America... what do you think?

[Eagle653]

I get tired of hearing Americans saying "we're the best" or "only in America". I live in Canada and there isnt anything in America that they can do that we cant. O.k. you have guns but that isnt a bonus.

We are very similiar but I hate America's pre-occupation with being the best.

If anything, Canadians should shout again and again that we are at the top of the list of the liveable cities. But we dont. America should be humble.

One thing you can't do is keep brain power in your own country. Canada is facing a literal crisis of educated talent in the math and sciences emigrating to the United States where there are more opportunities for global impact as well as money. See Juan Enriquez's fascinating book, As the Future Catches You: How Genomics & Other Forces are Changing Your Life, Work, Health and Wealth. In fact, as Enriquez points out, "The value of Microsoft stock, before a judge ruled it a monopoly, was approaching the value of everything Canada produced in one year."

So, before getting into a pissing contest about "who's best," don't get trapped in the kettle---black syndrome.

Regarding the OP's original question, what I like best is the diversity of thought, the abundance of opportunity for those who want it, and the fiercely-held value of personal reliance and global independence. The values on which this country were founded--centering around self-determination--are ones I hold dear and I think has enabled this country to achieve what it has in science, space, engineering, and commerce.

And, nope, I wouldn't consider living in another country. I've visited many, and while they each have their strengths and history and attributes, I wouldn't trade what I have for being in any of them for anything.

 

[Chalchalero]

The racism your talking about was way back in the 60's. Such thinking like that is pretty much dead. Sure there are those small groups who still think like that, but they aren't only in America. I don't think many people still hold Germany to it's nazi past, so why are we still being held to our racist past? We have essentially overcome all of that, and are still working on it.

Jim Crow is gone and dead, and has been dead for awhile now.

You have a very idealised vision of America when it comes to race. But the point I was making with regard to Jim Crow was that were it not for the leadership of this country at the time, the laws would never have been changed. The people in this country for the most part did not want them changed. Do you really believe that simply because laws are changed that people's minds are changed as well? I sincerely doubt it.

Racism still exists in this country whether or not we wish it did not. I have suffered the effects of it recently myself, and I live in New York. Ignorance and bigotry do not just disappear because we wish them away, sadly.

 

[Apollo]

there are homless in every country, why does americag get picked on for it?

what they dont show is the homeless have access to homeless shelters, and i know in my state we have the Texas workforce which works to put people in jobs. No matter you level of education.

What you find is most homeless refuse to go to a homeless shelter, or are nothing but panhandlers and go back to their house once their done bumming on the street

 

[Apollo]

You have a very idealised vision of America when it comes to race. But the point I was making with regard to Jim Crow was that were it not for the leadership of this country at the time, the laws would never have been changed. The people in this country for the most part did not want them changed. Do you really believe that simply because laws are changed that people's minds are changed as well? I sincerely doubt it.

Racism still exists in this country whether or not we wish it did not. I have suffered the effects of it recently myself, and I live in New York. Ignorance and bigotry do not just disappear because we wish them away, sadly.

Thats one of the great things about America. In the Constitution it talks about Majority Rule, Minority Rights. The majority will rule, but they must think about the minorities as well, and thats why we are the oldest surviving democracy in the world. Sadly, it seems like our time is coming. Although, I severely doubt the Constitution will go away.

Laws don't change minds, that is true. But the laws your talking about were enacted over 40 years ago. In that time, a new generation has been born, they have grown up under those laws, and equalities and the old racists are well...old. And yes there are some young racists, can't be helped. But considering what it was like back in those days, we have come a hell of a long way.

No country can boast they have no racism, unless they are all the same race, and I don't think those types of countries exist anymore. Not even Canada can claim it.

 

[Andross]

What do I think?

I think it's the dream that we all share... It's the hope for tomorrow!

Is that video supposed to be sarcastic? If not, then it shows pretty much why I am not overly fond of the U.S. at this time. It's too militaristic, too self-centered, too self-glorifying. There are great places all over the world and I'd definitely not say that the U.S. is "the best".

 

[Andross]

Oh, you're just jealous.

Another reason why I am not fond of the U.S. at this time - if stated why someone doesn't like the U.S. it is usually being answered with "you're just jealous". No, I am not jealous. There is absolutely nothing to be jealous of. Everything you can do, so can I. Everything you can have, so can I. There's really no difference except that by now Germany is more respected in the world than the U.S. Good for us, bad for you That is, if you're American.

 

[Wtrain]

Is that video supposed to be sarcastic? If not, then it shows pretty much why I am not overly fond of the U.S. at this time. It's too militaristic, too self-centered, too self-glorifying. There are great places all over the world and I'd definitely not say that the U.S. is "the best".

Kinda sounds like Germany 70 years ago.... just saying

And for the posters calling America a bigoted country, as a jew I've travelled through Europe and believe me anti semitism is still alive in Europe and actually growing in new forms.

 

[Andross]

Kinda sounds like Germany 70 years ago.... just saying

Correct - and I am afraid history might repeat itself. Just with even worse consequences this time...

 

[Apollo]

Another reason why I am not fond of the U.S. at this time - if stated why someone doesn't like the U.S. it is usually being answered with "you're just jealous". No, I am not jealous. There is absolutely nothing to be jealous of. Everything you can do, so can I. Everything you can have, so can I. There's really no difference except that by now Germany is more respected in the world than the U.S. Good for us, bad for you That is, if you're American.

Dude, learn how to take a joke and shut up. Both the video and Unclean were making jokes. But you have your head so far up your...uggggh nvm, people get on my nerves.

I look forward to you turning my post into a anti-american post.

 

[Andross]

Dude, learn how to take a joke and shut up.

It's difficult to determine if a post on a forum is meant as a joke or not, isn't it?

Edit after your edit: I have no intention to make anti-American posts. I am just stating my opinion as was requested in the first post of this thread. It seems to me you have problems controlling your own anger...

 

[RationalLunacy]

Speaking as one who was born, raised, and has lived most of his life as an American, after examining the good points and bad points of the U.S. very carefully, and comparing them under scrutiny against all other nations, I can honestly say that I wish to move to Mars.

 

[Andross]

For not liking America that much, you sure do love its businesses. On your blog you watch: Desperate Housewives, Weeds, Grey's Anatomy; you use Myspace as a social networking site; all American businesses. The world would be boring without us.

Just a fraction of many things I use. They make life comfortable and are somewhat entertaining. Nothing overly special though. I am sure you use many things aswell, which were not produced or invented in the U.S.

 

[RationalLunacy]

Just a fraction of many things I use. They make life comfortable and are somewhat entertaining. Nothing overly special though. I am sure you use many things aswell, which were not produced or invented in the U.S.

Anyone who shops at Wal-Mart will agree with this.

 

[Andross]

Anyone who shops at Wal-Mart will agree with this.

Now that you mention Wal-Mart - they tried to setup business in Germany but had to give up. That was entertaining to see - the biggest retailer in the world fails to set foot in the largest market of Europe... ironic

 

[RationalLunacy]

Now that you mention Wal-Mart - they tried to setup business in Germany but had to give up. That was entertaining to see - the biggest retailer in the world fails to set foot in the largest market of Europe... ironic

I now have a new respect for Germany!

 

[evil_danger]

What I think of America as a Non American?

Well I have this memory on this forum of an American poster commenting on the 7/7 London bombings and saying "Well at least the UK knows what its like to be bombed" and thats something that has soured my view for some time.

 

[metta]

Now that you mention Wal-Mart - they tried to setup business in Germany but had to give up. That was entertaining to see - the biggest retailer in the world fails to set foot in the largest market of Europe... ironic

I'm jealous of that. I wish that we could get rid of the Wal-Marts in the US. Many more better businesses would be created if that company could be closed down.

 

[Andross]

I'm jealous of that. I wish that we could get rid of the Wal-Marts in the US. Many more better businesses would be created if that company could be closed down.

But don't you watch Southpark? You can't kill the Wal-Mart

 

[Apollo]

It's difficult to determine if a post on a forum is meant as a joke or not, isn't it?

Edit after your edit: I have no intention to make anti-American posts. I am just stating my opinion as was requested in the first post of this thread. It seems to me you have problems controlling your own anger...

I can't bring myself to care anymore.

 

[DotComGuy]

Last time I checked, it is legal to own a gun in Canada? And many people do.

Sure, there are illegal handguns but you have to have a reason to legally own one


Handgun Ownership Restricted
Canada, with a population of 31 million, limits possession of handguns to collectors, target shooters and those who can demonstrate a need of guns to protect their lives.

I didnt know about this . . .

Spousal Notification Required
Under the new law, all Canadian citizens applying for a firearms license are required to have their present and past spouse or common-law partner sign the application. Refusal of the spouse, for any reason, to sign the application will trigger further investigation by law enforcement officers.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa030500a.htm