NationStates Jolt Archive


Thoughts of an American..Brimstone this may bare

Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 21:47
I usually avoid posting in threads where America is the main topic as I’ve found out through reading most replies from Americans are distorted. Some rightfully so because of sheer idiocy. I love my country and what I believe it stands for though I may be an ignorant man because of it. I read posts that some label as “Anti-American” so I can have some sort of understanding of people outside me area. You may call me anything you wish for I most likely is that. For example, Over Patriotic, Arrogant, Ignorant, Less knowledgeable, and for those Muslims that believe America is Satan, Evil.
I don’t care who has the highest standard of living in a country. My fathers, fathers work hard for what I have now. They farmed on a very big plot of land. But when farming no longer paid the bills, they sold off a portion and donated another to the township to make a school. They tore down the house they built by hand to make way for the school and rebuilt down the road. You can call them stupid Americans; my Grandmother was the first of the second generation to get a high school education when she was in her 60’s. I am of Armenian decent and here because of a French ship Captain that decided to take a fleeing Armenian away from the “Turks” and certain death. Do I owe France? No. Does my family owe a certain French Captain and in this time period his family? Yes. They do not go around the Internet trying to make us own up to what they have done for us. I know, as I’m sure they do that nothing I do or say NOW can change what happened so many years ago. Things that have been DONE are moot for people who think otherwise. If I were the historical figures that so many have pointed out the deeds that they have done to support their opinion, then I might trifle with the debts owed thy country. But I am not nor would try and make reason past acts of compassion or malice should be rewarded now Vs focusing on former and trying to spread it.
So you don’t like Americans? Fine, that’s your right as a human being to not like me. I feel no other obligation to defend America other than to say “I Love Being A American’
And all the Facts that might be brought forth from history are most likely true about my country. No one however can change them for they are done, and we have to reap what were sown yesteryears. For those people that think America or any other Super Power of their day should not have interfered with other nations Get Over it, unless you plan on getting yourself into a position to stop it in the future complaining now will not help the world. And for the few Americans that post online that feel “Anti-Americanism” is every where you are mistaken. People will always dislike other nations for any number of reason (stolen cats included) the Internet just facilitates the transport of their opinion around the world.
Ubiqtorate
08-03-2005, 22:00
I think it is important to distinguish betwenn hatred of America and disagreement with it's policies. I've been to the States twice, and I enjoyed both visits.
That said, I think the invasion of Iraq was not properly justified, to the world or to Americans. I believe that the crimes commited at Abu Gharaib need to be addressed. I feel that the current US administration believe they may act however they wish in the world, simply by virtue of having the ability to do so. As a Canadian, I believe many of the policies my country puts forward, such as more open immigration, and a national healthcare system, are better than their American equivalents. I find the American media hopelessly biased.
But, the United States does many good things for the world, and to categorize it as evil is wrong. Arrogant, perhaps, but not evil. And any criticism of the state should be leveled against the state, not individual Americans.
Pride in one's nation and heritage is found throughout the world. Americans are certainly entitled to theirs.
Hitlerreich
08-03-2005, 22:02
I believe that the crimes commited at Abu Gharaib need to be addressed.

and of course, the pro liberation activities in Abu Ghraib must be ignored :rolleyes:
Nadkor
08-03-2005, 22:05
jesus, get off your high horse

people dont dislike americans, they dislike some americans

and its just as bad the other way round (US -> Europe)
Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 22:06
I want to clarify that I did not mention "hate of America" nor did I express intrest in debateing current issues. I just wanted to vent and post my humble opinion before the gaze of the world.

Nadkor: As far was i read no one is on a high horse. Plz reread my post in its entire form.
Ubiqtorate
08-03-2005, 22:07
and of course, the pro liberation activities in Abu Ghraib must be ignored :rolleyes:

Justice is something that must be applied impartially. Simply because I feel one part of an issue needs to be addressed does not mean that I think the rest should be ignored.
However, I think that perhaps the alleged torture has not been properly investigated.
The point was that there were crimes, and though I disapprove of them, it doesn't mean that I hate the United States.
Ubiqtorate
08-03-2005, 22:09
I want to clarify that I did not mention "hate of America" nor did I express intrest in debateing current issues. I just wanted to vent and post my humble opinion before the gaze of the world.

Nadkor: As far was i read no one is on a high horse. Plz reread my post in its entire form.

I did not wish to instigate debate on those issues. I merely use them to state that perhaps not everyone who points to America's flaws hates the country.
Nadkor
08-03-2005, 22:10
Nadkor: As far was i read no one is on a high horse. Plz reread my post in its entire form.
i have

just because you come up with some long winded "leave my country alone" doesnt mean people are going to...ive seen it a couple of times over the last few days - and everytime it gets it wrong...people dont hate the US, or Americans, they dislike some Americans, especially the current administration. they may not be fond of some of the US' actions, but they dont hate all Americans

and the Americans give just as good as they get, its not a one sided thing
Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 22:11
I'm comfounded.. I posted my opinion not about my country but more about people on these forums and it turned into exaclty what i wanted not. Posts should be made to me refering to my original post Vs debateing a country. I now wish I would have kept shut or atleast thought out my Title a little more.
Nadkor
08-03-2005, 22:12
I'm comfounded.. I posted my opinion not about my country but more about people on these forums and it turned into exaclty what i wanted not. Posts should be made to me refering to my original post Vs debateing a country. I now wish I would have kept shut or atleast thought out my Title a little more.
im talking about people on this forum, including yourself, not your country
Umphart
08-03-2005, 22:14
Originally posted by Gurenlian
I'm comfounded.. I posted my opinion not about my country but more about people on these forums and it turned into exaclty what i wanted not. Posts should be made to me refering to my original post Vs debateing a country. I now wish I would have kept shut or atleast thought out my Title a little more.

I love America to, as a resident, (my ancestors came here in 1707).
I think some people from foreign countries have a misguided view of America, which is a major reason for terrorism and the such.
Bunnyducks
08-03-2005, 22:15
-Snip-
What a nice post. I'm glad you love the country you live in. What a happy coincidence you too happened to be born in a country you can love. Let's count ourselves lucky.
Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 22:21
By all means Nadkor dont leave my country alone. Their are plenty of threads to do that in, this however is not one of those "leave my country alone" threads. And thanks bunnyducks just wish my auto insurance was lower..alot lower. :rolleyes:
Bunnyducks
08-03-2005, 22:22
You don't want to start talking taxes with a Finn... trust me.
Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 22:24
I will have to trust you then :p
Yatsurau
08-03-2005, 22:31
As an American I can certainly see why a good portion of the world hates The US. The simple fact is that America likes to get into other peoples buisness, bite off more then it can chew, get in to the current trillion dollar deficit and then be completely screwed. The thing is that there are some people in other countries, ie Iraq, that believe in American principles but disagree with our leaders to date. I for one don't support Bush. But as an American there will be people out there who will believe I do simply because I am an American. However if you can separate the actions of the people and the government you are basically more civilized than any nation who labels people based on nationality, Americans are usually included in these ignorant groups of people.
There are many slogans out there to separate the patriots and the unpatriotic. One such being "America, Love it or Leave it."
I think that there should be a line between the whole loving a country and supporting it's leaders is different. I love my country despite the many difficulties I've had living here. I believe that there is a lot of good that can come from our country that hast been shown throught the Bill Clinton Presidency and his now depleted surplus. However I also believe that there are a lot of things that can be improved and made better.
I agree with a Canadian's point of view that our health care system sucks and I personally don't have the health coverage that insures hospital visits. So God forbid something was to happen to me then I would put my family in a financial crisis in having to pay for it. There are just a lot of things that can be made better. I just have a little statement that could probably help a lot of people in guiding actions in our leadership and trying to make this world a better place to live in. "Pass the world on to your children better that you recieved it so that they can do the same. In doing that you will have helped to achieve a great but an achievable goal."
Gurenlian
08-03-2005, 23:03
Tho I do like your post, again I say I did not intend my original post to be a defense of America or to air its dirty laundry. It was my feelings towards people that feel they must defend or cast light on a countrys faults. Example I can Love America and not be Elitist, but as can be read I mention American in my title and its assumed I am defending my counties actions. If I was to say I was attacking anybody it would be the people that have a pissing contest about whos country is better, and who owes what to whom for past deeds they themselves were not involved.
Nimharamafala
08-03-2005, 23:17
jesus, get off your high horse

people dont dislike americans, they dislike some americans

and its just as bad the other way round (US -> Europe)

I agree.