Czar, Clinton's transgressions are not what the American Political system is about. We may have our scandals (who doesn't?), but the real advantage of our political system is its stability. How many other countries can say that they have had a peaceful transfer of power every time a new leader took office or another party gained control for over 200 years? In the US, you won't see a scandal bring down an entire government, or fragile coalitions collapse under opposition. We have many problems, probably more so than most of the other industrialized nations out there, but the stability we enjoy is something that would greatly benefit nearly every other nation, IMO.
<< and secondly, the health plan sucks: canadians are generally healthier than us. but then again, our govt system/economic system is probably the best in the world so there's a plus. >>
One minor issue before I let fly with my nationalism tonight...
I'm really tired of this criticism. There is definitely a tradeoff in healthcare, and the rest of the world benefits from the choices we have made in our country in medicine. We easily have the finest medical care in the world -- when was the last time you heard about a celebrity going abroad for top notch medical care? No, they stay here and go to the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, etc., as do many foreign dignitaries. We have some of the finest doctors in the world because they have an incentive to be the best, not merely mediocre such as in France and Great Britain where socialized medicine removes the profit incentive for top performers.
Try visiting a British dentist (if you can find one, heh!).
The tradeoff is expensive medicine, but it costs quite a bit to maintain cutting edge healthcare. Everything in the U.S. revolves around money, including healthcare, and it will always be that way. The less fortunate are simply that -- less fortunate, and while I regret that they are not able to enjoy the benefits of U.S. living as much as most others, I count my blessings that I can. I also attempt to do my part to better their lot as countless others do as well. Simply because the government does not care for everyone does not mean that others do not -- charity is quite common in the U.S.
<< Our history is full of complete and utter crap. Not saying other countrys aren't, but we are by no means perfect. The history they teach in schools is a joke.. Most of it isn't even true.. George Washington, the tobacco farmer? Give me a break! >>
I am curious as to what sort of bizarre revisionist history you endorse, Eli. I'm also interested in any meaningful examples of the untrue history I learned in high school.
<< But like I said to begin with, don't point out our faults until you've completely conquered your own. >>
don't you realize we are just as guilty of this? for example, look at how many situations we butted into...despite our "good" intentions, we have so many haters b/c ppl simply don't want us in there country and policing them.
also, I know there are going to be a few of you who are going to argue that the reason we butt has benefits that others don't see. but contrary to that, look at the philipines. we invaded the country claiming that we are going to free them from oppression when in reality, we oppressed them once we kicked the oppressors out. why? basically for economic reasons. and do you know how americans justified it? "we got to help our little brown brothers." I bet those 'little brown brothers' weren't very happy to be looked down upon like that.
so bober, the ppl criticizing america has every right to do it because america is doing just the same: we think ppl need help and we butt in and control them. and it's not even for their sake, we do it because it would benefit us: such as reputation, world dominance, economic reasons, military reasons, etc.
Take it from someone whose lived overseas, the U.S. *is* the greatest country in the world.
As for healthcare, get A JOB AND BUY YOUR OWN GOD DAMN INSURANCE. I'm getting reeeeal sick of hearing welfare types bitch about healthcare :frown:
Dabanshee: Americans jealous of life in Australia? You've gotta be kidding yourself. Lay off the LSD buddy (and please don't go around encouraging little kids to use it like you were a few months ago on that one thread).
As for healthcare, get A JOB AND BUY YOUR OWN GOD DAMN INSURANCE. I'm getting reeeeal sick of hearing welfare types bitch about healthcare :frown:
Dabanshee: Americans jealous of life in Australia? You've gotta be kidding yourself. Lay off the LSD buddy (and please don't go around encouraging little kids to use it like you were a few months ago on that one thread).
reitz
We may have our scandals (who doesn't?), True but somehow your scandals tend to get alot more publicity than any political matter.
How many other countries can say that they have had a peaceful transfer of power every time a new leader took office or another party gained control for over 200 years? Hands up here, no problems from the beginning, and most of the "nordic" countries have never had any problems either.
In the US, you won't see a scandal bring down an entire government WATERGATE
In my honest opinion your "stability" comes from ignorance.
<< << But like I said to begin with, don't point out our faults until you've completely conquered your own. >> >>
Veery good point.
CyberSax
A friend of mine was in Seattle for 4-5months (downloading loads of stuff from your great internet connection) but his experience with you americans is not that good, most of you are stupid and a few of you are normal.
We may have our scandals (who doesn't?), True but somehow your scandals tend to get alot more publicity than any political matter.
How many other countries can say that they have had a peaceful transfer of power every time a new leader took office or another party gained control for over 200 years? Hands up here, no problems from the beginning, and most of the "nordic" countries have never had any problems either.
In the US, you won't see a scandal bring down an entire government WATERGATE
In my honest opinion your "stability" comes from ignorance.
<< << But like I said to begin with, don't point out our faults until you've completely conquered your own. >> >>
Veery good point.
CyberSax
A friend of mine was in Seattle for 4-5months (downloading loads of stuff from your great internet connection) but his experience with you americans is not that good, most of you are stupid and a few of you are normal.
Myths myths and more myths. America differs very little in crime rate from the rest of the world. Homicide rates in western europe are within the margin of error of those in major US cites and I believe that the US has now fallen below world averages. Sure our homicides involve guns, but frankly I would rather be shot to death than stabbed 40 times. Violent crime is an endemic of our modern society and are not specific to any one country, population density is the most influential factor. America has failed policies and problems as a result of our puritan hertige but the problems aren't any worse than other nations. The US is by far the most diverse nation on the planet, with every nationality represented within it's borders in the form of immigrants. Based on what I value in a nation I could only consider one nation even close to the US in opportunity, natural spaces, and diversity. Canada.
<<A friend of mine was in Seattle for 4-5months (downloading loads of stuff from your great internet connection) but his experience with you americans is not that good, most of you are stupid and a few of you are normal.>>
Czar, you and your friend are from a different culture. Based on your statements you are no better than the america was 50 years ago. Fortunatly we outgrew that attitude a LONG time ago. Just because you don't understand someone doesn't make them stupid, and being "normal" isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact based on everything I've seen I would venture that your entire attitude of the US is derived from the media. In fact if you haven't visited the US, you have NO basis for any of your comments on the US. If you haven't been here, I would say that you are nothing more than someone with a deep hatred of america for no reason. Of course Iceland lives in their own little world. God forbid you might have to meet and interact with different cultures, they might not be "normal".
Czar, you and your friend are from a different culture. Based on your statements you are no better than the america was 50 years ago. Fortunatly we outgrew that attitude a LONG time ago. Just because you don't understand someone doesn't make them stupid, and being "normal" isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact based on everything I've seen I would venture that your entire attitude of the US is derived from the media. In fact if you haven't visited the US, you have NO basis for any of your comments on the US. If you haven't been here, I would say that you are nothing more than someone with a deep hatred of america for no reason. Of course Iceland lives in their own little world. God forbid you might have to meet and interact with different cultures, they might not be "normal".
One note on crime in comparison to European cities:
I lived there for awhile and traveled to quite a few different countries. I noted a huge difference in the perception of crime that I had. In the U.S., it is fairly obvious that you need to avoid certain sections of an American city to avoid violent crime or really crime at all, for that matter. There are exceptions, but it's safe to say that a majority of crime is committed in certain areas (I am talking about crime committed against strangers, as opposed to family disputes, etc.).
In Europe, on the other hand (at least in France, where I lived, probably also in Italy and Spain at least), there was a constant fear of crime, though it was not violent crime. There were areas that had the potential for violent crime albeit not as great, but pickpockets were omnipresent, from nice shopping malls to the transit buses and trams. Rome is positively overrun with Gypsies looking to steal your belongings (I'm not stereotyping -- if you've been there, you know what I'm talking about). In short, I felt in constant fear of being pickpocketed, and rarely did I feel at ease over petty crime.
By contrast, I have no fear at all of pickpockets in most of the areas where I go, be they crowded or otherwise. I have also only witnessed perhaps one incident of brazen theft in 27 years in this country, but I saw close to a dozen in one year in France. Again, a tradeoff.
I lived there for awhile and traveled to quite a few different countries. I noted a huge difference in the perception of crime that I had. In the U.S., it is fairly obvious that you need to avoid certain sections of an American city to avoid violent crime or really crime at all, for that matter. There are exceptions, but it's safe to say that a majority of crime is committed in certain areas (I am talking about crime committed against strangers, as opposed to family disputes, etc.).
In Europe, on the other hand (at least in France, where I lived, probably also in Italy and Spain at least), there was a constant fear of crime, though it was not violent crime. There were areas that had the potential for violent crime albeit not as great, but pickpockets were omnipresent, from nice shopping malls to the transit buses and trams. Rome is positively overrun with Gypsies looking to steal your belongings (I'm not stereotyping -- if you've been there, you know what I'm talking about). In short, I felt in constant fear of being pickpocketed, and rarely did I feel at ease over petty crime.
By contrast, I have no fear at all of pickpockets in most of the areas where I go, be they crowded or otherwise. I have also only witnessed perhaps one incident of brazen theft in 27 years in this country, but I saw close to a dozen in one year in France. Again, a tradeoff.
A friend of mine was in Seattle for 4-5months (downloading loads of stuff from your great internet connection) but his experience with you americans is not that good, most of you are stupid and a few of you are normal.
Too stupid? Last time I checked, over half the people in our country go to college. What's the figure for yours? Like 5%?
At least we have the good decency not to go up to a foreigner and tell him that him and his countrymen "are far too stupid", even though in the case of you and your countrymen, it is most likely true if - and I do hope not - you happen to be a typical specimen. Though we may have crude American football and smut shops galore, we Americans are a classier and more civilized crowd than your xenophobic, prejudiced (and probably racist) ilk
Too stupid? Last time I checked, over half the people in our country go to college. What's the figure for yours? Like 5%?
At least we have the good decency not to go up to a foreigner and tell him that him and his countrymen "are far too stupid", even though in the case of you and your countrymen, it is most likely true if - and I do hope not - you happen to be a typical specimen. Though we may have crude American football and smut shops galore, we Americans are a classier and more civilized crowd than your xenophobic, prejudiced (and probably racist) ilk
From the CIA
"Military branches: no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; note - Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik "
Yes, we are very stupid sometimes.
"Military branches: no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; note - Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik "
Yes, we are very stupid sometimes.
"Military branches: no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; note - Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik "
LOL! Good call
Perhaps we should throw the ungrateful punks back into sea, and colonize their nation... But then again, who in the hell would want to live in Iceland?
LOL! Good call
Perhaps we should throw the ungrateful punks back into sea, and colonize their nation... But then again, who in the hell would want to live in Iceland?
XMan
Lifer
- Oct 9, 1999
- 12,513
- 49
- 91
Of course, Iceland is the country that had a law on the books until recently that any Turk who stepped foot in the country was to be executed immediately . . .
Here's my take on the whole deal.
I know my country isn't perfect, but it's my country, and I love it. I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to have such a diverse population of fellow Americans. It seems to me that having pride in your country (for an American) is viewed as a bad thing.
Why is that? Have we done something so horribly wrong that the rest of the world has decided that any national pride we feel is somehow immoral?
Yes, we are a nation built upon revolution. The same could be said for Soviet Russia. King George got away got away from the Revolutionary War smarting in the pocket book. Csar Nicholas lost his head. Hell, Australia is a country of convicts and native Aboriginal tribesman.
Yes, the colonization of the West was not handled well. Yes, many Native Americans died in what should be a matter of shame for ALL Americans. Their number, however, pales to the number of Chinese that have been killed by the Japanese during the second World War, as well as Stalin's purges, and the Holocaust.
Yes, we kept slaves. But until the mid to late 19th century, slavery was actually quite common throughout the world.
Yes, the Spanish-American and Mexican-American wars were horrible examples of jingoistic imperialism. The same could be said for the Mongolian invasion of Eastern Europe, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria (which actually started World War II, FYI), and the Crusades.
IMO, it's just jealously. The USA has come very far in two hundred years, and many of our fellows are countries much, much more storied. Our leapfrog to the top of the heap has left a lot of countries feeling like we should be paying them homage for their experience. Kind of like the new kid at the office that makes VP over a more experienced, tenured employee.
Here's my take on the whole deal.
I know my country isn't perfect, but it's my country, and I love it. I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to have such a diverse population of fellow Americans. It seems to me that having pride in your country (for an American) is viewed as a bad thing.
Why is that? Have we done something so horribly wrong that the rest of the world has decided that any national pride we feel is somehow immoral?
Yes, we are a nation built upon revolution. The same could be said for Soviet Russia. King George got away got away from the Revolutionary War smarting in the pocket book. Csar Nicholas lost his head. Hell, Australia is a country of convicts and native Aboriginal tribesman.
Yes, the colonization of the West was not handled well. Yes, many Native Americans died in what should be a matter of shame for ALL Americans. Their number, however, pales to the number of Chinese that have been killed by the Japanese during the second World War, as well as Stalin's purges, and the Holocaust.
Yes, we kept slaves. But until the mid to late 19th century, slavery was actually quite common throughout the world.
Yes, the Spanish-American and Mexican-American wars were horrible examples of jingoistic imperialism. The same could be said for the Mongolian invasion of Eastern Europe, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria (which actually started World War II, FYI), and the Crusades.
IMO, it's just jealously. The USA has come very far in two hundred years, and many of our fellows are countries much, much more storied. Our leapfrog to the top of the heap has left a lot of countries feeling like we should be paying them homage for their experience. Kind of like the new kid at the office that makes VP over a more experienced, tenured employee.
rahvin
True that us coming from a different culture matters, but his father is an american, so he is from both cultures.
CyberSax
I´d say about 50-60% go to collage here, it still doesnt matter if you go but what you learn. And these were not my words.
Capn
:=)... thanks to America no European country has to fight a war, we have usa to fight them for us.
Xerox Man
The world is a bad place to live in :/
AND ITS NOT JEALOUSY, its just terribly anoying to read and hear all sort of realy realy bad stuff about your country, far worse than in the countries I´v been to, and then you go on saying that its the best country in the world.
True that us coming from a different culture matters, but his father is an american, so he is from both cultures.
CyberSax
I´d say about 50-60% go to collage here, it still doesnt matter if you go but what you learn. And these were not my words.
Capn
:=)... thanks to America no European country has to fight a war, we have usa to fight them for us.
Xerox Man
The world is a bad place to live in :/
AND ITS NOT JEALOUSY, its just terribly anoying to read and hear all sort of realy realy bad stuff about your country, far worse than in the countries I´v been to, and then you go on saying that its the best country in the world.
<< at least I can walk where I want and go to school and not being shot at. >>
Strangely, I, and everyone I know, does that here. Clearly, Czar's reality is grounded in television.
Russ, NCNE
XeroxMan:
Uh, your argument sounds like a litany of reasons why Americans should hang their heads in shame! Revolution, killed the Indians, slavery. You missed imprisoning the Japanese during WWII, the system of intrenched discrimination against blacks for 100 years after the Civil War, the exploitation of the working classes by the industrialists, the McCarthy Era, and countless other major screwups. I mean, if you're going to list the bad reasons for staying in America, you could have been more thorough!
Uh, your argument sounds like a litany of reasons why Americans should hang their heads in shame! Revolution, killed the Indians, slavery. You missed imprisoning the Japanese during WWII, the system of intrenched discrimination against blacks for 100 years after the Civil War, the exploitation of the working classes by the industrialists, the McCarthy Era, and countless other major screwups. I mean, if you're going to list the bad reasons for staying in America, you could have been more thorough!
<< ok perhaps not being shot at, more like I´m in higher risk of being shot at. >>
From a purely statistical viewpoint, I suppose Americans do have a higher chance of being shot at while at school. However, it is certainly not fair to brand ALL American schools to be in this category. The majority of US schools are still pretty damn safe.
Czar,
Since we have more cars, you'd probably also be at higher risk to get run over. So what. In both cases, the odds of it happening are so small that it's not even a valid issue.
Russ, NCNE
Since we have more cars, you'd probably also be at higher risk to get run over. So what. In both cases, the odds of it happening are so small that it's not even a valid issue.
Russ, NCNE
How many guns do you have for every 1000?
How many cars do you have for every 1000?
Your rate for cars would be around the same as the rest of the western world, but your rate for guns is many times more than the country number two.
How many cars do you have for every 1000?
Your rate for cars would be around the same as the rest of the western world, but your rate for guns is many times more than the country number two.
Russ:
Unfortunately, many of the same people driving those cars own guns. Scary thought when you think about California.
Unfortunately, many of the same people driving those cars own guns. Scary thought when you think about California.
Czar,
We have more cars per capita than guns. Even if that were not the case, cars are everywhere, all the time. Guns are not; most reside in the home and rarely see the light of day. The comparison is not valid.
Try again.
Russ, NCNE
We have more cars per capita than guns. Even if that were not the case, cars are everywhere, all the time. Guns are not; most reside in the home and rarely see the light of day. The comparison is not valid.
Try again.
Russ, NCNE
Czar, unlike the movies US citizens don't walk around packing heat. About the only chance you would have to get shot walking around in daylight in even some of the worst sectors of urban america is if you tried to kick in the door of a crack house or rob a drug dealer. The US isn't what you see in the movies, you need to visit the US before you make that judgement.
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