NationStates Jolt Archive


I hate the usa

Ollieland
27-08-2005, 01:39
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.
The Lagonia States
27-08-2005, 01:42
Well, about 20% of the country feel everything the president does is wrong, no matter what he does, so one is wrong

Some of us are atheletes, you know. Number two is wrong

Well, not the rest of the world, but there are alot of people out there who have been oppressed and cannot fight for themselves. I'll give you a half on that.

Four is right. Let's face it, who's better than us?
Marrakech II
27-08-2005, 01:46
Well truly only the ones that have not been to the USA really believe that. I personally dont find Americans that fit the stereotype that "some" Europeans have.
Go to some Arabic countries and you will hear some real whacked out things on how people view America. The more uneducated they are the stranger the perceptions.
It is every Americans duty that travels overseas to dispell myths and to behave the best you can. Hopefully some peoples attitudes will be changed.
On another note I do hear alot of good things too. So its not always one sided.
Vetalia
27-08-2005, 01:48
1. I definitely don't.

2. I'm not particularly fit, but I'm not obese (at most slightly overweight). And, I don't like McDonalds, period.

3. I'd say there are times where we have to intervene, but most countries have it sorted out. I prefer intervention as part of a multilateral effort, of course.

4. I live/work here and was born/raised/educated here, so I feel much more at home in our country and think that America is best for me, not necessarily for everyone else. But, I don't think that makes us superior or better or more worthy than other nations.
Ginnoria
27-08-2005, 01:48
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

George W Bush = instrument of God. Anyone who says otherwise is a traitor and deserves to be held without trial, without charges, indefinitely!

George and Jesus are my heroes ... fightin' the terrists n gettin' loaded with oil! Not only that, but our great president is making sure that us Christians are free from persecution and all of this 'Separation of Church and State' nonsense, made popular by the same cold-blooded stem cell-murderering liberals that need to haul their commie butts the hell out of here.

(and I live in the USA :D )
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 01:50
George W Bush = instrument of God. Anyone who says otherwise is a traitor and deserves to be held without trial, without charges, indefinitely!

George and Jesus are my heroes ... fightin' the terrists n gettin' loaded with oil! Not only that, but our great president is making sure that us Christians are free from persecution and all of this 'Separation of Church and State' nonsense, made popular by the same cold-blooded stem cell-murderering liberals that need to haul their commie butts the hell out of here.

(and I live in the USA :D )

I really, really, really hope your being sarcastic.
Klacktoveetasteen
27-08-2005, 01:51
Four is right. Let's face it, who's better than us?


You need a list? Okay...

Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

There's plenty of nations that have just as much to offer, if not more...
Vetalia
27-08-2005, 01:51
George W Bush = instrument of God. Anyone who says otherwise is a traitor and deserves to be held without trial, without charges, indefinitely!

George and Jesus are my heroes ... fightin' the terrists n gettin' loaded with oil! Not only that, but our great president is making sure that us Christians are free from persecution and all of this 'Separation of Church and State' nonsense, made popular by the same cold-blooded stem cell-murderering liberals that need to haul their commie butts the hell out of here.

(and I live in the USA :D )

In the name of all that is holy, and in the name of all gods ever concieved by mankind since we developed the capacity for belief, tell me you are being sarcastic or joking.

If so, :D .

If not, there is no hope...
Ginnoria
27-08-2005, 01:52
I really, really, really hope your being sarcastic.

Yes, of course I am. How could anyone take that seriously? I guess some would :eek:
Eichen
27-08-2005, 01:53
1 - I didn't vote for GWB. I didn't vote for Kerry, either. Unfortunately, you'd be justified in assuming that the majority of Americans actually fall for the black vs. white, Republicrat showbiz. Even if Kerry had won our elction, the country would still be further fucked.

2 - I'm thin. (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=25881700&imageID=194254767&Mytoken=20050826175612) Although I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over a decade, I've actually gained weight since adopting an omnivorous diet. I have friends of all sizes and shapes. I think "normal" when applied to our bodies is an arrogant term, however used.

3 - It's probably better to be our economic "buddy" than otherwise.

4 - I'm fond of the many libertarian aspects of Amsterdam. I find it appalling that my own state and federal government have taken it upon themselves to make this decision for me... Should I want to remain justified in feeling that I am a "good" citizen. However, they don't refuse my tax money because we disagree.
Luporum
27-08-2005, 01:54
Ignorance is best combated with more ignorance.

The fact is you can't persuade a mind that supposedly knows you better than you know yourself. I love what America can become, but I hate what it has become.
Vetalia
27-08-2005, 01:54
Yes, of course I am. How could anyone take that seriously? I guess some would :eek:

I've seen some highly disturbing trolling, so I can never be 100% sure.

However, your spelling and grammer wern't unintelligible enough to be a troll, and you didn't gun-smilie spam. :)
Ekland
27-08-2005, 01:59
Yes, of course I am. How could anyone take that seriously? I guess some would :eek:

The thing is that I have never heard anyone say anything remotely like that who wasn't a "puppet" or being mockingly sarcastic. Right wingers (and I quite literally mean ALL right wingers) simply aren't like that... this begs the question. Who are you mocking?
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:00
Yes, of course I am. How could anyone take that seriously? I guess some would :eek:

You'd be very surprised with some of the people who post on this forum.

My whole point is not to encourage the america-bashing that has become so popular here, but to try to open up some sort of informed debate about what is wrong and what is right with the USA.

There seem to be so many Americans who will say "my country, right or wrong" no matter what the situation is.

My own personal beliefs;

Invasion of Afghanistan - right
Invasion of Iraq - Jusy still out
Homeland Defence Bill (From what I know of it)- wrong
Insisting that even foriegners stand for the star spangled banner at sporting events - wrong (my own pet peeve)
Ginnoria
27-08-2005, 02:03
The thing is that I have never heard anyone say anything remotely like that who wasn't a "puppet" or being mockingly sarcastic. Right wingers (and I quite literally mean ALL right wingers) simply aren't like that... this begs the question. Who are you mocking?

Right wingers. Satire is supposed to be exaggerated, anyway ... or else it's not satire. But in all seriousness, this subject is kind of a dead horse. So why not make fun?
PaulJeekistan
27-08-2005, 02:05
1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.
>His approval rating is something like 33% right now. And remember most americans don't vote. When it's a choice between the Cretin and the Feind it's hard to get motivated. There has'nt been a popularilly ellected President in over a century. HE was really popular up to the invasion of Afganistan. It is part of our national character that when you blow something we own up (Pearl Harbor, The Luscitania, The Maine, NY, what-have-you) We are entirely likely to travell half way around the planet and kill a lot of people. Nobody knows what the Iraq business is about.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.
> Everybody knows that McDonalds is garbage including the people that eat it. We know that ciggarettes cause cancer to. Certain malcontents seem to think that there are a few of us out there that are ignorant of this fact and they like to make documentaries and put up warning labels. Me I don't mind. McDonalds keeps the idiots out of the resturaunts I like.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".
>I don't think so and I don't know many who do. Of course between foreign aid and UN demands upon our militarey it seems that a lot of the rest of the world thinks they need our help. And are more than willing to call us a bunch of selfish pigs if we don't help out enough. If I had my way I'd make a deal. We stay at home and y'all stay quiet.

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.
>Well if I did'nt think iot was the best place to live I'd move. I will admit that I have a tendency to get Nationalistic on some folks. But usually that's because they're making a lot of noise about how backward or corrupt they think my country is. That is to give respect one must give it. I think a lot of people are automatically disrespectful of the states. And I'm automatically disrespectful of them.
Poliwanacraca
27-08-2005, 02:05
I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

Nope, we don't. Just a very vocal minority worship at the altar of Bush. Many others think he's a decent president, but still human and fallible, and quite a few of us think he's a pretty lousy president.

And while I eat at McDonald's from time to time, I could not by any stretch of the imagination be called obese. :)
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:11
As a Brit, I am trying gain soe sort of insight into the American mindset, something tha still mytstifies me. A short for instance;

When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement. I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.
Eichen
27-08-2005, 02:13
You need a list? Okay...

Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

There's plenty of nations that have just as much to offer, if not more...
But being an adult American, I wouldn't exactly bet the farm on economic success over there, regardless the value of the Euro.
Considering everyday America, I'm a very happy citizen in general.
All of my complaints are somewhat peripheral, because I still take the liberties I want, and have my ass covered when the authorities are involved.

Clickey. (http://www.flexyourrights.org/busted/movie_clips)
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:18
Like I have insuated before, "I hate the USA" simply because of the image that is portrayed to us Brits. I know that the USA is not full of buck toothed simpletons who do what their told. So why does this image persist? And why don't you Americans do something major to desist this image?
Unspeakable
27-08-2005, 02:20
responce in red
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.
please he was the lesser of two evils in the last election
2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.
I sadly, resemble that remark :(

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.
Well some do ....like the French :)F*ckin A! America F*ck Yeah! Woo HOO!

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.
Poliwanacraca
27-08-2005, 02:21
When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement.

If it makes you feel better, if I or pretty much any of my friends had been there, we probably would have told the people threatening you to shut up and calm down. I mean, one could possibly argue that it might be polite of you to stand, but a sane person can hardly suggest that everyone, regardless of nationality, should be required to stand up during "The Star-Spangled-Banner." That doesn't sound like the "American mentality," it sounds like the "random idiot mentality," and we have as many random idiots as any other country.
Unspeakable
27-08-2005, 02:27
I would have politely asked you to stand. I would if in Britain follow custom and courtsey and do what is apropriate when "God Save the Queen" is played, in Canada I stand for "Oh Canada" out of respect, Really you should have done the same but it should have been handled better by those around you.



As a Brit, I am trying gain soe sort of insight into the American mindset, something tha still mytstifies me. A short for instance;

When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement. I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:27
If it makes you feel better, if I or pretty much any of my friends had been there, we probably would have told the people threatening you to shut up and calm down. I mean, one could possibly argue that it might be polite of you to stand, but a sane person can hardly suggest that everyone, regardless of nationality, should be required to stand up during "The Star-Spangled-Banner." That doesn't sound like the "American mentality," it sounds like the "random idiot mentality," and we have as many random idiots as any other country.

No, I'm sorry, but from my own limited experience your country seems to have more random idiots than anywhere else. This is where my beef comes from. I have travelled the world extensively, and the only country that still seems to cling to some sort of nineteenth century nationalistic belief is America. Not only is this damaging to the rest of the world (considering your diplomatic, cultural and military power), it is damaging to your own country and its world image.
Bashan
27-08-2005, 02:29
1 - Bush is one of those people that you either really like or really dislike. I happen to dislike him, but a lot of my friends are extremely supportive of his actions and his baseless war in Iraq (I don't think we should pull out because that'll cause more problems, but we should never have gotten in there). His current approval rating is in the mid to high 30s. LBJ-like.

People who support Bush question the patriotism of those who don't. Rush Limbaugh (sp) the King of the Idiots was talking about this the other day. He said that the Left is unpatriotic, stupid, and morally corrupt and to keen on using rhetoric to attack the right. This hypocrite is a drug-addict with a show focussed on critiquing the left with half-assed arguments and inaccuracies.

2 - I'm slightly underweight and get plenty of excercise.

3 - Some Americans believe that, mostly right-wingers, but the rest of the country doesn't want to get to involved internationally, particularly in the middle-east.

4 - Americans like their country, because of their freedoms,opportunities, and the fact it is their homeland; yet most Americans feel their country isn't superior. A lot of right-wingers however think it's their job as "the only superpower" to regulate and police the rest of the world unilaterally.


Some Americans (not me) have a negative opinion of Europeans:

1. Are weak and scared of taking action.

2. (With the exception of the U.K., but particularly France and Germany) aid terrorists for money

3. Are morally corrupt/homosexual

4. Have bad teeth (particularly the U.K.)
ARF-COM and IBTL
27-08-2005, 02:37
Heck, where did this perception that Americans are "Fat"? I'm only 5-11 and 150 lbs...where did this perception come from? Oh and Mcdonalds is great. Big mac w/ extra lettuce,pickles, onions and catsup/mustard. Mmmm!
Eichen
27-08-2005, 02:40
Heck, where did this perception that Americans are "Fat"? I'm only 5-11 and 150 lbs...where did this perception come from? Oh and Mcdonalds is great. Big mac w/ extra lettuce,pickles, onions and catsup/mustard. Mmmm!
We're probably like in body shape. I eat what I like when I feel like it, and weigh in at a whopping, American 160 @ 5'11.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:41
1 - Bush is one of those people that you either really like or really dislike. I happen to dislike him, but a lot of my friends are extremely supportive of his actions and his baseless war in Iraq (I don't think we should pull out because that'll cause more problems, but we should never have gotten in there). His current approval rating is in the mid to high 30s. LBJ-like.

People who support Bush question the patriotism of those who don't. Rush Limbaugh (sp) the King of the Idiots was talking about this the other day. He said that the Left is unpatriotic, stupid, and morally corrupt and to keen on using rhetoric to attack the right. This hypocrite is a drug-addict with a show focussed on critiquing the left with half-assed arguments and inaccuracies. [QUOTE]

One of my points. Most people in Britain think it IS patriotic to oppose the government is you think what they are doing is wrong.

[QUOTE] 2 - I'm slightly underweight and get plenty of excercise.

3 - Some Americans believe that, mostly right-wingers, but the rest of the country doesn't want to get to involved internationally, particularly in the middle-east.

[QUOTE] It is the UNILATERAL actions of America that most Brits and Europeans take exception to. I'm sorry, but as far as i know over 80% of the military in Iraq is American. This is certainly not a "multi-national force".

4 - Americans like their country, because of their freedoms,opportunities, and the fact it is their homeland; yet most Americans feel their country isn't superior. A lot of right-wingers however think it's their job as "the only superpower" to regulate and police the rest of the world unilaterally.


Some Americans (not me) have a negative opinion of Europeans:

1. Are weak and scared of taking action.

Certainly not true. European countries took the lead in the former Yugoslavia broke up and the USA as the self proclaimed "world policeman" refused to act.

2. (With the exception of the U.K., but particularly France and Germany) aid terrorists for money

Propaganda. No European country has given any more money or arms to any terrorist organisatoin or rogue state as the USA (Iraq, Mujahadeen, Iran-Contra, I could go on...)

3. Are morally corrupt/homosexual

So baseless and stupid I won't even comment.

4. Have bad teeth (particularly the U.K.)

Alright, my teeth are pretty bad.... :p
Allane
27-08-2005, 02:41
1) I don't believe he's been right once. I have to be careful what I say about him because these days it might land you in jail.
2) The food culture of the South encourages obesity b/c of all the fried foods. But they have some very "fit" people, too.
3) I don't believe other countries' affairs are our business, but I think that puts me in the minority.
4) We are still the freest country in the world, which is surprising because we're flushing our rights down the toilet in a big hurry. There are a few tiny countries that are probably better off, like Singapore, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, maybe Switzerland.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:46
4) We are still the freest country in the world, which is surprising because we're flushing our rights down the toilet in a big hurry. There are a few tiny countries that are probably better off, like Singapore, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, maybe Switzerland.

I still think that we have a free nation in the UK, but if Clark and Blair get their way, that won't last for long. Soon it will be illegal to say that the government ARE WRONG.
Oxymoronics
27-08-2005, 02:53
You need a list? Okay...

Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

There's plenty of nations that have just as much to offer, if not more...

Damn right! Couldn't have come up with a better list myself. I hate cocky people and I hate my cocky country! :mad:
The Celestial Swords
27-08-2005, 02:56
Then your all being stereotypical, which in turn tells the world about most of you.

I hate the president, but apparently, you aren't much better, just some conservitive asshole who can't be bothered to actually go outside and see how outside really looks.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 02:57
I should have titled this thread better. Sorry.
The Celestial Swords
27-08-2005, 02:59
If you were apologizng to me, I accept.
Eichen
27-08-2005, 03:02
Then your all being stereotypical, which in turn tells the world about most of you.

I hate the president, but apparently, you aren't much better, just some conservitive asshole who can't be bothered to actually go outside and see how outside really looks.
Really, you're flaming here. I'm really the kind of guy who never, ever points that out. It's hard to hear whatever it was you had to say due to tempo probelms.
Gulf Republics
27-08-2005, 03:03
You need a list? Okay...

Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

There's plenty of nations that have just as much to offer, if not more...

This is a common misconception that those countries are better, they may have more efficent governments and other areas of welfare, but other then canada and aussies they are also about the size of 1 US state. And once again, none of them rivil in population numbers either...American is larger, more populated, and has a better industrial base then any of those countries can muster. The only way they compete is due to a streamlined government process which is must easier for them to do since ya know Germany is about the size of Wisconsin...
Gulf Republics
27-08-2005, 03:04
Damn right! Couldn't have come up with a better list myself. I hate cocky people and I hate my cocky country! :mad:

Leave then. If you love Euros so much go live there...see how it really is over there...
The DarkBlade Clan
27-08-2005, 03:04
I am an american, I hate bush (voted for the other guy). It's only because of his brother and the Supreme court that he's currently in office. I do love my country and would die to protect it, as most people would if there home was threatened, But I do not believe we should be on this "witch hunt" interfering with other peoples and cultures in the name of freedom. as for being over weight, LOL no, not all of us are I'm 5'10" and around 155-160lbs. I'm No where near being fat. I do not believe my country to be superior to any other, god knows our healthcare system sucks, and only the rich and famous truely get justice in this country, Even the guys that are guilty as sin... IE: O.J... being from california, I'm probably a little more jaded towards our government than most, since they like to screw us more often than any other state :headbang: , but hey, that's what happens to a state like mine when we have the (? 5th largest economy in the world?) as a whole, and only being a state to boot (I may be wrong with exact specifics of this). I and all of my friends are honest, hard working, and willing to give anyone a fair shake regardless of where you are from, be it, Hong Kong, Korea, Iraq, Egypt, or any other country for that matter. We accept you for who you are as a person, not where your from or what your government has done.

Well that's my two cents... for what it's worth. :p
Gulf Republics
27-08-2005, 03:05
Then your all being stereotypical, which in turn tells the world about most of you.

I hate the president, but apparently, you aren't much better, just some conservitive asshole who can't be bothered to actually go outside and see how outside really looks.


And youre a hypocrite that uses the word "stereotypical" in one sentence, then makes his own sterotype right below after using said word....so pick one :

A) Hypocrite
B) Moron

Either one is how that paragraph was written.
Robot ninja pirates
27-08-2005, 03:10
Keep in mind that only about 40% of Americans actually vote Democrat or Republican. That means that only 20% of Americans actually voted for Bush.

Oh yeah, and I'm 5'9" (I guess about 1.9 meters) and 120 pounds (about 54 kilos). I'm something like 5% body fat. Which, if you didn't get it, is ridiculously skinny.
Zagat
27-08-2005, 03:11
A recently returned (home) professional sportsman during an interview claimed that what made him most homesick when he was in the US, was the lack of courtesty and politeness. According to the sportsman, please and thank you were missing from the vocabularly of many Americans.

How do those who live in or have visited America percieve this criticism? Is it more or less true, more or less untrue, or is it a case of more of less true and more or less untrue depending on the particular subculture (for instance true in urban areas but not rural, or true/untrue dependent on geographic or socio-economic factors, or context dependent?
Stinky Head Cheese
27-08-2005, 03:13
Really, what is one more lefty pinko that hates America but a cliche?
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:16
A recently returned (home) professional sportsman during an interview claimed that what made him most homesick when he was in the US, was the lack of courtesty and politeness. According to the sportsman, please and thank you were missing from the vocabularly of many Americans.

How do those who live in or have visited America percieve this criticism? Is it more or less true, more or less untrue, or is it a case of more of less true and more or less untrue depending on the particular subculture (for instance true in urban areas but not rural, or true/untrue dependent on geographic or socio-economic factors, or context dependent?

One of the things I loved about America is the politenses. Evreyone tells you to have a good day, or have a happy day. Whether they mean it or not is another matter, but it still makes you feel better for having it said to you.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 03:16
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British.

Okay, good. Otherwise I'd have to commence personal and ad hominem attacks. :p :D

Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

Eh, no. He screwed up a lot, but he was the lesser of two evils. Granted, I support him, but he screwed up. IMO, though, over all he's a good president. Scales are about even,

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

I'm fifteen years old, 5'10, and 155 pounds, which is mostly muscle. And McDonalds sucks tremednously. Ronald is a creation of satan.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

Rest of the world? No. Some of it? Yes.

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I think America has the potential to become the greatest nation in the world, but too many people won't let us.

And while I listen to others' arguments, I disagree, and will probably never change my opinion, just as you won't change yours.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

I support Bush, but in no way to I worship at his altar by any means.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:18
Really, what is one more lefty pinko that hates America but a cliche?

Lefto pinko? Hate America? Read the thread, idiot. It is these sort of attitudes that only go to sour your image with the rest of the world.
Finitra
27-08-2005, 03:19
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.


1. wow its amazing but this is key to many anit-american plots you know i think bush has done an ok job as president but hell i dont think he should stay any longer than his term d
2.its called a Mcdonalds Salad gez you anti Mcdonald loonies lol. im 16 and work part time at a southeastern grocery company(front service clerk IE bagger). and people buy way to much diet crap its really agitates me. because I personally have been underwieght for the majority of my life
3. places like N Korea Iran Syria Etc, but thats more the UNs dream rather than ours. but serious why should a country have to have aprroval of the world to erradicate a threat to its well being?
4. "Ethnocentricity" everybody thinks there better its human. not listening to any agruement i think we do if we didnt i dont think the world would be the same not saying world domination seeing as we dont have the men to do so but serveral smaller "threats" wouldnt have major cities becuase we wouldnt care if we nuked the shit out of them. if we didnt think we were the best country in the world why the shlikies(sh-lye-keys) would we want to live here?

PS. :upyours: Anit-Americans
Poliwanacraca
27-08-2005, 03:19
Really, what is one more lefty pinko that hates America but a cliche?

Really, what is one more conservative who makes ad hominem attacks against anyone who disagrees with him about anything but a (really, really overdone) cliche, which reflects very poorly on all the conservatives who manage to debate civilly?
This Planet Earth
27-08-2005, 03:20
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

Well, at least you are not alone. That is the same garbage "they" try to push down our throats here in the states. The bad thing is that by the time people should be thinking for themselves, they have already been brainwashed to much to do so and will eat anything the government puts in front of them.

*<}:o) H-D
Palixia
27-08-2005, 03:20
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

1.) Most people in the world hate the president... I myself don't...

2.) I'm skinny and healthy

3.) Well the American Dream is a state of mind... like insanity if you've ever been happy you've lived the american dream

4.) It is... the best....

You need a list.... okay
Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

Canada - Oh yea, when i think sucsessful countries i think canada... their like France.
Germany - Achtung right their, to dumb to get taken over by nazi's, split their country in two and let the soviets take them over
Australia - pretty good country... for the southeast section of it... the rest is a bunch of aboriginists who don't do anything... important and probaly.. When i think Aboriginals, i think Ethipopians
U.K. - Got nothing wrong with the U.K.... cept they should give Northern Ireland to Ireland...
Sweden - Too stupid
Denmark - Too stupid
Spain - To much like France
France - It was more than gratifying watching French President Jacques Chirac suffer his own personal China Syndrome a week or two back. Jacques was outraged that many of the countries of Eastern Europe are supporting the noble American goal of terminating Saddam Hussein. He labeled those who dared to disagree with his collaborationist wishes "infantile," and "reckless." He said that they had "missed a good opportunity to keep quiet" and threatened to block their inclusion in the European Union. Frankly, Chirac's speech was frighteningly reminiscent of one of Tom Daschle's televised melt-downs. I wonder if those guys are related?

At any rate, such whimpering cowardice and tendency toward premature capitulation is exactly what one should expect of France. A quick review of its history and culture immediately reveals the complete absence of both gray matter, taste buds and a collective spine.

The French invented a critically acclaimed style of cuisine which utilizes copious amounts of goose blood and involves hideous concepts such as boiling trout in spoiled cream. In truth, you'll find better fare in the dumpster behind a Red Lobster. The French eat horse. They eat glands. They eat bugs. I know this because they rarely brush their teeth. Their women whine and complain and braid their armpit hair. Their men are beret-wearing twig-boys with bad complexions. All French people consider themselves intellectually superior, and I suppose they are if the comparison is to an incontinent house cat. Give them two minutes and they will inevitably rave of their sexual prowess, which is a little like Christopher Reeve bragging about his speed in the 40 yard dash.

The French specialize in crummy cars, unjustified arrogance and mimes. In truth, the only area in which they truly excel is failure. The French tried to construct the Panama Canal; Americans had to finish it. The French tried to colonize Vietnam; America was left with the mess when they ran.

You may not know this, but the official bird of France is the rooster, which is not surprising when you consider the French war record. They lost the Algerian Rebellion. They lost the aforementioned war in Indochina. They lost the Franco Prussian war. They lost the Wars of Religion against the Huguenots. They lost the Italian Wars. They lost the Gallic Wars. I need not mention World War I and World War II, except to say that the French people would now be goose-stepping and eating sauerkraut (a vast improvement in their diets) if not for American intervention. When the Germans crossed the border the French "patriots" rolled on their backs and begged to serve the Nazis. I personally think France needs a new flag...a bright yellow one with a picture of Foghorn Leghorn in the middle.

But lets be fair here. France briefly won some battles during the Napoleonic era, but only because their leader was from Corsica. They claim to have won the Hundred Years War, but that was because the non-French, extremely bi-polar Joan of Arc took over their armies. The French did win the French Revolution, but how tough can it be fighting another Frenchman? It seems to me that the victor would be the guy who could run the fastest.

France's greatest contribution to the civilized world is body odor. They rave about their art and wine, which often resembles freestyle finger-painting performed by a street bum gassed-up on Ripple. They despise all things American, and have even passed laws making it illegal - I'm not making this up - to call a cheese burger a cheeseburger. They call them "la croissant fromage." The French gave the world both the guillotine and the umbrella, which illustrates in a nutshell how the muddled brains of these people operate. I've yet to see a decapitated individual who gave a flip if his head got wet.

The French think Jerry Lewis is funny. That's just sick.

Therefore, considering the obvious fact that many of the French suffer from low self esteem, gastrointestinal difficulty, terminal ugliness and a rather unsightly Messiah complex, it should come as no surprise that they now wish to lose the War on Terrorism. Lets keep in mind that this is the country that gave safe harbor to the Ayatollah Khomeini for 14 years. They are a socialist nanny state whose citizens wish to be taken care of from cradle to grave. They want others to fight their battles, pay their bills and heap them with the praise they so richly don't deserve.

Now, least the gentle reader misunderstand, there are a few French commodities which are worthy of notice. I enjoy both French fries and French kissing, and in my youth enjoyed humming along to traditional French tunes such as "I seen London, I seen France, I seen Betty's underpants." French's Mustard is pretty good too.

Also, there are a lot of people in America who boast French ancestry. They are obviously cool and come from good stock...

Mostly because their great-grandparents were smart enough to leave France.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 03:21
As a Brit, I am trying gain soe sort of insight into the American mindset, something tha still mytstifies me. A short for instance;

When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement. I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.

That's odd. I'm a nationalist, and I wouldn't make you stand. I'd ask you politely to stand out of respect (as I would stand during any other nation's national anthem...minus France's :p), but as you're a Brit, you shouldn't be forced.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 03:27
France - It was more than gratifying watching French President Jacques Chirac suffer his own personal China Syndrome a week or two back. Jacques was outraged that many of the countries of Eastern Europe are supporting the noble American goal of terminating Saddam Hussein. He labeled those who dared to disagree with his collaborationist wishes "infantile," and "reckless." He said that they had "missed a good opportunity to keep quiet" and threatened to block their inclusion in the European Union. Frankly, Chirac's speech was frighteningly reminiscent of one of Tom Daschle's televised melt-downs. I wonder if those guys are related?

At any rate, such whimpering cowardice and tendency toward premature capitulation is exactly what one should expect of France. A quick review of its history and culture immediately reveals the complete absence of both gray matter, taste buds and a collective spine.

The French invented a critically acclaimed style of cuisine which utilizes copious amounts of goose blood and involves hideous concepts such as boiling trout in spoiled cream. In truth, you'll find better fare in the dumpster behind a Red Lobster. The French eat horse. They eat glands. They eat bugs. I know this because they rarely brush their teeth. Their women whine and complain and braid their armpit hair. Their men are beret-wearing twig-boys with bad complexions. All French people consider themselves intellectually superior, and I suppose they are if the comparison is to an incontinent house cat. Give them two minutes and they will inevitably rave of their sexual prowess, which is a little like Christopher Reeve bragging about his speed in the 40 yard dash.

The French specialize in crummy cars, unjustified arrogance and mimes. In truth, the only area in which they truly excel is failure. The French tried to construct the Panama Canal; Americans had to finish it. The French tried to colonize Vietnam; America was left with the mess when they ran.

You may not know this, but the official bird of France is the rooster, which is not surprising when you consider the French war record. They lost the Algerian Rebellion. They lost the aforementioned war in Indochina. They lost the Franco Prussian war. They lost the Wars of Religion against the Huguenots. They lost the Italian Wars. They lost the Gallic Wars. I need not mention World War I and World War II, except to say that the French people would now be goose-stepping and eating sauerkraut (a vast improvement in their diets) if not for American intervention. When the Germans crossed the border the French "patriots" rolled on their backs and begged to serve the Nazis. I personally think France needs a new flag...a bright yellow one with a picture of Foghorn Leghorn in the middle.

But lets be fair here. France briefly won some battles during the Napoleonic era, but only because their leader was from Corsica. They claim to have won the Hundred Years War, but that was because the non-French, extremely bi-polar Joan of Arc took over their armies. The French did win the French Revolution, but how tough can it be fighting another Frenchman? It seems to me that the victor would be the guy who could run the fastest.

France's greatest contribution to the civilized world is body odor. They rave about their art and wine, which often resembles freestyle finger-painting performed by a street bum gassed-up on Ripple. They despise all things American, and have even passed laws making it illegal - I'm not making this up - to call a cheese burger a cheeseburger. They call them "la croissant fromage." The French gave the world both the guillotine and the umbrella, which illustrates in a nutshell how the muddled brains of these people operate. I've yet to see a decapitated individual who gave a flip if his head got wet.

The French think Jerry Lewis is funny. That's just sick.

Therefore, considering the obvious fact that many of the French suffer from low self esteem, gastrointestinal difficulty, terminal ugliness and a rather unsightly Messiah complex, it should come as no surprise that they now wish to lose the War on Terrorism. Lets keep in mind that this is the country that gave safe harbor to the Ayatollah Khomeini for 14 years. They are a socialist nanny state whose citizens wish to be taken care of from cradle to grave. They want others to fight their battles, pay their bills and heap them with the praise they so richly don't deserve.

Now, least the gentle reader misunderstand, there are a few French commodities which are worthy of notice. I enjoy both French fries and French kissing, and in my youth enjoyed humming along to traditional French tunes such as "I seen London, I seen France, I seen Betty's underpants." French's Mustard is pretty good too.

Also, there are a lot of people in America who boast French ancestry. They are obviously cool and come from good stock...

Mostly because their great-grandparents were smart enough to leave France.

Oh my God, that's hilarious. :D

Rather nasty and sometimes false, still freaking hilarious. :D
Zagat
27-08-2005, 03:27
1.) Australia - pretty good country... for the southeast section of it... the rest is a bunch of aboriginists who don't do anything... important and probaly.. When i think Aboriginals, i think Ethipopians

Well it's nice to know that one doesnt have to know anything relevent about a people before one forms an opinion critical of them. You may have heard the phrase 'unfounded view', if you ever wondered what might be meant by it, your opinion of Australian aboriginal people would be a good reference point. :rolleyes:
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:29
They want others to fight their battles,

I was about to argue the opposite point, but as a former Legionnaire, I think I'll agree with you ther! :rolleyes:
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 03:30
Leave then. If you love Euros so much go live there...see how it really is over there...
I am an American and I have lived in Europe for half of my life, and I love it more than my own country. Don't get me wrong: I am patriotic and I will defend America. I want to join the Navy, for heaven's sake! But I intensely disagree with our president and with the way he and his advisors are running the country. I'm still underage but if I could vote, believe me I would have -- and not for Bush.
As for obesity, I loathe McDonalds, work out twice a week, and go rock climbing whenever I get the chance. I am not overweight by any stretch.
Manners, unfortunately, have mostly been lost over the years, although I believe there is still a tradition of the "Southern Gentleman"; I have encountered several and they are quite charming. Otherwise it will be by a stroke of luck that you find a polite American (but we are here!).

Regarding the national anthem incident: in high schools, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, standing with our hands over our hearts and facing the American flag. Every morning, I refuse to stand and recite, let alone put my hand over my heart and pledge my loyalty to the flag of a country that does not hold my full loyalty. I have taken a LOT of heat for this, but I will not back down: I think it's a form of brainwashing, and I think there are better ways to show my loyalty to this country, including helping to elect a competent leader. Besides, it includes the words "under God" and I am a firm agnostic.

I try to dispel stereotypes about Americans whenever I travel or live overseas, but with the direction our country is taking, it just keeps getting harder...
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:33
I am an American and I have lived in Europe for half of my life, and I love it more than my own country. Don't get me wrong: I am patriotic and I will defend America. I want to join the Navy, for heaven's sake! But I intensely disagree with our president and with the way he and his advisors are running the country. I'm still underage but if I could vote, believe me I would have -- and not for Bush.
As for obesity, I loathe McDonalds, work out twice a week, and go rock climbing whenever I get the chance. I am not overweight by any stretch.
Manners, unfortunately, have mostly been lost over the years, although I believe there is still a tradition of the "Southern Gentleman"; I have encountered several and they are quite charming. Otherwise it will be by a stroke of luck that you find a polite American (but we are here!).

Regarding the national anthem incident: in high schools, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, standing with our hands over our hearts and facing the American flag. Every morning, I refuse to stand and recite, let alone put my hand over my heart and pledge my loyalty to the flag of a country that does not hold my full loyalty. I have taken a LOT of heat for this, but I will not back down: I think it's a form of brainwashing, and I think there are better ways to show my loyalty to this country, including helping to elect a competent leader. Besides, it includes the words "under God" and I am a firm agnostic.

I try to dispel stereotypes about Americans whenever I travel or live overseas, but with the direction our country is taking, it just keeps getting harder...

Good for you. Personal principals are more important than social acceptance and narrow perspectives.
Zagat
27-08-2005, 03:35
: I think it's a form of brainwashing, and I think there are better ways to show my loyalty to this country, including helping to elect a competent leader.
I completely agree with this. I think it is a very pathological thing to do.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:38
I completely agree with this. I think it is a very pathological thing to do.

One of my main points. Supporting a leader you do not agree with is not unpatriotic. It is more patriotic to champion (un-violently) a leader you do support, someone who YOU think would be better for YOUR country.
Finitra
27-08-2005, 03:40
Regarding the national anthem incident: in high schools, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, standing with our hands over our hearts and facing the American flag. Every morning, I refuse to stand and recite, let alone put my hand over my heart and pledge my loyalty to the flag of a country that does not hold my full loyalty. I have taken a LOT of heat for this, but I will not back down: I think it's a form of brainwashing, and I think there are better ways to show my loyalty to this country, including helping to elect a competent leader. Besides, it includes the words "under God" and I am a firm agnostic.


damnit than anthem isnt for you the pledge isnt for you its to honor those who died to keep america for you its the least you can do to thank them for their lives. i hate idiots in school who think its brainwashing whens the last time you stood for the pledge and felt you had to kill terrorists?
Palixia
27-08-2005, 03:43
Well it's nice to know that one doesnt have to know anything relevent about a people before one forms an opinion critical of them. You may have heard the phrase 'unfounded view', if you ever wondered what might be meant by it, your opinion of Australian aboriginal people would be a good reference point. :rolleyes:

Actually... I really have nothing bad to say about Australians... I just started to run out of crtiques
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 03:45
Nothing in the Pledge says that. If it makes you feel any better, I stood for the Pledge (though I didn't recite it) on Veterans' Day, because I do respect those who gave their lives and who are currently risking their lives in our Armed Forces and in other branches of the government. What I have always found to be one of this country's strongest suits is that clause in our Constitution (have you read it? It's a good piece of literature, you ought to) that says "Congress shall make no law inhibiting freedom of speech or expression". I choose to show my respect in a different way than you do. I prefer to take action, campaign, join the Navy (if you actually read my first post thoroughly, you'd pick up on that), and ensure the continuation of those liberties for my fellow citizens. Standing for a piece of cloth holds no meaning for me.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:45
damnit than anthem isnt for you the pledge isnt for you its to honor those who died to keep america for you its the least you can do to thank them for their lives. i hate idiots in school who think its brainwashing whens the last time you stood for the pledge and felt you had to kill terrorists?

Total bullshit. The pledge isn't to keep live the memory of those who died. Its to commerate the founding of your nation. Jees, where did you study?

And as a secondary point, I thought one of the ideals of American democracy was freedom of speech and thought? Where is the freedom to disagre? If you don't like America, according to American ideals, you should be free to say so! Thats the whole point of free speech!
Zagat
27-08-2005, 03:49
Actually... I really have nothing bad to say about Australians... I just started to run out of crtiques

Australia - pretty good country... for the southeast section of it... the rest is a bunch of aboriginists who don't do anything... important and probaly.. When i think Aboriginals, i think Ethipopians

That's very creative and original of you. I have to say I've heard all sorts of excuses for racist commentary, but I admit, this is the first time I've heard "Cant think of anything better to say", used as a rational for racist statements. Some might suggest that rather than resort to racism when you cannot think of anything to say, that a better solution might be to say nothing at all.
Remember it's better to stay silent and be suspected of being an idiot, than it is to speak (or type as the case may be) and remove all doubt.
Finitra
27-08-2005, 03:50
Total bullshit. The pledge isn't to keep live the memory of those who died. Its to commerate the founding of your nation. Jees, where did you study?

And as a secondary point, I thought one of the ideals of American democracy was freedom of speech and thought? Where is the freedom to disagre? If you don't like America, according to American ideals, you should be free to say so! Thats the whole point of free speech!
im exercsing my right there i can disagree with him as you can disagree with me. isnt this great we couldnt do this with out america.
Robot ninja pirates
27-08-2005, 03:50
damnit than anthem isnt for you the pledge isnt for you its to honor those who died to keep america for you its the least you can do to thank them for their lives. i hate idiots in school who think its brainwashing whens the last time you stood for the pledge and felt you had to kill terrorists?
Look at what it's saying.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag". You are pledging to be loyal, it sounds like an oath that people would have to recite every morning in some sort of dictatorship. I don't like it, that's why I don't recite it anymore.
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 03:52
First of all, I'm a she, not a he.

Secondly, in response to Robot Ninja Pirates, the US Congress added the words "under God" to the pledge in the 1950s because without them, it is almost identical to the Communist pledge.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 03:54
It is now 4AM coming up to local time for me and I need to go to bed. Thankyou to the Americans who have tried to dispel some myths for me, and equally thankyou to the Americans that have reinforced others. I am sure that this thread will be used as as forum to "duke it out" amongst pro- and and- Ameriacans and pro- and anti- Bushites, but nevermind. I got I wanted. Goodnight!
Finitra
27-08-2005, 03:56
Nothing in the Pledge says that. If it makes you feel any better, I stood for the Pledge (though I didn't recite it) on Veterans' Day, because I do respect those who gave their lives and who are currently risking their lives in our Armed Forces and in other branches of the government. What I have always found to be one of this country's strongest suits is that clause in our Constitution (have you read it? It's a good piece of literature, you ought to) that says "Congress shall make no law inhibiting freedom of speech or expression". I choose to show my respect in a different way than you do. I prefer to take action, campaign, join the Navy (if you actually read my first post thoroughly, you'd pick up on that), and ensure the continuation of those liberties for my fellow citizens. Standing for a piece of cloth holds no meaning for me.
you dont get it its required by law to do the pledge daily though losely enforced.(why else would school waste time on it) its great your joining the navy my dad was in the navy during veitnam. people hate me and call me hypocritcal because i cant join the milltary i am phsyically disabled and would get that infamous 4F.
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 03:57
Um, actually no the Pledge isn't required by law. My school code states that students do not have to stand and recite it. It's just that everybody does, so being the only one still seated, I get criticised a lot.
Zagat
27-08-2005, 03:58
Look at what it's saying.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag". You are pledging to be loyal, it sounds like an oath that people would have to recite every morning in some sort of dictatorship. I don't like it, that's why I don't recite it anymore.
I completely agree. I note that a large amount of time in many totilitarian societies appears to be spent on whipping up nationalistic fervour. Frankly I am surprised that the (vocal) christians of the US put up with such overt idolotry, isnt the pledge at the end of day (requring as it does the idolotry of a flag) an infringement on religious freedoms, or is the bit about 'under God' enough to pacify the concerns of the religious squeaky wheels (we'll accept the idolotry since it coincides with pressure to make religious statements)?

I just do not see that there is any point to all this allegiance and pledging, other than to encourage unquestioning and uncritical acceptance of the 'rightness' of being American. Another example is all the palavar about having 'the greatest justice system in the world'. Do Americans actually believe this, if so why?
Finitra
27-08-2005, 04:02
Um, actually no the Pledge isn't required by law. My school code states that students do not have to stand and recite it. It's just that everybody does, so being the only one still seated, I get criticised a lot.
its probley state law then because denfinetly your expected to here in Sunny Florida AKA Hurricane Central
( i got the law from a lady at the front office my opion is directly affected by those around me as is everybodies)
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 04:04
Oh my. The greatest justice system in the world? I think not. The buck, so to speak, never stops. Nobody takes the blame. (I'm speaking regarding government/military workers.) What really irks me is that America has so blatantly decided that we're "above" joining all the myriad international justice courts and abiding by guidelines in conventions. What kind of logic is that, when we can't even bring our own citizens to task for inappropriate or criminal behavior?
Aggretia
27-08-2005, 04:05
Actually, it's interesting to note that the Pledge of Allegiance was concieved by a group of fascists(literally). I stand for it in school, but try not to say it or put my hand over my heart due to it's history and it's celebration of the state.

I would say that many if not most people in America, when it comes to political, social, and religious beliefs, are thoughtless drones, this manifests itself in different ways depending on social status and geography, many people in the south and in rural areas fit the stereotype well, but in major cities, especially in the north these fools are just as likely to bow down at the altar of Jesse Jackson as they are at the altar of Bush.

I'm sure the entire world has it's fair share of these people though, it's just that because in America conservative beliefs seem so obtuse to Europeans that these political views are associated with these mindless people.

As for me personally I think Bush is a bad president, mostly because he had a great oportunity as a republican to free up the economy(only reason I like any repbulicans), and instead delivered a tax cut, an easing of regulation on his favorite contributors, immense spending increases, a curtailing of our liberties, and an extremely expensive, pointless, and harmfull war.

I do, however like McDonalds fries and chicken, but their burgers suck. I can get away with it because of my fast metabolism, but that probably won't last much longer.

BTW I wouldn't consider any nation where you can't own a gun a free nation.
Oxymoronics
27-08-2005, 04:05
Leave then. If you love Euros so much go live there...see how it really is over there...

As soon as I get the chance I'll go elsewhere. About two years. :cool:
Finitra
27-08-2005, 04:06
I completely agree. I note that a large amount of time in many totilitarian societies appears to be spent on whipping up nationalistic fervour. Frankly I am surprised that the (vocal) christians of the US put up with such overt idolotry, isnt the pledge at the end of day (requring as it does the idolotry of a flag) an infringement on religious freedoms, or is the bit about 'under God' enough to pacify the concerns of the religious squeaky wheels (we'll accept the idolotry since it coincides with pressure to make religious statements)?

I just do not see that there is any point to all this allegiance and pledging, other than to encourage unquestioning and uncritical acceptance of the 'rightness' of being American. Another example is all the palavar about having 'the greatest justice system in the world'. Do Americans actually believe this, if so why?
america doesnt have the great justice system in the owrld though i cant judge it seeing i dont know much of any others and until we kill off insane wackos who rape little girls and then kill them were dead last to me
Chitzeland
27-08-2005, 04:06
I am probably the only one here who thinks this, but if you can't say the pledge of allegiance, then why are you living in America? Find somewhere else to which you can be allegiant. Being allegiant doesn't mean that you have to agree with everything your country does, just that you should serve it or make it better in some way. It isn't brainwashing or discouraging the questioning of authority.

Also, what is wrong with the phrase "under God"? You are not pledging allegiance to God, just to the flag.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 04:07
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Oh my. The greatest justice system in the world? I think not. The buck, so to speak, never stops. Nobody takes the blame. (I'm speaking regarding government/military workers.) What really irks me is that America has so blatantly decided that we're "above" joining all the myriad international justice courts and abiding by guidelines in conventions. What kind of logic is that, when we can't even bring our own citizens to task for inappropriate or criminal behavior?

Líke I said, because your "better" than everyone else. Hope you feel good about your nationality. :mp5: :rolleyes:
The IPU PBUH
27-08-2005, 04:09
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

1) Some 35% or so seem to fit the description.
2) That's more like 33%, if you cut off the McDonalds bit.
3) I've never heard of that one, but it doesn't surprise me that people would think that. Our multinational corporations are probably the reason that people think that.
4) I'd bet at least 35% or so would go with that. It's probably a much higher percentage of people who would say that we are the best country, bar none, but would be willing to listen to reasonable arguments.
Finitra
27-08-2005, 04:10
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Líke I said, because your "better" than everyone else. Hope you feel good about your nationality. :mp5: :rolleyes:
so much for sleep?
Zagat
27-08-2005, 04:13
I would say that many if not most people in America, when it comes to political, social, and religious beliefs, are thoughtless drones, this manifests itself in different ways depending on social status and geography, many people in the south and in rural areas fit the stereotype well, but in major cities, especially in the north these fools are just as likely to bow down at the altar of Jesse Jackson as they are at the altar of Bush.


I'm sure the entire world has it's fair share of these people though, it's just that because in America conservative beliefs seem so obtuse to Europeans that these political views are associated with these mindless people.

BTW I wouldn't consider any nation where you can't own a gun a free nation.

I cant help but think that all this pledging (one American told me she had attended a kindergarden where every morning the students were made to recite the pledge) is causitive of the thoughtless drone business. I certainly believe if it doesnt increase the numbers of thoughtless drones, it certainly decreases the ability of those who can and do think critically, to get others to think and be informed.

By the Way, what do you mean by cant own a gun? Do you mean as an absolute right regardless who you are? I frankly think that gun regulation is quite sensible. After all if someone suggested you cannot have a free country without regulating transport vehicles, few people would disagree, but a car isnt made to kill, it just can if improperly used. Not to mention that in the US people do not have an absolute right to vote (for instance some felons cannot vote), surely an absolute right for all competent free (ie not currently incarcerate) adults to vote, is more important to having a free country than an absolute right to own a gun (even if one is not competent enough as a gun handler to know how to secure the gun when not in use, and how to use it safely when in use)? :confused:
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 04:14
I'm captivated. What can I say?
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 04:15
I didn't choose my nationality. I was born overseas and my parents decided to give up my Austrian nationality because they're both American. I couldn't even have dual citizenship. I still haven't forgiven them.

And Chitzeland, "one Nation under God" in my opinion violates separation of church and state.
Ollieland
27-08-2005, 04:25
For what its worth, I am truely off to bed now, so I will leave some final points.

Firstly, I hate the current Amnerican administaration and what they are doing to your great country. Please don't support them , because they are downgrading you great nation.

Secondly, to those who want to label me an America basher, i love your country. From what I have seen of it, it is truely is a land of promise (check out the gas prices there compared to bthe UK!)

Thirdly, I did not want to troll. I wanted to open an honest debate. In that I have faiked.

Good night everyone!
Basilicata Potenza
27-08-2005, 04:34
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

Hahaha Please, New York is a overall liberal state and depending on what part you go to, there are different kinds of people, in the burrows and the city, well people aren't that friendly, they just want to get where they want to go. But no way, although that stereotype is true to some Americans, its not for everyone. That would be ludacris!
Isle of East America
27-08-2005, 04:56
I am probably the only one here who thinks this, but if you can't say the pledge of allegiance, then why are you living in America? Find somewhere else to which you can be allegiant. Being allegiant doesn't mean that you have to agree with everything your country does, just that you should serve it or make it better in some way. It isn't brainwashing or discouraging the questioning of authority.

Also, what is wrong with the phrase "under God"? You are not pledging allegiance to God, just to the flag.

I completely agree with this. You're pledging alegiance to the USA. The flag is just a symbol, like placing your hand on the bible to "tell the truth." You do this when you are learning to become a good citizen, mostly in elementary school (can't remember ever doing it in high school) and also when you imigrate to this country and become nationalized.
Katganistan
27-08-2005, 05:08
S'ok if you hate the USA, Ollieland, the USA loves you. ;)

Seriously, though, I know McDonald's is not good for you, I'm glad there's only three more years to George's presidency, and I'm glad you liked New York. :)
Isle of East America
27-08-2005, 05:12
And Chitzeland, "one Nation under God" in my opinion violates separation of church and state.

Well our Supreme Court disagrees with you. Clearly, our founding fathers were Christian men. There is no doubt that they intended Christianity to permeate throughout our nation. The seperation of church and state was written into the bill of rights as a freedom from religion. This was their way of not allowing our nation to become a theocracy. Statements like "one nation under God" or "in God we trust" do not endorse any religion or any church but serve to demonstrate that our leaders believed in the guidance of a Higher Power.
Avika
27-08-2005, 05:30
The hardcore atheists will hate you for that. Softcore couldn't care less. 'Tis the hardcore that be extreme. Stereotypes are just cliches, which suck.
Stinky Head Cheese
27-08-2005, 05:35
Oh my. The greatest justice system in the world? I think not. The buck, so to speak, never stops. Nobody takes the blame. (I'm speaking regarding government/military workers.) What really irks me is that America has so blatantly decided that we're "above" joining all the myriad international justice courts and abiding by guidelines in conventions. What kind of logic is that, when we can't even bring our own citizens to task for inappropriate or criminal behavior?
Perhaps, perhaps, the U.S. did not join those courts because the kangaroo courts would then bring Americans on charges for things they would never bring anyone of any other nationality up on charges for, just to make a point.

Fuck Perhaps, that is why. The courts would become a political tool for tinpot nations to emabarass the U.S.
Zagat
27-08-2005, 05:38
Well our Supreme Court disagrees with you. Clearly, our founding fathers were Christian men.
Were they?

There is no doubt that they intended Christianity to permeate throughout our nation.
Is there not? Let's assume there is no doubt, what of it? It could be argued that it was clear they intended slavery to be a source of cheap labour, that does not make slavery a good or right thing.

The seperation of church and state was written into the bill of rights as a freedom from religion. This was their way of not allowing our nation to become a theocracy. Statements like "one nation under God" or "in God we trust" do not endorse any religion or any church but serve to demonstrate that our leaders believed in the guidance of a Higher Power.
It serves to demonstrate that believing in some deity or another is the institutional norm. It preferences belief in the existence of a deity above the the belief in the non-existence of a deity. It is not religion neutral and certainly is not a seperation of religious belief/practise from the nation state. If it were not making an important statement of some kind, no one would object to its being gotten rid of. The fact that people do care so much about retaining religious statements in the context of nationalistic pledges and allegiances, implies that these statements are anything but neutral.
Wizard Glass
27-08-2005, 05:45
america doesnt have the great justice system in the owrld though i cant judge it seeing i dont know much of any others and until we kill off insane wackos who rape little girls and then kill them were dead last to me


You show me a justice system that never makes a mistake and I'll show you Judgement Day.

Humans make mistakes. Humans have far too much pity sometimes. People get off. Good? No.

But definately preferable to a race of robots.
Haloman
27-08-2005, 05:55
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

1) No. Quite a few Americans are quite liberal and hate the president with every fiber of their body. Still, there are many conservatives who don't like him. I myself am a conservative, and wish he would figure some things out. Still, he was a better choice than Kerry...

2) Some are obese, but most are pretty physically fit.

3) Most other countries don't fully understand the 'American dream', and if they did, they'd support it.

4) We have our ups and downs, but I can think of few other countries that I'd rather live in than America.
Zelda Hime
27-08-2005, 06:10
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

I by no means venerate our president. (Yes, I realise that I did not capitalise the "p" in president.) I think that he has handled a lot (I mean a *lot*) of things very badly. I will admit I voted for him, but only because I had viewed him as the least of all evils presented. I still cannot say if I was right or wrong, but considering recent events...; nah, Kerry would still have been more evil in my eyes. Bush to me seems to be more of a puppet for someone else, while Kerry seemed truly evil in an of his own. (IMO)

I also have no plans in partaking in the next election. My hope for ideals to become real is gone in the politics department.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

I love my Mickey D's, and actually have some really healthy meals. I really like their new Fruit & Walnut Salad. But besides that, I stand at 5'10", I currently weigh only about 125 lbs. An american size 2 from Victoria's Secret or Express is too big on me by a couple of inches.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

The american dream is as elusive as the communist dream. Both of them are ideals that can never be obtained with the inclusion of human nature.

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

First, let me start off by saying this: That's the BS they teach us in school. I by no means find this to be true in any sort of fashion.

I am born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I, like others, do NOT pledge alliegance to the flag. I feel that the phrase "under god" in our pledge is a violation of the separation of church and state. Our "freedom" that everyone seems to so cherish is gone. A lot of the people that I meet in this country are rude, and excessivly ignorant as well. I fully agree that a majority of people in this country are running on "auto pilot".

My husband and I have been seriously contemplating moving out of this country. We are still deciding on where we wish to relocate. Niether of us are restricting choices based on language.

It will, unfortunately, take us at least a few years to be able to do this. Our finances have taken a big hit the past 2 yrs due to my husband being unemployed. Sorta hard to get a job when there aren't any. I'm happy to say that he is now (finally, just started this week) currently employed, but we now have no savings to speak of anymore.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your time here. New Yorkers are actually some of the kinder people that I have met in this country.

All in all I'd have to say, the usa is a nice place to visit. I wouldn't want to live here though. I have visited several countries in Europe and Central America before and found them to be enjoyable (especially Belize). I know every country has its issues, but the usa's gone off the deep end. It is becoming more and more controlled by corporations and this will be it's undoing. I don't want to be here when this happens.

The "American Way" is not may way, anymore, if it ever was. I feel that I cannot truly be me in this country anymore.
Allane
27-08-2005, 07:35
I also have no plans in partaking in the next election. My hope for ideals to become real is gone in the politics department.

Zelda summed it up nicely. The majority of Americans don't bother to vote anymore because the lesser of two evils is still evil. The Republicans and Democrats are just two sides to the same coin. They rob the middle class and give to the rich and poor, enriching themselves and their friends in the process.

We tolerate all of it because we have such a high standard of living. Fat, dumb and happy is the phrase.
Undelia
27-08-2005, 07:46
The general consensus is that the Democrats and Republicans are both evil and that you must pick a lesser evil. I offer a simpler solution.

Vote Libertarian!!
Oblivions Reach
27-08-2005, 08:20
---I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.---

They should have. Its a courtesy. Even if you dont really care for it, to at least go along with it. Youre in their country, the least ya could do is respect what theyre doing.

---No, I'm sorry, but from my own limited experience your country seems to have more random idiots than anywhere else.---

Id say its from your limited experience. I myself have dealt with more foreigners who pissed me off to the point of ulcer than americans (and that says something). But I honestly think that comes from the issue of being from different areas. We each have our own random idiots, its just that we view everyone elses idiots as worse cuz were used to ours. Fact is, were all humans, were all the same, but its always easier to look at other groups and countries as "worse" than our own.

How do those who live in or have visited America percieve this criticism? Is it more or less true, more or less untrue, or is it a case of more of less true and more or less untrue depending on the particular subculture (for instance true in urban areas but not rural, or true/untrue dependent on geographic or socio-economic factors, or context dependent?

As a life long new yorker, its definitely missing from the majority of the US, but its not totally true. There are areas where the people are so sickly friendly that it hurts. But more often than not its way too true. Not to say that individuals arent great people, but politeness is usually glossed over due to everyone being too wrapped up in their own affairs. And those who say it will usually be like... employees of stores. And most of those guys are fake anyways.

Really, what is one more lefty pinko that hates America but a cliche?

Im gonna disavow any national relationship with this one.

And to those who live here and hate it here, leaving is the best thing for everyone. Youve already made up your mind that somewhere else is best and thus youre only one more amongst the problems in the US. Im no patriot, but I realize that the US is the best place for me. If its not for you, then were better off without you here. Just adds another bitter twit to the already hard to cope with populace.
Tyma
27-08-2005, 08:48
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

We are the new kid on the block, yet as a nation we have done a great deal in our short life. Europe hates us for that.

Kinda like being 35 and having a 4 yr old come and kick your bullies ass for you thing.

In the end though nothing Americans say will make a difference. The hate remains, always will until the day the buttons get pushed.

Most of us Americans care nothing of Imperialism. Personally Id rather we did not send any soldiers to defend others rights to live. (Since after we help they turn on us anyway.)

Just like most people in the world, I just want to live a long happy life. See my wife and babies do the same. Maybe have a grandchild or two on my knee before I kick the bucket.

Last post for the night, im out. Peace all :)
Americai
27-08-2005, 09:03
I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

Fuck dubbya. I voted Ralph Nader.
Americai
27-08-2005, 09:15
First, let me start off by saying this: That's the BS they teach us in school. I by no means find this to be true in any sort of fashion.

I am born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I, like others, do NOT pledge alliegance to the flag. I feel that the phrase "under god" in our pledge is a violation of the separation of church and state. Our "freedom" that everyone seems to so cherish is gone. A lot of the people that I meet in this country are rude, and excessivly ignorant as well. I fully agree that a majority of people in this country are running on "auto pilot".

My husband and I have been seriously contemplating moving out of this country. We are still deciding on where we wish to relocate. Niether of us are restricting choices based on language.

It will, unfortunately, take us at least a few years to be able to do this. Our finances have taken a big hit the past 2 yrs due to my husband being unemployed. Sorta hard to get a job when there aren't any. I'm happy to say that he is now (finally, just started this week) currently employed, but we now have no savings to speak of anymore.



I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your time here. New Yorkers are actually some of the kinder people that I have met in this country.

All in all I'd have to say, the usa is a nice place to visit. I wouldn't want to live here though. I have visited several countries in Europe and Central America before and found them to be enjoyable (especially Belize). I know every country has its issues, but the usa's gone off the deep end. It is becoming more and more controlled by corporations and this will be it's undoing. I don't want to be here when this happens.

The "American Way" is not may way, anymore, if it ever was. I feel that I cannot truly be me in this country anymore.

I recommend you don't waste your time going to the southern continent. It really depends on how much money you have saved up to put you somewhere where you don't get ****ed. I personally recommend you simply consider to move to somewhere else in America such as Vermont or the old New England Colonies. The culture there I hear is different and more independent and there are places were direct democracy still exist.

And please, if you REALLY think America has gone of the deep end, what is the point of leaving instead of getting off your ass and being involved in the system? NOTHING gets fixed or improve by jumping to the next ship because you think this one is leaking and the other one you see doesn't seem to be taking on water.

All in all, you seem pretty naive. No concept of the pendulum political shift and quick to disregard an entire national region with many different political ideologies and its own cultures and go to someplace that might even a waste of your money.

If you REALLY dislike corporate power, you MUST make political alliances with fellow Americans that hold your opinions. Not crawl up into the fetal position and *****. That is the whole point of our republic.
ANGELS DARK REALM
27-08-2005, 09:23
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.




Agrees with all of the above... but then i would im English
Vespeterium Minor
27-08-2005, 09:28
Well, I'm British and I say Americans are evil, EVIL. I mean, going into Iraq and arresting poor old Saddam. All he wanted to do is commit a little genocide. Is that so much of a crime? And of course all Americans are fat. That's why they do so well at the Olympics every time. Stupid Americans. Helping us fight Hitler and giving us money to counteract the Soviets in the Cold War. They should be all put on trial!
Aplastaland
27-08-2005, 11:39
Well, I'm British and I say Americans are evil, EVIL. I mean, going into Iraq and arresting poor old Saddam. All he wanted to do is commit a little genocide. Is that so much of a crime? And of course all Americans are fat. That's why they do so well at the Olympics every time. Stupid Americans. Helping us fight Hitler and giving us money to counteract the Soviets in the Cold War. They should be all put on trial!

Doing good things doesn't give you white card to encroach countries and kill people.
Aplastaland
27-08-2005, 11:43
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.


1.- Yes, they seem to do. Ther president says "God talks me" :mad: :crazy: and many people believes him.

2.- They are proud and look as patriotic eating fat and cat meat. :D

3.- Unfortunately for the secutrity of the rest of the world, yes.

4.- Unfortunately for other cultures, yes. Something debatible, BTW. :mp5:

I haven't visited the USA, and I won't do it by my own desire. It's dangerous.
Carnivorous Lickers
27-08-2005, 13:15
As a Brit, I am trying gain soe sort of insight into the American mindset, something tha still mytstifies me. A short for instance;

When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement. I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.


This little story reeks of fabrication.
Zelda Hime
27-08-2005, 13:41
I recommend you don't waste your time going to the southern continent. It really depends on how much money you have saved up to put you somewhere where you don't get ****ed. I personally recommend you simply consider to move to somewhere else in America such as Vermont or the old New England Colonies. The culture there I hear is different and more independent and there are places were direct democracy still exist.

And please, if you REALLY think America has gone of the deep end, what is the point of leaving instead of getting off your ass and being involved in the system? NOTHING gets fixed or improve by jumping to the next ship because you think this one is leaking and the other one you see doesn't seem to be taking on water.

All in all, you seem pretty naive. No concept of the pendulum political shift and quick to disregard an entire national region with many different political ideologies and its own cultures and go to someplace that might even a waste of your money.

If you REALLY dislike corporate power, you MUST make political alliances with fellow Americans that hold your opinions. Not crawl up into the fetal position and *****. That is the whole point of our republic.

I refuse to partake anymore because our political system is flawed; the idea that anything a public groups says will go is ridiculous. The only groups that ever get anything through the government line DC's pockets with money to get there and/or have a large Corporate backing. I refuse to partake in this disgusting system anymore. It's unfair, and I cannot participate in this sham anymore and still feel good about myself. I am an honest person, our government is far from being that.

My decision in this is not quick and has been long in coming. The past is prologue to the future. Read some history books (preferably one that wasn't written by americans), countries that have a great and quick rise, also have a great and quick fall.
Chinico
27-08-2005, 13:54
Heck, where did this perception that Americans are "Fat"? I'm only 5-11 and 150 lbs...where did this perception come from? Oh and Mcdonalds is great. Big mac w/ extra lettuce,pickles, onions and catsup/mustard. Mmmm!
It's a stereotype. You're most certainly not the only exception to the sweeping statement suggesting that all American's are hideously overweight but stereotypes don't develop without any foundation. I've travelled across the United States and frankly I saw more fat people there then any other country I have ever travelled in, and I've had the pleasure of exploring many!! ;)
Eutrusca
27-08-2005, 13:58
You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.
No, we don't. What many often mistake for slavishness is nothing more than the traditional American respect for the Office of President and the current holder of that Office. What you are picking up on is the regrettable tendency of the mass media to report only bad news or negative news and thus perpetuate the myths of the "fat, ugly, arrogant American." Sorry. :(
Sonaj
27-08-2005, 14:06
4) We are still the freest country in the world, which is surprising because we're flushing our rights down the toilet in a big hurry. There are a few tiny countries that are probably better off, like Singapore, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, maybe Switzerland.
And Holland, and Norway, and Sweden, and...

When in the USA,I went to see a baseball game with my Amrican friends. When the US national anthemn was played at the start of the game, everyone stood and held their hands to their hearts. As I am no American, I stayed seated, and tried to stay invisible. I was then treated with insults and threat of physical violence because I had not stood up. I tried to explain that this was not my national anthem, but the threats became even more vehement. I'm very sorry, but when England hosted the USA soccer team at Wembley in 1996 I did not see any Americans standing wehen God Save the Queen wa played.
Over here, if you stood up as Du gamla Du Fria (Ye Old Ye Free, Sweden´s national anthem) was played, you´d probably be pretty lonely, and some people would most likely think of you as a racist. Sad, but many here see patriotism=racism, one f the reasons americans are frowned upon here.

We are the new kid on the block, yet as a nation we have done a great deal in our short life. Europe hates us for that. That, and that point of view. If it hadn´t been for europeans, there wouldn´t be a US. If it hadn´t been for a lot of traitors, the US would still be a part of the British Empire. Especially that damm traitor Washington. He should´ve been hanged for his crimes.
A point of view that would cause people to dislike/hate me. It´s all about the point of view, aint it?
Pompous world
27-08-2005, 14:23
the ones running america since its inception have more or less been wasps of the southern slave owning "we are racist backwards bigots" variety. I dont give a shit for relativism. I think the christian right in america is regressive and should be destroyed, but not in an overt manner because that will only make it stronger. I hate fundamentalists scumbags like Pat Robertson, the guy said that chavez should be assassinated and that feminists are family ruining lesbians.

The Bush Administration is a disgrace tied up with corporate interests and it enrages me that they will not commit to reducing carbon dioxide emissions (oh sure, they wont get the brunt of global warming but the next generation will, but who cares about them, its all about us)- the kind of self centered atomized attitude that only a fabricated capitalist system which supresses natural sentiments of human solidarity could give rise to. And I will say it here, without a fear of reprisal that the right wing is completely and utterly evil. It has given us such monsters as Hitler, Margaret Thatcher, Nixon, George Bush, Stalin (Im not going to be pedantic about it, he was right wing in his actions), in fact in any society where there is an unnecessary supression of freedom of expression and civil rights you can attribute that to some kind of conservatist intervention by the establishment of the country i.e. the right wing, but thats not to say the establishment is necessarily right wing, only if it acts in a right wing manner like enforcing a conformist prejudiced agenda.

The U.S. is one such country, always has been. Of course to varying degrees. But right now it has sunk to a revolting new low because a few degenerate inbreds at the top. Its unbelievable the way they have redefined the boundaries of political discourse, suddenly being liberal is bad and being a right winger is heroic and noble. John Kerry's strongest card in his election, his war record was turned against him. They take truths and make them seem like lies, although only idiots believe it but there seems to be a lot of them around and take lies and make them seem like truths. The greater the truth the greater its distortion because they own the media, they own americas perception of reality and nothing can escape it.

And Ill add this, war is hell and insane, and anyone who engineers it as lightly as bushs aides is a maniac. Oh yes they want the oil in Iraq and to spread their political dominance in the middle east. Maybe they dont want the E.U. forming an alliance with the middle east sometime in the future by driving a wedge between them by invading iraq because that would threaten their status as the number one global power. What I like though is that they are actually afraid. Americas time is running out. New centres of power are rising up, some will probably be as bad as america has been in terms of its foreign and domestic policies, in fact already are, but history has shown us that world empires that embark on aggressive colonialist adventours have inevitably fallen apart. In fact machiavelli said something quite enlightening about it, that a countries domestic security is destablised if it seeks to preserve itself through the conquest of other nations. I see that happening with america. Hopefully hillary clinton will get elected as the next president, although I wouldnt quite count on it, what with all those Pat Robertson types in redneck south who should get their just desserts and be assissinated themselves.
Muntoo
27-08-2005, 14:48
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.


Well here's another opinion for you,
I definitely don't venerate Bush. He's human and prone to his share of mistakes, and I think he's made a doozy out of his decisions about the Iraq war.

I may be a little chubby (15-20 pounds overweight) but give me a break! I'm trying to lose the baby weight! McDonalds...blech. Although I had the worst craving for a Bic Mac while pregnant. Of course it made me so nauseated I had to use medication to keep it down. Perhaps I would have been better off throwing it up!

Not sure about # 3, but it sure seems like when we mind our own business we get critisized for it.

I actually get irritated by #4 as well. Perhaps my perspective is different since I'm only a first generation American, but while I tend to think America is pretty great, I don't rule out the greatness of other countries. Especially since I haven't had a chance to visit them and see them first hand.
Mekonia
27-08-2005, 14:56
George W Bush = instrument of God. Anyone who says otherwise is a traitor and deserves to be held without trial, without charges, indefinitely!

George and Jesus are my heroes ... fightin' the terrists n gettin' loaded with oil! Not only that, but our great president is making sure that us Christians are free from persecution and all of this 'Separation of Church and State' nonsense, made popular by the same cold-blooded stem cell-murderering liberals that need to haul their commie butts the hell out of here.

(and I live in the USA :D )


and thats where you will stay. Cos if you leave well then....Al Gore will get you :p
Derscon
27-08-2005, 15:02
BTW I wouldn't consider any nation where you can't own a gun a free nation.

Ditto. :D

The general consensus is that the Democrats and Republicans are both evil and that you must pick a lesser evil. I offer a simpler solution.

Vote Libertarian!!

I'm sorry, but when a candidate loses to Ralph Nader, you know you have a problem.
Sonaj
27-08-2005, 15:02
the kind of self centered atomized attitude that only a fabricated capitalist system which supresses natural sentiments of human solidarity could give rise to. And I will say it here, without a fear of reprisal that the right wing is completely and utterly evil. It has given us such monsters as Hitler, Margaret Thatcher, Nixon, George Bush, Stalin (Im not going to be pedantic about it, he was right wing in his actions), in fact in any society where there is an unnecessary supression of freedom of expression and civil rights you can attribute that to some kind of conservatist intervention by the establishment of the country i.e. the right wing, but thats not to say the establishment is necessarily right wing, only if it acts in a right wing manner like enforcing a conformist prejudiced agenda.
I know what you mean. The socialist democrats have been running this country since 1917, with two short intermissions where the opposition (a union of the 4 major right wing-parties) have gotten into control. When the opposition did last time, it was disaster. Unemployment skyrocketed, taxes were raised even higher (the socialist democrats used it to highten the standard of living for everyone, the opposition because it was losing money) and many businesses were moved abroad or closed down. They only got one term.
It looks like the opposition will get back into control next election, something many here are afraid of. The leading party of the opposition is anti-gay, conservative, anti-immigration, pro-death sentence, anti-abortion and is the farthest right wing party of the seven in the riksdag (parliament). It promises another disaster the socialist democrats will have to clean up.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 15:11
I completely agree. I note that a large amount of time in many totilitarian societies appears to be spent on whipping up nationalistic fervour. Frankly I am surprised that the (vocal) christians of the US put up with such overt idolotry, isnt the pledge at the end of day (requring as it does the idolotry of a flag) an infringement on religious freedoms, or is the bit about 'under God' enough to pacify the concerns of the religious squeaky wheels (we'll accept the idolotry since it coincides with pressure to make religious statements)?

I pledge Allegience to the flag of the United States of America:

This does not in any way say that it's idoltary. You can honor a symbol without worshiping it or what it represents. Since the flag represents the United States, it's constitution, and all it was meant to stand for, you defend the flag as you would defend your nation. The same way that in Roman times, it was a disgrace to lose the golden eagle (I forget what it was called :().

And to the Republic, for which it stands:

Again, basically, revert back to my explanation of the first line. You don't have to like the administration, but you're pledging to support the nation itself. Sometimes to support the nation you have to be against the administration.

One nation, under God:

THe United States of America, while fifty seperate states and countless territories, is still one united nation, under the guidence of the Divine Providence. God was intended to refer to the Judeo-Christian God, yes, however, it can and should be interpreted nowadays as a Divine Providence -- a Higher Power. It as itself does not violate the First Amendment as it is not endorsing any religion. Remember, it is freedom of, not from.

Indivisible:

We can't be divided. Obviously, that's not entirely true, unfortunately.

With Liberty and justice for all.

Self-explanitory.
Katganistan
27-08-2005, 15:19
If it makes you feel better, if I or pretty much any of my friends had been there, we probably would have told the people threatening you to shut up and calm down. I mean, one could possibly argue that it might be polite of you to stand, but a sane person can hardly suggest that everyone, regardless of nationality, should be required to stand up during "The Star-Spangled-Banner." That doesn't sound like the "American mentality," it sounds like the "random idiot mentality," and we have as many random idiots as any other country.

It would have been polite to stand. At Shea, we stand during 'O Canada' every game, and it's not the national anthem of the USA.
Potaria
27-08-2005, 15:20
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

1: This is the doing of Neocons, not most Americans.

2: Haha. Nobody thinks that McDonald's is the least bit healthy. Of course, I like *some* of their stuff, but I rarely eat it. I'm 5'10" and 152lbs, so I hardly fit your stereotypical "fat" comment.

3: Again, this is Neocon bullshit. Most of us don't think we should but in, really.

4: Sadly, this is true for most of us. I, for one, don't think this is the best country in the world, and for good reason.

This image comes from the "Heartland". Places like Nebraska and Utah, where a lot of the people are almost Fascist in their politics, mainly because they've never even been outside their home states.
Katganistan
27-08-2005, 15:30
Hahaha Please, New York is a overall liberal state and depending on what part you go to, there are different kinds of people, in the burrows and the city, well people aren't that friendly, they just want to get where they want to go. But no way, although that stereotype is true to some Americans, its not for everyone. That would be ludacris!

They are boroughs -- I know since I live in one and it is not a den scraped out of the dirt.

I am well acquainted with the words 'please' and 'thank you' and 'excuse me', and 'I do appreciate it' as well as, "Have a good day," and "Glad I could help!" and I am from NYC.
Potaria
27-08-2005, 15:33
What's all this bullshit about New Yorkers being unfriendly assholes?

It's as if you don't know what you're talking about. Imagine that.
Katganistan
27-08-2005, 15:48
1.) Most people in the world hate the president... I myself don't...

2.) I'm skinny and healthy

3.) Well the American Dream is a state of mind... like insanity if you've ever been happy you've lived the american dream

4.) It is... the best....



Canada - Oh yea, when i think sucsessful countries i think canada... their like France.
Germany - Achtung right their, to dumb to get taken over by nazi's, split their country in two and let the soviets take them over
Australia - pretty good country... for the southeast section of it... the rest is a bunch of aboriginists who don't do anything... important and probaly.. When i think Aboriginals, i think Ethipopians
U.K. - Got nothing wrong with the U.K.... cept they should give Northern Ireland to Ireland...
Sweden - Too stupid
Denmark - Too stupid
Spain - To much like France
France - It was more than gratifying watching French President Jacques Chirac suffer his own personal China Syndrome a week or two back. Jacques was outraged that many of the countries of Eastern Europe are supporting the noble American goal of terminating Saddam Hussein. He labeled those who dared to disagree with his collaborationist wishes "infantile," and "reckless." He said that they had "missed a good opportunity to keep quiet" and threatened to block their inclusion in the European Union. Frankly, Chirac's speech was frighteningly reminiscent of one of Tom Daschle's televised melt-downs. I wonder if those guys are related?

At any rate, such whimpering cowardice and tendency toward premature capitulation is exactly what one should expect of France. A quick review of its history and culture immediately reveals the complete absence of both gray matter, taste buds and a collective spine.

The French invented a critically acclaimed style of cuisine which utilizes copious amounts of goose blood and involves hideous concepts such as boiling trout in spoiled cream. In truth, you'll find better fare in the dumpster behind a Red Lobster. The French eat horse. They eat glands. They eat bugs. I know this because they rarely brush their teeth. Their women whine and complain and braid their armpit hair. Their men are beret-wearing twig-boys with bad complexions. All French people consider themselves intellectually superior, and I suppose they are if the comparison is to an incontinent house cat. Give them two minutes and they will inevitably rave of their sexual prowess, which is a little like Christopher Reeve bragging about his speed in the 40 yard dash.

The French specialize in crummy cars, unjustified arrogance and mimes. In truth, the only area in which they truly excel is failure. The French tried to construct the Panama Canal; Americans had to finish it. The French tried to colonize Vietnam; America was left with the mess when they ran.

You may not know this, but the official bird of France is the rooster, which is not surprising when you consider the French war record. They lost the Algerian Rebellion. They lost the aforementioned war in Indochina. They lost the Franco Prussian war. They lost the Wars of Religion against the Huguenots. They lost the Italian Wars. They lost the Gallic Wars. I need not mention World War I and World War II, except to say that the French people would now be goose-stepping and eating sauerkraut (a vast improvement in their diets) if not for American intervention. When the Germans crossed the border the French "patriots" rolled on their backs and begged to serve the Nazis. I personally think France needs a new flag...a bright yellow one with a picture of Foghorn Leghorn in the middle.

But lets be fair here. France briefly won some battles during the Napoleonic era, but only because their leader was from Corsica. They claim to have won the Hundred Years War, but that was because the non-French, extremely bi-polar Joan of Arc took over their armies. The French did win the French Revolution, but how tough can it be fighting another Frenchman? It seems to me that the victor would be the guy who could run the fastest.

France's greatest contribution to the civilized world is body odor. They rave about their art and wine, which often resembles freestyle finger-painting performed by a street bum gassed-up on Ripple. They despise all things American, and have even passed laws making it illegal - I'm not making this up - to call a cheese burger a cheeseburger. They call them "la croissant fromage." The French gave the world both the guillotine and the umbrella, which illustrates in a nutshell how the muddled brains of these people operate. I've yet to see a decapitated individual who gave a flip if his head got wet.

The French think Jerry Lewis is funny. That's just sick.

Therefore, considering the obvious fact that many of the French suffer from low self esteem, gastrointestinal difficulty, terminal ugliness and a rather unsightly Messiah complex, it should come as no surprise that they now wish to lose the War on Terrorism. Lets keep in mind that this is the country that gave safe harbor to the Ayatollah Khomeini for 14 years. They are a socialist nanny state whose citizens wish to be taken care of from cradle to grave. They want others to fight their battles, pay their bills and heap them with the praise they so richly don't deserve.

Now, least the gentle reader misunderstand, there are a few French commodities which are worthy of notice. I enjoy both French fries and French kissing, and in my youth enjoyed humming along to traditional French tunes such as "I seen London, I seen France, I seen Betty's underpants." French's Mustard is pretty good too.

Also, there are a lot of people in America who boast French ancestry. They are obviously cool and come from good stock...

Mostly because their great-grandparents were smart enough to leave France.


Wow, that's the biggest load of flamebait I've seen in a long time. Officially Warned.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 15:55
What's all this bullshit about New Yorkers being unfriendly assholes?

It's as if you don't know what you're talking about. Imagine that.

Heh.

Americans -- including New Yorkers -- are overall friendly people. At least around my area they are. Americans being stuckup assholes to everyone is just another false stereotype. Sure, we have them, but every nation does.

Especially France. :p

(Sorry, I can't resist the French jokes. :D)
OceanDrive2
27-08-2005, 15:58
> Everybody knows that McDonalds is garbage.Everybody? I didnt know that McDonald was garbage..

McDonald is Fast Food.
i like McDonald and I like tomatoes...

Eat enough tomatoes and your health will suffer...eat even more and you will die.

McDonalds is there when I need good fast service...I apreciate that.
Derscon
27-08-2005, 16:01
Everybody? I didnt know that McDonald was garbage..

McDonald is Fast Food.
i like McDonald and I like tomatoes...

Eat enough tomatoes and your health will suffer...eat even more and you will die.

McDonalds is there when I need good fast service...I apreciate that.

IMO, Wendy's and Arby's are better, however McDonald's fries and milkshakes own.

Their "burgers" suck miserably, though. Personally, I'd go to Fuddruckers for a burger, but if I need it fast, I'd go to Wendy's.

[/hijack]
Monirvana
27-08-2005, 16:03
One nation, under God:

THe United States of America, while fifty seperate states and countless territories, is still one united nation, under the guidence of the Divine Providence. God was intended to refer to the Judeo-Christian God, yes, however, it can and should be interpreted nowadays as a Divine Providence -- a Higher Power. It as itself does not violate the First Amendment as it is not endorsing any religion. Remember, it is freedom of, not from.



Freedom of and freedom from are equally important to me. There is a saying: The basic test of freedom is not what we are free to do but what we are free not to do. I prefer exercising the rights given to me in the Constitution by not submitting to a forced recital of a pledge which, I am sorry, does not hold meaning for me. Further, the freedom of religion clause in full implies that citizens are free to abstain from the practice of religion. Personally, I feel that our current administration is nearing a theocracy, and reciting the Pledge would, for me, be almost an endorsement of that.
This is all my interpretation and what I believe. You are more than free to differ.
Dontgonearthere
27-08-2005, 16:05
This whole topic is rather pathetic, considering its first post is a blatant troll.

The rest consists of people restating previouly made points, or posting what is essentially 'Yeah, right!' agreements to the first post, or angry disagreements that anything in America can be good.
Pompous world
27-08-2005, 17:13
I know what you mean. The socialist democrats have been running this country since 1917, with two short intermissions where the opposition (a union of the 4 major right wing-parties) have gotten into control. When the opposition did last time, it was disaster. Unemployment skyrocketed, taxes were raised even higher (the socialist democrats used it to highten the standard of living for everyone, the opposition because it was losing money) and many businesses were moved abroad or closed down. They only got one term.
It looks like the opposition will get back into control next election, something many here are afraid of. The leading party of the opposition is anti-gay, conservative, anti-immigration, pro-death sentence, anti-abortion and is the farthest right wing party of the seven in the riksdag (parliament). It promises another disaster the socialist democrats will have to clean up.

good point. It makes me ask, who votes for these morons? But then Id also have to ask myself why there were 2 world wars etc.
Adlersburg-Niddaigle
27-08-2005, 17:37
1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

venerate the president? I think not. In our family, no one can tolerate the man. We cannot stand to look at him, to hear him speak, and we give him no credit for even the very basic intelligence. The things that he and his régime have done will haunt us and the rest of the world for generations.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

There are obese people in the USA, but obesity is generally the product of a poor diet. An indefensibly large percentage of Americans (30-35% - mostly children) live below the poverty line which itself is indefensibly low. A similar percentage has no access to decent medical care.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

I am not sure what the 'American dream' is but if it involves a decent house, car, education, etc., most Americans see that dream fading.

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

This is a matter of education. Sadly (or happily), most Americans do not go abroad; most know no language but English. Those who do go abroad do not stay long enough to discover the good and the bad of other societies. And most Americans are not familiar enough with their own land to make judgments about other countries. But this is not only an American fault. Europeans (admittedly not always the educated) have told me some very surprising and erroneous things about the USA. Since most Europeans get their information from fifth-rate TV shows and films exported to them from the USA, it is not at all surprising that America for them is a combination of Dallas, Santa Barbara, the wild west, crime, etc. The reality of the USA is far different.
Avika
27-08-2005, 20:09
Americans think they live in the best country in the world because they don't want to think that they live in a stink hole. It makes their homeland feel unbareable. Most Americans disagree with the president. Heck, even some conservatives disagree with him on many issues. People eat fast food here because it's cheaper and faster than actually having to cook the food yourself. You try working full time at a job you hate and then take about an hour cooking some food. I guess it's expected when you live in a nation where the workers tend to work more than most other nations. Americans don't get that many vacation days. They tend to work 40 hours a week every week until they retire in they're mid-late sixties. That leaves 72 hours a week for other stuff if they sleep 8 hours a day. Programmers get it worse with 80-hours a week. 32 hours a week for non-work and non-sleep activities, like going to work and eating.
[NS]Antre_Travarious
27-08-2005, 20:21
Everyone should hate the US, they are the greatest nation on the face of the planet, and they are holding all the rest of us down.
Derscon
28-08-2005, 03:25
Antre_Travarious']Everyone should hate the US, they are the greatest nation on the face of the planet, and they are holding all the rest of us down.

THank you for your well thought out, constructive, non-flamebaiting post.

At least I tried humour in my no-thought posts. :)
Potaria
28-08-2005, 03:34
Personally, I'd go to Fuddruckers for a burger

Yeah, Fuckrudders make really good burgers.
Americai
28-08-2005, 04:29
I refuse to partake anymore because our political system is flawed; the idea that anything a public groups says will go is ridiculous. The only groups that ever get anything through the government line DC's pockets with money to get there and/or have a large Corporate backing. I refuse to partake in this disgusting system anymore. It's unfair, and I cannot participate in this sham anymore and still feel good about myself. I am an honest person, our government is far from being that.

My decision in this is not quick and has been long in coming. The past is prologue to the future. Read some history books (preferably one that wasn't written by americans), countries that have a great and quick rise, also have a great and quick fall.

Oh god, you are naive. For one, you ARE preaching to the chior. I damned well know what goes on on ALL political levels.

However, let me ask you a question that I want you to seriously think about for a moment or two.

Question: How the hell do you think you can change a place like DC when you haven't even begun an organization or group that is intent on changing local districts?

Throwing money in DC is like throwing 20 dollars at a tornado and hoping it will change its course. It CAN NOT BE DONE. I am VERY aware of this. You however seem to have stop thinking after becoming depressed or thinking its hopeless. It IS hopeless in that manner. Futhermore, you have no real concept how this republic works. Not just in the "system runs like this" sense, but in how the dynamics influence party control. You want to go up against the big boys like the Republicans and Democrats who have as a party taken their time to gain regional control. Now some upstart wants to change that overnight? Sorry, but that doesn't work here or ANYWHERE ELSE. You leave this country, you'll find more of the same. Period.

You know what? Just get out. We need smarter people in this country anyway. I prefer more intelligent independent allies. Not emo-kids.
[NS]Ghost Stalker
28-08-2005, 04:40
1. To me, Bush is a joke.

2. i am only 130lbs, and am thin, and I dispise McPukes.

3. when it comes to helping the world, Amerika should do its part, but so should all other nations capable of doing so.

4. To me, Amerika is not the best Nation on the planet, we have our faults, more then other industrialized nations. But we do have our ups. And I will accept that Amerika is not the best nation on the planet.
Sheer Stupidity
28-08-2005, 04:54
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.
Are you saying that you don't see how obvious it is that this is all propaganda?

1 - It should be obvious enough that this one is wrong.

2 - The US isn't even the country with the highest obesity rate, let alone 100%.

3 - I'm not even sure what this one is all about.

4 - Unless there are people on here claiming to be Americans who aren't, the posts on this board alone should show you that this one is wrong.

If you keep hearing things repeated enough, they eventually stick, even if they aren't true. Some people use that tactic to fill your head with as much hate-speech as possible in an attempt to manipulate your opinion.
Elite Shock Troops
28-08-2005, 05:03
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans; *snip*

More than 60% of all adults in the US are clinically overweight or obese according to the latest statistical data I've read.

Besides that. You claim that Americans are viewed in the manner you've outlined (which you may or may not realise that only a certain percentage of British/Europeans/non-Americans agree with themselves), but that you understand not everyone fits that "stereotype" (which is almost certainly true for any country on the planet)
Derscon
29-08-2005, 02:10
Yeah, Fuckrudders make really good burgers.

Fuckrudders? WTF?
Derscon
29-08-2005, 02:11
More than 60% of all adults in the US are clinically overweight or obese according to the latest statistical data I've read.

You have to realize, though, that some of that means that "average weight" is "twig." THat's the problem with some of those studies -- if you're not as thin as the Olsen twins, you're overweight.
Vetalia
29-08-2005, 02:12
Yeah, Fuckrudders make really good burgers.

I knew it; they make the hamburgers out of penises cut off in the act of fucking a rudder.
Soviet Hinata
29-08-2005, 02:17
America IS the best country in the world.

Military
Economy
Freedom
Derscon
29-08-2005, 02:23
I knew it; they make the hamburgers out of penises cut off in the act of fucking a rudder.
:eek:
That hurts just reading...
Oekai
29-08-2005, 02:24
Right, to clarify, I do not hate americans, I hate the image of Americans that has been fed to us Europeans, specifically us British. Most British people seem to think that ALL Americans;

1 - Venerate the President and think that every single thing he does his right.

2 - Are all obese and that McDonalds constitutes a healthy meal.

3 - The rest of the world (everywhere except America) needs help from America to appreciate the "American dream".

4 - Americans think they are the best country in the world, bar none, and will not listen to any argument, reasonable or unreasonable, to argue otherwise.

I myself have visted the USA (specifically New York and Illinois) and have found the people there some of the most warming and welcomoing folk I have ever met. So, I don't really know where this image comes from . You don't all bow and scrape to Georgie boy do you? Please enlighten me and prove me wrong.

Your question is how do you get the IMAGE that Amerca is to be hated.

The simple answer to that question is from anyone who can make an
impression on you that themselves hate America.

And there are plenty of people and institutions like that,.. many of them
American.

Then the question becomes "Why do THEY hate America?"


-The REAL Iakeo
The Atlantian islands
29-08-2005, 02:33
You need a list? Okay...

Canada
Germany
Australia
U.K.
Sweden
Denmark
Spain
France

There's plenty of nations that have just as much to offer, if not more...

Let me brake this list down country by country.

Canda: great standard of living. pretty isolated from foreign affairs. pretty good economy. very very socialist and hard on bussinesses.

Germany: great standard of living. Third best economy in the world. Afraid of being conservetive because of its past.

Australia: great standar of living. Pretty good economy. Does not offer much to the rest of the world, politicaly, or culture wise.

England: standard of living going down. economy being run down by above the law unions. mass immigration of Arabs to england hurting England

Sweden: great standard of living, heavily socialist, hard on bussiness, isolation from foreign affairs

Denmark: good standard of living heavily socialist hard on bussiness, isolation from foreign affairs

Spain: why is Spain even on here? Spain is a piece of shit and hasnt been anything since the exploration/colonial days, same with Portugal

France: Dont even get me started on France. They hate America, the rest of Europe, and basicly anyone whos not Parisian. They are being overun by Arabs which is hurting their culture and country. and their economy is pretty pathetic, along with their standard of living.

Japan: is in my opinion the second best country in the world....just in front of Germany...I am shocked that you didnt include Japan in this list.

Now if you go over these lists you will find that the only thing they beat America in, is being more socialist. Now obviously to some extreame liberals this is a good thing. But to the normal person its not. In conclusion, excluding socialism, America is the best economy wise, cultural wise (America has influeced the world more than any other country), Involvment in foreign affairs (how many countries asses have we saved, and how many of those countries hate us now **cough cough FRANCE**), standard of living...arguably the best matched only by Japan and maybe Sweden, and Germany, and weither or not you like the current administration this country has something for the Right Wing conservetives and the left wing liberals so everyones happy. America also boasts a huge middle class and arguably the first country to have a middle class. It is also possible for ANYONE to advance from the bottom to the top. And we also have had the most immigration to our country than ANY other country. So yes, America is the best country. Behind America are Japan, Duetschland, Sweden, Australia, and Canada...but they are still BEHIND America. (I know there are typos in this...I typed it really fast lol).