NationStates Jolt Archive

I'd like to let you yanks know that the whole world isn't ganging up against you. There are people who admire and support the United States all around the world, myself included. Indeed, enough of the British public (or at least those we elected to represent our views) are keen enough on America that a parliamentary majority was willing to commit troops to strengthen your military presence in Iraq, and obviously similar occurances took place in Australia, Spain and a bunch of other places.

Now, personally I'm not an advocate of heavy military spending, and I feel the money could have been better spent - or indeed not spent at all and not taxed in the first place - but I admire America's non-military success as a nation as well, and while it's nowhere near perfect, it's a damn lot better than plenty of other places.

Regardless of my personal views on military spending, the military support we and others offered you shows that we don't totally hate your guts.

I know that this "actually I don't totally hate America" stance is widely frowned upon and unpopular, but I'm not trying to start any sort of flaming session here, I just want to demonstrate that America's international reputation isn't as dire as some people make it out to be.

Well, from me:

I don't hate the world, and I hope the world doesn't hate me.

Finally, something other than the "X hates Y" threads!

i agree. most people i know (in the UK at least) don't hate america, just disagree with the decisions of the current government. its nothing like a hatred of a nation

I SO hate Y!!!

You don't hate us? Thanks! suckers

i agree. most people i know (in the UK at least) don't hate america, just disagree with the decisions of the current government. its nothing like a hatred of a nation

Nothing wrong with that. I disagree with our government, but don't hate anything. In my opinion, criticism is accepatble, hatred isn't.

I'd like to let you yanks know that the whole world isn't ganging up against you. There are people who admire and support the United States all around the world, myself included.
As I try to note within other discussions, there are seldom any Issues that you will find 100% agreement on in any Society. So while they may be expressing their own views on the matter, I am sure I could find some Country men/women of theirs that agree with me and not them, even if they are in the minority...

Funny thing about those "minorities" is... They seem to be the "silent" type of minorities that actually become "Majorities" when "voicing" their opinion seems to matter...

Why do you suppose that is? :D

God Bless the Silent "Minority" :p

Regards,
Gaar

I appreciate the fact that some people can see the difference between hating or disagreeing with a government versus the culture it comes from. As an American, I can say I can't stand my current government at all. I didn't vote them in, and I am ashamed of much of their actions.

That doesn't mean I hate America altogether. There are a lot of things that need changing, yes, but in general, I love my country.

Ge-Ren

I appreciate the fact that some people can see the difference between hating or disagreeing with a government versus the culture it comes from. As an American, I can say I can't stand my current government at all. I didn't vote them in, and I am ashamed of much of their actions.

That doesn't mean I hate America altogether. There are a lot of things that need changing, yes, but in general, I love my country.

Ge-Ren
personally i don't understand how some people are unable to make that distinction :confused:

As I try to note within other discussions, there are seldom any Issues that you will find 100% agreement on in any Society. So while they may be expressing their own views on the matter, I am sure I could find some Country men/women of theirs that agree with me and not them, even if they are in the minority...

Funny thing about those "minorities" is... They seem to be the "silent" type of minorities that actually become "Majorities" when "voicing" their opinion seems to matter...

Why do you suppose that is? :D

God Bless the Silent "Minority" :p

Regards,
Gaar

Tacit support is still support. Just because we pro-Americans aren't always screaming it from the rooftops like some in the anti-US camp, doesn't mean we don't exist. :)

Thank you sir. It's nice to hear that we still have some friends out there. God Save The Queen!

THat's nice to know. :) (Honestly, I'm glad someone likes us outside our borders)

Well, I'm an American, and I like the government AND the nation, which here on the forums is about one in a million. :D

What I don't like is the fact people in my own Great Nation (yes, I'm a patriot and a nationalist) hate America and all it stands for, wish for its downfall, yet continue to live in it. Personally, I think they all need to be lined up and shot -- that's what you do with traitors.

I'd like to let you yanks know that the whole world isn't ganging up against you. There are people who admire and support the United States all around the world, myself included. Indeed, enough of the British public (or at least those we elected to represent our views) are keen enough on America that a parliamentary majority was willing to commit troops to strengthen your military presence in Iraq, and obviously similar occurances took place in Australia, Spain and a bunch of other places.

Now, personally I'm not an advocate of heavy military spending, and I feel the money could have been better spent - or indeed not spent at all and not taxed in the first place - but I admire America's non-military success as a nation as well, and while it's nowhere near perfect, it's a damn lot better than plenty of other places.

Regardless of my personal views on military spending, the military support we and others offered you shows that we don't totally hate your guts.

I know that this "actually I don't totally hate America" stance is widely frowned upon and unpopular, but I'm not trying to start any sort of flaming session here, I just want to demonstrate that America's international reputation isn't as dire as some people make it out to be.

Let it be known that this is pretty much falsity.

The majority of British people did NOT support the war in Iraq, which is why the largest protest over the war (internationally) was in London. Blair abused his rights.

And while we aren't screaming it from rooftops like some in the anti-US camp, we aren't necessarily 'pro-US'. People with opinions can be 'pro' too. :)

Let it be known that this is pretty much falsity.

The majority of British people did NOT support the war in Iraq, which is why the largest protest over the war (internationally) was in London. Blair abused his rights.

It wasn't like Blair just said "right, that's it. We're off to Iraq". Parliament discussed the issue at length and eventually a majority vote allowed troops to be committed.

:mp5: The world doesnt hate america?

The most people in this world dont hate each other.
I dont hate anyone. I am german, 36 years old and married since 10 years.
But i know that the american politic of the last 5 years and during VN- War was mostly wrong.
Money is not the way an empire can survive
and military strange isnt it also. Look at history.
( and America is like an Empire today)
could it be some other thing or not ? 4 years more bush is wasted time 4 all
in the world. poor alaska.

What I mean is, there are even non-Americans who don't rampantly despise George Junior's government either. I disagree with him on several major issues both economic and social, but I prefer him to Kerry, and I'm certainly not one of the hundred or so people on this forum who voted him a worse leader than Hitler and Stalin in that stupid "who was worse - Bush, Hitler or Stalin" poll a while back.

Yes, though you can probably gather it from my posts, I'm a non-American lover of America. Dogburg summer up my feelings fairly accurately; though I don't have a problem with Saddam being ousted for no other reason than he's a Very Bad Man. I love America, and I love her people (Friendliest people I have ever met, airport staff excepted.), and I suppose that explains why I get so defensive about criticism (Just like anyone else would.) - it pushes people to extremes, and I sorry to admit that I am pushed as easily as the next man.

For the record, there are plenty of things about Bush I really detest, namely his stance on abortion and gay marriage, but these are hardly reasons to dent my affection of the place as a whole.

Yes, though you can probably gather it from my posts, I'm a non-American lover of America. Dogburg summer up my feelings fairly accurately; though I don't have a problem with Saddam being ousted for no other reason than he's a Very Bad Man.


Yeah, Saddam being gone is most certainly a great achievement, I never disputed that, I just shudder at how much it cost.

That is true, 'tis a shame it cost so much. Politics was a major factor, though. Had politics not gotten in the way, casualties on our side could have probably been cut in half, yet we'd be in Iraq for the same amount of time.

I'd like to let you yanks know that the whole world isn't ganging up against you. There are people who admire and support the United States all around the world, myself included. Indeed, enough of the British public (or at least those we elected to represent our views) are keen enough on America that a parliamentary majority was willing to commit troops to strengthen your military presence in Iraq, and obviously similar occurances took place in Australia, Spain and a bunch of other places.

Now, personally I'm not an advocate of heavy military spending, and I feel the money could have been better spent - or indeed not spent at all and not taxed in the first place - but I admire America's non-military success as a nation as well, and while it's nowhere near perfect, it's a damn lot better than plenty of other places.

Regardless of my personal views on military spending, the military support we and others offered you shows that we don't totally hate your guts.

I know that this "actually I don't totally hate America" stance is widely frowned upon and unpopular, but I'm not trying to start any sort of flaming session here, I just want to demonstrate that America's international reputation isn't as dire as some people make it out to be.

That's actually quite nice to hear as most Americans (at least myself and the ones I know) feel a special kinship for the English. After all, America came from Great Britain. I hear a lot of talk about American arrogance and this is largely false or true depending on your context I suppose. It's my opinion that if America listens to anybody, it's always the English as the one country America looks to for counsel in most world events. I know that a large majority dislikes Tony Blair but when he said "We were with you at the first. We will stay with you to the last." shortly after 9-11. It brought comfort to us knowing that England was standing with us in out time of need.

The World Doesn't hate America.

Unless you haven't been paying attention, most first world nation do.

Unless you haven't been paying attention, most first world nation do.

Britain doesn't. Or at least me, and the majority of British MPs don't. Same goes for Spain and Australia. And besides, American companies have outlets all across the globe. The French, Germans and all that lot obviously don't hate America enough to boycott its high quality goods and services.

You don't hate us? Thanks! suckers

..alright..now we change our minds..

Britain doesn't. Or at least me, and the majority of British MPs don't. Same goes for Spain and Australia. And besides, American companies have outlets all across the globe. The French, Germans and all that lot obviously don't hate America enough to boycott its high quality goods and services.


by high quality goods i hope you dont mean mc donalds...grrr..
but yep theres lots of things america exports which are good

Britain doesn't. Or at least me, and the majority of British MPs don't. Same goes for Spain and Australia. And besides, American companies have outlets all across the globe. The French, Germans and all that lot obviously don't hate America enough to boycott its high quality goods and services.

MPs aren't everyone. Plus, the majority of British people don't hate Americans they just hate the government and the culture. Problem with your 'boycott' statement is that American products and companies are being boycotted all over the world.

by high quality goods i hope you dont mean mc donalds...grrr..
but yep theres lots of things america exports which are good

Well personally I'm no fan of McDonalds food, but it's popular enough even in "we hate America" countries that it's able to profit over there. Not just McDonalds, Burger King and KFC and so on have been exported around the globe. Microsoft are an American company, and their products are everywhere. How many of you America-bashers are using American PCs with American software, huh?

I'd like to let you yanks know that the whole world isn't ganging up against you. There are people who admire and support the United States all around the world, myself included. Indeed, enough of the British public (or at least those we elected to represent our views) are keen enough on America that a parliamentary majority was willing to commit troops to strengthen your military presence in Iraq, and obviously similar occurances took place in Australia, Spain and a bunch of other places.

Now, personally I'm not an advocate of heavy military spending, and I feel the money could have been better spent - or indeed not spent at all and not taxed in the first place - but I admire America's non-military success as a nation as well, and while it's nowhere near perfect, it's a damn lot better than plenty of other places.

Regardless of my personal views on military spending, the military support we and others offered you shows that we don't totally hate your guts.

I know that this "actually I don't totally hate America" stance is widely frowned upon and unpopular, but I'm not trying to start any sort of flaming session here, I just want to demonstrate that America's international reputation isn't as dire as some people make it out to be.

I admire your courage for posting this! It was well said! :)

Tacit support is still support. Just because we pro-Americans aren't always screaming it from the rooftops like some in the anti-US camp, doesn't mean we don't exist. :)

That is true! So very true.

Yes it does.

MPs aren't everyone. Plus, the majority of British people don't hate Americans they just hate the government and the culture. Problem with your 'boycott' statement is that American products and companies are being boycotted all over the world.

Well, they may be being boycotted by some, but certainly not by enough people to make business impossible. In my hometown there are 2 McDonalds outlets, a Burger King, a KFC, a Pizza Hut... you get the picture. And people eat in them all the time. I've been to France, Belgium, Germany and other European countries, and fast food joints have been doing pretty good business there too.

And MPs are elected by a majority of the people they represent. Thus, I can only assume that pro-war Brits are a majority. Or at least that the majority of Brits are not of the "OMG GEORGE BUSH IS EVIL AND SO IS AMERICA!!!" variety.

Huh, first post.

I'll join the current agenda of "don't hate USA*, just don't like to way it's run".
* Why America? Isn't America a bunch of like, 20 other nations? I don't ever get it.


Dor, Israelian.

Indeed, enough of the British public (or at least those we elected to represent our views) are keen enough on America that a parliamentary majority was willing to commit troops to strengthen your military presence in Iraq
Even though polls showed that an OVERWHELMING majority of Brits opposed the war and it pretty much destroyed Blair's popularity.

Before the last election, there were international polls, and the majority of both Canada and Europe opposed Bush. I wouldn't doubt they still do.

Even though polls showed that an OVERWHELMING majority of Brits opposed the war and it pretty much destroyed Blair's popularity.

Before the last election, there were international polls, and the majority of both Canada and Europe opposed Bush. I wouldn't doubt they still do.

You seem to be under the impression that Blair was solely responsible for supporting America in Iraq. The reason we have a parliament is so that the views of the British public are represented and acted upon.

Remember also that polls don't always provide a stratified sample of the population. Obviously, only people who vote in polls are counted in poll results.

Dogburg, aside from Alien Born, you're now my favorite Non-American poster on NS. Thanks for this thread. :)

I hate the Bush administration. I like the US. I wouldn't mind moving there. We were considering moving to either New York or Ohio and I really don't have any objection but I'd miss my friends.

You seem to be under the impression that Blair was solely responsible for supporting America in Iraq. The reason we have a parliament is so that the views of the British public are represented and acted upon.

Remember also that polls don't always provide a stratified sample of the population. Obviously, only people who vote in polls are counted in poll results.
I know how the British Parliament works, but he's the Prime Minister and the head of the Labour Party, so even though our government also supported going to war with Iraq, we still blame Bush as well.

That is true, 'tis a shame it cost so much. Politics was a major factor, though. Had politics not gotten in the way, casualties on our side could have probably been cut in half, yet we'd be in Iraq for the same amount of time.
In fact, the Iraq war didn't cause enough casualties on the US side. Otherwise, they would have learned the lesson that spreading democracy with military might doesn't work. Currently Bush feels he has a mandate to spread freedom and democracy into the world - with the help of his toys, the US military. If the Iraq war had caused more American deaths, maybe he would have been forced to reconsider such a policy.

Additionally, the highest cost was paid by the Iraqi civilian population. The countless dead and mutilated children, women and men who died due to the massive onslaught of the US military might. It's this "cost" which I personally find unnecessary and forgotten by the US public way too often. In light of rampant nationalism and "patriotism", the only thoughts go out to their own military, which is a shame.

Thank you for your very kind words.

I actually admire the UK as well. They have certainly stood the test of time, and, in our time of need, have pulled through for us "yanks."

Now if we could just teach you guys to speak english we'll be fine. :lol:

We don't?

*stops burning flag*

*hurts fingers doing so*

Ein Deutscher']In fact, the Iraq war didn't cause enough casualties on the US side. Otherwise, they would have learned the lesson that spreading democracy with military might doesn't work. Currently Bush feels he has a mandate to spread freedom and democracy into the world - with the help of his toys, the US military. If the Iraq war had caused more American deaths, maybe he would have been forced to reconsider such a policy.

Additionally, the highest cost was paid by the Iraqi civilian population. The countless dead and mutilated children, women and men who died due to the massive onslaught of the US military might. It's this "cost" which I personally find unnecessary and forgotten by the US public way too often. In light of rampant nationalism and "patriotism", the only thoughts go out to their own military, which is a shame.

If you are an American citizen, I would have shot you by now for treason.

Oh, and by the way, civilian deaths are part of war. Ever hear of carpet bombing? That's when a line of heavy bombers line up and flatten a city. That was a major part of the US strategy in Nazi Germany during WWII. I bet you, had you lived back then, would have protested against Roosevelt for his inhumane policies in war, wouldn't you? Oh wait, no, Roosevelt was the only real socialist to get into power in the US, he is infalliable. [/sarcasm]

Guess what? In war, shit happens. Do I like the fact that civilians are dying? No. But the lives of our soldiers come FIRST TO ALL OTHERS. If I had a choice of saving ten Iraqi civilians or one US soldier, I would pick the US soldier. You may find this sick, but that's what war is. Those civilians might not be civilians after all -- they might be terrorists, which is why I'm glad the US is not pussy-footing around in Iraq as much as people want them too.

You think of the civilians, I think of the soldiers. What you just stated is that you watn America to lose this war. Any american who thinks this is a traitor, and any international person who thinks this is an enemy of America.

What a great thread!! This is reality, not the sensationalized, polarized, radicalized screaming matches we see and hear so often.

Cheers! and thank you.

I dont hate any countries. Even those places like North Korea, because Kim Jong Il does not reflect the opinion of the people in North Korea, same thing with China and all those people. I dont hate the Middle East either. I think we should all just get along.

End the embargo on Cuba!

I don't hate America, just your goverment.

I dont hate any countries. Even those places like North Korea, because Kim Jong Il does not reflect the opinion of the people in North Korea, same thing with China and all those people. I dont hate the Middle East either. I think we should all just get along.

End the embargo on Cuba!

HAHA! Good luck with that one.

What a great thread!! This is reality, not the sensationalized, polarized, radicalized screaming matches we see and hear so often.

Cheers! and thank you.

Oops.

I don't hate America, just your goverment.
We ARE our Government...

A Government of the People, by the People and for the People.

The sooner some learn that, both here and abroad, the better.

Thank you very much.

Regards,
Gaar

We ARE our Government...

A Government of the People, by the People and for the People.

The sooner some learn that, both here and abroad, the better.

Thank you very much.

Regards,
Gaar
Unless you a directly elected official of your government, you are not the government. Like other democratic nations you elect your leaders and they form the government. They are only concerned with you on a roughly 4 yearly basis.

Now, I don't hate America, or Americans (though I have found some who I wouldn't class as friends, but that works for other people from other nations as well, including my own :) ).
I disagree with many of the policies of your government (both current and previous) as I have questions over some of the things my and other governments do in their foreign, and to a lesser extent (except my own), home policies. However I have found many of the people to be both interesting and intelligent, and it has been to their credit that I consider them friends!

Of course I don't hate America! Its a nice country, with trees and mountains and things. Unfortunately, it seems to be populated by Americans.

;)

But seriously, I have no love for Bush, I just think that it could be worse. And I do support him on one or two issues, like the funding to combat AIDS in Africa that didn't go to abstinence-only causes.

If you are an American citizen, I would have shot you by now for treason.

Oh, and by the way, civilian deaths are part of war. Ever hear of carpet bombing? That's when a line of heavy bombers line up and flatten a city. That was a major part of the US strategy in Nazi Germany during WWII. I bet you, had you lived back then, would have protested against Roosevelt for his inhumane policies in war, wouldn't you? Oh wait, no, Roosevelt was the only real socialist to get into power in the US, he is infalliable. [/sarcasm]

Guess what? In war, shit happens. Do I like the fact that civilians are dying? No. But the lives of our soldiers come FIRST TO ALL OTHERS. If I had a choice of saving ten Iraqi civilians or one US soldier, I would pick the US soldier. You may find this sick, but that's what war is. Those civilians might not be civilians after all -- they might be terrorists, which is why I'm glad the US is not pussy-footing around in Iraq as much as people want them too.

You think of the civilians, I think of the soldiers. What you just stated is that you watn America to lose this war. Any american who thinks this is a traitor, and any international person who thinks this is an enemy of America.
You are right. I want the US to lose this war. It was unjust and unnecessary. If it is won by the US, Iraq will be turned into a US-puppet nation, serving geostrategical interests of the US in the area.

I don't care if you consider it treason or whatever. I can live with you foaming at the mouth, since I do not live in a theocratic dictatorship, unlike you.

Unless you a directly elected official of your government, you are not the government. Like other democratic nations you elect your leaders and they form the government. They are only concerned with you on a roughly 4 yearly basis.

Now, I don't hate America, or Americans (though I have found some who I wouldn't class as friends, but that works for other people from other nations as well, including my own :) ).
I disagree with many of the policies of your government (both current and previous) as I have questions over some of the things my and other governments do in their foreign, and to a lesser extent (except my own), home policies. However I have found many of the people to be both interesting and intelligent, and it has been to their credit that I consider them friends!
I'm sorry; you are free to "see" my Country in any way you would like. But that doesn't make my opinion of how I see myself wrong, does it?

I know many U.S. citizens who feel as I do, are you trying to tell us we are all wrong in our "opinions" of what makes us good U.S. citizens?

I'll try not to tell you what would make you a good citizen in the Country you reside, perhaps you would be good enough not to tell me how I should "view myself" in the Country in which I reside?

Thanks,
Gaar

I'll try not to tell you what would make you a good citizen in the Country you reside, perhaps you would be good enough not to tell me how I should "view myself" in the Country in which I reside?


Yes, while many Europeans complain about how arrogant Americans supposedly are, they themselves are being arrogant by doing so and thus assuming that they are better than Americans. Maybe the "OMFG KILL AMERICA" camp should be concerned with their own arrogance first.

Ein Deutscher']You are right. I want the US to lose this war. It was unjust and unnecessary. If it is won by the US, Iraq will be turned into a US-puppet nation, serving geostrategical interests of the US in the area.

I don't care if you consider it treason or whatever. I can live with you foaming at the mouth, since I do not live in a theocratic dictatorship, unlike you.


The "War" is already won, so you will never get your wish. sadaam and his government have been removed. The criminals from his regime that arent dead will be tried and punished. Those who havent beed captured will be hunted like the vermin they are. The people of Iraq have clearly shown their wish to elect leaders and more turned out to vote than could have been predicted. The US will achieve its goals in Iraq and you will be even more bitter than you are now. If there is room for more bitterness in that small, sad mind. You have already failed with your small and pathetic bigotry. You may still find something else to do with yourself-best wishes.

I don't care if you consider it treason or whatever. I can live with you foaming at the mouth, since I do not live in a theocratic dictatorship, unlike you.

Do you even know what a theocratic dictatorship is?

I respect America very much, even although I think your President is not very smart or truthful. America is judged by a much higher standard than other countries. It maybe is not fair, but it is true. America has done a lot of good in the world and it is appreciated, but the rest of the world has a big right to point out when you are are lying or being a hypocrite.

I disagree with the concept of nations. But I have no problem with America, seeing as I live there. I have a bit of a problem with the government that rules over the USA.

NOTE: AMERICA IS TWO CONTINENTS. USA IS THE COUNTRY YOU MEAN. THANK YOU.

I am Sorry! I mean the USA when I was talking. My apologies to Canada and Mexico. I did not mean to reference to them.

I am Sorry! I mean the USA when I was talking. My apologies to Canada and Mexico. I did not mean to reference to them.
Its ok. I am 99% kidding. Its (one of) my least favorite thing(s) about the culture of the USA, is that they refer to themselves as America, as if Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Uraguay, Agentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuala, ect. don't even exist.

Its ok. I am 99% kidding. Its (one of) my least favorite thing(s) about the culture of the USA, is that they refer to themselves as America, as if Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Uraguay, Agentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuala, ect. don't even exist.

Canada = Canadian
Mexico = Mexican
Brazil = Brazilian
Costa Rica = Costa Rican
Parguay/Uraguay = ???
Argentia = Argentine
Chile = Chilean
Peru = Peruvian
Venezuala = Venezualan
etc = Etcan
United States of AMERICA = American

Canada = Canadian
Mexico = Mexican
Brazil = Brazilian
Costa Rica = Costa Rican
Parguay/Uraguay = ???
Argentia = Argentine
Chile = Chilean
Peru = Peruvian
Venezuala = Venezualan
etc = Etcan
United States of AMERICA = American

Cool. I see now how the quoting button works. I think I was being tricked. I have never heard Americans referenced as United Statians or Statites or whatever. Most of my American-English is from movies and internet. It remind me now of Terminator 3 when John Connor asked the Terminator " What, you we're just dicking with me?" I'm not sure but I think he was. Am I correct?

I didn't see T3, only the first two.

... I just think that it could be worse. And I do support him on one or two issues, like the funding to combat AIDS in Africa that didn't go to abstinence-only causes.


You'd never hear about that on the US news media though...or only as a extremely brief side-note. :-/

Its ok. I am 99% kidding. Its (one of) my least favorite thing(s) about the culture of the USA, is that they refer to themselves as America, as if Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Uraguay, Agentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuala, ect. don't even exist.

What exactly should we call ourselves if not Americans? Maybe USAers, USns, United States citizens. Wait a minute...you're stupid, I'll stop now.

Its ok. I am 99% kidding. Its (one of) my least favorite thing(s) about the culture of the USA, is that they refer to themselves as America, as if Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Uraguay, Agentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuala, ect. don't even exist.


Well it's not as if these other countries were refering to themselves as "Americans" first and then we just took over the title. It seems as though that's what is being said.

Yes, though you can probably gather it from my posts, I'm a non-American lover of America. Dogburg summer up my feelings fairly accurately; though I don't have a problem with Saddam being ousted for no other reason than he's a Very Bad Man. I love America, and I love her people (Friendliest people I have ever met, airport staff excepted.), and I suppose that explains why I get so defensive about criticism (Just like anyone else would.) - it pushes people to extremes, and I sorry to admit that I am pushed as easily as the next man.

For the record, there are plenty of things about Bush I really detest, namely his stance on abortion and gay marriage, but these are hardly reasons to dent my affection of the place as a whole.

You're the man...You can visit Washington DC anytime. I'll even show you around a bit.

Well it's not as if these other countries were refering to themselves as "Americans" first and then we just took over the title. It seems as though that's what is being said.
No, thats not what I meant. the USA calling itself America seems arrogant and foolish.

America faces a decision this month - the pinko-commie Demmicrats or the Neoconazi Republicans.

Well, no, it doesn't. the USA faces a decision. Not even that. 33% of the full citizens of the USA aged 18 and over face a decision.

It somehow gets on my nerves that one country thinks its the only entity on two continents. But then, it is kinda fun knowing that they are calling themselves after a Italian explorer that was full of BS.

The USA needs to realize that it is not the center of the universe.

[QUOTE=Holy Sheep]No, thats not what I meant. the USA calling itself America seems arrogant and foolish.

Dummy, we have no other name besides the United States of America, most people call us America or Americans. We've had this name since 1776. Maybe we can get in the Wayback machine and ask the founding fathers to change it.

Maybe we could get them to change it to "The United States of America and we realize that there are other countries in North and South America (USAWROCNSA).

I live in America (born), I don't even agree with the governments decisions(not all at least). They just keep spending more and more money when we are billions+ in debt, and social security is about to buried in the graveyard, most of you know what I mean. And I don't really agree with Bush's views. I also think that Clinton was one of our best presidents. He may have screwed up his last years, but he took away A LOT of debt. If Hillary runs next term, I will definately vote for her. Also the war in Iraq. The money could've been well spent on education or healthcare. Well, these are just my views.