What the world really thinks of America

Originally posted by Super Spiffy
glad to see that even some americans have realised how crap and hated their country is, its not just dubyaw, the "american dream", the government, the fact you cant speak English but claim you do, and patriotic rednecks. But the thing that realy, seriously, gets right on my tits, is that you are proud of your history. I am british and i can be proud ...[text shortened]... to allert the administrator the moment we started to tell the truth about their dear country.😠

I think you a being very harsh, you obviously have a lot of issues against America, and I have to ask have you been there or are you just being taken for a ride by the hype?

America as a superpower nation has sever issues it needs to address, America in a post cold war world has yet to learn what behaviour is acceptable, America has got to come to terms with the economic might that will be China, a rival that may not necessarily be an enemy, and more challenging for its foreign policy, it has to come to terms with a Europe that is developiong into a economic and social entity with different views on the world than the US. In terms of economic resourses Europe and the USA are a dead heat.

That said, there are plenty of genuine nice Americans in both the US and outside of it. The general perception of English people is chubby blokes in their late 20's, shaved head, white T-shirt, jeans or shorts and a hatred of all foreigners. I personally do not associate myself with this view, and also many Americans do not associate themselves with the sterotypical view many hold of them.

Don't judge a nation on what you read in the press, or from a few idiots you may have met.

Also quite a few Americans died to end slavery in the US. Britain abolishing slavery is one of the great anomolies of historical democracy and highlights the power of interest groups in politics (in this case the church). It represented the equivalent of voting to completely ban the car in todays world. Most countires have committed genocide at some point, it does not excuse the treatment of the Native Indians but America is no more gulity than the rest of us.

In terms of international crimes, historically its us, the Spanish and the French as the main offenders as we have been at it for so long

Andrew

Originally posted by Super Spiffy
glad to see that even some americans have realised how crap and hated their country is, its not just dubyaw, the "american dream", the government, the fact you cant speak English but claim you do, and patriotic rednecks. But the thing that realy, seriously, gets right on my tits, is that you are proud of your history. I am british and i can be proud ...[text shortened]... to allert the administrator the moment we started to tell the truth about their dear country.😠

Loving your country and loving the government that runs it are two different things.

No, the British may not have driven Native Indians off of their island, they chose to do it in far off lands in a vast colonial system. Why spill the blood on your own land(India comes to mind). When the British finally couldn't control the population, they "granted" them their independence. And as for Native American bashing, I suggest you go back and brush up on British history, more specifically, the French and Indian War. If you want to get more recent, lets talk the leveling of German cities during WWII or Northern Ireland today.

Warning to all people of European and North American decent: all of our governments have oppressed a group of people at one time or another. Don't throw stones if you live in glass houses.

During both world wars, American policy was that of isolation. When our friends, namely England, asked for our help, our boys were there spilling our blood alongside your boys. In the future, if you don't like us, don't ask for our help.

I think you need to brush up on your history.

Oh, and by the way, I've visited London. Nice town. Great people. But let me clue you in on something: Cockney = Redneck, and that doesn't make them bad either.

Originally posted by Super Spiffy
glad to see that even some americans have realised how crap and hated their country is, its not just dubyaw, the "american dream", the government, the fact you cant speak English but claim you do, and patriotic rednecks. But the thing that realy, seriously, gets right on my tits, is that you are proud of your history. I am british and i can be proud ...[text shortened]... to allert the administrator the moment we started to tell the truth about their dear country.😠

More people voted Democrat than Republican in the last US election. Doesn't that tell you something about the average American? People over here are not as they seem on the crappy shows and constant American bashing TV in the UK. If people in the UK actually came and spent some time here they'd realise that the USA in some respects is a much better place than the UK (i.e., a teenage pregnancy rate that isn't the highest in the entire world, a welfare system that actually encourages people not to sponge, and many of the hardest working, most productive people around)...Sometimes it's important to actually take some time to meet the people that you're slagging off before tarring them with the same brush. I'm sure you disliked all the Americans you met because you instantly gave them crap and got their backs up. Not every American is a card-carrying member of the NRA. Not every American supports their country's foreign policy. In fact, in the Northeast, where I live, I would estimate that less than 2% of the people I've met wanted the Iraq war to happen... most of these people read the British press because they know the US sheets are mouthpieces for the government here...

All I'm saying is that you shouldn't make sweeping statements without all of the information to hand...

Joe

PS - sorry if this came across a bit angry, I get riled up about American bashing sometimes...

PS - sorry if this came across a bit angry, I get riled up about American bashing sometimes...

[/b]

I AM a bit angry about it also. Yes, we are not the most like nation on the face of the Earth. We do things that are not nice at times. But, every country, and I mean every country can find a skeleton in the closet. 😠

Originally posted by willatkins
I AM a bit angry about it also. Yes, we are not the most like nation on the face of the Earth. We do things that are not nice at times. But, every country, and I mean every country can find a skeleton in the closet. 😠

It's unfortunate, but every 'major player' has all eyes on them.
Okay, so you have most of the middle east hating you, but that's always going to be the case unless you become an islamic state so I wouldn't worry about that.
As for Europe and the rest, I think there is some envy of the power and economical clout of the US.
The US does some questionable things such as bullying poor south american countries with financial threats, but probably any European country would do similar given the chance.
It's just that the US is so big, so powerful, everyone can see it.
I do think that the US needs to compromise sometimes, though which it often appears unprepared to do eg international criminal court.
But mindless yank-bashing only provokes negative reaction and serves no real purpose (except perhaps to vent some steam).

Originally posted by Super Spiffy

i am glad to see how long this thread has lasted i was expecting some redneck to allert the administrator the moment we started to tell the truth about their dear country.😠[/b]

Lets see if this gets their attention. You are so dumb it hurts to be of the same species. I am only glad you hate americans, because if you didn't, i would be embarrased. I'll bet you don't get that either.

Originally posted by Crowley
Just read Super Spiffy's rants. What a waste of my time.
To qoute him: "imagine me in hysterical laughter" when reading some of his points.
Dude, take a chill pill with your next Mecca Cola.

Yea, don't get him started on South Africa. Kirk

Originally posted by Varg

I do think that the US needs to compromise sometimes, though which it often appears unprepared to do eg international criminal court.

Compromise is good. Full out capitulation can also be good, in the right circumstance. But not if you have to give up hard earned freedoms to do so. I agree with most of what you say. The thing we as americans can't seem to get across to the rest of the world is that we will not... can not join in a "world court" or any such organization until ALL OF THE NATIONS PARTICIPATING IN IT AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE "Bill Of Rights" as written in our constitution. Why should we give up those rights just so we can "compromise" on an "international criminal court"? We fought hard for our basic rights. It'll be a cold day in hell when we REVERT to the "worlds" concept of freedom and liberty as is so wonderfully illustrated by the "UN Commission On Human Rights" being chaired by Syria at the moment. On the day the UN and World Court adopt (at minimum) the following, I will be for joining those organizations. Note: the first amendment does away with about half the nations on Earth... The second amendment eliminates all of Europe ... the list goes on.

Amendment I

Congress (All Governments) shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (Notice: No mention of world governments or courts)

Originally posted by StarValleyWy
The second amendment eliminates all of Europe ... the list goes on.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Gun laws are very strict in australia, and we are doing just fine.

I know that if I get into an argument with some guy on the roads he is very unlikely to have a gun under his seat which he could pull on me in a moments anger.

I've seen many situations where a gun might have turned an unpleasant situation into a criminal one. Guns ownership isn't necessary for freedom.

It would seem more reasonable for the United States to bend a little to fit into a world organisation than to ask every other nation to bend to fit the USA.


By the way, you point out that Syria is chairman of the UN at the moment. The chairman duties work on a rotating system, and its duties are very basic .😕

Originally posted by dyl
Gun laws are very strict in australia, and we are doing just fine.

I know that if I get into an argument with some guy on the roads he is very unlikely to have a gun under his seat which he could pull on me in a moments anger.

I've seen ...[text shortened]... uties work on a rotating system, and its duties are very basic .😕

You prove my point. We have certain rights that we insist upon. You think guns are bad. I think the worst mistake ever made was outlawing dueling. Who is right? I'll be damned if i'll submit to a world court to find out. It's bad enough fighting the "immature" party here in the states... oh, sorry... that would be "democrats" to use the most common euphimism.

As to "Syria"... the organization is meaningless because it even considers a rotating chair with Syria (and others) as turn takers. No organization comprised of outlaws can enforce law.

Originally posted by StarValleyWy
You prove my point. We have certain rights that we insist upon. You think guns are bad. I think the worst mistake ever made was outlawing dueling. Who is right? I'll be damned if i'll submit to a world court to find out. It's bad enough fighting the "immature" party here in the states... oh, sorry... that would be "democrats" to use the most comm ...[text shortened]... ir with Syria (and others) as turn takers. No organization comprised of outlaws can enforce law.

Well I fail to see why gun laws in seperate countries should get in the way of a world organisation.


About Syria....are you suggesting we say they can't be chairman? Why? America would point the finger at some of Syria's wrong doings in the past, then Syria would point the finger at the second Gulf war. Who's to say who's right? You can't just ban countries because you think they are bad.

Originally posted by dyl
You can't just ban countries because you think they are bad.[/b]

No, but i can ban them if they really are bad. Big difference.
As to the Second gulf war... There was only one gulf war that i'm aware of... at least according to world law as made by the United Nations. It just took 15 years to complete... say winter of 2005?

Originally posted by StarValleyWy
No, but i can ban them if they really are bad. Big difference.
As to the Second gulf war... There was only one gulf war that i'm aware of... at least according to world law as made by the United Nations. It just took 15 years to complete... say winter of 2005?

If Syria had done anything bad which could be proven don't you think the USA would have gotten them kicked out? Until they do it banning them now would be like shoving someone in gaol because you think they may have hurt someone.


And let's not get started on the gulf war/s lol.

Originally posted by dyl
If Syria had done anything bad which could be proven don't you think the USA would have gotten them kicked out? Until they do it banning them now would be like shoving someone in gaol because you think they may have hurt someone.


And let's not get started on the gulf war/s lol.

Supporting (as a state, with full force of government monetary and military might) at least three known terrorist organizations is not to be shown as doing something wrong? I think there is no doubt, and you would really have to have an agenda to not recognize what Syria boasts of daily on "The Peninsula"... Al Jezerra if you will...

Ok on not getting into the Iraq war.