NationStates Jolt Archive


37 reasons why America is cool

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Bramia
15-09-2004, 10:30
the helicopter who was invented by a russian was immigrated to the usa and than developed the helicopter further
thats beceause americans aren't smart but all imigrants are
and a lot fo those inventions are actually by immigrants

nuclear power, albert einstein
lots of things are from imigrants..
Allanea
15-09-2004, 10:31
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet
36. Americans invented the private automobile
35. Americans invented the helicopter
34. Americans got a man on the moon.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
31. Americans invented the telephone
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Just to counteract the America-bashing.
Free Planet Mars
15-09-2004, 10:34
INTERNET?? Don't make me laugh, it was invented in Switzerland in CERN!!
Free Planet Mars
15-09-2004, 10:35
the first personal computer was invented not by american. While there's dispute about WHAT was the first personal computer, among the disputed creators are one Bulgarian, one German and one Englishman, none of the is American, damn it.
Free Planet Mars
15-09-2004, 10:38
Television, rubber, railroad, the first steamboat, submarine weren't invented by Americans!! Who wrote and posted this bullshit?!!
Gymoor
15-09-2004, 10:39
INTERNET?? Don't make me laugh, it was invented in Switzerland in CERN!!

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the internet was adapted from the American Military network ARAPNET, at the prodding of one Senator (future V.P.) Al Gore (who never said he "invented" the internet.)
Lagrange 4
15-09-2004, 10:39
...and the true television pioneer was Nazi Germany, whether you like it or not.
Hari
15-09-2004, 10:40
Another guy who confuses the Web and the Internet...
Guffingford
15-09-2004, 10:42
Internet sure is an invention to be proud of...
The jeep was invented by nazi germany, railroad by the british, a Russian who lived in America invented the telly, Germans discovered the power behind nuclear fission, without that nuclear power would still be a fairly tale, Hitler was the first who made a live broadcast during the 1936 Olympic games...
Free Planet Mars
15-09-2004, 10:44
> 2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.

WHAT?! I thought it were Russians who saved Europe from German Fascists, and the Soviet Union has dissolved by itself, without much help from the US. Anyway, posts like that show to the whole world just how ignorant and dumb are Americans, and how they strive to name every invention (even if it occured in Ancient Egypt) to be "American".
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 10:44
America is so cool because it invented so many types of guns [/sarcasm]
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 10:45
Oh yeah: who invented America?
Gymoor
15-09-2004, 10:45
I am an American, and even I have to say that the original post is over-nationalistic, factually wrong, and arrogantly divisive.
Maless
15-09-2004, 10:47
Hahahahhahaha

...that's pretty much all I have to contribute.
Escapextacy
15-09-2004, 10:48
But Rap sucks - thats nothing to be proud of.
Free Planet Mars
15-09-2004, 10:50
Another guy who confuses the Web and the Internet...
Ups, I'm really sorry! I haven't slept the last night and so produce stupid things like this one. :-( My fault. It can't be pardoned, cause I graduated from 'the information networks' faculty in the university and now am working at the Internet agency as a projects senior manager. I guess I was so much annoyed by mistaking Web, E-mail and Internet from so many people out there, that finally I mistook one for another without a second thought... :-(((
Gigatron
15-09-2004, 10:51
That list is largely incorrect. I'm not even gonna bother correcting it. Just ignore it.
The Derelict
15-09-2004, 10:52
> 2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.

WHAT?! I thought it were Russians who saved Europe from German Fascists, and the Soviet Union has dissolved by itself, without much help from the US. Anyway, posts like that show to the whole world just how ignorant and dumb are Americans, and how they strive to name everyone invention (even if it occured in Ancient Egypt) to be "American". F**k the US!!!

Yeah broad generlizations and screaming F**k the US sounds much more intelligent.

Really though, this post wasn't the brightest one I've ever seen......
Psylos
15-09-2004, 10:53
Go to hell with your patriotist/nationalist bullshit.
Albert Einstein always said he felt more human than a citizen of any country.
Those people who invented all those stuff did it for the human being, they were not american and they did not do it for america.
Fuck the nazis for trying to high-jack their inovations.
Fuck the american nationalists for doing the same.
Enn
15-09-2004, 10:53
31. Americans invented the telephone
Alexander Graham Bell, British, but migrated to America.
29. Americans invented the television
John Logie Baird, Scotsman, born in London.
27.Americans invented rubber
Natural product, from Malaysia. Artificial rubber, though, was first developed by Americans.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
Hardly. First known planned submarine designed by Brit William Bourne, first known working submarine created by Dutchman Cornelius Van Drebbel.
9.Americans invented the computer.
Adding machines were invented seperately by both Wilhelm Schickard, a German, and Blaise Pascal, a Frenchman. While you may not consider them computers, they were the first machines that could 'reckon' sums, hence the name computer, 'reckoner'.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
Matter of personal opinion, that. Britain protected herself, Spain did not need saving, Paris liberated herself. Yes, France as a whole required outside aid, but you cannot call all of Europe France.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.
Much of which was acheived seperate from America. The rest of that final section I really don't want to comment on. For the record, I'm not a Briton, nor a European, but instead an Australian with a working knowledge of Google and About.com.

Just to counteract the America-bashing.
Certainly does help to be accurate in your arguments.
Imperial Forces
15-09-2004, 10:59
20.Americans invented Rap

Hahahaha, rap, good XD

2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.

Bullshit. Western Europe and the USSR saved Europe form Nazi Germany. USA did shit in the European sector, expect for give trucks and light tanks.It helped in the landings, but there also large numbers of British and Canandians there too. USA did help in the Pacific sector though. And It wasn't just the US that helped end the USSR, it was the Western World as a whole and internal issues in the USSR.
Psylos
15-09-2004, 11:04
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.
WARNING * BULLSHIT * WARNING
Tsrill
15-09-2004, 11:06
Uhm, Americans did not invent the submarine...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/drebbel_cornelis.shtml
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:07
Um...we already know how ignorant the rest of the world is, why incite then?
Cannot think of a name
15-09-2004, 11:08
At this point it's silly to keep nailing the list, but since this is close to my heart, it was Karl Benz who invented the automobile using Gottlieb Daimler's gasoline engine, both germans in germany.

Really, america has a fuckload of resources and people and enterprise, so yeah, sure-great place to go if you want to invent crap, but you don't have to. To decry the inventors that where here when they invented what ever as immigrants--most of us are. Anyway, those aren't cool things about america (the ones that actually happened in america) as much as they are cool things about the people who did them. Yeah them. Who cares what the ground underneath them was called. I didn't help, and I'm not about to invent crap. Hardly seems right to share the credit because there's not a thick line between where I stand and where they did.

Jazz is cool, though. Worth the suffering? no, probably not. But since we can't change that at least we got jazz.
Demented Hamsters
15-09-2004, 11:12
My answers are in red. I have to go to work now, so I can't finish it. Hopefully someone else will.
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet
It was invented in the 60s in Switzland
36. Americans invented the private automobile
It was invented in Germany in 1884 by Daimler and Benz. AThis isn't quite accurae, but I'm not going to get into how they ended up working together here!
35. Americans invented the helicopter
It was invented by a Frenchman, Paul Cornu (1907) and developed further by another Frenchie, Etienne Oehmichen (in 1924). And that's ignoring DaVinci's design!
34. Americans got a man on the moon.
Thanks to the work of Wener Braun, the brilliant Nazi scientist who invented and developed the V2 rocket. Incidently a Brit (Frank Whittle, 1930) invented the Jet engine.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
Thanks to the work done by Alan Turing, a Brit.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
That's something to be proud of? You invented a super-efficient way to kill lots of people. And the good to the world that this has made?
31. Americans invented the telephone
Except Alexander Graham Bell was born and educated in Scotland. Also Philipp Reis, a German, invented a working telephone in 1860. It was displayed around Europe, including Scotland at a time when Bell was back visiting his father. So it's possible Bell saw it demonstrated. It had problems with consistency and was easily broken, which is why it never caugt on.
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
Humphrey Davy, a Brit, invented it in 1806.
29. Americans invented the television
It's credited to a Scotsman, John Logie Baird who first transmitted a picture of a face in 1924. Vladimir Kosma Zworykin is usually credited as the father of modern television, as he held the patent for the electron tube. True, he was in America but he was born andeducated in Russia
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
Whooo. BIG achievement.
27.Americans invented rubber
The Mayans Invented Rubber, approx. 3500 years ago. Charles Goodyear is credited with inventing vulcanised rubber in 1876, but a similar process was patented in England in 1843 and anyway, the Mayans used a large rubber ball for their games, so had some method of ensuring the rubber didn't become brittle. They added juice of a morning glory vine (rich in sulphur compound) to the rubber when hot and stirred it. In other words, they vulcanised it.
26.Americans invented the railroad.
Richard Trevithick (a Brit) invented the first steam engine tramway locomotive in 1803. George Stephenson invented the first steam locomotive engine for railways in 1814.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
Only if you ignore: Jouffroy (French) in 1776 - Rumsey(US) in 1787 - Fitch in 1787 and 1790 - Symington(Scot) in 1789 and 1803 - Ormsbee (US) in 1792 - Morey in 1793 and Stevens(US) in 1804, then yes Fulton did invent the 'first' steamboat in 1806
24 Americans invented the Submarine
DaVinci (Italian,) came up with the idea, William Borne (Brit, 1578) made plans but never built it and Cornelis Drebbel (Dutch, 1620) designed and built one for the British navy. It could go down 15 feet and stay there for up to two hours.
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
For which I'm grateful. I bought tickets to see Herbie Hancock next week! :p
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
That's something to be proud of?!
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
See my retort for Rap music
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone.
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
Well, only half-right. Levi Strauss was a Bavarian who started making and selling jeans in 1853. 20 years later Jacob Davis put rivets on them for extra toughness and approached Levi to go into business together. They patented the design in 1873.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
News to me that Earnest Rutherford, Albert Einstein, Enrico Fermi and Bob Oppenheimer, amongst others, were American.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
James B. Francis invented the Francis turbine in 1849, 30 years before Lester Pelton invented the impulse water turbine. Francis turbines are still the most widely used water turbine used today. Oh, and Francis was born in England. AND he based his work on the invention of two Frenchmen, Bénoit Fourneyron and Jean V. Poncelet who invented the outward-flow turbine (1826) and the inward-flow turbine (1820), respectively.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
I hope you're not talking about Tesla here, a Serbian.
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
Nazi Germany collasped because of the vastly superior (in numbers) Soviet force. All the Us did was hasten it's inevitable end. Nazi Germany was already weakening by the end of 1941 by the time the US finally entered the War.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.
Democracy was invented by the Greeks 25 Centuries ago. BTW have you read the EU constitution?

Just to counteract the America-bashing.

And just to show I'm not all America-bashing, you did invent the vacuum cleaner.

I just thought maybe this is a History teacher attempting to get ppl to search their history books.
Mospolia
15-09-2004, 11:13
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.

Why are you proud of that?


21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll

Perhaps, but the Brits perfected it.


19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)

Maybe, but then why are so many 'American' films a bunch of crap?


15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.

Again, why are you proud of this? Non-diet soft-drinks are one of the highest causes of obesity and Adult Onset Diabetes.


13. Americans invented the cell phone

These are more of a nusance than anything else...


8.Americans invented nuclear power.

Great. So we're to blame!?

To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.

Okay, I'll agree with Solar power, but Nuclear? What are you smoking!?


4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.

Again, nothing to be proud of. BTW, WTF is 'see also 95?
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:14
I think a distinction needs to be made here for the purpose of informing non-Americans of how it works.

We are a nation of immigrants. We come from all over the globe. 99.9% Of us are immigrants within the last 6-7 generations.

We don't look at people like Albert Einstein as a forigner, he was an immigrant no different than we are. Once he found himself in a land where ideas prosper, he was able to use is given abilities to there maximum potential.

That same theory goes out to all other immigrants.

Secondly, there should be made a distinction between all immigrants and Mexican immigrants we have comming these days. They come for financial gain, as they live in horrible poverty in Mexico at the moment. We sometimes get pissed about it becuase they are not inventing anything nor developing anything. They just want to pick fruits and vegetable and take our minimum wage jobs.

I'm not anti-Mexican, hell I am half Mexican and half French. I do wish however that one of the lil' greasy fuckers would invent something cool so we could make them famous and not feel so guilty about letting them slime into the country lol.
Catystan
15-09-2004, 11:15
[QUOTE=Allanea]

1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

QUOTE]

Yes, but being founded on a principal and actually living it are also different things. The English settlers showed the same lack of respect of the "rights" of the indigenous population of America as for any other country colonised by the Brits. The descendents of the slaves of the South are probably not thrilled with their "heritage of freedom" either. The US provides a certain type of freedom, based primarily on pretty traditional Christian laws and culture but influenced by the adventuous spirit that took the settlers there in the first place. Of course these rights were distilled, formalised and enacted by a Government. These rights are not absolute, after all Americans do not have the right or freedom to do whatever they want to do, if they did there would be no prisons.

For a country so concerned with rights it is curious that America refused to sign the Kyoto treaty thus denying the people of the world the right to fight global warming and the also refused to sign the UN accord regarding the rights of the child. Does this mean these natural/innate/god-given rights are natural and innate only to Americans?

Does this make America bad? No, not really, in fact as a single global superpower it is relatively beign compared to it's predecessors. It just makes it another country with it's own set of values that has done plenty of good things and plenty of bad things and will no doubt continue to do both.
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 11:15
I notice that 'education' isn't on that list :D. I like America fine. They bought us some good movies, Pizza Hut and a lot of computer developments. But it is posts like that which remind me that America, as every with other nation, is very, very far from perfect.
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 11:18
Secondly, there should be made a distinction between all immigrants and Mexican immigrants we have comming these days. They come for financial gain, as they live in horrible poverty in Mexico at the moment. We sometimes get pissed about it becuase they are not inventing anything nor developing anything. They just want to pick fruits and vegetable and take our minimum wage jobs.
History of America: Why people moved there:

FOR THE MONEY!!!! Like the Mexicans do now, but since you hate the welfare system, you hate the Mexicans
Refused Party Program
15-09-2004, 11:21
Oh yeah: who invented America?

Haha! Game, set and match.
Sakuraogawa
15-09-2004, 11:21
I thought the sub was the work of that da Vinci guy and the chopper too

Maybe that guy meant to say Americans made the first RUBBERS not rubber
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 11:22
Maybe that guy meant to say Americans made the first RUBBERS not rubber
LOL
Arcadian Mists
15-09-2004, 11:26
Oh, this poor poor thread.

How's about the Wright brothers? America has the first airplane, yes?
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 11:27
Oh, this poor poor thread.

How's about the Wright brothers? America has the first airplane, yes?
I heard there was a guy before the Wright brothers, but there were no officials at his first flight (which went better)(I don't know his name, or where he was from)
Gigatron
15-09-2004, 11:31
I heard there was a guy before the Wright brothers, but there were no officials at his first flight (which went better)(I don't know his name, or where he was from)
Otto Lilienthal. German. The first successful aviator of mankind.

http://www.lilienthal-museum.de/olma/eotto.htm
Arcadian Mists
15-09-2004, 11:33
Otto Lilienthal. German. The first successful aviator of mankind.

http://www.lilienthal-museum.de/olma/eotto.htm

Ah, isn't cliomancy fun, kids?
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 11:35
Does it really matter who has the first anything? The Americans argue that because they invent a load of things NOW (and because they can kick your ass if you disagree with you... I'm joking :p), they invented loads of things which make the modern world. The British argue that because they started the industrial revolution and invented heaps of stuff, they made the modern world -- and they'll hit you with a chair if you say otherwise (:p). The French argue that they are in fact superior beings and so they are the future of the world (I am, of course, playing around :p). And the Germans argue that they are really, really sorry for the actions of their country sixty or so years ago and they promise never to do it again (I'm joking again :p). I'm not sure what the Russians argue. Snow? And, heck, the Japanese can argue whatever they want, I have to listen to them through either this computer built mostly in Japan, or through my Japanese TV, or maybe take my mum's Japanese car and go visit them (I have an Italian car which buggers up that part entirely). And in the midst of all this arguing, there are people inventing things entirely on their own, not on the behalf of any particular country, but for themselves, and for humanity in general. Which is as it should be. Nationalist competition (like this), attacking an entire nation because of the actons of their government ('I hate America because...' threads anybody?), (real) politics, and the world in general really make me depressed.
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:36
History of America: Why people moved there:

FOR THE MONEY!!!! Like the Mexicans do now, but since you hate the welfare system, you hate the Mexicans

You know what. I love the Mexicans. They work there asses off for what they get. They tend to play fair and by the rules. The young gang banger type are fucked up, but they don't live by me anymore.

I don't have a problem with Mexico, other than I think we should take all of Baja California and claim it as our own. Make it an inland Hawaii
Yotomo kiwii
15-09-2004, 11:37
Isnt america made up of 99%people who ARE NOT from the americas. (N&S America for some of you) And anyways its easer to type US then america.

Whos the dolt who invented the modern keyboard key config?
:headbang:
Enn
15-09-2004, 11:38
Otto Lilienthal. German. The first successful aviator of mankind.

http://www.lilienthal-museum.de/olma/eotto.htm
Well, that's if you ignore the Montpellier brothers, who began manned hot air balloon flights in 1783, or Ferdinand Zeppelin, who invented the dirigible airship in 1900.
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 11:40
You know what. I love the Mexicans. They work there asses off for what they get. They tend to play fair and by the rules. The young gang banger type are fucked up, but they don't live by me anymore.

I don't have a problem with Mexico, other than I think we should take all of Baja California and claim it as our own. Make it an inland Hawaii
Would you give them back 5 states?
QahJoh
15-09-2004, 11:41
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government

Um, moron, exactly where do you think we got the idea of god-given freedoms and rights?

(Psst... John Locke... Jean Jacques Rousseau... just a hint.)

Edit: I suspect this may in fact be a trick, either by an outright troll or by an anti-American who thought it would be fun to get a bunch of Americans to bash themselves.

Hmmm... or am I just being paranoid?
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:42
Isnt america made up of 99%people who ARE NOT from the americas. (N&S America for some of you) And anyways its easer to type US then america.

Whos the dolt who invented the modern keyboard key config?
:headbang:

The US is the great melting pot. We have more people from more places than anyone in any other country could possibly imagine. I have whitey on my left. I have a Puerto Rican across the street. I have a Mexican family on my left, and next to him is a rather large household of black. The very next house is an asian family.

I don't think we are representative of a normal suburb though, as most of them have good incomes, two play for the Broncos (3rd stringer) The asian owns his own resturant, the Mexican his own electrical contracting co and the whitey does secret computer work for the local Air Force Base
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 11:44
The US is the great melting pot. We have more people from more places than anyone in any other country could possibly imagine. I have whitey on my left. I have a Puerto Rican across the street. I have a Mexican family on my left, and next to him is a rather large household of black. The very next house is an asian family.

I don't think we are representative of a normal suburb though, as most of them have good incomes, two play for the Broncos (3rd stringer) The asian owns his own resturant, the Mexican his own electrical contracting co and the whitey does secret computer work for the local Air Force Base
I saw a great Comedy yesterday ("Bulworth", anyone know it? It's about a senator sick of the lies). A senator says that, to eliminate the racial problems in the US, all Americans should just fuck around so much till they're all the same colour. That was really funny
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:44
Would you give them back 5 states?
I wouldn't give them anything. I'd just let them integrate better into our culture and be more apart of it. I would rather take more of there land and use it, work it and build it for us and for them. Baja California is a goldmine waiting for development
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:48
I saw a great Comedy yesterday ("Bulworth", anyone know it? It's about a senator sick of the lies). A senator says that, to eliminate the racial problems in the US, all Americans should just fuck around so much till they're all the same colour. That was really funny

hahaha, it would take awhile...

My dad was all white with blonde hair and blue eyes, same as my older brother.
I look more like a mexican frenchman with brown hair and hazel eyes. Then I have a son and he turns out ghost white with blonde hair and blue eyes. We didn't accomplish a damn bit of melt in 4 generations
Yotomo kiwii
15-09-2004, 11:49
but who invented the keyboard?
Sakuraogawa
15-09-2004, 11:52
the first one had the keys in better places , I know that much
he name started with a D , not remembering name.

but keyboard was redone because touch typists were too fast and
jamming the typing machines .

with computers everywhere now , be nice to use the first one again
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 11:52
Edit: I suspect this may in fact be a trick, either by an outright troll or by an anti-American who thought it would be fun to get a bunch of Americans to bash themselves.

Hmmm... or am I just being paranoid?

I did think that too. So you're not paranoid. At least, you're not lonely and paranoid. I can't see any way a remotely intelligent person could possibly keep a straight face while writing most of the things on that list... I don't actually know the poster, but I tend to judge people as reasonably normal unless they do something stupid... uh... like... this actually...

Whos the dolt who invented the modern keyboard key config?

I actually think it's very efficient, once you get the hang of it anyway. If someone changed it now, I'd be well and truly stuck...
Perrien
15-09-2004, 11:55
Who invented Lesier Suit Larry, now that was an American
Sgurtzlandia
15-09-2004, 11:56
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet
36. Americans invented the private automobile
35. Americans invented the helicopter
34. Americans got a man on the moon.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
31. Americans invented the telephone
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Just to counteract the America-bashing.
Electric power? what about Alessandro Volta (18th century, Italian?) Nukes? What about Oppenheimer (german), Fermi (italian), Einstein (german)... Computer what do u mean with computer? Motorbikes? mass producing is not the same as inventing. Jeans? (as we wear, yes, but the name come from Genova, Italy, and a jew named Levi imported the textiles), Practical shooting? as a sport, maybe, but challenges on rapidity and accuracy with full power weapons are as old as weaponry itself. Cinema? don't be silly. Rubber (wasn't it natural?)? Television (german)? Railroad (british)? Telephone (Meucci, italian)? Private automobile (they only started mass production)? Internet? u mean the project started in Geneva, Switzerland? Semi- automatic handgun? you mean that uncomfortable self-loading pistol designed by Borchardt (german-american)? the first real one was 1896 Mauser (german). There are so many others, but i'm tired to answer to this silly thread.
Sakuraogawa
15-09-2004, 12:01
ah Google so useful

second type of keyboard was by Doctor August Dvorak , keys placed for faster use least finger movement in english.

still looking for who did qwerty keyboard

"Contrary to popular opinion, the qwerty design was not actually invented to slow typists down. Rather, the layout was intended to place common two-letter combinations on opposite sides of the keyboard. On manual typewriters, each key is mechanically connected to a lever that has the reversed image of a letter on it. If a typist were to hit two keys on the same side of the keyboard in rapid succession, the second lever on its way up would hit the first on its way down, the keys would become stuck together, and the typist would have to stop typing and unstick the keys. The qwerty layout was a clever design that minimized this problem. However, now that most of us use computers (or electric typewriters that don't use levers), the problem of keys jamming is no longer a consideration. Also, computers now enable us to switch layouts while continuing to use the same equipment.

Most people learn to type on a qwerty keyboard. New typists learn the qwerty arrangement because that's most likely what they'll encounter on the existing equipment they'll be using; new equipment is standardized to the qwerty arrangement because that's what the vast majority of us know. Most people are reluctant to switch because they're afraid of how long it will take them to learn the new arrangement, and of the additional effort of having to switch layouts on all of the equipment they might encounter."

still not find a name to blame for qwerty ( maybe its a Dr Qwerty ?)

"The first practical typewriter was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes, and was marketed by the Remington Arms company in 1873. The action of the type bars in the early typewriters was very sluggish, and tended to jam frequently. To fix this problem, Sholes obtained a list of the most common letters used in English, and rearranged his keyboard from an alphabetic arrangement to one in which the most common pairs of letters were spread fairly far apart on the keyboard. Because typists at that time used the "hunt-and-peck" method, Sholes's arrangement increased the time it took for the typists to hit the keys for common two-letter combinations enough to ensure that each type bar had time to fall back sufficiently far to be out of the way before the next one came up. Note that Sholes hadn't imagined that typing would ever be faster than handwriting, which is usually around 20 words per minute (WPM) or less. "


looks like we blame Sholes
Dniester
15-09-2004, 12:11
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets. Err...no, the Soviets saved Europe from the Nazis. Hitler's mistake of opening up a second front against the USSR cost him the war.

As for the Soviets, the USSR was ripped apart internally by nationalist separatism.

1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.
What kind of self-righteous garbage is this? The US was founded by a bunch of hypocrites who talked about human rights and freedoms but kept slaves at the same time.

If I recall correctly, Australia was the first nation in the world that gave women the right to vote.
Kirtondom
15-09-2004, 12:16
Americans invented the Internet
36. Americans invented the private automobile:WRONG
35. Americans invented the helicopter: WRONG
34. Americans got a man on the moon. :Russia got the first man into space
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.:Wrong
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.:Wrong
31. Americans invented the telephone:Wrong
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.:Wrong
29. Americans invented the television:Wrong
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.:LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.WRONG
24 Americans invented the Submarine:Wrong
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.LOL
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.:LOL LOL LOL LOL
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight. : Now this is getting silly, I think you will find the SOE was the first here for may things
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.: Wrong
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.:Wrong
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.:Very Wrong
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy. :Wrong
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.:Wrong
6.Americans invented electric power in general:LMAO
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.:Wrong
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.:LOL

Well you made me laugh anyway!
NianNorth
15-09-2004, 12:18
Made you laugh. Shows how poorly educated the US must be if that is the best they can come up with.
Yes the US has made some inventions but they lag way behind Britian and even Scotland.
Stop claiming things that were just developed by the US rather than invented.
Imperial Forces
15-09-2004, 12:26
If I recall correctly, Australia was the first nation in the world that gave women the right to vote.

New Zealand.
Dniester
15-09-2004, 12:30
New Zealand. Oh well, New Zealand was nearly part of Australia anyway. ;)
Dniester
15-09-2004, 12:33
The US is the great melting pot. We have more people from more places than anyone in any other country could possibly imagine. I have whitey on my left. I have a Puerto Rican across the street. I have a Mexican family on my left, and next to him is a rather large household of black. The very next house is an asian family.

I don't think we are representative of a normal suburb though, as most of them have good incomes, two play for the Broncos (3rd stringer) The asian owns his own resturant, the Mexican his own electrical contracting co and the whitey does secret computer work for the local Air Force Base Not sure about this but I think Israel, Russia and Australia are more multi-cultural than the US.
Kybernetia
15-09-2004, 12:37
Not sure about this but I think Israel, Russia and Australia are more multi-cultural than the US.
The Russian Federation has a population of more than 80% Russian. And more than 80% of Israelis are Jews.
I don´t know the numbers for Australia, but the US is more multi-ethnical than that.
NianNorth
15-09-2004, 12:39
The Russian Federation has a population of more than 80% Russian. And more than 80% of Israelis are Jews.
I don´t know the numbers for Australia, but the US is more multi-ethnical than that.
The UK is pretty diverse. Some areas are 80% Asian. The UK still has problems but people are generaly left to be what they want.
Dann-O
15-09-2004, 12:47
I find that agruments like this are silly. You have on one side Americans who have never been out of the country saying they are better than everyone else and non americans arguing abotuhow bad america is when they have never been there. These aruments almost never take place between people who have traveled and have been to each others respective country.
NianNorth
15-09-2004, 12:50
I find that agruments like this are silly. You have on one side Americans who have never been out of the country saying they are better than everyone else and non americans arguing abotuhow bad america is when they have never been there. These aruments almost never take place between people who have traveled and have been to each others respective country.
I think many of the none US poster have been to the US.
Mattannia
15-09-2004, 12:50
And, just because I like having a go at people who post things without checking them...

Samuel Colt "invented" the revolver after travelling to London and seeing a seige gun at the Tower (I think it was invented by a guy called Popple) which was, lets say, coincidentally similar.

I agree with the guy saying it doesn't matter where things get invented, but I don't like a flawed argument :)
Soviet Democracy
15-09-2004, 12:53
submarine weren't invented by Americans!

I think the first submarine used in combat was by an American. I believe it was in the Civil War. Whether or not an American was the first to invent it is not know to me, though I doubt it.
Dniester
15-09-2004, 12:53
I don´t know the numbers for Australia, but the US is more multi-ethnical than that. Well, 25% of Australia's population of 19 million are immigrants although that doesn't necessarily mean multiculturalism.
Yang Chu
15-09-2004, 12:54
Heh. Very amusing how both sides (pro-America and anti-America) seem to be using bad info and revisionist history. As mentioned before, it was John Logie Baird, a Scotsman, who invented TV before anyone in continental Europe or the US completed their prototypes. Baird was also the inventor of color TV and was the first person to transmit a TV signal. Germany's work was independent but lagged behind that of Baird.

As for the fall of the USSR, it was partially due to internal forces but also due to lack of funds to keep the government going. Part of the credit for draining the USSR's budget goes to Catepillar, an American construction company. When the USSR wanted equipment in the 70's, Catepillar charged them much more than the normal fee for the machines and for repair costs. Then, in the 80's, Reagan's "Star Wars" program ruse successfully bluffed the USSR into spending itself out of existence. With the money gone, internal strife finished the job that American capitalism/diplomatic bluffing started. This does not change the fact that it was two American institutions (Catepillar and the US Government) that pushed the USSR over the brink.

A lot of modern history books are written by individuals who would rather revise history to leave out critical facts than give credit to a conservative US President for toppling the last major "Evil Empire." It's sad that so many seem brought up on with such poor data.

To add another layer to the whole "US claims credit for modern inventions, England claims credit for the Industrial Revolution, etc.", please remember that without agricultural technology (such as the seed drill, plow, and harness) that came from CHINA, the Agricultural Revolution that directly preceded the Industrial Revolution would never have happened in Europe. And without nautical technology (such as the compass and rudder) also invented by China, the US would never have been colonized by Europe in the first place.

So, let's all take a moment to reflect on the Oriental Heritage of both Europe and the US. :)
Kirtondom
15-09-2004, 12:55
I'm off as I think our ranting US pal has either exploded or gone off in a huf. So let's not wind him/her up any more.
NianNorth
15-09-2004, 12:59
I'm off as I think our ranting US pal has either exploded or gone off in a huf. So let's not wind him/her up any more.
No a few more comments and I'm sure we can get him frothing at the mouth again and threatening world oblivion.
'sits and reflects of the contribution of the orient to world history'
I am a citizen of the world (the origin of the word cosmopolitan), nice thought.
Dniester
15-09-2004, 13:02
To add another layer to the whole "US claims credit for modern inventions, England claims credit for the Industrial Revolution, etc.", please remember that without agricultural technology (such as the seed drill, plow, and harness) that came from CHINA, the Agricultural Revolution that directly preceded the Industrial Revolution would never have happened in Europe. And without nautical technology (such as the compass and rudder) also invented by China, the US would never have been colonized by Europe in the first place.

So, let's all take a moment to reflect on the Oriental Heritage of both Europe and the US. :) Why is China such a paper tiger now?
Ligeria
15-09-2004, 13:06
I find that agruments like this are silly. You have on one side Americans who have never been out of the country saying they are better than everyone else and non americans arguing abotuhow bad america is when they have never been there. These aruments almost never take place between people who have traveled and have been to each others respective country.

ive been to america, everyone was fat
NianNorth
15-09-2004, 13:08
ive been to america, everyone was fat

Now that is a little white lie, isn't it?
I bet that slim over made up perfect toothed girl working for the airline wasn't fat.
Ligeria
15-09-2004, 13:18
you're right but im not sure she was american
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 13:20
you're right but im not sure she was american

:D I knew you'd say that :D.
Dann-O
15-09-2004, 13:26
I tend to say this because of my experience. Those who have been there tend not to take the complaining tone about things american. ( I currently live in China)America is a neat place. Cool guitars come from there. Some cities have a very diverse population like Seattle. (lived there for 8 years)Ouside the USA Toronto is the only city that I recall with as diverse a population. The problem with America is that it is a large country and most large countries have a insulated view of the world. It comes from a lack of borders within easy reach. I have been to Russia too and there is a tendancy when there is no border nearby to have a similar view. Britain Germany and the like are small countries as far as geographic size goes so don't tend to have the same insular view of the world.
Mefustoria
15-09-2004, 13:50
[QUOTE=Allanea2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.[/QUOTE]

Okay, now that's just plain crazy. While that landings at D-Day and Operation Overlord did put a hell of a lot pressure on the Third Reich, it was indeed the mighty Soviets that were the ones that won that war. The Soviets, coming off severe losses at the onset of Operation Barbarossa in 1941, persevered and fought all the way to Berlin, taking down the Nazi regime piece by piece all but singlehandedly. While the Western Powers helped, it was truly the mighty Soviets that won the day in WWII. As for the war in the Pacific against the Japanese, it is a common misconception that the US actually won that war. The dropping of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima (Little Boy) and Nagasaki (Fat Man) were not tactics that won the war, they were barbaric acts of savegry in a prelude to the Cold War. With the Soviet Victory in Europe, the USSR could have easily and were indeed planning to take out Japan, which the US could not allow. They did not want a pacific country such as Japan occupied by the communists, and so they thought the death of a few thousand civilians would be an "acceptable loss", and there you have the first and only nuclear attack by one country on another and the needless death of thousands. So, you left one reason off the list

38. The US is the ONLY country to have ever used Nuclear Weapons in the history of mankind, and by extension is the only country to have murdered thousands through the use of a single munition. Something to be truly proud of.
Dann-O
15-09-2004, 14:01
I will agree that Russia would have kicked Japan off the asian continent but they really lacked the ability to do a massive D-Day stayle landing to take out japan. The use of the first aton bomb did bring the war to a sooner end than would have happened otherwise. The loss of life one way or the other can only be speculated.
It is a problem with American tactics they think bombing will win wars for them. That comes from the atom bomb and the war with Germany. Wha tis not realised id that for every German fighting in the west there were 3 fighting the Russians. the Russians did most of the work on that front. Wars have to be won on the ground.
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 14:02
I tend to say this because of my experience. Those who have been there tend not to take the complaining tone about things american. ( I currently live in China)America is a neat place. Cool guitars come from there. Some cities have a very diverse population like Seattle. (lived there for 8 years)Ouside the USA Toronto is the only city that I recall with as diverse a population. The problem with America is that it is a large country and most large countries have a insulated view of the world. It comes from a lack of borders within easy reach. I have been to Russia too and there is a tendancy when there is no border nearby to have a similar view. Britain Germany and the like are small countries as far as geographic size goes so don't tend to have the same insular view of the world.

I'd also say it's because America is a powerful nation. As much as it may disappoint some people, there are Americans who believe they are so powerful that they have no reason to bother with the 'little' countries. They are 'beyond their scope of interest'; beneath them, if you will. I know this, for I have encountered these Americans on forums before. In fact, they have used similar words against me before now (hence why I know they exist -- haven't you been paying attention?).
Before the pedantic squad jumps on me, I am not saying every American on the planet is like this, in fact I would hope it's hardly any, but they do exist. I don't like people who set upon a nation because of their government, or because of jealously, any more than you do.
Independent Homesteads
15-09-2004, 14:05
37. Americans invented the Internet

INTERNET?? Don't make me laugh, it was invented in Switzerland in CERN!!

Define internet.

All the major inter-network infrastructres that have existed since the early 70s, arpanet and that, email were invented in america.

The WorldWideWeb itself, ie webservers and hyper text, were invented in switzerland, by a brit, Tim Berners Lee
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 14:13
Define internet.

All the major inter-network infrastructres that have existed since the early 70s, arpanet and that, email were invented in america.

The WorldWideWeb itself, ie webservers and hyper text, were invented in switzerland, by a brit, Tim Berners Lee

I was under the impression from an article I read a few days ago, that there were two types of internet: an internet, and the Internet. The Internet being this thing we're using now. An internet being any network of computers. Is that right, or do I need computer lessons?
Von Witzleben
15-09-2004, 14:17
The first helicopter was build by an Englishman in 1842. It could fly across 2 fields.
Gigatron
15-09-2004, 14:22
I was under the impression from an article I read a few days ago, that there were two types of internet: an internet, and the Internet. The Internet being this thing we're using now. An internet being any network of computers. Is that right, or do I need computer lessons?
You mean intranet. Sometimes local area networks are called that, especially in firms.
Apples and Oranges
15-09-2004, 14:28
rofl @ number 20 and 2
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 14:31
You mean intranet. Sometimes local area networks are called that, especially in firms.
"intra" is latin which became in modern language "inter"
Demented Hamsters
15-09-2004, 14:45
Just to let you know I'm back from work and have finished de-constructing the list. You can find my addendums on page two.
Has anyone considered this to be a nefarious plot by a History teacher to force us to check out historical facts?
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 14:45
Oh, and this is the sort of person I was just talking about. I told you they exist! This is from the '37 reasons why America is not cool' thread. Or, something like that. No need to mention names. A really dumb idea for a thread, by the way :p.

This insults me to my CORE. I personaly dont give a damn of what you forieners think, but this is an Insult to my pride for my country, wich could very easly kick Britton's Ass, Canada's ass, we could utterly destroy any country on earth. We can take the entire damn world on and have a chance of winning.




Has anyone considered this to be a nefarious plot by a History teacher to force us to check out historical facts?

Haha, it could be... those damned history teachers are everywhere, don't you know.
Independent Homesteads
15-09-2004, 14:49
"intra" is latin which became in modern language "inter"

intra and inter are both latin. intra means "within" and inter means "between"

therefore an intranet is a network within a body, eg a company, and internet is a network between bodies. me i think there's only one internet, it is the internet, and it doesn't need a capital i. this is off topic though - people should just be sticking to pointing out what a sack of shit the original poster is talking. I'll do em one by one i guess
Independent Homesteads
15-09-2004, 14:55
i was going to go through the list andf rip it apart, but everyone has already done that. I hope the original poster is now going round telling everyone they know how misinformed they were. Where did you get your misinformation, founder of this thread? Do they really teach those lies in US schools?
Independent Homesteads
15-09-2004, 14:57
Just to let you know I'm back from work and have finished de-constructing the list. You can find my addendums on page two.
Has anyone considered this to be a nefarious plot by a History teacher to force us to check out historical facts?

You did a good job DH. America invented soft drinks? For thousands of years, humanity had been really thirsty, until america invented coca cola. And lemon barley water is a myth.
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 14:58
ok, thanks IH

They've invented miseducation :D
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 15:00
the helicopter who was invented by a russian was immigrated to the usa and than developed the helicopter further
thats beceause americans aren't smart but all imigrants are
and a lot fo those inventions are actually by immigrants

nuclear power, albert einstein
lots of things are from imigrants..
okaaayyy...but all Americans ARE immigrants.Apart from NATIVE americans i.e. American Indians.
Joey P
15-09-2004, 15:02
Television, rubber, railroad, the first steamboat, submarine weren't invented by Americans!! Who wrote and posted this bullshit?!!
Actually TV, _Vulcanized_ rubber (the only commercially usefull kind), the submarine (a self-propelled underwater boat, not just a submersible waterproof vessel with some air in it) these were American inventions.
Aydindra
15-09-2004, 15:04
I don't know if most of you realize this, but depending upon where you grew up, history books usually exemplify your country's contributions to the world.

Here in the States, our books portray us as the force that turned the tide in WW1&2. Now granted, you may take that as a good reason to bash our education system, but from what I've seen traveling Europe it isn't the saintly source of non-partisan higher education that seems to be the prevalent view here.

Anyways the approval ratings for Bush are about 50/50 over here, meaning that about half of America shares many of the same sentiments that are being ranted about on these forums. But guess what, when you lump us all into one big evil empire, we're naturally going to go on the defensive for our country in an argument, the same as any of you would do in our situation...
Legless Pirates
15-09-2004, 15:05
Joey P, check your facts!
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 15:09
OK,Time out,people..I don't want to get drawn into the arguments over who invented what,I'm just gonna say that the original inventor does not always get the credit.
In a lot of cases,the actual "inventor" can be forgotten by history because they did not have the drawing skills to knock up a decent Blueprint/plan,did not get financial backing for a prototype,did not build a WORKING prototype or did not patent the idea properly-i.e. the method statement was incorrect.
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 15:21
okaaayyy...but all Americans ARE immigrants.Apart from NATIVE americans i.e. American Indians.

Didn't American Indians get there over a land corridor that was supposed to have existed a while ago? Between Russia and Alaska, or somewhere like that?
West - Europa
15-09-2004, 15:29
Um...we already know how ignorant the rest of the world is, why incite then?
Why am I thinking the opposite?

The US is the great melting pot. We have more people from more places than anyone in any other country could possibly imagine. I have whitey on my left. I have a Puerto Rican across the street. I have a Mexican family on my left, and next to him is a rather large household of black. The very next house is an asian family.


melting pot or salad bowl?
HC Eredivisie
15-09-2004, 15:30
Why am I thinking the opposite?



omdat dat juist is
Kryozerkia
15-09-2004, 15:59
Correction, a Canadian invented the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell.
Von Witzleben
15-09-2004, 16:12
omdat dat juist is
Stront Amerikanen.
Faithfull-freedom
15-09-2004, 16:20
Can I give you 51 reasons? The 50 states are allowed to have their own beliefs without a central power telling them how they must live their lives in their own states. Also the fact that this central power wants to protect those 50 states from any (physical)harm even though the 50 states want them to stay out of their lives. Thats integrity from both ends. Live and let live.
Biff Pileon
15-09-2004, 16:23
The weather in the south and the scuba diving right here where I live.

The fact that you can do anything you want at whatever hour of the day you want to do it.

The rights we have that others dislike so much for some reason.

The tourists who come here to Orlando that subsidize my way of life and keep my taxes lower than they would be.
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 16:29
Didn't American Indians get there over a land corridor that was supposed to have existed a while ago? Between Russia and Alaska, or somewhere like that?
Weeellll......if you wanna go back real far,all continents were connected.
Go back even further and there was only one continent.
Gigatron
15-09-2004, 16:32
Weeellll......if you wanna go back real far,all continents were connected.
Go back even further and there was only one continent.
That was before mankind existed and even if, I doubt they cared about "America" back then. It was just a nice place to live at due to moderate climate, vast grass plains, some animals that were suitable to be hunted and eaten. Fact is, mankind is a parasite to the planet, leeching off it's resources and draining it of everything usable for whatever. America is no difference, the fat blobs living over there are leeching off the land aswell just like everyone else :)
Aziran
15-09-2004, 16:37
Can I give you 51 reasons? The 50 states are allowed to have their own beliefs without a central power telling them how they must live their lives in their own states. Also the fact that this central power wants to protect those 50 states from any (physical)harm even though the 50 states want them to stay out of their lives. Thats integrity from both ends. Live and let live.

So heartwarming...and yet completely wrong and ignorant as to what our country does. The states ARE not allowed to have their own beliefs without central power interference.

Example. The national drinking age.

Yes, a state could hypothetically change the drinking age from 21 to any desired age...
But then they would lose ALL state funding from the Roads and Transportation agency aka Federal Government...

So basically states DO have to conform to the Federal aka Central government's desires...or receive no funding...thus crippling the state.
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 16:40
The weather in the south and the scuba diving right here where I live.

The fact that you can do anything you want at whatever hour of the day you want to do it.

The rights we have that others dislike so much for some reason.

The tourists who come here to Orlando that subsidize my way of life and keep my taxes lower than they would be.
The weather in the south?You mean frequent Hurricanes?
And all those tornadoes in the Midwest?
And people think that Britain's weather is bad! That's one of the biggest fallacies going!
It's not hot all year,but it is for the most part mild and nowhere near as rainy as people think it is.
The winter is cold,yes.
But we don't get big Tornadoes.
And the last hurricane I remember was in 1988.
And even that wasn't too bad,most houses are still standing.
I don't remember any Hurricanes before that.
Oh,and we don't get earthquakes either.
Mudslides are rare.
Flooding is only a problem in valleys and lowlands.
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 16:47
That was before mankind existed and even if, I doubt they cared about "America" back then. It was just a nice place to live at due to moderate climate, vast grass plains, some animals that were suitable to be hunted and eaten. Fact is, mankind is a parasite to the planet, leeching off it's resources and draining it of everything usable for whatever. America is no difference, the fat blobs living over there are leeching off the land aswell just like everyone else :)
Thanks for that.
I was being slightly sarcastic in a British kind of way.
I agree with the parasite thing.
Just like what Agent Smith said in "The Matrix"-
Well,he actually called us a "cancer,a disease"
ooooo! get HER!
Urcules
15-09-2004, 16:52
Why don't you check your sources before you post an idiot post like that?
Reason number 1. American education is worthless?
Havaii
15-09-2004, 16:53
1. Freedom.
2. In america we are all americans.
Faithfull-freedom
15-09-2004, 16:55
So heartwarming...and yet completely wrong and ignorant as to what our country does. The states ARE not allowed to have their own beliefs without central power interference.Example. The national drinking age.
Yes, a state could hypothetically change the drinking age from 21 to any desired age...But then they would lose ALL state funding from the Roads and Transportation agency aka Federal Government...
So basically states DO have to conform to the Federal aka Central government's desires...or receive no funding...thus crippling the state.

You just proved my point lol

The most recent to change the drinking age up to 21 was I believe LA. Of course persuasion will always play into this, but this also does not require any of the states to conform to them. Under our Constitution and Federalist papers National Security is the only area the states do not have a say in.

Doctor asssisted suicide in only one state. A state that allows any person in the state to carry concealed or open without any permits etc.. States are allowed to do whatever the people of that state want to do with that exception to National Security. That is awesome. That is freedom. That is the people choosing to live their own lives the way they want.

I was not implying what our country happens to do, I was talking about what our Country allows the states to do.
Lizze
15-09-2004, 16:58
Point two is completly wrong. The Allies (England, Russia, etc.) were winning the war when America joined not losing.
The English invention Radar had been successfully used to blow up German ships depriving the Nazis of the food and resources needed to run the war.
If America had not joined the war Germany would have eventually given up because the population just couldn't go on.

Also the only reason America joined the war was because japan attacked them while the Alliesstarted fighting Germany long before there was any personal threat to them.

Stop trying to take credit for world war 2. America wasn't even on time!
Biff Pileon
15-09-2004, 16:59
The weather in the south?You mean frequent Hurricanes?
And all those tornadoes in the Midwest?
And people think that Britain's weather is bad! That's one of the biggest fallacies going!
It's not hot all year,but it is for the most part mild and nowhere near as rainy as people think it is.
The winter is cold,yes.
But we don't get big Tornadoes.
And the last hurricane I remember was in 1988.
And even that wasn't too bad,most houses are still standing.
I don't remember any Hurricanes before that.
Oh,and we don't get earthquakes either.
Mudslides are rare.
Flooding is only a problem in valleys and lowlands.

Wow.... you really have no knowledge of this do you? I just went through both Charley and Frances. Ya know what? It was not so bad. I lost electricity for 2 days from Charley and had a pine tree snap in half in my back yard. Frances did nothing. Those were the first hurricanes to hit Orlando since 1960 and the first to hit the east coast of Florida since 1992.

As for tornados in the midwest? Well, I lived in southern Illinois for 8 years right in "tornado alley" yet I never saw one.

I lived in the UK for 4 years and the weather was miserable. Damp and drizzly most of the time. In 1984 it hit a whopping 82 degress in the summer and children were passing out from the heat and a stream outside the village I was living in (Woodford Halse, Northants) dried up. What did I do? I took my coat off for the first time.

So while you really have no knowledge of what you are saying....I do have knowledge of the weather in the UK. ;)
Irinistan
15-09-2004, 16:59
I don't know if anyone's mentioned this yet, and I didn't have the time to read through eight pages of posts. (Though I read the first two pages, and a little more.) There's a difference between nuclear power, (developed by the Germans) and nuclear bombs, were the brainchild of Albert Einstein. Before he told the president about the idea, he had to be convinced by a friend that it was the right thing to do, because he realized that that kind of power shouldn't be in the hands of any one person.
Surburbia
15-09-2004, 17:02
1. Freedom.
2. In america we are all americans.

Yeh if you look deeper into the constitution its really everyone is equal... except native americans and black americans.
Demented Hamsters
15-09-2004, 17:02
Well, America didn't invent arrogance and sanctimoneuos pontificating about how their country is free, whilst all others aren't and how they the sole saviours of the world as we know it.
But they may as well have. They've certainly seem to have made it part of their national culture, especially when anyone contradicts any claims (blatantly bogus or otherwise) they might make.


Then again, thinking back to Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berlinner", perhaps Americans think the rest of the world says to themselves "Ich bin ein Americaner". Thus they feel they can confidently lay claim to every invention over the last 200 years.
Demented Hamsters
15-09-2004, 17:06
Stop trying to take credit for world war 2. America wasn't even on time!
It's been rumoured that they're making up for being late in the first two World Wars, by making sure they're really early for the next one. Mainly by starting it themselves. :p
Irinistan
15-09-2004, 17:07
You just proved my point lol

The most recent to change the drinking age up to 21 was I believe LA. Of course persuasion will always play into this, but this also does not require any of the states to conform to them. Under our Constitution and Federalist papers National Security is the only area the states do not have a say in.

Doctor asssisted suicide in only one state. A state that allows any person in the state to carry concealed or open without any permits etc.. States are allowed to do whatever the people of that state want to do with that exception to National Security. That is awesome. That is freedom. That is the people choosing to live their own lives the way they want.

I was not implying what our country happens to do, I was talking about what our Country allows the states to do.

Well, I live in Oregon, the only state that allows Doctor assisted suicide. But a majority of us had to vote "yes", TWICE. The reason for that is that a member of the administration decided to try to override the democratic decision. Fortunately, we're not that far gone, and in fact more people voted in favor than did in the first election. That'll teach him to try to interfere with american (representative) democracy, just like the rest of his administration is.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 17:11
I even bothered reading this. I should have known it would have been some chest thumping by one person who didn't bother to back up their sources, then a bunch of euros jumping all over him for it while showing just how ignorant both sides are. What I still can't figure out is how Europeans seem to be just as closed minded as Americans in not recognizing that the leaders of our country do not necessarily reflect the people (after all the current squatter in washington never won a majority of the vote) and in a few months we as Americans can and most likely will evict him. Yes I am an American and yes I am proud to be an American and I refuse to feel guilty of being who and what I am. As for the list every American is an Immigrant but they came here to be an American (there are exceptions, for example Einstein) however not a single one of them cared about being American they wanted to invent something HUMANITY can use. This rampant bullshit nationalism being shown across BOTH sides really needs to stop.

It's high time people stopped the stupidly childish tactics of "My country can beat up your country" and got over themselves. The French are not better than the Americans and neither are the (insert European countries and other nations names here) just as America is not necessarily better than (insert name of other countries here). We all have some pretty jacked up problems and many of them need to be fixed otherwise we and the world we live in are in some serious trouble.

Will that ever happen? Will we ever get over ourselves long enough to effectively work together to solve the problems that got us in these messes in the first place? Most likely not because of ignorance, intolerance and ego on ALL sides. Sorry to a lot of you Euro's but you sound just as arrogant if not more so than a lot of the people spouting off this USA USA rhetoric. So before you get all up in arms over this guy's post take a deep breath and think about how arrogant you'll end up looking in "correcting" his post. If you can figure out a way to constructively point out the problems with his arguement (which was mostly ripped from a chain email) then go ahead and respond but if you are just going to lay into him and sound just as arrogant as you say he sounds then you might as well just keep your trap shut, there's a saying "a closed mouth gathers no foot".

Sincerely,
Dreggas an American proud of who he is and proud of what his country stands for even if asshats are in power (which just shows how great this country is when even an idiot can run the show).
Shaweshurshire
15-09-2004, 17:28
Nationalism promotes conflict.

Conflicts promotes strength.

It is exactly this "our nation is better than yours" mentality that advances the human race. Wars have been and will continue to be some of the most productive periods in the history of man.

Passivity and "cooperation" often lead to stagnation. It is our relatively short lives and perpetual struggle that keep the human race dynamic and running.

I, for one, hope I never live to see the peaceful, socialist "utopia" envisioned by so many.
Faithfull-freedom
15-09-2004, 17:30
Well, I live in Oregon, the only state that allows Doctor assisted suicide. But a majority of us had to vote "yes", TWICE. The reason for that is that a member of the administration decided to try to override the democratic decision. Fortunately, we're not that far gone, and in fact more people voted in favor than did in the first election. That'll teach him to try to interfere with american (representative) democracy, just like the rest of his administration is.

Yep that is where I live as well. I think they made the dual vote required because of it going into the state Constitution? But either way I am so elated to see any issue pass when the people of that state are the ones voting on it. Even if I do not agree with the issue all the much, I do agree 100% with how they reached that decision, when it is the people of any state that voted on that specific issue. The same thing happened I believe with the medical marijuana issue in Oregon, they had two votes and both significantly passed it.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 17:32
Nationalism promotes conflict.

Conflicts promotes strength.

It is exactly this "our nation is better than yours" mentality that advances the human race. Wars have been and will continue to be some of the most productive periods in the history of man.

Passivity and "cooperation" often lead to stagnation. It is our relatively short lives and perpetual struggle that keep the human race dynamic and running.

I, for one, hope I never live to see the peaceful, socialist "utopia" envisioned by so many.

Trust me I never want to see Utopia either because then there would be no reason to continue living (isn't that what the grand concept of heaven in religion is about, Utopia). We need to have an adversary in order to continue to adapt and move on however the hypocrisy on both sides of "my country is better than yours" or the accusations of arrogance is getting really old, really fast. That was my point. However ego does need to be set aside and Humanity as a whole has to work together or we will wipe ourselves out. While our diversity and differences may be one of our greatest strengths it is also an achilles heel that will be the cause of our downfall as a species.
Odense-Empire
15-09-2004, 17:43
37. Americans invented the Internet

Yep, but the internet where not developed by one man/ group / country it was developed over serveal years

36. Americans invented the private automobile

Germans invented the car. Henry ford invented the assembly line

35. Americans invented the helicopter

No a russian did. He later moved to US.

34. Americans got a man on the moon.

yep...

33. Americans invented the first personal computer.

Thats properly right

32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.

The handgun and the machinegun where not invented by an american.

31. Americans invented the telephone

That was considered the truth a few years ago, but actually a italien scientist invented the telephone a few years before Bell did. The fact is now reconised by most scientists, even americans.

30. Americans invented the lightbulb.

yep..

29. Americans invented the television

don't know anything about that

28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft

haha.. who care? The russians launced the first spacecraft and america followed, but to launch a private spacecraft isn't something that will be considered important in the history books

27.Americans invented rubber

I dont know anything about that. But Germans have allways been the leading country in the chemical industry

26.Americans invented the railroad.

hehe.. are you kiddin? Railroad was first made around the coalmines in UK

25.Americans invented the first steamboat.

The steamengine was developed by english scientists like Watt, which is the importent thing. I don't know who invented the steamboat, but it's a pretty useless invention today.

24 Americans invented the Submarine

properly right

23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.

yep

22. Americans invented Jazz.

who care, who invented a music form

21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll

read my comment on 22

20.Americans invented Rap

LOL is rap an invention? I've heard that rap is orgininated from jamaica.

19. Americans invented voiced cinema

Properly, but not a very importent invention

18. Americans invented color cinema

read my comment on 19

17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)

read my comment on 19

16. Americans invented the jeep.

A jeep is just a car like a lot of other. Not anything special about that, but is was good to use in the army.

15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.

coca-cola = an important invention??? NOT!

14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.

lol.. who cares

13. Americans invented the cell phone

I don't know who invented cell phone

12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.

The Wright brothers was the first to fly and they were american. It's not important who built the first "modern" airliner.

11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.

As you're almost say in your statement jeans was properly invented else where, but made popular in the US. But never the less it's not a important invention.

10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)

As your said daimler invented the motorcycle, but who cares anyway?

9.Americans invented the computer.

How do you define "computer"? A lot of countries developed huge data-calculaters

8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.

Nuclear power was invented by a lot of scientists of different nationalities, but there were all reseaching in the US

7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.

6.Americans invented electric power in general

Americans was among many scientist that made it posible to use electrical power

5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.

correct

4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95

Nope.. but the gatlin-gun is pretty famous.

3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.

whats that? And why are you so opsesed about weapons?

2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.

If america hasn't helped we've all been soviet citizens today. But look at your military action since 1945, there have not been very clever.

1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Totally wrong!! America is not more "land of the free" than the european countries. It seems to me that europeans are a lot more humane and free people than the americans. your stament 1 is based on your dream-like illusions of the US.


The US has invented a lot of great things, but the list is poor and written by someone who clearly never has studied history of technology.
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 17:44
Wow.... you really have no knowledge of this do you? I just went through both Charley and Frances. Ya know what? It was not so bad. I lost electricity for 2 days from Charley and had a pine tree snap in half in my back yard. Frances did nothing. Those were the first hurricanes to hit Orlando since 1960 and the first to hit the east coast of Florida since 1992.

As for tornados in the midwest? Well, I lived in southern Illinois for 8 years right in "tornado alley" yet I never saw one.

I lived in the UK for 4 years and the weather was miserable. Damp and drizzly most of the time. In 1984 it hit a whopping 82 degress in the summer and children were passing out from the heat and a stream outside the village I was living in (Woodford Halse, Northants) dried up. What did I do? I took my coat off for the first time.

So while you really have no knowledge of what you are saying....I do have knowledge of the weather in the UK. ;)

I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT I AM SAYING?
I HAVE LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE!
26 years!
You live here for four years and you're an expert?
The last few years it has been hotter here than anywhere else in europe!
We have had more & more heatwaves lately.
It is a lot hotter here than it used to be,maybe due to global warming.
It is pretty hot here when you consider we are aligned horizontally with Parts of Russia (including Moscow) and Canada.
Those Hurricanes weren't so bad,huh?
Tell that to those guys who lost their houses and/or neighbourhoods!
You never saw a tornado?
That doesn't mean there weren't any!
Where do you think it got that name from?
The US is a big place!
Biff Pileon
15-09-2004, 17:54
I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT I AM SAYING?
I HAVE LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE!
26 years!
You live here for four years and you're an expert?
The last few years it has been hotter here than anywhere else in europe!
We have had more & more heatwaves lately.
It is a lot hotter here than it used to be,maybe due to global warming.
It is pretty hot here when you consider we are aligned horizontally with Parts of Russia (including Moscow) and Canada.
Those Hurricanes weren't so bad,huh?
Tell that to those guys who lost their houses and/or neighbourhoods!
You never saw a tornado?
That doesn't mean there weren't any!
Where do you think it got that name from?
The US is a big place!


No, you have no knowledge of what it is like to live in the US.

The US IS a big place and to go on about hurricanes and tornados as if they are somehow destroying everything in their path when nothing is further from the truth shows that you really have little to no knowledge of what you are saying. But there is time for you to learn. You will probably come to Orlando too one day as it seems all of Britain is here sometimes, so you can maybe experience a hurricane as well.

For the record, I never claimed to be an expert, but I do have some experience with the weather in the UK. Freezing fog can be very exciting....
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 17:56
Trust me I never want to see Utopia either because then there would be no reason to continue living (isn't that what the grand concept of heaven in religion is about, Utopia). We need to have an adversary in order to continue to adapt
You think there would be no reason to continue living if everyone got along?
I think there would be EVERY reason to live in a utopia.
I think it would be great to walk down the street not wondering whether some terrorist is gonna shoot me or blow the place to pieces,or have some guy beat me up for looking like a foreigner ,etc,etc...
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 18:03
The US IS a big place and to go on about hurricanes and tornados as if they are somehow destroying everything in their path when nothing is further from the truth shows that you really have little to no knowledge of what you are saying.
So what exactly were those pictures I saw on BBC News 24 and CNN of people standing in piles of rubble looking for their personal belongings?
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 18:09
You will probably come to Orlando too one day as it seems all of Britain is here sometimes, so you can maybe experience a hurricane as well.

No thanks,I'll pass.
I'm more of a city guy.
I definitely want to see New York though.
Before most of the Eastern Seaboard gets swept into the sea by the huge Tsunami due any day.
Keep an eye out for that one.
Biff Pileon
15-09-2004, 18:16
So what exactly were those pictures I saw on BBC News 24 and CNN of people standing in piles of rubble looking for their personal belongings?

Those were the people who live where the hurricanes came ashore. Frances was the size of Texas and was moving very slowly. We had winds and rain for 2 days while it passed by. But no real damage where I live. Charley did far more as it was a faster moving storm.

Ivan is a real monster. At least it missed us. 44 years without a hurricane coming here and then 2 in three weeks....who could have guessed that?
Calin Asitra
15-09-2004, 18:18
I think most of your guys are ridiculous. I understand that you must defend your pride or take down falseness, but why does countries mean that much to you?
It's just a piece of dirt with a flag and some borders. We drew the flag, the borders and produced the dirt. Why is that so sacred?

How can one's origin matter?

Yes, a Danish poet and scientist invented the super ellipse and another scientist made a theory and a successful expreiment to slow down photons, but that doesn't mean that the rest of danes have anything at all in common with the famous people.
In Austria they had two top politicians (Arnold and Adolf), but are the rest of the people in Austria all politicians? Yes... eh, I mean no.

We invented countries and we invented discrimination. And I believe we're capable of destroying the latter again.

Love (or whatever that means)
Shorttail
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 18:20
I'll just pluck out a couple at random here:

31. Americans invented the telephone

That was considered the truth a few years ago, but actually a italien scientist invented the telephone a few years before Bell did. The fact is now reconised by most scientists, even americans.

I'll just note that Bell was born and educated in Scotland - does anyone know if he ever became a US citizen?

30. Americans invented the lightbulb.

yep..

Edison was the first to patent the lightbulb, but the German Heinrich Göbel had produced working light bulbs using carbonized bamboo filaments 30 years previously.

29. Americans invented the television

don't know anything about that

Nope - try John Logie Baird who was Scottish, or the German Nipkov.



27.Americans invented rubber

I dont know anything about that. But Germans have allways been the leading country in the chemical industry

Someone explain to me how the English scientist Priestly was able to name the new polymer 'rubber' in 1770... several years before the US came into existence.


25.Americans invented the first steamboat.

The steamengine was developed by english scientists like Watt, which is the importent thing. I don't know who invented the steamboat, but it's a pretty useless invention today.

Nope: the first working steamboat was built by a Frenchman - Claude de Jouffroy.

24 Americans invented the Submarine

properly right

Try the Dutchman Cornelius Jacobszoon Drebbel.



9.Americans invented the computer.

How do you define "computer"? A lot of countries developed huge data-calculaters

Babbage? Turing? Ring any bells?
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 18:25
You think there would be no reason to continue living if everyone got along?
I think there would be EVERY reason to live in a utopia.
I think it would be great to walk down the street not wondering whether some terrorist is gonna shoot me or blow the place to pieces,or have some guy beat me up for looking like a foreigner ,etc,etc...

But without the need to struggle and something greater to work for we would wind up feeling hopeless because there was nothing more to hope for no nw hill to climb, nothing over the horizon. Nothing to reach for. Utopia would be completely and utterly boring. Mankind has always been driven to be better than everything else and when we overcame the majority of nature we had nothing left to turn on but ourselves in being better and that is perhaps the one thing that keeps us going.

You also apparently missed the part where I said that while our diversity is our greatest strength and one of the things that makes us strive harder to be and do more it is our weakness.

To elaborate it is a weakness because it can be used to make us turn on each other and thereby wind up in a war. It is our different beliefs and ideals that are the sole cause of war. That is how our diversity is a weakness because it can so often lead down a path to hatred, obviously the wrong path, as for terrorism that is one thing I am least concerned about even though I live and work in an area that could be considered a high value target. Why am I not concerned? Because it is an X factor I am not going to waste my time worrying about when that time could be spent doing something to better myself, my family, and the world around me. If an attack happens and I die so be it, shit happens. However I am not going to lose any sleep over the possibility nor will I be goaded into the fear mongering going on in the current presidential race here in the U.S. the only thing I do have a fear of is that my country will wind up going down the wrong path guided by deluded leaders (as is the current case) and that is something that concerns me but I know that come the 2nd of November I can exorcise that fear by pulling the little lever, pushing the little button, or making sure I don't leave a hanging, dimpled or pregnant chad in the voting booth, so even that fear is even moot. The only other thing I have to fear is that people will be deluded into being afraid and thinking that by pulling the lever to keep things as they are they will be safer when the reality is the complete reverse.

Sorry for the long winded reply :)
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 18:30
No thanks,I'll pass.
I'm more of a city guy.
I definitely want to see New York though.
Before most of the Eastern Seaboard gets swept into the sea by the huge Tsunami due any day.
Keep an eye out for that one.

you mean the one they are predicting will be caused by the imminent collapse of that mountain in africa (the one that is going to fall into the sea when it goes?)
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 18:37
Would it be unkind to point out that "Americans' firm grasp on historical data" failed to make the list?
NeitNJ
15-09-2004, 18:39
Let's give him at least ONE tHiNG:

AMERICAN INVENTED MISINFORMATION :D

they do have holywood and all to remake the stories and make them nicer to their citizen and to the world.

this is the propaganda of ignorance.

i shall stop now as I do not want to generalyze to all that lives in that country.

good day.
Aziran
15-09-2004, 18:44
Originally Posted by Faithfull-freedom
You just proved my point lol

The most recent to change the drinking age up to 21 was I believe LA. Of course persuasion will always play into this, but this also does not require any of the states to conform to them. Under our Constitution and Federalist papers National Security is the only area the states do not have a say in.

Doctor asssisted suicide in only one state. A state that allows any person in the state to carry concealed or open without any permits etc.. States are allowed to do whatever the people of that state want to do with that exception to National Security. That is awesome. That is freedom. That is the people choosing to live their own lives the way they want.

I was not implying what our country happens to do, I was talking about what our Country allows the states to do.

wtf...are you on crack?...I don't know where the hell your getting your info from...but the NATIONAL age for drinking in the US...is 21. That's a national law.
States are allowed to make firearm laws based on their own decisions because Federal law allows them to do so.

There are many Federal law pertaining to issues that don't allow states leeway in.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 18:55
Let's give him at least ONE tHiNG:

AMERICAN INVENTED MISINFORMATION :D

they do have holywood and all to remake the stories and make them nicer to their citizen and to the world.

this is the propaganda of ignorance.

i shall stop now as I do not want to generalyze to all that lives in that country.

good day.

And every other country on the planet is guilty of the same thing. History is written by the winners and rewritten by the future winners or by those with an agenda. The same was done in Europe throughout the middle ages and even further back, Who do you think wrote most of the acient history? It was those in power (mostly Romans and other empires) and every story has an agenda behind it whether it promoting one's own country or promoting anothers views that does not make America the inventor of misinformation Hollywood and others use it just as the rest of the world does.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:00
Would it be unkind to point out that "Americans' firm grasp on historical data" failed to make the list?

As much as I would like to say yes (being an American who grasps historical data with a firm grip and understanding) I would have to say NO in many circumstances because there has been a dumbing down of America led by leaders in both parties who want to make their views the dominant ones and that has resulted in facts distorted then repeated enough to be taken for truth (just like the arguements that al qaeda and saddam were best buddies and Iraq possessed huge stock piles of WMD) it has now been proven that these two things are factually false yet a lot of people still believe them to be true. Perhaps people are just too gullible, who knows. But there is a problem not just here but world wide with the way in which people believe "facts" as presented to them by those in power. In fact I believe it is our duty to not only question but independently investigate issues ourselves rather than doing whatever the government tells us to do. Sadly more people would rather be yes men and followers than do their homework and get to the real facts of the matter.
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:01
...that does not make America the inventor of misinformation Hollywood and others use it just as the rest of the world does.

And here was me thinking that Hollywood produced entertainment, but obviously not, apparently it is a propaganda machine serving the geopolitical interests of the American state...
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:02
wtf...are you on crack?...I don't know where the hell your getting your info from...but the NATIONAL age for drinking in the US...is 21. That's a national law.
States are allowed to make firearm laws based on their own decisions because Federal law allows them to do so.

There are many Federal law pertaining to issues that don't allow states leeway in.

Actually that would be a strict constitutionalist/libertarian interpretation of how things SHOULD work when in reality things work a lot differently. However the main problem is most people would rather live in fantasy than in reality because if they really lived in reality they'd go insane, I am a prime example I spent too much time in reality and am insane as a result MUHAHAHAA. :)
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:03
As much as I would like to say yes (being an American who grasps historical data with a firm grip and understanding)...

My post was a comment on the original poster's rather shaky grasp, rather than a blanket comment damning all Americans.
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:07
Oh, and the entire 'Russian/German/Brit who lived in America" doesn't cut it. All Americans are immigrants to some degree or another, even the 'Native" ones.

So you are saying that there is no difference between someone who is a US citizen, and someone who is only visiting the country?
Allanea
15-09-2004, 19:07
I am an American, and even I have to say that the original post is over-nationalistic, factually wrong, and arrogantly divisive.


I'm not an American. Those who disagree with post above may ask me for links to prove it at their leisure.

Oh, and the entire 'Russian/German/Brit who lived in America" doesn't cut it. All Americans are immigrants to some degree or another, even the 'Native" ones.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:10
And here was me thinking that Hollywood produced entertainment, but obviously not, apparently it is a propaganda machine serving the geopolitical interests of the American state...

They produce entertainment but it is entertainment with an agenda, even documentaries like Farenheit 9/11 have an agenda even if it is an agenda at odds with the geopolitical interests of the current administration. Every culture has used mediums of art, music and literature to influence other cultures just look at how religion was used to convert the indigenous peoples of Europe by "Missionaries" of the Roman empire and Catholic church.

Most of what Hollywood produces is meant as pure entertainment, remember that in the U.S. and elsewhere during world war II most of the entertainment produced was laden with propaganda against the Nazi's and Japanese. The same can be said for action films portraying some soldier type hero launching a one man war against (insert foreign enemy here) that were so popular in the 80's.

As much as this occurred the government itself has failed in its recent endeavors to subvert Hollyweird (sorry californian reference sneaking in) to its will. This is evidenced by the most recent disney flop (disney is the great satan) in which they tried to portray America as being this idyllic state where people lived as they chose and being a lot more free than it is. This is not to say we are not free however the subtext of the film was to paint an altogether different picture than reality.

I would clarify that most of what Hollywood produces lacks a true political intent and can be mostly written off as an opiate for the masses allowing them to break away from the daily drudge of existence and escape into an alternate reality (therefore it is entertaining). However there are acceptions as I have noted.
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:12
Those who disagree with post above may ask me for links to prove it at their leisure.

Explain to me how "Americans invented rubber" - given that it is a naturally occuring product?
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:13
Oh, and the entire 'Russian/German/Brit who lived in America" doesn't cut it. All Americans are immigrants to some degree or another, even the 'Native" ones.

EXACTLY!!!! HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD GIVE THIS MAN (or woman) A CIGAR.

America is a country of immigrants even the "Native Americans" came here by using the ice bridge that existed between Asia and North America.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:14
My post was a comment on the original poster's rather shaky grasp, rather than a blanket comment damning all Americans.

I understand fully but I had to agree with you that was the point of my post :)
Ghargonia
15-09-2004, 19:15
And people think that Britain's weather is bad! That's one of the biggest fallacies going!

You're right. British weather lacks extremes. It's rarely roasting hot, or freezing cold. The wind is rarely dangerous (though, it's getting close), we rarely have a drought. We have floods, but they're not town destroying floors. They just wreck your carpet. A few of them are really dangerous, but that's rare. British weather it just miserable, and unpredictable. That's why WE moan, I'm not sure where the foreign perception comes from. It's also why we seem to talk about the weather more than anyone else. I'm fairly sure that only a few people would have been surprised if it had snowed when we had our hottest day on record last year.
The Force Majeure
15-09-2004, 19:16
EXACTLY!!!! HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD GIVE THIS MAN (or woman) A CIGAR.

America is a country of immigrants even the "Native Americans" came here by using the ice bridge that existed between Asia and North America.

Using that line of thought, everyone not living in East Africa is an immigrant
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:16
Alexander Graham Bell:

Patented the telephone: 1876
Became a citizen of the USA: 1882

Ergo, the telephone was not invented by an American.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:16
Explain to me how "Americans invented rubber" - given that it is a naturally occuring product?

I don't know how we pulled that one off myself. We did make artificial rubber but that's not the greatest invention ever, the greatest invention at this point with regards to rubber is coming up with an economically efficient way to recycle the rubber (ie tires) we have instead of dumping or melting it down which is a major cause of pollution.
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:17
I don't know how we pulled that one off myself.

Presumably the same way that Newton invented Gravity...
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:19
Using that line of thought, everyone not living in East Africa is an immigrant

I thought they traced the origins of man to the western coast of Africa?
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:20
Presumably the same way that Newton invented Gravity...

ROFL yeah and how Benjamin franklin invented Electricity by getting struck by lightning while flying a kite.
Moochio
15-09-2004, 19:23
37 reasons why America is cool

19. Americans invented voiced cinema

17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)

Not to pile on or anything, but these aren't entirely accurate either. Sound cinema was developed in the United States, however much of the technology used for it comes from radio. The Italian emigre Marconi played a large part in this invention, although he took from the work of Michael Faraday (UK) and Joseph Henry (US). Yes, he had a company called Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America, but it was the stateside branch of Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company Ltd., which was formed in England, the country that financed much of Marconi's work. The first transatlantic signal was received from England and received in Newfoundland in Canada.

During World War I, the US Navy decided radio technology in the hands of foreigners was not acceptable and in effect forced American Marconi to sell its patents. Several Americans did exploit Marconi's work, notably the sticky-fingered Lee DeForest. DeForest did invent the Audion tube, essential for amplification, and used this to develop an early sound-cinema system that alas was not very popular.

As to the invention of cinema in general, that depends on what you mean by "cinema." Photography is not really an American invention (Joseph Nicephore Niepce was French or Belgian), nor is moving picture technology (Etienne Marey, another Frenchman, invented the photographic gun, the first device to take a rapid series of photographs). Edison did set his associate, William Kennedy Laurie Dicksen, to the project that produced the kinetograph (camera) and kinetoscope (viewing device -- a peep show device, only one person could use it at a time), though the latter was not a projector. Edison also did not see much future in the medium, and intended it merely as an accompaniment to the phonograph. The first short films were made to be watched while listening to music on the phonograph -- in other words, the first films were music videos.

Edison did not secure international patents on the kinetograph/scope, so in France the Lumiere brothers invented the cinematographe. In terms of the development of cinema as we know it, the cinematographe was an improvement on the American inventions, because it was not only a motion picture camera, but also a film developer and projector. Also, it was much lighter and thus could be taken into the world to make films there. The Lumieres sent agents first around France and then around the world to record very brief scenes from cities or the countryside. These were then projected to enthusiastic viewers: The French, not the Americans, demonstrated the potential for mass viewing of films.

Until World War I, the French had the world's dominant film industry, although American DW Griffith did contribute a great deal to the formalization of cinematic techniques. However, he borrowed from the Italians (tracking shots) and Russians (editing -- the Russians and Griffith were a cinematic mutual admiration society) as well as from the British (storytelling conventions, morality). Feature films were a European development, and became popular in the US only when independent film companies began importing French and Italian epics. World War I decimated most continental facilities, and the US filled the gap ruthlessly. After World War II, it cemented its hold, thanks to the help of the US Government, which created an entity in Europe to distribute widely American films.

So, the American "invention" of cinema is a dicey proposition; the American stranglehold on the modern film industry owes more to warring governments than the rugged individualism of the American inventor.

Sorry to be so garrulous.
Dave Moss
15-09-2004, 19:29
Surely 'America' hasn't achieved anything mentioned above, rather Americans have. None of the above were due to a communal social effort, in fact due to the American focus on individualism surely anything achieved by an American would theoretically only be due to America not getting involved in the effort?

"Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given." If this is so, why do so many Americans preach the outright superiority of America, and Americans, at the expense of other peoples and nations. Why then is it that this intrinsic belief in one's own superiority, seems to be quintessentially American?
Moochio
15-09-2004, 19:32
But without the need to struggle and something greater to work for we would wind up feeling hopeless because there was nothing more to hope for no nw hill to climb, nothing over the horizon. Nothing to reach for. Utopia would be completely and utterly boring. Mankind has always been driven to be better than everything else and when we overcame the majority of nature we had nothing left to turn on but ourselves in being better and that is perhaps the one thing that keeps us going.

Yes, but this kind of begs the question, doesn't it? If you define Utopia as that which would have no challenges and thus be boring, then it isn't really Utopia. Setting aside the issue that few people could agree on what would be an ideal society, you have defined Utopia here as something that could not exist, because one of the essentials for human happiness is necessarily ruled out. For you, then, Utopia might be a society in which the opportunities to find new hills to climb would be limitless and unregulated.

I, on the other hand, don't agree that such maniacal striving to be better than the world is (a) inherent to human nature and (b) a desirable thing. Many societies have lived quite happily (if not utopianly) without dominating the environment or those around them. They still produce art of various kinds, too. So identifying struggle as the sine qua non of human happiness assumes that the results of struggle are what every human strives to produce. Such is not really the case.
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:33
ROFL yeah and how Benjamin franklin invented Electricity by getting struck by lightning while flying a kite.


"6.Americans invented electric power in general"
Bodies Without Organs
15-09-2004, 19:36
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.

To what extent is it valid to say that the Soviets saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Americans?


1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution.

When was the last time you actually checked the French constitution and read what it had to say about rights?
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 19:54
Surely 'America' hasn't achieved anything mentioned above, rather Americans have. None of the above were due to a communal social effort, in fact due to the American focus on individualism surely anything achieved by an American would theoretically only be due to America not getting involved in the effort?

Good point, minus government involvement Americans have achieved great things but as a nation we have no necessarily achieved a lot nor invented much with the exception of things like putting a man on the moon which was due to direct government funding and the goal, at a national level, of doint it. Everything else that we take credit for was not developed by a collective "America" but rather by Americans and mostly with the intent to benefit all man kind not just America.

"Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given." If this is so, why do so many Americans preach the outright superiority of America, and Americans, at the expense of other peoples and nations. Why then is it that this intrinsic belief in one's own superiority, seems to be quintessentially American?

The Europeans have the same issue in believing they are somehow superior to everyone else (not to generalize as there are many Europeans who understand that in reality everyone has their individual strengths and weaknesses.) It's sad that we are portrayed as thinking we are better than everyone else when in reality a majority of us do not feel this way. We all have faults and a majority of us do like how others do things. Sadly our elected (and I use that term lightly since they were appointed) leaders don't get this and have shown only an elitist attitude when dealing not only with other countries but also with the American public, and believe me there are plenty of us here in the U.S. who are totally ticked off about how elitist our officials are acting.
Mr Basil Fawlty
15-09-2004, 19:57
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet no, in Cern, Switserland :upyours:
36. Americans invented the private automobile No, mr Renault (FRANCE)did :upyours:
35. Americans invented the helicopter No, Sykorski did while still Russian, Nazi's made first heli in 1936, flown by Leni Riefenstahl
34. Americans got a man on the moon. =true, but the economy colapsed for it.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer. No, they did not, but IBM was the first comp.firm.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man. No, they did not, Sig Saur did (Swiss)
31. Americans invented the telephone No, they did not Bell did before his citizenship
30. Americans invented the lightbulb. No, they did not, the Dutch did with Phillips
29. Americans invented the television Yep
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft Yep
27.Americans invented rubber No, native Africans did

26.Americans invented the railroad. No, the UK did, followed by Belgium
25.Americans invented the first steamboat. No, the Britts did
24 Americans invented the Submarine You mean Fulton? that is not a sub but a suicide toy, real first real sub is French
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz. Yep
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll Yep
20.Americans invented Rap Yep
19. Americans invented voiced cinema No, shithead, Mr Lumiere from France did btw photographie is French to (Niepce invented it)
18. Americans invented color cinema :rolleyes:
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process) better google that boy, it is vice versa, the uS inveted a cheaper process but had not the brains to invent it
16. Americans invented the jeep. The G.P., well i prefere a Kübelwagen since German cars allways outperform by their superior quality the poor US products
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry. Lemonades are as old as the Roman time,with naturaly sparkling water and Oranges, the Spainish were allreday capable to make grteat things in the 17th century.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.EXPLAIN ME THEN WHY us TROOPS HAD TO BE TRAINED BY THE BRITS BEFORE SEEING ACTION IN ITALY IN 1943? SPECIAL FORCES ARE BRITTISH? FOLOWED BY THE GERMANS (BRANDENBURGERS OF THE FUFTWAFFE PARACHUTIST DIV AND SKORZENY'S TROOPS°

8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are No, they weren't, Niels Borr did and won the Nobell prize for it. first Uranium was given by the Belgian (in Congo) engineers to make your bomb the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.No, allreday used on industrial scale in the Alps in the 18th century. French invention.
6.Americans invented electric power in general No, they did not.
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.No, they did not, the french did
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95No, Maxim did, since a gatling is not a machine gun but a combination of a few rifles fired one after each other without amoband.If that count's , then Leonardo Da Vinci's gatlingtype counts to (350years earlier wich is logic because he had a European brain.
.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.No, they contributed a lit but not in the mather of the Brits and Russians.

1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS)Most Americans agree that they live in one of the least free Western countries and are jalouse at EU liberties, safety , way of life, natural class, education, wines, better food, less smelly then US people (say US women) aso..

Just to counteract the America-bashing.

You know what you invented? A lot of bullshit and a lot of lies.

Just to counteract your EU bashing and lies.BTW, just imaqine a post of a French person of all their inventions, since their nation (starting from let's say the Middle Ages)is much older, it would outperform the US on every list aso with other nations.

I have no hate against the US because I know from my contacts theire that they aren't all that full of Texas propaganda shit as you. Get a brain. :gundge:
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:02
Yes, but this kind of begs the question, doesn't it? If you define Utopia as that which would have no challenges and thus be boring, then it isn't really Utopia. Setting aside the issue that few people could agree on what would be an ideal society, you have defined Utopia here as something that could not exist, because one of the essentials for human happiness is necessarily ruled out. For you, then, Utopia might be a society in which the opportunities to find new hills to climb would be limitless and unregulated.

I, on the other hand, don't agree that such maniacal striving to be better than the world is (a) inherent to human nature and (b) a desirable thing. Many societies have lived quite happily (if not utopianly) without dominating the environment or those around them. They still produce art of various kinds, too. So identifying struggle as the sine qua non of human happiness assumes that the results of struggle are what every human strives to produce. Such is not really the case.

Then, in your Utopian vision, how would you determine success? If everyone had everything they needed and wanted and were to live in the "happily ever after" world of a utopia where everyone had what everyone else had what would be left? What great puzzle would there be to solve on the indivdual level? Where would be the need, drive or desire to be better as on a personal level when you would get no where? To me I relish a new challenge, it is a test that I can take or not take and excel at or fail it is something that drives me just as learning new things drives me. Without a reason to climb that next hill I would never know what is on the other side and would not have the drive to climb it (other than out of curiosity but even curiosity would fall victim in a Utopia where there is nothing to be curious about).

Granted being a diverse species with different thoughts ideals and visions has it's weaknesses ergo terrorism and war when one side disagrees with the other but the alternative, a world in which everyone agrees on everything and everything is given to us by the government (something I would inherently distrust) would impugne on my ability to make an individual decision, right or wrong, and leave me less knowledgable about life. Then again I hate conformity so I would be biased.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:04
"6.Americans invented electric power in general"

We simply harnessed a naturally occuring force much as people of early generations harnessed rivers to run water wheels which in turn powered machinery (not using electricity) to grind up grain, or used wind in wind mills to the same effect. We invented the harness we did not invent the power.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:06
You know what you invented? A lot of bullshit and a lot of lies.

Just to counteract your EU bashing and lies.BTW, just imaqine a post of a French person of all their inventions, since their nation (starting from let's say the Middle Ages)is much older, it would outperform the US on every list aso with other nations.

I have no hate against the US because I know from my contacts theire that they aren't all that full of Texas propaganda shit as you. Get a brain. :gundge:

again my original post in this topic applies right here and thus the bitter cycle will continue because neither side will find common ground rather one will bash another's perceived arrogance with their own arrogance and we will get no where.
Mr Basil Fawlty
15-09-2004, 20:09
again my original post in this topic applies right here and thus the bitter cycle will continue because neither side will find common ground rather one will bash another's perceived arrogance with their own arrogance and we will get no where.

SINCE WHEN IS MAKING A CORRECTION arrogant?
You must be a very arrogant person to say this. Making corrections is good for the poor yanks education, and it is for free.
The Force Majeure
15-09-2004, 20:12
SINCE WHEN IS MAKING A CORRECTION arrogant?
You must be a very arrogant person to say this. Making corrections is good for the poor yanks education, and it is for free.

Ok, here's one: the internet WAS invented in the US. You are talking about the World Wide Web, which was CERN's doing.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:21
SINCE WHEN IS MAKING A CORRECTION arrogant?
You must be a very arrogant person to say this. Making corrections is good for the poor yanks education, and it is for free.

again you have proved the point, you made corrections filled with insults little middle finger icons and other non-constructive invective that would easily lead someone to believe you are just as arrogant about your supposed knowledge as the original poster was about all the things that supposedly were invented in America. Criticism, when constructive, is not arrogant criticism when laced with venom and insults is.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:23
Ok, here's one: the internet WAS invented in the US. You are talking about the World Wide Web, which was CERN's doing.

yes the "inernet" which was the networking of computers was originally DARPANet which was American then via CERN (in association not just with the swiss but also major techie guru's from the US and the rest of Europe) the World Wide Web was invented.
Dreggas
15-09-2004, 20:24
Ok, here's one: the internet WAS invented in the US. You are talking about the World Wide Web, which was CERN's doing.
and here is a constructive criticism/correction made with no arrogance, no invective and no venom.
Luckdonia
15-09-2004, 21:18
you mean the one they are predicting will be caused by the imminent collapse of that mountain in africa (the one that is going to fall into the sea when it goes?)
yes.
Did you have another tsunami in mind?
Biff Pileon
15-09-2004, 21:21
yes.
Did you have another tsunami in mind?

I would like to live closer to the beach. 45 miles just takes FOREVER to drive!!! :D

We are getting some rain from Ivan now....like we need more water right now. :rolleyes:
Mr Basil Fawlty
15-09-2004, 23:24
your supposed knowledge as the original poster was about all the things that supposedly were invented in America. Criticism, when constructive, is not arrogant criticism when laced with venom and insults is.
First: correct first your countrymen before having a opinion (bias) about one that corrected your friend and gave the right facts about Sykorski, Bell, aso with his so called US inventions.

Second: "your supposed knowledge": well perhaps this so called knowledge is making you jalouse and frustrated since you certainly need to look everything up by google.These are such simple facts that everybody knows in my suroundings, jeezus what is special about knowing those simple facts. I am more proud about my history degree and knowledge about for example the 13/14 century and WWII then that. Is this allready something special in Texas? NYC friends of me would know these facts to (but I know that the US 's south is a bit underdeveloped and the IQ is lower then in the north according to "the Lancet", had to do something with poor lifestandards there since in most southern states in wich republicans rule, the population is less developed then in others, due to poor food, bad medication aso.)

I don't and could have give much more detailed info here. Thought that the simple facts were already enough to show that you and your (you to, since you were unable to correct him or agreed with his bias)friend are wrong about those inventions.

BTW, the guy had the finger smilie as a reply on his smilie, but as a US poster you are again lacking criticisism towards your countrymen. He had it commin whit the BS he posted.
Mr Basil Fawlty
15-09-2004, 23:56
Think you guys better post here instead of starting up the same thread that has less pages then this.
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:30
"SINCE WHEN IS MAKING A CORRECTION arrogant?
You must be a very arrogant person to say this. Making corrections is good for the poor yanks education, and it is for free."

In the spirit of making corrections Mr. Fawlty, and since as a yank I've never had (and never will have) the experience to develop your discriminating French palate, I have a question for you:

Which flavor of fascist asshole goes better with your Chardonnay? Would it be national socialist or Muslim Fundamentalist? And whose ass do you kiss to accompany a nice Cabernet Sauvignon?

I mean say what you like about Americans because your country has spent the last century licking the asses of every fascist power you've come across until someone, be they American or otherwise, saved your scrawny little frog asses so you could go on thumbing your noses at everyone.
Camdean
16-09-2004, 00:33
America is cool because

They wont sign up to the treaty that all other respectable countrys have to stop global warming they just want to build more sleezy weapons and spill more oil and fill the air with gases that will melt the ice caps to quickly before we can get into space to stop humans being wiped from earth.

HOW BLOODY COOL
Bodies Without Organs
16-09-2004, 00:33
"SINCE WHEN IS MAKING A CORRECTION arrogant?
You must be a very arrogant person to say this. Making corrections is good for the poor yanks education, and it is for free."

In the spirit of making corrections Mr. Fawlty, and since as a yank I've never had (and never will have) the experience to develop your discriminating French palate, I have a question for you:

Which flavor of fascist asshole goes better with your Chardonnay? Would it be national socialist or Muslim Fundamentalist? And whose ass do you kiss to accompany a nice Cabernet Sauvignon?

I mean say what you like about Americans because your country has spent the last century licking the asses of every fascist power you've come across until someone, be they American or otherwise, saved your scrawny little frog asses so you could go on thumbing your noses at everyone.


Hint: IIRC Mr Basil Fawlty isn't French. Anyone else you would like to flame while you are at it?
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:36
Wow, maybe they'll make him an honorary citizen.
Bodies Without Organs
16-09-2004, 00:38
Wow, maybe they'll make him an honorary citizen.

For what: correcting erroneus claims?
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:40
He was talking about how France would stack up against the US, I figured I'd mention their most well-known acheivement in the world theatre in the past century.
Bodies Without Organs
16-09-2004, 00:42
He was talking about how France would stack up against the US, I figured I'd mention their most well-known acheivement in the world theatre in the past century.

The activities of the Free French in working towards liberating their homeland?
Dreggas
16-09-2004, 00:43
First: correct first your countrymen before having a opinion (bias) about one that corrected your friend and gave the right facts about Sykorski, Bell, aso with his so called US inventions.

Second: "your supposed knowledge": well perhaps this so called knowledge is making you jalouse and frustrated since you certainly need to look everything up by google.These are such simple facts that everybody knows in my suroundings, jeezus what is special about knowing those simple facts. I am more proud about my history degree and knowledge about for example the 13/14 century and WWII then that. Is this allready something special in Texas? NYC friends of me would know these facts to (but I know that the US 's south is a bit underdeveloped and the IQ is lower then in the north according to "the Lancet", had to do something with poor lifestandards there since in most southern states in wich republicans rule, the population is less developed then in others, due to poor food, bad medication aso.)

I don't and could have give much more detailed info here. Thought that the simple facts were already enough to show that you and your (you to, since you were unable to correct him or agreed with his bias)friend are wrong about those inventions.

BTW, the guy had the finger smilie as a reply on his smilie, but as a US poster you are again lacking criticisism towards your countrymen. He had it commin whit the BS he posted.

obviously you missed my point, criticizing someone with venom and insults is no better than the fact that he was wrong in his initial post. You go further in somehow thinking I am from the south (wrong). Agreed his post was factually wrong and there is nothing wrong with criticizing it, however the tactic you used of insulting him (and other Americans) is no better than an American doing the same thing to you...
Camdean
16-09-2004, 00:46
LoL damn drink i thought id posted allready about america and the global warming subject ..

Ah well its on both similair threads :)
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:46
What activities were those? Waiting for an international force to come in and do their work for them?
Bushrepublican liars
16-09-2004, 00:48
"In the spirit of making corrections Mr. Fawlty, and since as a yank I've never had (and never will have) the experience to develop your discriminating French palate, I have a question for you:.

Since when is Basil French? Just because you can not speak French and he can, besides his other tongues? He is not. But you showed your blind hate against a people (the French aso) that has the guts to point "your fascist asshole" when it is acting like the Nazis did around the world.

"
Which flavor of fascist asshole goes better with your Chardonnay? Would it be national socialist or Muslim Fundamentalist? And whose ass do you kiss to accompany a nice Cabernet Sauvignon?:.

No, on the wine forum, he said that he liked Romanée Conti wich is a Pinot Noir. Chardonnay, especially overoaked Californian BS would not be his style, that is more for Joe sixpack like you that only knows 2 winegrapes. Better put Bush's penis out of your mouth when you speak.

"
I mean say what you like about Americans


Of course, but he is a critical person with lots of US friends for this, you have no friends :rolleyes:


"
because your country has spent the last century licking the asses of every fascist power you've come across until someone, aso.

I am sure that his nation did not like fascisme neither did France but your the living example of US Nazi and negationist.(th eway you over rate the US role and denie the links between your presidents family and the leading Nazi's during the 30ties and early 40ties, even after Pearl, the Bushes where still Nazi fanatics, thus threaters).
Bodies Without Organs
16-09-2004, 00:51
What activities were those? Waiting for an international force to come in and do their work for them?

Resistance activities in France disrupting the occupiers, generating intelligence reports so that the other Allies were able to carry out the Normandy landings, local supporrt and insurgency after D-Day, supporting downed allied airmen in enemy territory, aiding escaped POWs, armed conflict in Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritreia, Syria, Lebanon, Italy, Alsace, southern France... all of these prior to the liberation of Paris, after which they fought as French forces in the drive to Berlin.
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:58
"Since when is Basil French? Just because you can not speak French and he can, besides his other tongues? He is not. But you showed your blind hate against a people (the French aso) that has the guts to point "your fascist asshole" when it is acting like the Nazis did around the world."

How are we acting like "Nazis did around the world?"


"No, on the wine forum, he said that he liked Romanée Conti wich is a Pinot Noir. Chardonnay, especially overoaked Californian BS would not be his style, that is more for Joe sixpack like you that only knows 2 winegrapes. Better put Bush's penis out of your mouth when you speak."

But it's firmly stuck between your teeth.


"Of course, but he is a critical person with lots of US friends for this, you have no friends :rolleyes: "

Coming from a leech like you I'll take that as a compliment. :)



I am sure that his nation did not like fascisme neither did France but your the living example of US Nazi and negationist.(th eway you over rate the US role and denie the links between your presidents family and the leading Nazi's during the 30ties and early 40ties, even after Pearl, the Bushes where still Nazi fanatics, thus threaters).

Never said anything about the president's family or even that I liked the president. He did have a good show on Comedy Central before it was canceled.... :p
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 00:59
"Resistance activities in France disrupting the occupiers, generating intelligence reports so that the other Allies were able to carry out the Normandy landings, local supporrt and insurgency after D-Day, supporting downed allied airmen in enemy territory, aiding escaped POWs, armed conflict in Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritreia, Syria, Lebanon, Italy, Alsace, southern France... all of these prior to the liberation of Paris, after which they fought as French forces in the drive to Berlin."

What about Vichy France?
Bodies Without Organs
16-09-2004, 01:00
What about Vichy France?

What about them? You asked what the Free French did, and I answered your question.
Gruntar
16-09-2004, 01:20
What about them? You asked what the Free French did, and I answered your question.

Got me there :) .
Gwyl Hur
12-11-2004, 12:33
[QUOTE=Allanea]37 reasons why America is cool

31. Americans invented the telephone
QUOTE]

Alaxander Bell invented the telephone. He was born and live in Canada all his life. I visited his house (now a museum) when I was in Canada last summer.

If you're wrong about that how is anyone supposed to believe you actually got any of your other statments right?

I'm afraid your post just makes you look like an uneducated person with a little too much national pride.
Von Witzleben
12-11-2004, 12:42
Oh yeah: who invented America?
Martin Waldseemüller. A German cartographer.
Portu Cale
12-11-2004, 12:47
America was invented by mother earth :D

And named after the Italian Americo Vespucio
Kleptonis
12-11-2004, 12:48
Why America isn't quite as bad as the rest of the world makes it out to be: Europe sent us their worst, criminals, religious deviants, followers of the most extreme ideologies, and hordes of the poor and uneducated, yet we're a world superpower. Our politics suck, but hey, at least we haven't accidentally pressed the button and unleashed nuclear death on every living being on earth. :D
New Fuglies
12-11-2004, 12:55
Why America isn't quite as bad as the rest of the world makes it out to be: Europe sent us their worst, criminals, religious deviants, followers of the most extreme ideologies, and hordes of the poor and uneducated

I think that was Australia. :)
Molle
12-11-2004, 13:01
I think that was Australia. :)

And US and Australia are now conservative nations who preacher morals. Irony, anyone?
Damaica
12-11-2004, 13:13
INTERNET?? Don't make me laugh, it was invented in Switzerland in CERN!!

Actually, the first reported use of an "internet" was by the U.S. military as a way to ensure global military intelligence sharing with minimal risk. By using an "internet" of computer systems, it became virtually impossible to destroy communications, since there was no longer a single hub that everything routed through.

Likewise, you cannot hack into "super top secret goverment systems" because they run on their own internet, which is not accessible by any system not connected to it.
NianNorth
12-11-2004, 13:16
Actually, the first reported use of an "internet" was by the U.S. military as a way to ensure global military intelligence sharing with minimal risk. By using an "internet" of computer systems, it became virtually impossible to destroy communications, since there was no longer a single hub that everything routed through.

Likewise, you cannot hack into "super top secret goverment systems" because they run on their own internet, which is not accessible by any system not connected to it.
Yes an internet may have been created by the US military, but what we all use is the world wide web, invented by an English man, who I do believe was working in Switzerland.
ProMonkians
12-11-2004, 14:08
Okay, now that the first list has been debunked, I present to you a second more acurate list:
10: America invented the atom, before 1956 things were made from dirt.
9: America, they brought you the hamburger. (Ask Morrisey what to do with it).
8: America invented the human thumb.
7: America invented all spoken and written language.
6: The joke was first developed by a team of American scientists in 1967.
5: Buttocks.
4: Cheese in a can.
3: They conclusively showed that it was indeed the chicken that came first a not, as some Europeans would have you believe, the egg.
2: Oversized novilty inflatable hammers.
1: Human DNA.

I'd like to see anyone argue with this list!
:p
Ghargonia
12-11-2004, 14:33
2: Oversized novilty inflatable hammers.

I beg to differ; that was invented by a certain Mr. Mallet, who wore brightly coloured clothes and had a general sense of insanity about him.
Luporum
12-11-2004, 14:45
The dropping of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima (Little Boy) and Nagasaki (Fat Man) were not tactics that won the war, they were barbaric acts of savegry in a prelude to the Cold War.

Well, let's look at the alternative..

Invasion of Mainland Japan: Far more would have died than those at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Hell, invading the small islands cost tens of thousands of lives; thanks to the Japanese fighting to the very last man. Do you really think that the millions living in Japan would just give up even after supplies ran out?

Fat Man and Little Boy, although killing a great multitude, did indeed prevent the need of a mainland invasion from either the U.S. or Russia.
Preebles
12-11-2004, 14:50
Well, let's look at the alternative..

Invasion of Mainland Japan: Far more would have died than those at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Hell, invading the small islands cost tens of thousands of lives; thanks to the Japanese fighting to the very last man. Do you really think that the millions living in Japan would just give up even after supplies ran out?

Fat Man and Little Boy, although killing a great multitude, did indeed prevent the need of a mainland invasion from either the U.S. or Russia.
Wasn't Japan on the verge of surrender anyway?
Jeruselem
12-11-2004, 15:08
I got it! America invented anti-Americanism.
Valenzulu
12-11-2004, 15:32
but who invented the keyboard?

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_248.html

I don't know if anyone else has answered your question as I have yet to read the whole thread, but this should give you some information.
Yammo
12-11-2004, 15:40
Okay, now that the first list has been debunked, I present to you a second more acurate list:
10: America invented the atom, before 1956 things were made from dirt.
9: America, they brought you the hamburger. (Ask Morrisey what to do with it).
8: America invented the human thumb.
7: America invented all spoken and written language.
6: The joke was first developed by a team of American scientists in 1967.
5: Buttocks.
4: Cheese in a can.
3: They conclusively showed that it was indeed the chicken that came first a not, as some Europeans would have you believe, the egg.
2: Oversized novilty inflatable hammers.
1: Human DNA.

I'd like to see anyone argue with this list!
:p

Hehehe...this list made me laugh. It's so true.....
DeaconDave
12-11-2004, 15:56
How in the hell did this thread get to fourteen pages?

I mean, really, people.
Jun Fan Lee
12-11-2004, 16:07
Bear in mind "Americans" is different to an "American corportation". Also many ideas were stolen from individuals by corporations - i.e. the television

FALSE

Americans invented the Internet
Americans invented the helicopter
Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun
Americans invented the telephone
Americans invented rubber (wtf, rubber comes from a plant fool, and the Nazis developed the first synthetic polymers)
Americans invented the railroad.
Americans invented the Submarine (a dutch guy did)
Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
Americans invented the computer (that was Zuse)
Americans invented the machinegun
Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets - this is ludicrously simplistic


To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.....lmao!

Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THINGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Many US principles were taken directly from the French, their greatest ally, who helped them gain independence. Unlike the French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans wrongly believe that "morals" or "rights" are "natural". This is a completely discredited idea, made all the more ironic by the fact that they took the idea of human rights from the French - who had just invented them. It is obvious that morality and any "rights" people have in a state system are totally socially constructed - there are no "true rights" or values, and never have been. If the US government really believes rights are given by God, then why the hell do they constantly violate the "rights" of others, refuse to adhere to the geneva convention and continue to take civil liberties away from their own people.
DeaconDave
12-11-2004, 16:09
Oh that ^--^ kind of thing is why. I see now. My mistake.
Unfree People
12-11-2004, 16:21
Lose the flaming, guys.

Unfree People
Forum Moderator
Johnistan
12-11-2004, 16:32
While America did not invent many of the things on that list. They did make them usable and workable for mass production and use for general public.
Johnistan
12-11-2004, 16:34
Wasn't Japan on the verge of surrender anyway?

Then why didn't they surrender after the 1st bomb? Why did it take 2?
Ge-Ren
12-11-2004, 16:36
WARNING * BULLSHIT * WARNING


Some of it. I'd like to speak to the evolution of democracy thing.

Americans put together a bunch of disparate elements from all over Europe and took a Native American concept to create the nation. I'll give you a brief list:

Separation of powers in government comes from French philosophe the Baron the Montesquieu.

The notion of confederations comes from the Iroqouis Confedederation, a Native American group and arguably the first "true" confederation in the world. George Washington received gifts from them during the Revolutionary War, and likely got ideas from them.

The social contract which suggests the basis for the Constitution comes from Cornelius van Bynkershoek, a Dutchman.

The natural rights of the people to rebel against an unjust government, the basis for the Declaration of Independence, comes from Thomas Hobbes, an Englishman.

The "inalienable" rights of man comes straight from John Locke. He was English too.


What is most important and most American about our government is that the Founding Fathers had the intelligence and creativity to put all of these ideas together to create a lasting social experiment that IS worthy of imitation and praise. For all of America's faults, there is no doubt that the country has influenced countless democracies and attempts at them, and that many things about America have become a source of inspiration as well as envy. This does not take away from the accomplishments of other nations. It only states realistically what America has done, good and bad.

BTW...I am American. I'm proud of that. I just don't have to be arrogant about it.

Ge-Ren
Ogiek
12-11-2004, 16:40
Americans are the only people on the planet who have a real felt need to be loved by others. We can't just be a member of the world community, warts and all, no, we must be adored and validated at every turn. And if we don't get constant reminders that we are wonderful, loving, giving, fantastic people then we assume that other hate us.

America is an insecure young woman who is sure her beau hates her if she doesn't hear "I love you" everyday.
Yiddnland
12-11-2004, 16:56
For all the american bashers, (I'm not), but even if many europeans invented what this guy just said, they probably wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for America. America is a land of enterpreneurs. It's no coincidence that this europeans that immigrated to America invented or discovered something.

(By the way, color TV was invented by a Mexican, Xavier H.)
Graecio-romano Ruslan
12-11-2004, 17:18
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet. BULLSHIT. it's swiss
36. Americans invented the private automobile. nothing to be proud of
35. Americans invented the helicopter.
34. Americans got a man on the moon. so?
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man. again, nothing to be proud of
31. Americans invented the telephone WRONG. alexander grahem bell was scottish
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine NO. Mr Holland (who invented the submarine) was, infact, Irish
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz. TRUE.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll ALSO TRUE
20.Americans invented Rap nothing to be proud of
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner. WRONG. Mr De haviland was ENGLISH
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy. nuclear power is clean? Tell that to the residents of pripyat
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95 See also 20
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95. See also 20
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets. NO. the germans wouldn't have taken over any more of europe because the RAF (an english invention) knocked the shit out of them. as for the USSR? don't get me started...
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list. errrrrr.... rrrriiiiigght.

and now for one of my own points... (which also deals with all the english bashing on the internet) the english invented modern america.
Ekardia
12-11-2004, 17:23
Television, rubber, railroad, the first steamboat, submarine weren't invented by Americans!! Who wrote and posted this bullshit?!!

The first submarine was american in the 1860's and there was even a prottypebuilt in the 1700's
Beloved and Hope
12-11-2004, 17:35
For all the american bashers, (I'm not), but even if many europeans invented what this guy just said, they probably wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for America. America is a land of enterpreneurs. It's no coincidence that this europeans that immigrated to America invented or discovered something.

(By the way, color TV was invented by a Mexican, Xavier H.)

Now what's enterpreneur in English.
Nimzonia
12-11-2004, 17:42
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun

Nope, the first semi-automatic handguns were made by Hugo Borchardt (1894), and Paul Mauser (1896). Both German. The Luger Parabellum (1908) also predated the first American semi-automatic handgun.
Staggering drunks
12-11-2004, 17:42
You know, if the original poster was American, it would explain alot. I'm not exactly with the 'America is Englands evil offspring' but they sure like to toot thier horn.
EL CID THE HERO
12-11-2004, 17:53
31. Americans invented the telephone
Alexander Graham Bell invented that. a scot

30. Americans invented the lightbulb.

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story074.htm

was invented in 1879 simultaneously by Thomas Alva Edison in the United States and Sir Joseph Wilson Swan in England

29. Americans invented the television

http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae408.cfm

On December 2, 1922, in Sorbonne, France, Edwin Belin, an Englishman, who held the patent for the transmission of photographs by wire as well as fiber optics and radar, demonstrated a mechanical scanning device that was an early precursor to modern television. Belin’s machine took flashes of light and directed them at a selenium element connected to an electronic device that produced sound waves. These sound waves could be received in another location and remodulated into flashes of light on a mirror.

9.Americans invented the computer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_computer

Invented in ww2 to help crack the enigma code

2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis...
ofcorse because the 20 million Russians who got kill must have just been careless[/sarcasm]

...and later from the Soviets.
Russia never had any desire to conquer Europe

Just to counteract the America-bashing.

and by proving that America has an overinflated ego you have done just that[/sarcasm]
Seosavists
12-11-2004, 17:58
The first submarine was american in the 1860's and there was even a prottypebuilt in the 1700's
Wrong, you have the first submarine built for war, I think.
first
http://www.dutchsubmarines.com/specials/special_drebbel.htm

Modern submarine
http://www.engology.com/articlesubmarine.htm
European City States
12-11-2004, 18:26
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet
36. Americans invented the private automobile
35. Americans invented the helicopter
34. Americans got a man on the moon.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
31. Americans invented the telephone
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Just to counteract the America-bashing.

First computer was British was invented to crack Nazi codes so was kept secret.
Television and telephone are Scottish.
Railways were in Britain first THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BEGAN HERE!
Steam power was invented in Britain.
Germany I believe had the submarine first, before the First World War.
Cinema and recording technology nope.
First civil airliner was the British Comet.
Machine guns were around long before the US started using them.
The only reason your country was 'founded on freedom' is because its hundreds of years younger than the other nations you talk about, the 'rights' you speak of are in every one of those countries constitutions and have been for along time. Just because they werent a few hundred years ago matters not. Besides thanks to your lovely 'Patriot Act' other countries citizens enjoy greater civil freedoms than the US.

In short you are an idiot.
Texas-SOM
12-11-2004, 18:27
Interesting that after 15 pages, we still have some minor disagreements.
The internet was invented in the US.
The concept of the World Wide Web was invented in Switzerland.


Most of the other stuff was pure BS, but I really am curious about the rest of the world's views on WW1 and WW2. We've been taught that the US was the deciding force in both world wars. Perhaps it explains why some americans think europeans are arrogant and ungracious - we've been taught that we saved their asses at least twice, and they still don't trust us to do what (our government thinks) is right.

Many americans are also only now realizing that the US isn't necessarily "good", and all of our enemies (or anyone who disagrees with us) "bad". Some are finally realizing that the US does what is best for the US (or the US government)...and not much else.

sorry for rambling... :)
European City States
12-11-2004, 18:31
For all the american bashers, (I'm not), but even if many europeans invented what this guy just said, they probably wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for America. America is a land of enterpreneurs. It's no coincidence that this europeans that immigrated to America invented or discovered something.

(By the way, color TV was invented by a Mexican, Xavier H.)

Alot of these inventions were from people who left Europe between the Wars, for example rocket technology was developed by German scientists in the US building on the V-2 designs. Bell Laboratories that developed the mobile phone was founded by Alexander Graeme Bell, who was Scottish. The car is European also, Henry Ford was the first to mass produce.
Dekcohs
12-11-2004, 18:31
37. Americans invented the Internet
WRONG - The modern internet was created by a brit working in Switzerland

36. Americans invented the private automobile
WRONG - The car was invented by a German - Herr Benz (mercades-benz). Henry Ford made the first MASS PRODUCED car.

35. Americans invented the helicopter
WRONG - Russians invented the Helicopter

34. Americans got a man on the moon.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
WRONG - The Brits beat you to it.

32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
The revolver was british and was stolen by the yanks from the London Tower. However, the Semi is American.

31. Americans invented the telephone
Wrong - Bell was Scottish

30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
WRONG - Invented by Yogi Baird - A scotsman.

28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
WRONG - Another British

25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap - Why's that make you cool? It's the worst form of music!
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
Yep, Coca-Cola, used to clean engines. What does that say to you?!

14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
If you were speaking anymore Bull, you'd be one. Practical Shooting was invented by the British, hence we have the most elite armed forces in the world.

13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
WRONG - The computer was invented in MANCHESTER, UK in 1948

8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
One word - Chernobyl.

7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
Let's go destroy the eco-system!!!

6.Americans invented electric power in general
Could have sworn that was the French

5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
WRONG - America invented the spring loaded bolt-action rifle (The Springfield), but the first bolt action rifle was British.

2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
PULL THE OTHER ONE!!! Britain held out for 3 years without any "interference" from the yanks, we could easily have held out for the rest of the war. We have the most elite armed forces in the world and you really should learn to accept that. As for the rest of Europe, maybe.

1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.
Bull. The American constitution is based on the Magna Carta (Signed by King John in the 1400s, King of England).

Care to steal anything else from the British?
The Tribes Of Longton
12-11-2004, 18:32
Interesting that after 15 pages, we still have some minor disagreements.
The internet was invented in the US.
The concept of the World Wide Web was invented in Switzerland.


Most of the other stuff was pure BS, but I really am curious about the rest of the world's views on WW1 and WW2. We've been taught that the US was the deciding force in both world wars. Perhaps it explains why some americans think europeans are arrogant and ungracious - we've been taught that we saved their asses at least twice, and they still don't trust us to do what (our government thinks) is right.

Many americans are also only now realizing that the US isn't necessarily "good", and all of our enemies (or anyone who disagrees with us) "bad". Some are finally realizing that the US does what is best for the US (or the US government)...and not much else.

sorry for rambling... :)
well, for starters, we didn't actually 'win' WWI. Germany capitulated and signed the Treaty of Versailles (which, by the way, means that Germany still owe France, the UK and some other countries millions of pounds).

And secondly, yes the US was a major factor in WWII. But you weren't our 'saviours' or anything. You just added to numbers. You want proof that the US were pants on D-Day:
Omaha beach. The Americans refused aid from the UK for the differing flotilla tank thingies, and respectfully declined those heath-robinson looking mine busters and other cool inventions by that UK guy (can't remember his name). Result:
Your tanks for Omaha beach all sank, the first wave of men were completely cut down by machine-gun fire, and the second wave ran into a soddin mine field.

US arrogance certainly won out that day
European City States
12-11-2004, 18:38
Interesting that after 15 pages, we still have some minor disagreements.
The internet was invented in the US.
The concept of the World Wide Web was invented in Switzerland.


Most of the other stuff was pure BS, but I really am curious about the rest of the world's views on WW1 and WW2. We've been taught that the US was the deciding force in both world wars. Perhaps it explains why some americans think europeans are arrogant and ungracious - we've been taught that we saved their asses at least twice, and they still don't trust us to do what (our government thinks) is right.

Many americans are also only now realizing that the US isn't necessarily "good", and all of our enemies (or anyone who disagrees with us) "bad". Some are finally realizing that the US does what is best for the US (or the US government)...and not much else.



sorry for rambling... :)

I would say the US was more of a deciding force in the Second World War, though what happened is distorted by hollywood movies eg U-571 was set before the US had even entered the war, complete bullshit! The allies won the war, not just the US and the pivotal role played by the Russians is very often ignored from a US stand point (probably not wanting to show the communists doing a good thing) The German lost the war in Russia, nowhere else, the eastern front took a massive toll on both sides while the British bombed the hell out of German industrial areas (cities like Dresden were completely flattened more or less) The US troops arrived at a turning point were their extra numbers bolstered the Allies enough to mount an ultimately successful landing in France, but by no means did they act alone.
Again in the First war it was simply the extra numbers that they provided that helped, but it was on a much smaller scale. When the US entered the German's were already running out of basic industrial materials etc. They just helped to end the war quicker.
Gibinz
12-11-2004, 18:40
the helicopter who was invented by a russian was immigrated to the usa and than developed the helicopter further
thats beceause americans aren't smart but all imigrants are
and a lot fo those inventions are actually by immigrants

nuclear power, albert einstein
lots of things are from imigrants..

actually the earliest prototype of the helicopter was made by leonardo davinci, who was an ittalian and did not immigrate to the u.s.
The Tribes Of Longton
12-11-2004, 18:57
actually the earliest prototype of the helicopter was made by leonardo davinci, who was an ittalian and did not immigrate to the u.s.
never worked, test models never worked. The guy who wrote this is still a pratt, though.
Life and Chaos
12-11-2004, 19:08
its people like that, that make me want to smash my head and move to another country dont get me wrong america is a great place but it has many faults and we dont need people that are so blind to the fact that america isnt as great as most americans believe it is people need to start to face facts and face reality that we are a bully and a very stubborn nation that seems to think that everything we do is the right and only way and every other nation in the world is stupid
Servenia
12-11-2004, 19:08
You also forgot to put the 48th greatest thing that americans did:

48. Americans invented false weapons of mass destruction on Irak and used that as an argument for going to war!
Santa- nita
13-11-2004, 07:39
Freedom,
economic, political and social freedoms.
JiangGuo
13-11-2004, 11:17
Freedom,
economic, political and social freedoms.

Political freedom, in a country with a two-party system, where the Democrats (at least right now) are only Republican-lite. Independents are actively but legally suppressed by both parties. Even a voting system where the elected President may not be the most popular by individual vote count - remember what the original idea of democracy is, rule by majority.

Social freedom, true, still much more liberal than many parts of the world. The conservative/zealotic elements are working away at it like straving rodents consuming a chunk of cheese.

I'm not sure, what you mean by economic freedom. Care to explain?
JiangGuo
13-11-2004, 11:25
I would say the US was more of a deciding force in the Second World War, though what happened is distorted by hollywood movies eg U-571 was set before the US had even entered the war, complete bullshit!

Completely agree with you so far.

The allies won the war, not just the US and the pivotal role played by the Russians is very often ignored from a US stand point (probably not wanting to show the communists doing a good thing)

Very true. Soviet military losses in WWII far exceeded that of the US/UK combined, not matter how you collect your statistics.

To their credit, the US did a pretty good job dealing with the Japanese. But it is important to recognize the role of the Chinese, who were wrecking all manners of hell, requiring a large Japanese garrison which could not be on the islands in the Pacific, making the American's task much easier.
Dobbs Town
13-11-2004, 11:26
America is cool because it has many air-conditioners.
Preebles
13-11-2004, 12:14
America is cool because it has many air-conditioners.
It's also winter there!

And the government IS rather good at manufacturing reasons for going to war...
New York and Jersey
13-11-2004, 12:26
As an american I can point to some faults in the original post..while sure the US didnt even the first sub, we were way ahead of the Germans in using them for warfare. The US was the first to develop the steel warship(civil war ironclads), the US developed intercontinental air travel(and not to mention a US pilot is the only one as to my knowledge who managed to barral roll on purpose a civilian passenger jet for show.)

And sure while we werent the first ones to know about the atom, we still managed to harness its power before everyone else. Which means whoever disagreed with the second poster wasnt all exactly right themselves.

As for the television debate you folks may wish to check again. RCA(an american company) is considered by many to produce the first working televisions.The tele as we know it today was fixed by Americans to work. Sorry folks the Germans didnt invent TV, they didnt even use it first. They were just the first ones to use it for propoganda.

What's good about America is sure, you can point out those folks were immigrants and those folks werent born American..but whats your point? This country takes a persons dreams and brings them to life. In the end they became Americans. Whether some of you folks like it or not. Point out technicalities like saying (they were born elsewhere) is being a little petty..but hey whatever..I've learned both sides of the pro-US anti-US debate need to stuff it with the rhetoric.

As for Helicopters, they date back to toys made in China centuries ago. The first fully human controlable helicopter though was the Focke-Wulf FW-61. The Germans deserve credit for it. We just made using them distinct(Korea and Vietnam)
Biochemistryland
13-11-2004, 12:43
Actually, America didn't "invent the computer". The first mechanical computing machine, known as the Difference Engine was invented by Charles Babbage in my home town of Totnes, UK, and as such was the only famous thing to come out of that town. I think you've made quite a number of assumptions without doing all the research.
New York and Jersey
13-11-2004, 12:49
Oh and for quick reference, Allanea isnt American. Therefore we as a nation claim no responsability for him or comments made by him. That is all.
New Genoa
13-11-2004, 12:50
Both sides are mind-numbingly arrogant.
New Genoa
13-11-2004, 12:56
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet. BULLSHIT. it's swiss WRONG, BEEN DISCUSSED ALREADY
36. Americans invented the private automobile. nothing to be proud ofANY REASON?
35. Americans invented the helicopter.
34. Americans got a man on the moon. so?YOU'RE RIGHT, IN FACT, I GOT TO THE MOON YESTERDAY. EASY, EH? OR JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE TO SAY AMERICANS ARE DUMB?
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man. again, nothing to be proud ofREASON?
31. Americans invented the telephone WRONG. alexander grahem bell was scottish WELL, LET'S USE A BIT OF YOUR LOGIC. NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF.
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine NO. Mr Holland (who invented the submarine) was, infact, IrishNOTHING TO BE PROUD OF!
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz. TRUE.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll ALSO TRUE
20.Americans invented Rap nothing to be proud of WHY?
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner. WRONG. Mr De haviland was ENGLISH NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF!!
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy. nuclear power is clean? Tell that to the residents of pripyat
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95 See also 20
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95. See also 20
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets. NO. the germans wouldn't have taken over any more of europe because the RAF (an english invention) knocked the shit out of them. as for the USSR? don't get me started... YOU'RE RIGHT. ALL THOSE AMERICANS WHO DIED WERE USELESS SHITHEADS. AND YOU COMPLAIN THAT WE CAME INTO THE WAR TOO LATE BUT GIVE US NO CREDIT! SO THE US DIDN'T NEED TO ENTER THE WAR!
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list. errrrrr.... rrrriiiiigght.

and now for one of my own points... (which also deals with all the english bashing on the internet) the english invented modern america.[I]YOU CAN'T INVENT LANDMASS.

that is all.
Graecio-romano Ruslan
27-11-2004, 18:49
invented america as in removiung the natives and starting to build cities. as I write this I realise that infact the people who colonised america were the dutch.
Neo Cannen
27-11-2004, 19:47
37. Americans invented the Internet


Wrong. The internet was invented by British psyscist Tim Berners Lee


32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.


The guy who invented the revolver nicked the idea from a British ship firing system


31. Americans invented the telephone


What nationality was Alexander Graham Bell?



26.Americans invented the railroad.


Rearly? And what about the victorian railways and the stevensons "Rocket"


24 Americans invented the Submarine


No, the first submarine was invented by Drebell (cant spell it exactly) and he rowed it down the Themes


21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll


Extremely debateable


15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.


And you are proud of this why?


9.Americans invented the computer.


The personal computer maybe, but the Diffrence Engine was the first computer invented in BRITAIN
Tietz
27-11-2004, 19:54
Americans invented reality tv!
Wait, that makes me want to move. Is it cold up in Canada?
Mythotic Kelkia
27-11-2004, 20:05
Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS[sic]). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government

:confused: :confused: :confused: and this is seen as a GOOD thing to believe??? All this point of view ends up doing is identifying the ACTUAL source of these 'rights'; the state; as a 'natural', 'innate' and 'god-given' concept. IMO this misguided point of view is what makes American 'Freedom' the most dangerous evangelical force in the world today.
Drangonsile2
27-11-2004, 20:12
37 reasons why America is cool


37. Americans invented the Internet
36. Americans invented the private automobile
35. Americans invented the helicopter
34. Americans got a man on the moon.
33. Americans invented the first personal computer.
32. Americans invented the semi-automatic handgun and the revolver - the most efficient personal self-defense weapons known to man.
31. Americans invented the telephone
30. Americans invented the lightbulb.
29. Americans invented the television
28.Americans launched the first private spacecraft
27.Americans invented rubber
26.Americans invented the railroad.
25.Americans invented the first steamboat.
24 Americans invented the Submarine
23. Americans invented the phonograph - the first sound recording machine.
22. Americans invented Jazz.
21. Americans invented Rock'n'Roll
20.Americans invented Rap
19. Americans invented voiced cinema
18. Americans invented color cinema
17. Americans invented cinema in general (Lumiere just developed a cheaper process)
16. Americans invented the jeep.
15.Americans invented Coca-Cola, starting the whole idea of a soft drink industry.
14. Americans invented Practical Shooting, revolutionising the way LEO's and special forces agents train and fight.
13. Americans invented the cell phone
12. Americans built the first modern civil airliner.
11.Americans invented jeans clothing as we know it today.
10.Americans where the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles (Daimler invented them, but never produced them)
9.Americans invented the computer.
8.Americans invented nuclear power. To date, nuclear and solar power are the two cleanest ways to produce energy.
7.Americans invented hydroelecttri power, which, while not as environmentally sound as usually considered, is still very efficient.
6.Americans invented electric power in general
5.Americans invented the first real solar collector.
4.Americans invented the machinegun. See also 95
3.Americans invented the bolt-action rifle. See also 95.
2. Americans saved Europe from the Nazis and later from the Soviets.
1. Americans are, to this day, the only country not only founded on the idea of democracy, but also one idea of freedom (DIFFERENT THIGS). Unlike French, Germans, Japanese, or whoever, Americans believe rights are natural/innate/god-given, not given to you by a government, an idea notoriously absent, say, from the EU constitution. It means those rights are not subject to majority vote. It is that heritage of freedom that enabled Americans to achieve the rest of the stuff on this list.

Just to counteract the America-bashing.


Not all americans are as dumb as this. Me for example am an above average student in USA, so maybe average in England.
New Genoa
27-11-2004, 20:32
Not all americans are as dumb as this. Me for example am an above average student in USA, so maybe average in England.

I hate it when people assume that just because we're American that someone in the UK or Europe is automatically smarter than us... :rolleyes:
New Genoa
27-11-2004, 20:33
Americans invented reality tv!
Wait, that makes me want to move. Is it cold up in Canada?

No, we didn't invent it. I believe the UK did. We just overuse to death...
Magical Shiny Funland
27-11-2004, 20:52
Suprisingly you have neglected to mention the many, many reasons America is not so cool.

I won't list them because my head hurts, but maybe someone else would like to?
Drangonsile2
27-11-2004, 21:19
I hate it when people assume that just because we're American that someone in the UK or Europe is automatically smarter than us... :rolleyes:

I am american
And the Educational system in Europe is far more advance compared to ours.
Neo Cannen
27-11-2004, 21:47
I hate it when people assume that just because we're American that someone in the UK or Europe is automatically smarter than us... :rolleyes:

From my sociological and historical understanding of the American education system I can see that it has several flaws and I will explain why

1) You go on far too long without an exam. In Britian manditory schooling goes up to 16 where you do GCSE's. Your system is much longer and means that you are stuck with disruptive stupid pupils for far longer

2) You have a very limited resorce of your own history to teach from and so many students may feel "Why are we studying X period in Europe? It has nothing to do with us?" and do and thus become dissalusioned with the subject. The same thing happens in British schools with Afro-Carrabien students.

3) Becuase your education system is uncentralised it has the problem of varying from state to state. A high school diploma in minnisota could be competely diffrent to one in califorina.