who today in the United States knows about the stoic and selfless friendship its northern neighbour has given it in Afghanistan?

Rather like Cyrano de Bergerac, Canada repeatedly does honourable things for honourable motives, but instead of being thanked for it, it remains something of a figure of fun.

It is the Canadian way, for which Canadians should be proud, yet such honour comes at a high cost.

This week, four more grieving Canadian families knew that cost all too tragically well.

Well, I may be wrong on this, but I think we as individuals need to travel and actually live in another country before we can make statements about said country. I cannot speak with any authority about South Africa, because I have never been there. I can about the UK because I lived there for 4 years. Of course my observations are based on my own experiences and are biased with my values in mind.

In short, to label an entire population based on the actions of a few is just wrong....period.

I don't agree about having to live in another country in order to make statements about it (I never lived in Soviet under Stalin but I still dare to make statements about Soviet). There are other sources of information than personal experience you know. In the case of the attitude of the American public there is such a thing as statistics, and even though they are often the tool of manipulation they can be very relevant. If I were to live in the US my understanding of the culture and the people would be much deeper for sure, but in a very limited context; I can never know a country or culture based only on my individual experience either. And for the record I never did "label an entire population based on the actions of a few." I made a generalization (making plenty of room for deviance) regarding the attitude of the American public, something I base both on personal experience and various other information, including statistics from different sources (opinion polls and the like).

I'm going to kick up some Inter-Regional American prejudice here, but oh well, screw the South. In America, there are portions that are *stereotyped* to be particullarly poorly eductaed especially for the first world. This may contribute to the impression that Americans are stupid.


Don't forget the goofy people that call Ohio home :)

...I've never heard of anyone referring to Spain, Sweden, Denmark or Norway (and so forth) as anything but countries, even though they are in fact kingdoms. With a similar logic Germany isn't a country, it's a "republic."

Actually, the United Kingdom differs from Spain and the like in that it is a united kingdom of four countries (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), whereas Spain is a country that also happens to be a kingdom.

Scotland even has it's own (mini) parliament.

Actually, the United Kingdom differs from Spain and the like in that it is a united kingdom of four countries (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), whereas Spain is a country that also happens to be a kingdom.

Scotland even has it's own (mini) parliament.
Spain is the union of Castille and Aragon, is it not?

Spain is the union of Castille and Aragon, is it not?

Castille and Aragon are not countries. Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are.

Castille and Aragon are not countries. Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are.
What's your definition of a country?

"Salute to a Brave and Modest Nation"
Kevin Myers -- The National Post
(Posted just after 4 Canadian soldiers on a training exercise were killed by an American fighter pilot)
Thanks for the post Hinterworld. Good job!! :)

Heh. Ignorance isn't limited to one single nation, even if you are talking about the US. Ignorance may be slightly more prevailent there, some may argue, but I would disagree. I frequently use a certain member of my family for such demonstrations, and that member is my younger sibling. She did not know who Tony Blair was until she saw an animated comedy called '2DTV'. And then she thought he was the leader of the Conservative party, for some reason. And that is the leader of the country she lives in. Don't even mention Bush around her, it's too funny for words. Oh, and you know what she thought happened in 1066? 1066 being roughly equivalent, in schools anyway, to the date 1776 in America, by the way. She thought that was when World War One happened...

I really hate when people just focus on stupid people in one country... yeah, the US is full of stupid people. But... so is every other country on the planet!

but one thing we in the US have is that confidence to get back up when knocked down no matter what.

I think you'll find that confidence is present everywhere... not so much the arrogance displayed in suggesting that is one thing the US has over other nations, though.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

You got it wrong.

Why Americans don't know who the PM of Canada is, is because we don't give a shit. Why should we?

Oh dear...

You got it wrong.

Why Americans don't know who the PM of Canada is, is because we don't give a shit. Why should we?
Exactly

It's like me learning how many cities there are in America, I don't need to! Why should I need to? I won't be using that knowledge!

Why stop there? Why do I need to know your opinion? It's irrelevant! I won't be using it in my general knowledge! Hell, why not close down the whole forums? It's not like I need to know what your nation did to some other nation! I won't be using it in my general knowledge!

Why stop there? Why do I need to know your opinion? It's irrelevant! I won't be using it in my general knowledge! Hell, why not close down the whole forums? It's not like I need to know what your nation did to some other nation! I won't be using it in my general knowledge!
Jesus...man, don't feel so bad about it...


And you don't need to know my opinion. I put it up there, and move on. It's your choice to remember it or pay any type of attention to it at all. Just as MSNBC briefly says "Canada has a new PM...etc etc" and moves on. If I wanted to remember it, I would. If I needed to remember it, I would.

For my whole (brief) life, I never needed to know who the PM of Canada was.

Damn, Michael Moore was right, for once. I have no idea who the Canadian PM is.

Jesus...man, don't feel so bad about it...


And you don't need to know my opinion. I put it up there, and move on. It's your choice to remember it or pay any type of attention to it at all. Just as MSNBC briefly says "Canada has a new PM...etc etc" and moves on. If I wanted to remember it, I would. If I needed to remember it, I would.

For my whole (brief) life, I never needed to know who the PM of Canada was.

I was trying to make the point that although I don't actually need to know your opinion, I took notice of it anyway out of consideration. Perhaps the Canadians would like the same sort of courtesy, instead of being shrugged off with 'I don't give a shit'?

if you are american and can't name the canadian pm, it's more a comment on you than canada.

so i kinda just say meh. their choice of stupidity

(i'm canadian btw)

Canadians are cool. I’ve served with their soldiers in two conflicts/missions in the last 10 years. They are great American allies and, I believe, they always will be. We do share so much and have mutual security needs and fears. I do not think badly of them, or any other nation (except France) for not backing the US in the war in Iraq. Canada did not see an immediate threat to its national security coming from Iraq. The US did. It’s simple. If WWIII (War on terror) had started on their soil, I believe they would be “driving the train” like the US is now.

I was trying to make the point that although I don't actually need to know your opinion, I took notice of it anyway out of consideration. Perhaps the Canadians would like the same sort of courtesy, instead of being shrugged off with 'I don't give a shit'?
Listen, I've heard the name of the Canadian PM a dozen times since the last election.


I don't remember because I haven't used that knowledge.

It's human psychology (sp?). You use what you need, and forget what you don't.


Oh, and we would like that courtesy to, of not being generalized as dumbasses, fat asses, and gun-slinging hillbillies. Don't deny it.

I've heard the name of the American president countless times, up until I decided to try out the 'ignorance is bliss' phrase when the news started to depress me. I don't need to know it, but I still remember!

Oh, and we would like that courtesy to, of not being generalized as dumbasses, fat asses, and gun-slinging hillbillies. Don't deny it.

Deny what?

Americans in general are politically ignorant, and if it doesn't turn up in the first media they check out, they won't know about it. I confess to being guilty of this myself, even though I try to be politically aware; my newspaper and radio station don't ever talk about Canada except for a couple months ago when they mentioned that gay marriage was legalized there, and that's why I don't know anything about it. There are very few other countries whose politics the American press considers important enough to publicize. How many world leaders can I name? George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, and now Paul Martin only because I randomly clicked on this thread. Granted, I do have somewhat of an excuse since I'm four years short of voting age. But it's still embarrassing to think about how ignorant I am. I don't even remember the name of the person that is emerging as a challenge to Chirac in the next French election. You'd think I'd know something about Germany, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, SOMEWHERE, but I don't.

I've heard the name of the American president countless times, up until I decided to try out the 'ignorance is bliss' phrase when the news started to depress me. I don't need to know it, but I still remember!



Deny what?
Well then you can't possibly say that Bush hasn't been making a bigger appearence in the world than the Canadian PM. Even if you quit listening to the news and his name, your not going to forget him. Much like I didn't forget Clinton, the US President '92-'00

But your PM doesn't make such a big impact on the world. See how many media reports on the Canadian PM in comparison to Bush. See how many topics in NS about the Canadian PM in comparison to Bush.

On the world stage yes. On the stage in north america we are freaking huge. We are your biggest trading parter your best ally, we have the longest undefended border in the world. our countries share so much. Your example is irrelevant becuase France does jack-shit with Andorra
Exactly, there is no excuse for not knowing something about your friends, which is really what Canada is in truth.

Americans in general are politically ignorant, and if it doesn't turn up in the first media they check out, they won't know about it. I confess to being guilty of this myself, even though I try to be politically aware; my newspaper and radio station don't ever talk about Canada except for a couple months ago when they mentioned that gay marriage was legalized there, and that's why I don't know anything about it. There are very few other countries whose politics the American press considers important enough to publicize. How many world leaders can I name? George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, and now Paul Martin only because I randomly clicked on this thread. Granted, I do have somewhat of an excuse since I'm four years short of voting age. But it's still embarrassing to think about how ignorant I am. I don't even remember the name of the person that is emerging as a challenge to Chirac in the next French election. You'd think I'd know something about Germany, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, SOMEWHERE, but I don't.
NPR
Turn off commercial media and use public television and Public Radio.
I am a Conservative, and while the PublicBROADCASTING tend to be accused of Liberal Bias I find that to not be the case, you also get BBC reporting and NPR has reporters all over the world, I drive truck and that is the only station I listen too.

Well, not knowing the rulers of other countries is not an American problem.

This thread reminded me of an interview on German television right before the Iraq war where the found a real doofus. I just watched it and laughed my ass of.

Question: "Where does George Bush come from?"

Doofus: "I don't know ... not from Germany ... and not from Europe, because he speaks American .... so maybe Great Britain?"

Question: "So where does Saddam Hussein come from?"

Doofus: "I'm not sure ... he speaks American too, or English ... so I guess from the same city ... Great Britain ... or America."

He then failed to answer the question "What is George Bush's last name?"

You see, it's an international issue. :)

Exactly, there is no excuse for not knowing something about your friends, which is really what Canada is in truth.
Really now....do friends hold AWOL soldiers away from their friends?

Paul Martin?

(Damn, I'm going to get embarrassed)
DING DING DING!! You've just won "Guess the Name of that Canadian Leader"! Tell 'em what they won, Jonny!

DING DING DING!! You've just won "Guess the Name of that Canadian Leader"! Tell 'em what they won, Jonny!
He won a free sig!

You got it wrong.

Why Americans don't know who the PM of Canada is, is because we don't give a shit. Why should we?
Perhaps if you paid attention you might learn something?

Don't get me wrong, Canada is a great country, and I wish in many ways that the US was more like you, but you don't really have a military, or participated in a war since WWII (I may be wrong on this point). Now this doesn't mean your wimps--I personally believe America plays its card TOO strongly--it just means that we're not going to play close attention to the details of your politics. If you don't get yourselves a dictator like ours and you'll be ignored.
Maybe that is a good thing... :D that way the moronic fundamentalist extremists ignore us. And, yes, we've participated in two wars sicne WWII, the Korean War and the War on Terror in Afghanistan.

"Salute to a Brave and Modest Nation"
Kevin Myers -- The National Post
(Posted just after 4 Canadian soldiers on a training exercise were killed by an American fighter pilot)

Wonderful post! It made me so proud, and brought a tear to my eye!

Exactly

It's like me learning how many cities there are in America, I don't need to! Why should I need to? I won't be using that knowledge!

Something stinks of arrogance...

You got it wrong.

Why Americans don't know who the PM of Canada is, is because we don't give a shit. Why should we?

The scent is so very strong!

Really now....do friends hold AWOL soldiers away from their friends?

What are you talking about?

Well then you can't possibly say that Bush hasn't been making a bigger appearence in the world than the Canadian PM. Even if you quit listening to the news and his name, your not going to forget him. Much like I didn't forget Clinton, the US President '92-'00

But your PM doesn't make such a big impact on the world. See how many media reports on the Canadian PM in comparison to Bush. See how many topics in NS about the Canadian PM in comparison to Bush.
Actually this is a good thing....low key is cool.

In comparison, your President has gained a lot of notoriety of the worst kind.

BTW, Colodia, I love the irony of your siggy.....

An American shooting a Canadian and 4 Americans shooting each other in the back.....way too funny!! :eek:

Really now....do friends hold AWOL soldiers away from their friends?
I...what?
What the hell does that mean?
A soldier who is AWOL(Absent With Out Leave) is a criminal, so why should he GET to be with his friends?
Or are you pissing on yourself about Vietnam, the allowing "Draft Dodgers" in their nation is not the same thing as aiding soldiers who are AWOL.
Canada did not give comfort to American Soldiers who abandoned their duty, they gave comfort to American citizens resisting forced conscription.
While I think that the Aericans who ran are cowards, who very nearly border on traitors(morally). Canada did what I would hope America would do for nationals of other countries who were threatened with forced conscription.

If you arent talking about Vietnam "draft dodgers" then, again, What the hell are you talking about?

I...what?
What the hell does that mean?
A soldier who is AWOL(Absent With Out Leave) is a criminal, so why should he GET to be with his friends?
Or are you pissing on yourself about Vietnam, the allowing "Draft Dodgers" in their nation is not the same thing as aiding soldiers who are AWOL.
Canada did not give comfort to American Soldiers who abandoned their duty, they gave comfort to American citizens resisting forced conscription.
While I think that the Aericans who ran are cowards, who very nearly border on traitors(morally). Canada did what I would hope America would do for nationals of other countries who were threatened with forced conscription.

If you arent talking about Vietnam "draft dodgers" then, again, What the hell are you talking about?

He is talking about the two US soldiers AWOL who fled to Canada and are currently under extradition proceedings to be returned home to face desertion charges.

I have discussed this with him before, and he feels that Canada should toss aside their entire legal system, forgo due process, and return them immediately.

When I suggested that Canadians actually feel quite strongly that all people deserve the benefits of due process, he got a bit huffy.

As if the US wouldn't follow proper proceedures if the situation were reversed... :rolleyes:

-Z-

OH,
Canada maintains a very friendly extradition poolicy with America (outside of Capital punishment)
Giving people "Due Process" I cant imagine what those dirty Canadians are thinking.
What an obsurd idea, I mean here in America we...DO THE SAME THING.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

I never eeven heard of Andorra..

I never eeven heard of Andorra..
Sure you have didnt you ever see Bewitched, that was Daren's Mother-in-Law.j/k.
Kinda showing my age.

I never eeven heard of Andorra..

I only know about Andorra because on the Risk 2210 gameboard it looks like it swallowed up all of Western Europe....

Then I learned about it from the CIA world factboko fora mintue or two and went back to a book.

Same thing with Swaziland, Lesotho, Gibraltar, and Monaco, since I figured if I'm looking at one tiny nation I might as well find them all.

And Talossa. :P

He is talking about the two US soldiers AWOL who fled to Canada and are currently under extradition proceedings to be returned home to face desertion charges.

I have discussed this with him before, and he feels that Canada should toss aside their entire legal system, forgo due process, and return them immediately.

When I suggested that Canadians actually feel quite strongly that all people deserve the benefits of due process, he got a bit huffy.

As if the US wouldn't follow proper proceedures if the situation were reversed... :rolleyes:

-Z-
Your confusing me with someone else, I was against both you and someone else hijacking the thread. All I wanted was a clear and definate answer.

Wonderful post! It made me so proud, and brought a tear to my eye!

Exactly right, thank you, Hinterworld, that article was beautiful.

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.
England?

I object to the generalization that all Americans don't know who the PM of Canada is. I do. (and I posted on a previous thread that asked the same question).

That's like saying no Americans know any language except English. I know French, German, Latin, and a smattering of spoken Mandarin and Hindi.

Don't get me wrong, Canada is a great country, and I wish in many ways that the US was more like you, but you don't really have a military, or participated in a war since WWII (I may be wrong on this point). Now this doesn't mean your wimps--I personally believe America plays its card TOO strongly--it just means that we're not going to play close attention to the details of your politics. If you don't get yourselves a dictator like ours and you'll be ignored.


You're wrong, we sent forces to Korea but people tend to forget that war. As for Colodia's comment that Bush gets more press than Martin, well of course he would. He is in charge of the largest military in the world an has started one of the most controversial wars in years, was Present on 9/11 and has done many things within his own country that have gotten plenty of attention. Martin, on the other hand, is more low key and has only gotten major press for things like the BSE issue, border security and the sponsorhsip scandal.

Canadians are cool. I’ve served with their soldiers in two conflicts/missions in the last 10 years. They are great American allies and, I believe, they always will be. We do share so much and have mutual security needs and fears. I do not think badly of them, or any other nation (except France) for not backing the US in the war in Iraq. Canada did not see an immediate threat to its national security coming from Iraq. The US did. It’s simple. If WWIII (War on terror) had started on their soil, I believe they would be “driving the train” like the US is now.


Canada went into afganistan but choose not to go into iraq as iraq was not the center of world terrorism, but hey at least now it is....

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.


Canada and Andorra are not quite the same thing, even in the perspective of the USA and France. (to give you an idea, andorra is to France what hawaii is to the US, except nobody goes to andorra for holydays) But I admit I wouldn't be able to name the leader of swiss ><


edit: however, swiss is still far less important to france than canada is to the USA.

Now, I haven't talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

You can't rest your case until you've proven your supposition. Have you spoken to any Frenchmen yet? No?

Then you're just flapping your gums, SI.

Paul Martin?

(Damn, I'm going to get embarrassed)
why would oyu be embarassed? you got it right.


also: watch rick mercer's talking to americans. shortly befor the 2000 elections he got bush thinking that the pm was jean poutine and got gore thinking that the capital of canada is toronto.

Most Americans don't know who their own leaders are. Ever listen to Hanity's 'Man on the Street Report?' He asks a bunch of people if they recognize the people in photographs. There's always some celebrities and some politicals. Most people don't even recognize the vice president.

Why don't we know? It never hits the airwaves. The US has the unique position of being the most powerful country in the world. Most people around the world know our president simply from exposure. If Canada had the geopolitical stature similar to the USSR in a previous era you can bet Americans would know the PM. Simply put, Canada, to a large % of Americans has as much importance as the UK/Japan/Germany. And yes, I realize that Canada is our #1 trading partner. How many Canadians know the Premier of Japan? I'd guess very similar percentages to the US.

edit: however, swiss is still far less important to france than canada is to the USA.
Certainly not, unless of course 23% of France's exports go to that country and the two have a joint defence pact (a la NORAD). Nearly 1/4 of US's exports goes to Canada: now I would think that would qualify as a significant relationship, but apparently not.

On the world stage yes. On the stage in north america we are freaking huge. We are your biggest trading parter your best ally, we have the longest undefended border in the world. our countries share so much. Your example is irrelevant becuase France does jack-shit with Andorra

Uh, I'm pretty sure that Russia holds that record, because they have like eight-gazillion times more (borderroom) then we do.

Now please excuse me for sounding like a dumbass.

Uh, I'm pretty sure that Russia holds that record, because they have like eight-gazillion times more (borderroom) then we do.

Now please excuse me for sounding like a dumbass.

Undefended border (between two countries).

Uh, I'm pretty sure that Russia holds that record, because they have like eight-gazillion times more (borderroom) then we do.

Now please excuse me for sounding like a dumbass.

You're excused. And, yes, you're wrong.

why would oyu be embarassed? you got it right.


also: watch rick mercer's talking to americans. shortly befor the 2000 elections he got bush thinking that the pm was jean poutine and got gore thinking that the capital of canada is toronto.
Now, now, Dakini. Rick Mercer named the PM, and Bush failed to correct him. That doesn't necessarily mean he believed the PM was Jean Poutine. He could just as easily have been playing along, or misheard, or just didn't want to correct the man who was apparently a reporter. Or he could have been thinking "Shit, I thought the Prime Minister was Jean Chretien.... I don't want to look like an idiot here."

Anyway, the man gained some of my respect (As a speaker, if nothing else) when he made that self depricating comment about wanting to thank Jean Poutine while in Canada. Now, maybe he wasn't trying to get my respect, but it is an awesome privilege after all.

On the bias, how many Canadians can name more than 2 of our Senators? Who, in fact, have more power collectively than our President. How about our Supreme Court Justices?

...name all our members of parliment. or at least some of them.

...name the last three Governors-General. Or even the previous one...

Adreine "Im a queen" bow to me batch

Some patronage asshole

Some knucklehead

Micheal Moore, among others, has cited the inability of Americans to name the leaders of neighboring countries. However, most of us could name the leaders of certian politically influential nations (Tony Blair in England comes to mind). I'm sorry, Canada, but your political power as compared to ours is about the same as France's power compared to a nation called Andorra on the boarder of France and Spain. Now, I have talked to any Frenchmen about this, but I doubt the French find it easy to name the leader of Andorra.

I rest my case.

wOOt! That leader is... Chirac.
Your case is dismissed.

wOOt! That leader is... Chirac.
Your case is dismissed.

And I'm not even French...

...name the last three Governors-General. Or even the previous one...
right now it's adrienne clarkson, before her it was romeo leblanc, before him ramon john hnatyshyn (if i got the spelling right), before him it was jeanne suave.

Don't forget the goofy people that call Ohio home :)

Yeah, and where do you live? West Virginia? The enima of the Unites States? Or maybe Tenessee, the bidet. :rolleyes:

Ohio is no worse a state than any in the Union. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but it comes out to be pretty balanced. Unless, of course, you just happen to be elitest and snotty, in which case wherever you happen to live will probably be the best place in the entire world.

Not that I like living in Ohio-the weather stinks. Do you know that it's December 7th, and we haven't gotten any snow, it's cold, gray, windy, rainy, and all and all rather detestable. In other years, there's too much snow (damn Lake Erie), and then for two straight months in the spring, the weather won't make up it's mind-first it'll be snowy, then warm, then snow, then rainy... We're left with mounds of dirty slush. Yuck. Time and again I've heard my mother exclaim "Why do we live here!".

But, for all it's faults, Ohio isn't that bad a place to live.


And about the whole France-Andorra-Switzerland thing-I don't think there can be a comparison using France because the French think themselves to be the most important people in the world (we in the U.S. come second, by a small margin), and no-one else matters to them.

There, that was my little bit of prejudiced bilge for the day. I feel good. :D

The Pricipality of Andorra is a small parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces' representatives.

Interesting to note, the Pricipality attained unprecedented economic growth since the end of WWII, and now is a center for immigrants, particulary to take advantage of the no income taxes.

Yeah....Bush did the same thing when talking about the countries who came to the aid of America right after 911. He did not even mention Canada. I was amazed by his total lack of class when this happened, either that or he just plain forgot?
I think America just takes for granted Canada, thats why no one knows any of their political officals. It easy to forget about about Canada becuase they are not hudge economic power, nor do do the have a large military, nor do they hate us that much.(so if you guys do hate us it would be best keep it a secret until you can build up enough forces and take advantage of the undefended border :) )

I think America just takes for granted Canada, thats why no one knows any of their political officals. It easy to forget about about Canada becuase they are not hudge economic power, nor do do the have a large military, nor do they hate us that much.(so if you guys do hate us it would be best keep it a secret until you can build up enough forces and take advantage of the undefended border :) )


Canada's economy is in the top ten biggest in the world :rolleyes:

Canada's economy is in the top ten biggest in the world :rolleyes:

Let me guess, Jay...it'd be the biggest in the world if only the rest of Canada didn't keep undermining Alberta, right?

Man, you're always so quick to castigate the other provinces, but now you're a bolsterer for Canada?

Geez.

Canada's economy is in the top ten biggest in the world :rolleyes:
It apears we take them so much for granted, we dont even know that! if it be true...

Let me guess, Jay...it'd be the biggest in the world if only the rest of Canada didn't keep undermining Alberta, right?

Man, you're always so quick to castigate the other provinces, but now you're a bolsterer for Canada?

Geez.

Alberta's economy is the 3rd largest in canada and soon to be 2nd :cool:

Well, hooray. Why do you always see things from an 'us and them' POV, Jay?

It apears we take them so much for granted, we dont even know that! if it be true...


http://www.australianpolitics.com/foreign/trade/03-01-07_largest-economies.shtml

I am suprised mexico is in der...

We were in the Korean war. 100 of our men stoped approx. 2000 or 3000 chinese with only 12 dead. Though we have a small army we know what to do with it. (For more examples of superior small army tactics defeating a larger foe check out the war of 1812)
1stly you had help from the Brits on that particular coup, and 2ndly the US military wasn't exactly professional at that point.

How true! People are just as stupid elsewhere. The difference is that people elsewhere are much more aware of their own incompetence, they don't think they know it all. What upsets most non-Americans is not the ignorance but the arrogance.
*Arrogance alarm goes off* Can anyone spot the above hypocrisy? Actually what pisses off most non-americans is that we know we are the baddest motherfuckers in the valley and have no problem in flaunting it.

If you've got to flaunt anything in this life, it's a sure sign that you're suffering from low self-esteem. Go ahead, flex your muscles. Just don't be surprised if the only people you impress are starry-eyed children.

Actually in my case at least, I cannot name very many national leaders as a whole. The reason for this is not a lack of knowledge about the country, its that for the most part (the most part) knowing the leader of democratic, and even some other types of government, nation is less important than understanding that nation. To know that Mullah Omar led the Taliban isn't so important as knowing what the Taliban was. Knowing that Jacque Chirac is the president of France is less important than understanding France's political agenda and role. The same applies to Tony Blair in England, Putin in Russia, etc, and whomever is currently Chairman of the Party in China.

There are only so many leaders whom are actually important to know off the top of one's head. Knowing who is ruling the superpower's is of course pivotal. Knowing who is in power in modern issues (Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia (when that was a prominent issue), the Ivory Coast (when there is a leader), etc). Its really just not important to know current leaders unless its a modern issue. That just isn't a worthwhile use of time and knowledge. Knowing the country, knowing where it is, etc, etc, is important. Knowing certain political figures...less so. Its nice, but far from necessary.

I admit I have no idea what the name of Canada's PM is. Does that mean I don't really know Canada? Not really. It just means that I don't find that to be a critical piece of information. Its kind of like knowing (in the States) whom the governor of other states are. In the end, unless its a prominent person/issue, its just not that important.