america

[CagedCrado]

No he lives in wyoming, unless he thinks alaska is least populated, wich it isnt, montana has over 1 million people, wyoming has less than 500,000. The US shouldnt have to bother with people in other countries because they are just leeches that try to suck whatever they can from the united states. Only countries the US has to help are those who contribute, or atleast try to contribute. IE the US does not have to help france, a poor always at risk of invasion with no military whatsoever, and not a large economy, but should help the UK because they have a military, even though it is technically the US military. The US should get to tax people in countries that dont contribute because what are you supposed to do if the US decides they can do that at the price of defending you. This would have been far more useful during the cold war and is now obselete, but if there ever is a threat on you people just remember who your friends are and quit whining.

[OnlyOneCanoli]

I think america is not what it used to be, due the lack of ethics of corporate tycoons. I think our govt' is doing the best it can, and its still a good place to live.

 

Yup, going from an isolationist state to the world superpower is certainly not progress. And of course, we never had corrupt business leaders in the past. Except for guys like Rockefeller and Boss Tweed and countless others. The difference is that we put our scandals on front page news nowadays, where we didn't in years past, nor did anybody care about it.

 

America is a land of opportunity. If the people of this country lead nice lives, chances are that they worked damn hard for it. Statistics show that Americans have the longest workweek and less vacation time than other citizens of civilized nations. Not everybody used deception and graft to get where they are. I'm not saying that corporate America is perfect, but I'm also telling you not to generalize what you see in <1% of the population to every other citizen - the same holds true with the typical "arrogant, obese, ignorant, selfish" American stereotype I've found that many Europeans have of American citizens.

 

America is in a situation in which it will automatically be considered evil no matter what course it takes. For example, we invade Iraq - "What the hell are the Americans thinking?! This is an unprovoked attack on another nation! Death to America!" We stay out of Iraq - come twenty years and Iraq has done some serious damage to other nations using whatever weapons they have created - "God damn America. They had the chance of stopping this two decades ago! This is an atrocity. Death to America!" I suppose we'll need another attack on American soil for people to see the extent of what rogue states are capable of before we'll be convinced that we need to take action.

 

As for being selfish as a nation; well, I'm not going to tell you that everybody here is a kind and loving soul, because that's untrue (as it is with every nation). But who rushes to aid countries when natural disasters occur? America. Who sends military help to nations who are being invaded unfairly? America. Who's Marshall Plan gave billions of dollars to Europe after the devestation of WW2? America.

 

And who seems to care or remember these facts? Not nearly enough.

 

So what am I trying to say? Well, I think that America is being seen in an unfair light. Never do we see the great things this country accomplishes, only the things that many would consider detrimental to the nation or the world. Then, the people of the country are seen in the same light as their government, which isn't always right. So, if you care to put down Americans, feel free to do it. It's your right. But if you want to seem intelligent and informed while doing so, perhaps you should come to America and see it for what it truly is, and not take your viewpoints from media propoganda or the few rude Americans you've seen in your country who want ice cubes in their drinks if it's the last thing they do. If, in a year, or whatever, you still think that Americans are generally bad people, then I'd take your opinion seriously. But I'm not worried about having to do that, because chances are that you'll find the typical American to be as nice as any typical European or Canadian or Austrailian.

[ZBomber]

This is too confusing, I'm outta here....

[Jubatus]

Originally posted by CagedCrado

No he lives in wyoming, unless he thinks alaska is least populated, wich it isnt, montana has over 1 million people, wyoming has less than 500,000. The US shouldnt have to bother with people in other countries because they are just leeches that try to suck whatever they can from the united states. Only countries the US has to help are those who contribute, or atleast try to contribute. IE the US does not have to help france, a poor always at risk of invasion with no military whatsoever, and not a large economy, but should help the UK because they have a military, even though it is technically the US military. The US should get to tax people in countries that dont contribute because what are you supposed to do if the US decides they can do that at the price of defending you. This would have been far more useful during the cold war and is now obselete, but if there ever is a threat on you people just remember who your friends are and quit whining.

 

Don't you just love it when people advocate their opponent's case?

[Kanubis]

Wow - a lot to take in here.

 

I'm English but I live in Jersey. I have no problem with Americans since I realised that every one I've ever actually met and spoken to has been nice.

 

I do have a couple of grievances - how about I put them forward, then you Americans answer them and put forward a couple of annoyances against us English (and I'm really, really sure there must be some.)

 

So here goes:

 

1: It annoys me when I say I live in Jersey and Americancs assume I mean New Jersey.

 

2: Football! What you call Soccer is football!! My argument: Take your football and our football "soccer". Now, in one, you mainly manipulate the ball with you HANDS. In the other, the ball is mainly manipulated using the FOOT... can you see where I'm going?

 

3: How can a sporting event containing only American teams be a

world series?

 

4: When Americans say that WW2 started when they joined in? That one is hard to swallow when so many of your countrymen had died before America joined in. Mind you - thank God you did!

 

But there you go, four measly little points - I bet I could the same for any country, and twice as many for my own countrymen!

 

I think you're biggest issue from a media point of view is that you export all your 'freakshow' programmes (springer et al) and people form opinions from that.

[C'jais]

Another thing that bothers me about america:

 

You sometimes claim to have had a long, proud history and truckloads of traditions that goes aeons back. May I remind you that America was "colonized" around 400 years ago, while most of the rest of the world has it's ancient history roots about 2000 years ago.

 

And also, when america was colonized, people saw the native americans as inferior beings, when in fact it is them that should be ruling northern america and be by large the dominant group over there. You call it "your" country, when in fact it was only *recently* taken from the natives.

 

Of course, the average joe doesn't give a crap nor has had any say in this, but I just find it silly that you often forget where you came from - historically speaking, america is still very young.

 

And BTW, these points could also be said about other countries to an extent.... so excuse me.

[OnlyOneCanoli]

"And BTW, these points could also be said about other countries to an extent.... so excuse me."

 

Nice save. But I'd have to agree.

 

As for Jersey, it's logical to think of New Jersey fist. I mean, 98-99% of the time Americans mention Jersey, they are talking about the US state. Of course it's not right, but to ask if somebody is or isn't talking about the state whenever they mention Jersey would be crazy.

 

Yeah, I have no idea why we call football football.

 

The World Series is a showcase of a league made up of the best players from all over the world. The league has Canadian and American teams, as well as American, Canadian, Mexican, Dominican and other Caribbean islands, British, Japanese, and other nationalities that make up the players. They are the best in the world, so it is a World Series.

 

As for WW2 issues... I think you will find the typical American is very ignorant about WW2, honestly. It's very frightening to me sometimes. No idea why people are idiots about it. I can understand not knowing major battles or when France surrendered or specific things like that... but not knowing basic facts about the most important war of the century is pretty astounding.

[whitedragon]

Originally posted by Redwing

I already know how they would have responded.

 

http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75073&pagenumber=2

ive been meaning to say this. sorry redwing. i kinda over reacted...ok thats an understatement i flew off the handel. i have noticed that when i get really angry there is almost know stopping me and i hope you understand why i said all that stuff. so let me say this again sorry

[Darth Damage]

well i guess everyone else knows more about anything than americans well... i dont give a flying #### what people say about the United States... its the best damn country in the world hey we could be worse look at the middle east man... eat #### and like it if you dont like the United States!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

<at least he is on our side

[whitedragon]

Originally posted by Darth Damage

well i guess everyone else knows more about anything than americans well... i dont give a flying #### what people say about the United States... its the best damn country in the world hey we could be worse look at the middle east man... eat #### and like it if you dont like the United States!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

<at least he is on our side

hey hey hey calm down there

 

ok this was obviously a bad idea bringing this thread up so im going to kill it

[OnlyOneCanoli]

The opinions of the above poster do not necessarily reflect those of America.

[JandoFett1842]

There are just as many snoty english people (not to diss you guyz) as there are snoty americans. I try not to be one of those.

[Mafia_Jabba]

everyone should think their own country is the best in the world and try to make it such right? I mean how else will we prosper? Sure I don't particularly care for people who bash america, but we do have problems. We're working on them. WE have had problems 200 years ago but we have nothing to do we that. All we can do is learn and try not to repeat. Working forward is what we should be about not about saying who was wrong 200 or 50 years ago.

[whitedragon]

sorry but im going to close this thread in awhile. it was a bad idea in the first place:(

[OnlyOneCanoli]

No, please do not. This is the type of discussion that the Swamp needs more of instead of pointless crap. Just because people actually have opinions doesn't mean that they are flaming.

[whitedragon]

Originally posted by OnlyOneCanoli

No, please do not. This is the type of discussion that the Swamp needs more of instead of pointless crap. Just because people actually have opinions doesn't mean that they are flaming.

well i guess i shouldent be talking sence i made a total ass out of my self the other day:(

[Agen]

Well i actually think of the amritcan flag and green grass, white cats and global warming when i think of america.

Anyway, if most countries had the pwoer america had i'm sure they'd be quite like them too, it's just there's alot of people in america adn the loud ones are the ones that are heard and they aint great.

[whitedragon]

Originally posted by Agen_Terminator

Well i actually think of the amritcan flag and green grass, white cats and global warming when i think of america.

Anyway, if most countries had the pwoer america had i'm sure they'd be quite like them too, it's just there's alot of people in america adn the loud ones are the ones that are heard and they aint great.

you know global warming is just a hoax dont you

[Absurd]

Uh, I don't really care.

 

Oh wait, I'm American.

 

Leave me alone.

[Camus]

I guess... I just dont understand other countries at times... Please tell me this flat out and no large paragraphs... WHY DO PEOPLE HATE I MEAN HATE THE USA!?!?!? There are times when I just dont get it... We do our own thing... People mess with us so we get back... every country does it... But everycountry points at the biggest one when they mess up... China has 1/3 of the worlds population!!! they are comies and not very many people pick on them... But the USA is free and people hate us??? I dont get it sometimes...

[OnlyOneCanoli]

Not in paragraphs? A thorough answer would take pages, and it wouldn't even scrape the iceberg because so many people hate us for so many reasons.

 

For example though, a lot of people in the Middle East hate us because we side with Israel and we supported forming it after WW2. Some people think our foreign policy is oppressive and that we don't let people believe in what they want or do what they want. We also symbolize a changing world with our technocracy and such, and hardcore conservatives (I'm not talking about Republicans, I am talking extreme conservatives here) do not think the world should be that way (they also think that women are for sex only as well, etc.). But there are so many reasons why different groups hate us.

 

Then, a lot of people are uninformed about America and are just prejudiced against us from what they see in the media and in movies. Most of these people don't "hate" us, they just "dislike" us even though they may have never been in America before.

[whitedragon]

Originally posted by OnlyOneCanoli

Not in paragraphs? A thorough answer would take pages, and it wouldn't even scrape the iceberg because so many people hate us for so many reasons.

 

For example though, a lot of people in the Middle East hate us because we side with Israel and we supported forming it after WW2. Some people think our foreign policy is oppressive and that we don't let people believe in what they want or do what they want. We also symbolize a changing world with our technocracy and such, and hardcore conservatives (I'm not talking about Republicans, I am talking extreme conservatives here) do not think the world should be that way (they also think that women are for sex only as well, etc.). But there are so many reasons why different groups hate us.

 

Then, a lot of people are uninformed about America and are just prejudiced against us from what they see in the media and in movies. Most of these people don't "hate" us, they just "dislike" us even though they may have never been in America before.

very well put together

[Reb Starblazer]

Well, the reason that the USA now has a "bad name" if you will, is because it has done some things in the past that have caused it to get one. Every rumour and idea starts from somewhere, such as English having bad teeth, Canadians being overly friendly. Somewhere, sometime, these ideas must have come up.

 

Just as an example, one instance I'll mention is Vietnam. This is one of the things that helped to give the USA the "gun toting cowboy"image, going into a country where they really didn't belong, and basically picking a fight. Now don't get me wrong here, as was shown, many Americans also disagreed with this, and public opinion was a major factor in pulling out of Vietnam. Most Americans are very quick to admit it was a bad idea now, but, hindsight is always 20/20.

 

Personally, I think the USA could be a nicer country. There almost seems to be a different kind of feeling in the air there, I'm a little on edge. I know it seems strange, but I guess hearing about the problems in the USA has subconsciously given me a bad feeling about it, even though I really don't want to feel that way. I was constantly worried about being mugged, or hi-jacked, and what not, which is sad now that I think about it. I should be able to walk just as easily down an American street as I do my own, yet I was unable to.

 

Part of the problem is that as long as people belive Americans are "Arrogant, self-centered, etc, etc", you may begin to belive it yourselves. My only words of advice, be different. Do your best not to perpetuate the typical American stereotype, be as friendly as you can, humble, courteous, and all the like. People will only believe Americans are arrogant and self-centered as long as they are given a reason to. Once America really and truely decides to want to change it's image, it will be changed.

 

As for America being a superpower and having a great effect on the rest of the world, it definietly does. But they have to be careful about it as well. It makes me sad in a way to see Japanese, Chinese, and other teenagers around the world adopting our fashion and culture. Every country has had it's own fascinating history and culture, and to see the world slowly being turned into a whole bunch of different people that are all acting a dressing alike breaks my heart. I love uniqueness, I think that's what makes life so great, that no one is the same, that everywhere you go is different, but slowly, the world is becoming more and more the same. While this is not entirely the fault of the USA, it has played it's part in it. Mostly corporate America though, not the actual country or government.

 

Because the USA has such an effect on the rest of the world, it should be very careful about the effects it does. I believe that the USA not agreeing to the Kyoto protocol is a step in the wrong direction. As one of the largest polluters, waste creators, and energy users in the world, the USA should be in the lead of reducing pollution, not falling behind. Once again, the United States government has been influenced too much by corporations, who would be hurt by this restrictions, which is becoming more and more common. Taking the interests of your citizens and economy to heart is the job of the government, but not at the expense of the rest of the world.

 

The United States of America is a world leader, and the "Policeman" of the world, and so it should be. However, every policeman is a member of a team, and I think the USA needs to counsel with other nations a bit more before deciding on doing something. It has a lot of weight to throw around, but it should be used for all the right reasons. I think the USA should not invade Iraq, at least not until it gets support from other countries, and a little more intelligence on the situation. It's unknown exactly what is going on there, and what lies waiting. Hussein should be removed from power, and replaced. I think it's great what was done in Afghanistan, not because of the whole WTC thing, but because it needed to be done. People were freed from a total dictatorship, and given control of their own lives. The USA has made some mistakes with trying to force thier ideals on others, but it has made a step in the right direction here, helping them set up their own government, then leaving them to it, not trying to pull the strings. The US has learned from it's mistakes, and is doing there best not to repeat them, and that, is what will eventually give America a good name again.

 

That was a long post on my part. I too think that the forums could use a little more discussion Canoli. One thing though, someone else and I were having a "debate" simliar to this a few months ago, when I first arrived, and the thread was closed. There was little to no flaming, and what was, was promptly ignored. I know it's no use to dwell on the past, but it's just an example of making sure you guys keep the line between debate and arguing separate. Sorry, not trying to tell you how to do your job, just doing my part to offer constructive criticism. BTW, if you're wondering what I mean, ask Spy_jmr1, he was there:D

[C'jais]

I feel with ya for the situation you're in: If other countries had the same power, they'd probably do as you do.

 

The question is: Would an old country act the same way as USA if they were the leading superpower? Maybe they'd mix their experience with an old desire to dominate the rest?

 

And what is wrong with commies?

 

I think many people view the states as a sort of, "everything goes"-country and then you have those horrible school shoot-outs as well.... I, personally, disagree with your idea of giving every man the right "to protect himself and his family" (or something to that effect). Sometimes I feel you need a bit of ole Danish stinky socialism.... heh

 

I agree with Canoli: This thread is worth a 1000 spam-threads.... Much more interesting.

 

EDIT - I agree with Reb 100%, where are you from btw, the states yourself?

 

And also: Your current "president" is quite hated I guess.... I'm not going to say anything offensive to you americans here, but know this - you could have picked a wiser president if I were to decide.

 

And remember, dear readers: Keep it strictly IMHO...

[Mafia_Jabba]

Its just that, we have made a system that can adapt to a generation, that instills personal pride, and that promotes welfare and charity. It doesn't require it (communism) and it doesn't or its intent isn't to harm its own citizens. Japanese Americans was not harming them despite what you think. Sure we have had problems like slavery, native american land taking, etc. but the thing is that our generation had no part in that. Thinking back then was TOTALLY different, EVERY country thought like that not just America. But we have overcame, and we have tried to makeup for those things. WE have changed, and that is what a great nation is. One that changes for the good. The world is good because of man. A goverment and country is its people. I think its time we become man and not the UK or America. We should start representing ourselves as such because who knows we may have to defend man like in Star Trek.

 

What is wrong with commies? Do I even have to answer this question? The base is good, but so is Islam and whatever the religion is of the terrorists. BUt it doesn't work as we've seen.

 

And wtf do most europeans think America is so criminal ridden and all that? Its NOT! NOT! NOT! It is not bad at all! jesus I've never had a problem. Despite what you hear from anyone, it is not bad. You have built an image in your head that doesn't exist.

 

Bush is doing a fine job despite what everyone thinks. The economy cannot possibly his fault so don't make such an ignorant statement. His military policies are fine. What is wrong?