NationStates Jolt Archive

I was reading various foreing articles and transcripts from just after the election, and I'm surprised by the level of maturity I saw. Most of them actually wished us well, and they said that they hope that the next four years will be a time for healing. I only saw one article that insulted the US. I believe it was an editorial in the Guardian that said that Americans are "frighteningly stupid and arrogant." I'm glad that the rest of the world doesn't act like so many of the liberals on the internet do. I guess the internet is just the outlet for the anger of malcontent teens.

But what I'm trying to say is that that's the kind of maturity you guys need to learn. Do you actually think anything is going to get better by saying that Americans who voted for Bush are "stupid rednecks?" That's just going to make us hate you. It's fine to disagree with us, but don't look down on us like that.

And yes, I know that there are conservative trolls who say all kinds of things about Europe. They need to mend their ways as well.

So, bravo zulu, world!

I was reading various foreing articles and transcripts from just after the election, and I'm surprised by the level of maturity I saw. Most of them actually wished us well, and they said that they hope that the next four years will be a time for healing. I only saw one article that insulted the US. I believe it was an editorial in the Guardian that said that Americans are "frighteningly stupid and arrogant." I'm glad that the rest of the world doesn't act like so many of the liberals on the internet do. I guess the internet is just the outlet for the anger of malcontent teens.

But what I'm trying to say is that that's the kind of maturity you guys need to learn. Do you actually think anything is going to get better by saying that Americans who voted for Bush are "stupid rednecks?" That's just going to make us hate you. It's fine to disagree with us, but don't look down on us like that.

And yes, I know that there are conservative trolls who say all kinds of things about Europe. They need to mend their ways as well.

So, bravo zulu, world!

Do you mean the same EUropeans who put this headline on the cover of one of their magazines:

"How Can 59,000,000 People Be So DUMB"

That kind of maturity? Is that what you're talking about?

Well, I see your point. I am a Canadian, and I do wish you well in the next four years. I do however think that Americans have once again shot themselves in the foot when it comes to how the rest of the world views them. The first time America elected Bush Jr, at least you could claim ignorance. Now however, after experiencing four years of terrible foreign policy, out-right lies, and corporate and government (the two are too close to justly seperate) scandel, the american people have no excuses. This time, the world will hold you accountable for your voting actions. Brace yourselves america, soon you will not be welcome outside your borders. Hold on America, soon you will see the violence you reap on the rest of the planet come hard and fast into your homeland.

It is a sad day for the world, for we ALL endure another four years of the Neo-cons, not just you.

Well, I see your point. I am a Canadian, and I do wish you well in the next four years. I do however think that Americans have once again shot themselves in the foot when it comes to how the rest of the world views them. The first time America elected Bush Jr, at least you could claim ignorance. Now however, after experiencing four years of terrible foreign policy, out-right lies, and corporate and government (the two are too close to justly seperate) scandel, the american people have no excuses. This time, the world will hold you accountable for your voting actions. Brace yourselves america, soon you will not be welcome outside your borders. Hold on America, soon you will see the violence you reap on the rest of the planet come hard and fast into your homeland.

It is a sad day for the world, for we ALL endure another four years of the Neo-cons, not just you.Most people I know voted for Bush because it seemed like Kerry had even less of a plan than Bush did. Most of them said that they were voting for the guy they thought was going to "do the least damage." Sad that we have to vote on that kind of a basis, huh?

As for that threatening end to your post, we already saw that in 2001. There will be more terrorist attacks, no doubt. We know. We expect it.

Well, I see your point. I am a Canadian, and I do wish you well in the next four years.
No you don't, the remainder of your post proves it. You're just saying that so you can rationalize to yourself that you're still a "good person."
I do however think that Americans have once again shot themselves in the foot when it comes to how the rest of the world views them. The first time America elected Bush Jr, at least you could claim ignorance. Now however, after experiencing four years of terrible foreign policy, out-right lies, and corporate and government (the two are too close to justly seperate) scandel, the american people have no excuses. This time, the world will hold you accountable for your voting actions. Brace yourselves america, soon you will not be welcome outside your borders. Hold on America, soon you will see the violence you reap on the rest of the planet come hard and fast into your homeland.
These sound way too much like threats to me. Better watch it, Mohammed, the FBI, CIA, and NSA can trace you.

As for that threatening end to your post, we already saw that in 2001. There will be more terrorist attacks, no doubt. We know. We expect it.what he said is not a threat...its an Omen...

Its is not before the Election(he is not trying to change you mind)....its after we've done it.

thats how i feel.... we've done it.

what he said is not a threat...its an Omen...

Its is not before the Election(he is not trying to change you mind)....its after we've done it.

thats how i feel.... we've done it.

America has pretty open borders. Our citizens are free to leave whenever they want, unlike many other countries.

...
These sound way too much like threats to me. Better watch it, Mohammed, the FBI, CIA, and NSA can trace you.
http://images.google.ca/images?q=tbn:Hj4qrld3oAEJ:www.kokoseis.de/kokoseis/wallpaper/1024_768/mib.jpg

:D :D :D

Oh no please please dont call them :D

Most people I know voted for Bush because it seemed like Kerry had even less of a plan than Bush did. Most of them said that they were voting for the guy they thought was going to "do the least damage." Sad that we have to vote on that kind of a basis, huh?
Michael Badnarik was on the ballots in 49 states.

... Our citizens are free to leave whenever they want, .Even after the Draft?

One can still see it from the positive side: Bush is gonna "entertain" the rest of mankind with 4 more years of blunders, bushisms and atrocities. At least with him, we already know what we can expect to see. The question is, will he cause WW3 or will he not? Will he attack Iran, Syria or NK or not? And what will be the reason this time? Santa Claus being suspected to hide in Iran? Brace yourself for a bumpy ride.

Those foreign nations better be nice. If they know what's good for them. :eek:

Even after the Draft?

What draft?

As a european, I know it's up to you who you pick as president.

The Gardian Paper is not one of the ones I would chose to read, as they are left of UK politics (even more left than Blair who is more left than Kerry) and are also trying to be green.

The world has commented on the fact that Bush has shown he couldn't give a **** for the long term impact of his policies on the planet. This has been discussed to death on various threads.

We in europe have a lot of disagreements with each other but we are aware that some things need to cross the boarders, that was why the EU was started. It would be nice if the UN would take this on and everyone world wide would take these issues up there and abide by them. If this was the case I think that 98% of the world would get out your face about your elections.

I wish you well, I hope that your economy flurishes and your energy problems are sorted.

I was reading various foreing articles and transcripts from just after the election, and I'm surprised by the level of maturity I saw. Most of them actually wished us well, and they said that they hope that the next four years will be a time for healing. I only saw one article that insulted the US. I believe it was an editorial in the Guardian that said that Americans are "frighteningly stupid and arrogant." I'm glad that the rest of the world doesn't act like so many of the liberals on the internet do. I guess the internet is just the outlet for the anger of malcontent teens.

But what I'm trying to say is that that's the kind of maturity you guys need to learn. Do you actually think anything is going to get better by saying that Americans who voted for Bush are "stupid rednecks?" That's just going to make us hate you. It's fine to disagree with us, but don't look down on us like that.

And yes, I know that there are conservative trolls who say all kinds of things about Europe. They need to mend their ways as well.

So, bravo zulu, world!

Wait... I thought we were just jelous

Those foreign nations better be nice. If they know what's good for them. :eek:


This is a joke, Right?

God I hope this is a joke, the trouble is watching the US over the last 30 years we never know.

PS we aren't the type to be afraid, the UK got in to Both world wars long before the US thought about it. (PS Hollywood got those films ALL wrong, shit a lot of the battles the US won in the films too place before you even joined.)

This is a joke, Right?

God I hope this is a joke, the trouble is watching the US over the last 30 years we never know.

PS we aren't the type to be afraid, the UK got in to Both world wars long before the US thought about it. (PS Hollywood got those films ALL wrong, shit a lot of the battles the US won in the films too place before you even joined.)


Nope, I'm dead serious. Probably. :p

Don't try to turn this into another "the USA didn't do shit to help win WWII" thread, because that's not the topic, and I'm really tired of hearing that tripe.

And Dave, stop threatening the Europeans.

What I always thought was that the world will become complacent with Bush, simply because he's not going anywhere for a long time. Most of the world, after all, only started disliking him after the second half of his first term.
What really surprised me, however, is how soon it is happening. Don't get me wrong, disagreements will still exist. But resolving those differences has been blocked by both sides. Bush seems more willing to "reach out" (if only because he may be another lame duck president). The other countries will reciprocate, perhaps moreso a few years into his second term.

I Know this is a bit of thread, but what is it about the US and guns?

Last I heard it worked out that statistically there was two each.
If you live in the city when are you going to carry it or use it?

in the UK, the laws have changed recently so that we can't even carry a knife with a fixed or locking blade, regardless of length. Not a major problem for me but you guys get to carry two guns each around. I don't get it.

And Dave, stop threatening the Europeans.


AWWWWW!

Don't try to turn this into another "the USA didn't do shit to help win WWII" thread, because that's not the topic, and I'm really tired of hearing that tripe.


Sorry Ryanania, that really was not my intention. I do get Pissed off though when I see a film set in WWII and it's wildly inaccurate. But it's not your fault.

I Know this is a bit of thread, but what is it about the US and guns?

Last I heard it worked out that statistically there was two each.
If you live in the city when are you going to carry it or use it?

in the UK, the laws have changed recently so that we can't even carry a knife with a fixed or locking blade, regardless of length. Not a major problem for me but you guys get to carry two guns each around. I don't get it.

Most people in big cities don't carry guns (or even own them).

I have family in a very rural area. The county sherrif is at least an hour's drive away. And there is only a few of them for the whole county (which is about 4 or 5 times the size of northumberland), so having a gun is considered necessary for self defense. Plus there is a problem with black bears in the spring and fall.

Anyway, target shooting is fun.

Last I heard it worked out that statistically there was two each.
You heard wrong. Lies, damned lies, and statistics.

If you live in the city when are you going to carry it or use it?
When someone breaks into your house some night, intending to rape your wife and kill you both.

in the UK, the laws have changed recently so that we can't even carry a knife with a fixed or locking blade, regardless of length. Not a major problem for me but you guys get to carry two guns each around. I don't get it.
A complete misconception. We don't walk around "carry two guns each." You've seen too many movies. Maybe you should come visit and see what it's [I]really like here.

This is a joke, Right?

God I hope this is a joke, the trouble is watching the US over the last 30 years we never know.
That's true, you never know. So it would be prudent to treat us with a little care and respect. Right?

PS we aren't the type to be afraid, the UK got in to Both world wars long before the US thought about it. (PS Hollywood got those films ALL wrong, shit a lot of the battles the US won in the films too place before you even joined.)
I know a hell of a lot about WWII, and have probably seen all the same movies you have. Can you name one or two that are inaccurate in the manner you describe? (I'm not talking about using the wrong vehicles or stuff like that. I mean one where the movie depicts something that didn't happen.)

You heard wrong. Lies, damned lies, and statistics.


I think he's probably grouping handguns, long guns, shot guns all together. As there are at least 80,000,000 handguns, I can well believe that there are 600,000,000 guns in the US.

Of course this includes grandpa's rusty old springfield 1903, or something, so I doubt all these guns work.

That's true, you never know. So it would be prudent to treat us with a little care and respect. Right?


I know a hell of a lot about WWII, and have probably seen all the same movies you have. Can you name one or two that are inaccurate in the manner you describe? (I'm not talking about using the wrong vehicles or stuff like that. I mean one where the movie depicts something that didn't happen.)

Enigma!!

Going back to the original thread...you think that the mood in Europe is like that, do you? Wrong!! It's actually much more like this (from the University of Durham student journalism website - hardly a national broadsheet, but quite a representative view):

America votes for suicide
added 04.11.04


With Bush's victory confirmed, Daniel Wylie looks ahead to what the next four years hold for America and the rest of us...

Ambushed | He's in the money | Scare tactics | For God's sake | The pilgrims' progress?

Ambushed
So we underestimated him. With the final votes being counted in the must-win state of Ohio, John Kerry decided that the gap was too wide for him, and conceded, giving George Bush and his team of Keystone Cops another term in the White House. This was a truly awful night for the Democrats. George Bush won the popular vote by roughly 4 million, giving him a clear mandate. In addition, he achieved the largest number of electoral votes in Presidential history, and became the first candidate since his father in 1988 to win a majority of votes cast, on a massive turnout. The entire result of Kerry’s efforts over the past months was…New Hampshire. Nothing else budged. The news was even worse in the Congressional races, with the Republicans widening their lead in the Senate and the House of Representatives: the Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle was deposed in South Dakota.


He's in the money
The election saw one of the peculiarities of American politics: large swathes of working class voters voting against their economic interest. After all, what does Bush offer the poor? His tax reforms are focussed on the rich. This does not just include the income tax cuts but the abolition of the estate and dividends taxes, both of which hit the wealthier harder. Poverty is up by 3 or 4 million since 2000; the numbers without health insurance rose by at least 5 million. Real wages are stagnating, and health care costs are rising. Furthermore, Bush’s plans for the second term offer more of the same. Social security will be partially privatised, leaving less money for those who cannot afford private savings accounts. Further “welfare reform” will take place, throwing the welfare burden onto the states and churches (the famous “faith based initiatives”), who do not have the resources to match provision of central government. Tax reform will further enrich Bush’s cronies, with the progressive income tax firmly in their sights: other taxes that hit wealthier people like capital gains tax will also be dealt with. And so called “tort reform” will make it harder for workers to sue their bosses if they are injured on the job due to the negligence of management. Oh, and are you interested in forming a union? Forget it.


Scare tactics
And yet millions of workers march through the Republican lobbies, enabling policies that benefit big business and the rich, but not them. Why? Three words: fear and loathing. The fear is national security: Bush’s campaign to paint Kerry as a weak flip flopper who would endanger America worked a treat. Let me be clear; Bush has done nothing to deserve the tag of “strong” on national security. His administration slept at the wheel for nine months before 9/11 while “the system was blinking red”, ignoring multiple warnings from various agencies and refusing to discuss Islamic terrorism seriously. They failed to capture Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora. They invaded a country which had nothing to do with 9-11, and what is more did it in an utterly incompetent fashion, strengthening the cause of worldwide jihad. They let Pakistan pardon the man who was spreading nuclear technology all over the Middle East (A.Q. Khan). Thousands of Muslim youth have been radicalised into joining terror groups due to the bumbling response to 9-11. Osama Bin Laden must be delighted that Bush has been re-elected; his number one recruiting sergeant will continue to help his cause. And yet, large numbers of Americans believe that Mr Bush is “strong” on terror: well, I suppose he does talk big.

For God's sake
The loathing refers to cultural issues. Millions of Americans have been tricked by ruthless Republican politicians into believing that the “elites” of America are not big corporations and the upper class, but liberal egghead cultural snobs. Thus, the key issues of the day are not economic ones like real wages or health care, but “moral” issues like gay marriage and abortion. The Bush team take advantage of the social conservatism of millions of evangelical Christians to put forward the view that if you don’t take a stand on these issues you are failing Jesus Christ: never mind the fact that America has a wall of separation between church and state. Last Tuesday, 11 states had anti gay marriage amendments: they all passed. So Bush’s victory may well have been down to, not Iraq or the economy, but homophobia. His call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage can be seen as a masterstroke of appealing to the lowest common denominator. There is worse to come. Four of the nine Supreme Court justices may well retire during the next four years, allowing Bush to pick extreme right wingers. This would pave the way for challenges to abortion and affirmative action, amongst other past victories for civil liberties.


Indeed the next four years are shaping up to be a dark period for America. The federal deficit is 500 billion dollars, and with Bush spending money like a drunken sailor it has the potential to cripple the economy. The thin wall between church and state will be further smashed to pieces, with the Republicans controlled by the Religious Right. If Bush chooses to act aggressively abroad a draft is more than likely, as the American army is already overstretched. The resources of the federal government will continue to be looted by Bush’s cronies: according to a leading conservative, Grover Norquist, they aim to “shrink government to a size where we can drown it in the bathtub.” And the Republicans are playing for keeps: they now control all three branches of government comfortably, and it has always been Karl Rove’s dream to create a hegemony of power, where the Democrats are relegated to permanent minority status. One party rule is never an enticing prospect in any country: there is nothing that stands between the Republicans and realisation of their radical schemes.


The pilgrims' progress?
America was founded in 1776 on the values of the Enlightenment: the first such state in the world. Reason, progress and a balance of powers were the hallmarks of the system set up by the Founding Fathers, with religion kept out of government. What a contrast to the Bush administration. With the rise of the New Right (a coalition of evangelicals, anti government fanatics, plutocrats and imperialists) America is now moving away from the Enlightenment towards “theocratic patrimonialism”, where faith takes precedence over reason and the controllers of the government use its resources to loot the nation’s wealth for themselves and their cronies, while duping millions of people to support them through the lowest common denominator. As John Mitchell said in 1970: “America is going so far to the right that you won’t recognise it”. Thomas Jefferson would be rolling in his grave.

daniel wylie

That was rather long, actually, wasn't it? Sorry!

Ambushed | He's in the money | Scare tactics | For God's sake | The pilgrims' progress?

Ambushed

Edited to remove the boring badly informed bit.

daniel wylie


Well, judging by how badly informed Mr. Wylie is about the US, I would hazard a guess that he's not representative of the mood in England either.

Plus, he's a university of Durham student. And they are known clowns.

Enigma!!
What? That movie is totally 1000% accurate man! Hasn't Hollywood tought you anything?

And everyone knows that we foreign devils just speak english with an accent.
German is quite easy to learn, it consists entirely of: "Where is der microfulm?" and "we have wayz of making zyou talk"...

What? That movie is totally 1000% accurate man! Hasn't Hollywood tought you anything?

And everyone knows that we foreign devils just speak english with an accent.
German is quite easy to learn, it consists entirely of: "Where is der microfulm?" and "we have wayz of making zyou talk"...

Oh, but of course! How could I be so wrong?

And Durham students aren't clowns...where were you a student?

Oh, but of course! How could I be so wrong?

And Durham students aren't clowns...where were you a student?

Oh, I'm Icelandic, my school was a gigantic igloo.

Well, judging by how badly informed Mr. Wylie is about the US, I would hazard a guess that he's not representative of the mood in England either.one of the reasons why I come to this Forum..to have an idea of the moods in Far away places....

Now i dont expect to have a representive idea about French, swedish, or Japanese "moods"

But for my standarts...we have enough British, Canadian, and Aussi Citizens in this Forums...to be "representative"

For me...that is pretty good feeback.

Yes, I think that DeaconDave has rather missed the point: the article was posted not as an argument for that viewpoint, but rather as a demonstration of that viewpoint. Its informedness, or otherwise, is irrelevent.

And I would like to know where DeaconDave is/was at university, seeing as he has the cheek to insult the venerable U of D.

Come on, DeaconDave, answer me! Stand up and be counted!