Does the rest of the world really hate America?

[tzor]

BARRRRRF

Please don't speak to me.

Can I speak to you?

'Cause you are the elder spokesman of CC
You're like ... Helen Thomas
Only not as ugly

[stahrgazer]

Sure, Europe each European nation is also diverse, but our sheer size means we have more.

mmmm... "sheer size" doesn't necessarily mean more diverse in thinking.

I also believe that as media takes on a new role of putting forth viewpoints rather than merely reporting news, our national thinking is becoming less diverse but more polar. I think that is also true of Europe. In this, it would be similar to other largely populous countries/cultures where only one viewpoint is spewed by the media.

In general, the media is latching onto and pushing only certain types of thinking; 'liberal' or 'conservative' which has really become the polarized versions of each (Would you say someone is liberal who doesn't believe in abortion, or would you say someone is conservative who doesn't believe in God? Few would; most would follow the media vomit about those perspectives.) A in general, most humans are followers, not leaders. So, in general, you have one group of people following the so-called 'liberal press' and another group of people following the so-called 'conservative press' that, in order to sell itself, the 'media' has turned into a polarized war.

But back to the topic? Yeah, much of the world really hates America, and in some measure we've earned that hatred. At the same time, much of the world respects the America that used to be or could be again, but does not necessarily respect the America that currently is (anymore than many so-called Americans respect America anymore.)

I recently saw a supposedly inspirational card printed at a popular National Landmark tourist trap. The quotation on it said, "For purple mountain majesties." I was sickened. You see, the song, America the Beautiful, has the words, "For purple mountains' majesty." When even postcards from National Landmarks can't get our patriotic tunes accurately, we've definitely lost some American pride. Some would say, that would ensure the world hates us less, since one of the reasons we're hated is our worldly arrogance. We do tend to lord our 'world victories' over others, such as threads on CC here recently that note that without America Hitler would've kept going (so the world owes us) etc. etc. Personally, I'd say that under that logic, Japan is responsible for saving the world in WWII, since without Pearl Harbor, America probably never would've formally sent troops to Europe, but instead would've continued its prior isolationist policies. So.. does the world deserve our arrogant claim that WE saved them? I doubt it, especially when you consider the help that foreign countries gave OUR country when Britain wasn't too happy about some tea-dumping revolutionaries that sought to separate from a sovereign king a couple centuries (plus a few decades) ago.

[The Bison King]

The thing I enjoy most about these threads is they typically descend into insults being traded back and forth by Americans and Britishers

aren't really mad at American warmongering and imperialism, they're mad Americans are better at warmongering and imperialism than they are...

I've been away from the post all day and it kind of got away from that. I don't want to dig it back up that much but that was exactly a point I was going to make. No one was more arrogant than the British back when the sun never set on their empire. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, India, America, Canada. All of these, and probably more that I'm just forgetting, were in the clutches of the British empire. England wrote the book on how to be an arrogant greedy empire. America was literally born of this same arrogance. Now Britain has lost everything except their tiny island and point the finger at us, and say "look at that greedy imperialist monster!"

Sorry dad we just wanted to be like you...

But anyway, by saying this I'm not trying to say that it is something I am proud of, and I believe that it is a trait that both of our countries should sever entirely. I hate the war we are currently fighting, and I wish that we would largely remove ourselves from foreign affairs entirely. I'm not saying that we should put ourselves into an isolation, but we should just butt out of world affairs that don't directly concern our citizens.

At this point it's expected that we are involved with every little skirmish between small nations. When we don't do anything people get mad at us. When we do do something people get mad at us. No matter what we can't make everyone happy, but everyone still keeps looking to us for answers. OF COURSE WE MAKE MISTAKES it's unavoidable. So when we do it's just easier for everyone else to blame us and say "damn Americans they should have never gotten involved", and I agree. I think it's about time we let the rest of the world sort itself out.

[Falkomagno]

But to be an empire is good or is bad?. I think that at all times, the world had has one, or several empires at once.

Actually, if Usa can be considerate as the leading economical nation nowadays, there is others emerging economical blocks, as EU, or even the BRIC countries. But If you look indicators, EU, despite been the most wealth nation in a gross way (not per capita) is never in the top. Usually the Scandinavian countries lead that kind of indicators. I bring this, because if it would be in my power, the economical wealth should lead to raising the Quality of life. Not in spreading selfish a agenda, contributing in wars here and there, manipulating weak countries, or invading them when is necessary.

Maybe is an idealistically way to think, I’m aware of that, and the history shows that all the empires has been a cruel and despot entity in a general basis. Usa is not the exception.

Now, the inhabitants of USA, if a generalization is “necessary” , have been characterized as a herd tending to the self indulgency, ignorance, and close eyes regarding the rest world. That’s very beneficial for the leaders and some companies interest, but is wrong itself, in a ethical way. So, the “hate” or in players words “dislike” of the rest the world towards usa has some sense.
Anyway, every generalization is at some point insulting and lame

[saxitoxin]

But to be an empire is good or is bad?. I think that at all times, the world had has one, or several empires at once.

Actually, if Usa can be considerate as the leading economical nation nowadays, there is others emerging economical blocks, as EU, or even the BRIC countries. But If you look indicators, EU, despite been the most wealth nation in a gross way (not per capita) is never in the top. Usually the Scandinavian countries lead that kind of indicators. I bring this, because if it would be in my power, the economical wealth should lead to raising the Quality of life. Not in spreading selfish a agenda, contributing in wars here and there, manipulating weak countries, or invading them when is necessary.

Maybe is an idealistically way to think, I’m aware of that, and the history shows that all the empires has been a cruel and despot entity in a general basis. Usa is not the exception.

Now, the inhabitants of USA, if a generalization is “necessary” , have been characterized as a herd tending to the self indulgency, ignorance, and close eyes regarding the rest world. That’s very beneficial for the leaders and some companies interest, but is wrong itself, in a ethical way. So, the “hate” or in players words “dislike” of the rest the world towards usa has some sense.
Anyway, every generalization is at some point insulting and lame

Off-topic, but, what happened to your English?! It used to be so good!

I usually like pretty much all of Falko's posts but I don't think I understood any of the above. I understood the general theme but that was about it.

[Falkomagno]

But to be an empire is good or is bad?. I think that at all times, the world had has one, or several empires at once.

Actually, if Usa can be considerate as the leading economical nation nowadays, there is others emerging economical blocks, as EU, or even the BRIC countries. But If you look indicators, EU, despite been the most wealth nation in a gross way (not per capita) is never in the top. Usually the Scandinavian countries lead that kind of indicators. I bring this, because if it would be in my power, the economical wealth should lead to raising the Quality of life. Not in spreading selfish a agenda, contributing in wars here and there, manipulating weak countries, or invading them when is necessary.

Maybe is an idealistically way to think, I’m aware of that, and the history shows that all the empires has been a cruel and despot entity in a general basis. Usa is not the exception.

Now, the inhabitants of USA, if a generalization is “necessary” , have been characterized as a herd tending to the self indulgency, ignorance, and close eyes regarding the rest world. That’s very beneficial for the leaders and some companies interest, but is wrong itself, in a ethical way. So, the “hate” or in players words “dislike” of the rest the world towards usa has some sense.
Anyway, every generalization is at some point insulting and lame

Off-topic, but, what happened to your English?! It used to be so good!

I usually like pretty much all of Falko's posts but I don't think I understood any of the above. I understood the general theme but that was about it.

Yeah...multitasking and 4:22 am is not helping with my wording.

I just say that, as any other powerful countries along history, usa has been cruel and selfish.

and that if a generalization can be made, the americans are a self-indulgent and ignorant herd.

But, anyway, every generalization is crude, biased and therefore worthless

[saxitoxin]

But to be an empire is good or is bad?. I think that at all times, the world had has one, or several empires at once.

Actually, if Usa can be considerate as the leading economical nation nowadays, there is others emerging economical blocks, as EU, or even the BRIC countries. But If you look indicators, EU, despite been the most wealth nation in a gross way (not per capita) is never in the top. Usually the Scandinavian countries lead that kind of indicators. I bring this, because if it would be in my power, the economical wealth should lead to raising the Quality of life. Not in spreading selfish a agenda, contributing in wars here and there, manipulating weak countries, or invading them when is necessary.

Maybe is an idealistically way to think, I’m aware of that, and the history shows that all the empires has been a cruel and despot entity in a general basis. Usa is not the exception.

Now, the inhabitants of USA, if a generalization is “necessary” , have been characterized as a herd tending to the self indulgency, ignorance, and close eyes regarding the rest world. That’s very beneficial for the leaders and some companies interest, but is wrong itself, in a ethical way. So, the “hate” or in players words “dislike” of the rest the world towards usa has some sense.
Anyway, every generalization is at some point insulting and lame

Off-topic, but, what happened to your English?! It used to be so good!

I usually like pretty much all of Falko's posts but I don't think I understood any of the above. I understood the general theme but that was about it.

Yeah...multitasking and 4:22 am is not helping with my wording.

I just say that, as any other powerful countries along history, usa has been cruel and selfish.

and that if a generalization can be made, the americans are a self-indulgent and ignorant herd.

But, anyway, every generalization is crude, biased and therefore worthless

Well, I previously said I think there's a difference between "disinterest" and "ignorance."
Ol' Sax isn't terribly interested in poop but, just because I don't know much about it and don't care to learn much about it I wouldn't say I'm an ignorant person. Maybe I am!

Anywhoo, I digress!!!!!!!!!!

Falko, what are you working on so late at night? Are you busy wrapping chocolates and baking waffles while reading Tintin? (j/k!)

[Falkomagno]

nah. I'm cursed with procastrination, so, I'm spending my sleeping time doing a so freaking interesting Hydraulic report.

Returning to the subject,

Well, I previously said I think there's a difference between "disinterest" and "ignorance."
Ol' Sax isn't terribly interested in poop but, just because I don't know much about it and don't care to learn much about it I wouldn't say I'm an ignorant person. Maybe I am!

Disinterest lead to ignorance indeed. But the it's annoying that some people, instead acknowledge lack of interest, and therefore their ignorance in some subject, actually argue about it, as if they were well informed.

[Baron Von PWN]

ITT:

- Foreigners verbally attack Americans out of jealousy and spite, based on what they see in the media.
- Americans defend themselves and their principles, based on a history of being the world's dominant country.
- Foreigners call this blind patriotism and cite it as an example of why they hate Americans.

However, I would guess based on snorri's thread (among other things) that other countries are able to match the political diversity in the US. We are a two party state. Some would even call us a one party state.

I don't think its fair to dismiss foreign criticism as simply jealousy and spite, sure maybe some of it is the result of that but America has some real issues that affect foreingers giving them legitimate criticisms.

I think allot of the criticism may come from allot of the "America #1 we're the best rah rah rah" type stuff, when making such claims people will tend to look into them and as result find problems.

[Phatscotty]

ITT:

- Foreigners verbally attack Americans out of jealousy and spite, based on what they see in the media.
- Americans defend themselves and their principles, based on a history of being the world's dominant country.
- Foreigners call this blind patriotism and cite it as an example of why they hate Americans.

However, I would guess based on snorri's thread (among other things) that other countries are able to match the political diversity in the US. We are a two party state. Some would even call us a one party state.

I don't think its fair to dismiss foreign criticism as simply jealousy and spite, sure maybe some of it is the result of that but America has some real issues that affect foreingers giving them legitimate criticisms.

I think allot of the criticism may come from allot of the "America #1 we're the best rah rah rah" type stuff, when making such claims people will tend to look into them and as result find problems.

Human nature. You know, a lot of "evil" countries end up invading their neighbors, not to mention disrespect and exploit them? America and Canada have always been peaceful neighbors. I don't get the hatred except for that people have it so good they don't have anything else to do accept bicker over social issues.

[saxitoxin]

nah. I'm cursed with procastrination, so, I'm spending my sleeping time doing a so freaking interesting Hydraulic report.

Returning to the subject,

Well, I previously said I think there's a difference between "disinterest" and "ignorance."
Ol' Sax isn't terribly interested in poop but, just because I don't know much about it and don't care to learn much about it I wouldn't say I'm an ignorant person. Maybe I am!

Disinterest lead to ignorance indeed. But the it's annoying that some people, instead acknowledge lack of interest, and therefore their ignorance in some subject, actually argue about it, as if they were well informed.

People take an interest in things that have the ability to impact their lives in a meaningful way. Belgians, Moldovans, Portuguese, etc., certainly know a lot more about America than visa versa. But, it's because America impacts their lives in a very real way. The reverse is not true.

In the NVA we used to have a saying to describe our tepid relationship with the Soviet allies:

The Lion doesn't notice the Gazelle until it's time to feast. The Gazelle is constantly aware of the Lion.

If Botswana controlled 5% of the world population and habitable land mass, 25% of the world GDP, had 6,000 nuclear warheads on a hair-trigger, had bombastically planted their national flag on the surface of the moon, had the voices of their officials sending greetings on behalf of the entire planet aboard the only spacecraft to exit the solar system, and had their national film and music supplanting native productions the world over, I'm quite certain we'd all be here moaning how the Botswanans were ignorant of the world and didn't take an interest in the countries around them.

[army of nobunaga]

have you guys even been out of your country.. even once?>

the world loves me. Im American.

I dont understand you.

I have been every fucking where... they even loved me in Iraq. And before you say it.. I have been trained (or at least sat through the boring fucking classes) in of reading body posture, gesture, faces and sounds.


So pray tell.... what experience does your viewpoint come from?


I will give you this... World media loves to pound on the USA.. but everyone pounds on the top dog.

[saxitoxin]

ITT:

- Foreigners verbally attack Americans out of jealousy and spite, based on what they see in the media.
- Americans defend themselves and their principles, based on a history of being the world's dominant country.
- Foreigners call this blind patriotism and cite it as an example of why they hate Americans.

However, I would guess based on snorri's thread (among other things) that other countries are able to match the political diversity in the US. We are a two party state. Some would even call us a one party state.

I don't think its fair to dismiss foreign criticism as simply jealousy and spite, sure maybe some of it is the result of that but America has some real issues that affect foreingers giving them legitimate criticisms.

I think allot of the criticism may come from allot of the "America #1 we're the best rah rah rah" type stuff, when making such claims people will tend to look into them and as result find problems.

I witness Americans do this often within the confines of their own borders and their own media. I have not witnessed Americans do this abroad, but with a handful of exceptions, none of which are as glaring - I'm ashamed to say - as the fat German tourists with their loutish ways overseas.

What causes non-Americans to get in a kerflux is that they are voracious consumers of American media and see Americans as they present themselves to each other, meanwhile seeing only sanitized and highly skimmed versions of every other country. If I stood outside your bedroom window every day and stared at you through the curtains I'm certain I'd have a much different opinion of you than if we just got together for dinner a few times each week. Trust me - I used to do that a lot, actually.

This is all a stark contrast to the Dutchers who are disliked simply because they're dirty, unhygenic and boorish. Dear God I hate Dutchland. My own life to rid the world of the polluting stench of that aberration.

[ViperOverLord]

America is better.

I think you are prooving my point, not stepping on it.

We've been the most prosperous

Proof? Financially you arent doing that well and havent been for some time.

most athletic

I rarely ay people are wrong because there is normally truth is most peoples point of view but this statement is absolute rubbish. In sports, when you play internationally you dont tend to win. (Neither do we but i am not making such a claim) In war, you win by vast amounts of numbers and money thrown at the enemy, not through training.

bravest

Again, rubbish. I dont doubt an American's bravery but i would never say your country is any braver than any other.

most innovative

There is SOME truth in this statement. America has been a very innotive and free thinking country, or was at least. But many other countries have matched including Tim Berners Lee's creation of the WWW.

We paid for the world's freedom to aspire to our level of success with our blood.

This is a metter of opinion and one i do not share. A lot of countries have spilled blood over the years. I have never seen any battle/ war or country have anything to doing with the worlds freedome. Only greed, religion or a mix of the two.

Im sorry Viper, but YOU are very much the reason why people often feel negatively towards America where as thegreekdog argues with intelligence and respect.

There's too many flat out lies in your points to bother dignifying them.

[ViperOverLord]

I really don't hate America or Americans. Except for the right wing nutcases and religious fundamentalist fanatics, the big evil corporations who destroy our planet to make just a few more bucks, the corrupt politicians...

Oh and conspiracy theorists. Those guys are just annoying.

Don't forget Big Government and the unions. If you include them, then I sign off on this.

I'm willing to bet there is right wing nut case religious fundamentalist fanatics and those who profit from enviro destruction and corruption in EVERY COUNTRY on this planet.

Not just an American problem kids...

The right wing nut thing is a cop-out. Europe is much more secular than America and they more problems.

[ViperOverLord]

I dont feel as strongly as pedronicus but i agree with a lot of what he has said.

My personal opinion is no, i do not hate America and i certainly dont hate Americans.

However, America, both its leaders and its people, for the most part, possess an unattractive arrogance sparked by the blissful ignorance that America is invincible and somehow better than anywhere else.

This isnt true. There have been copious superpowers in history, some much larger than America. And as America will, they all fell. America has done many great achievements, has some brilliant people and some lovely landmarks. But thats not more than can be said about any other country.

So i like America, and its people. I just dont like the misplaced arrogance. (Some call it patriotism, but i disagree with that)

America is better. Are our people entitled to more respect by virtue of our Americanism? No. But I have no problem saying we have a right to feel like we're the best. We've been the most prosperous, most athletic, bravest, most innovative people over the last two hundred years. We paid for the world's freedom to aspire to our level of success with our blood. Some countries talk the talk. America walked it. But America is going in the crapper so certainly this claim may be very different in 20 years.

Very good Viper, Satire of the highest order , most amusing , I wonder if anybody took it seriously

Satire? France would be Hitlerville without America. We paid for your freedom with our blood. And when the bell rings, Americans are always the first to answer it. And when we don't, then nobody else is going to step up (besides maybe Britain).

[ViperOverLord]

You think you're more politically diverse then other states? You have a two party nation where they overlap on a lot of issues (especially corporatist issues) and no third party even stands a chance of minor gains in one single state.

Yes, I think we are. Clearly this is not the case at the Federal level, but if it wasn't for geography keeping people apart both political parties would have broken up decades ago. Democrats in the South West are vastly different from democrats in the South East, and vastly diferent from the democrats in the Mid West and vastly different from the Democrats in the North West. The same is true for Republicans. Both parties tend to be alike at the Federal level because the good old boy system is run from the federal level to keep people that most of the grassroots call party member in name only (RINO or DINO).

New York and a few other states allow a candidate to run on multiple lines. In these states minor parties (In New York these parties include the "Conservative" and the "Working Familes Party") have a greater clout and on occasion they can get in candidates at the local level.

If you look only at the ideals of each party (just to name a few):

Republicans: Small Government, Life, Free Enterprise, Low Taxes, Etc

Democrats: Social Programs, I'm going to need some help here lol

But at any rate the actual philosophies you could argue are virtuous if practiced without corruption. But we don't live in a utopia and voters should consider what system will actually work and who is more corrupt whenever they are voting instead of pretending that the virtues that each part extols are what they are going to get when the bell tolls.

But to get to the point. I don't care so much about whether we have 2 parties or 100. A hundred could become just as corrupt. In the end voters holding politician accountable (or not) will decide how good things are.

[Dariune]

America is better.

I think you are prooving my point, not stepping on it.

We've been the most prosperous

Proof? Financially you arent doing that well and havent been for some time.

most athletic

I rarely ay people are wrong because there is normally truth is most peoples point of view but this statement is absolute rubbish. In sports, when you play internationally you dont tend to win. (Neither do we but i am not making such a claim) In war, you win by vast amounts of numbers and money thrown at the enemy, not through training.

bravest

Again, rubbish. I dont doubt an American's bravery but i would never say your country is any braver than any other.

most innovative

There is SOME truth in this statement. America has been a very innotive and free thinking country, or was at least. But many other countries have matched including Tim Berners Lee's creation of the WWW.

We paid for the world's freedom to aspire to our level of success with our blood.

This is a metter of opinion and one i do not share. A lot of countries have spilled blood over the years. I have never seen any battle/ war or country have anything to doing with the worlds freedome. Only greed, religion or a mix of the two.

Im sorry Viper, but YOU are very much the reason why people often feel negatively towards America where as thegreekdog argues with intelligence and respect.

There's too many flat out lies in your points to bother dignifying them.

You mean you are incapable of answering with genuinly intelligent comments. There is a difference.

Oh and there are no lies in my statement. Infact i didnt state that many facts mostly opinion which cannot in itself be a lie. Unless i wasnt being honest with my opinion, which of course i was.

So crawl back to your hole and let the grownups discuss.

There are a lot of people, both in America, UK and else where who have made valid arguments for and against America. You viper are not one of them.

[angola]

I don't hate americans nor america, or other countries, I disagee with some of it's external policies, but this is true also for many countries included the one i live in (romania)
But at the other hand nobody knows where romania is(except maybe if you hear about transylvania and Dracula)and nobody care what we think

Man, I love Romania. Went there for 2 weeks in 1994. Bucharest is a beautiful city. Drove around the country, but can't spell the names of the cities I visited.

Very cool place.

Really liked the food - lots of deep-fried chicken and really good stew called Chorba (sp?).

[angola]

USA should go away from there....now....who says that usa is the bulwark of democracy and good ideals in the world???nobody...go and solve your own problems, before go and mess another poor and unprotected country...cowards

Terrorist?....thats USA...no a fucking beard guy...wake up

Nice name slinging btw Falko.

You know how many anti-war protests I've seen here? ONE. There was 3 people with signs.

Our troops are supported. Even though there is noise against the war and us being in Iraq in the media the majority of citizens understand the purpose and support it. We are not trying to overthrow our gov because of it. We are not rioting because of it. We are not fleeing by the thousands to Canada because of it.

We citizens do not trust our gov, or any other gov as far as that goes, we value our freedom and our right to speak. Most of us also believe we have the RIGHT and NEED to defend our families and country.

Not just me.

You haven't seen war protests? Where do you live? A red state?

Anyway, there have been war protests from the day we invaded Iraq and they are extremely justifiable.

Here is a link (I know it is wikipedia, but I'm too tired to do more digging): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protests_a ... e_Iraq_War

Also, supporting soldiers has nothing to do with being against the war.

As I've always said, I'm the biggest supporter of our soldiers, so bring them home and quit fighting wars that have nothing to do with Sept. 11.

[Dariune]

I don't hate americans nor america, or other countries, I disagee with some of it's external policies, but this is true also for many countries included the one i live in (romania)
But at the other hand nobody knows where romania is(except maybe if you hear about transylvania and Dracula)and nobody care what we think

Man, I love Romania. Went there for 2 weeks in 1994. Bucharest is a beautiful city. Drove around the country, but can't spell the names of the cities I visited.

Very cool place.

Really liked the food - lots of deep-fried chicken and really good stew called Chorba (sp?).

I like romania as well. Went their briefly and had a great time exploring the culture and sights.

[joecoolfrog]

I dont feel as strongly as pedronicus but i agree with a lot of what he has said.

My personal opinion is no, i do not hate America and i certainly dont hate Americans.

However, America, both its leaders and its people, for the most part, possess an unattractive arrogance sparked by the blissful ignorance that America is invincible and somehow better than anywhere else.

This isnt true. There have been copious superpowers in history, some much larger than America. And as America will, they all fell. America has done many great achievements, has some brilliant people and some lovely landmarks. But thats not more than can be said about any other country.

So i like America, and its people. I just dont like the misplaced arrogance. (Some call it patriotism, but i disagree with that)

America is better. Are our people entitled to more respect by virtue of our Americanism? No. But I have no problem saying we have a right to feel like we're the best. We've been the most prosperous, most athletic, bravest, most innovative people over the last two hundred years. We paid for the world's freedom to aspire to our level of success with our blood. Some countries talk the talk. America walked it. But America is going in the crapper so certainly this claim may be very different in 20 years.

Very good Viper, Satire of the highest order , most amusing , I wonder if anybody took it seriously

Satire? France would be Hitlerville without America. We paid for your freedom with our blood. And when the bell rings, Americans are always the first to answer it. And when we don't, then nobody else is going to step up (besides maybe Britain).

You appear to think that all Frogs are French, how amusing you are. Love the irony of following a discourse on Hitler with a boast that America is always the first one in.....pure genius

[Baron Von PWN]

ITT:

- Foreigners verbally attack Americans out of jealousy and spite, based on what they see in the media.
- Americans defend themselves and their principles, based on a history of being the world's dominant country.
- Foreigners call this blind patriotism and cite it as an example of why they hate Americans.

However, I would guess based on snorri's thread (among other things) that other countries are able to match the political diversity in the US. We are a two party state. Some would even call us a one party state.

I don't think its fair to dismiss foreign criticism as simply jealousy and spite, sure maybe some of it is the result of that but America has some real issues that affect foreingers giving them legitimate criticisms.

I think allot of the criticism may come from allot of the "America #1 we're the best rah rah rah" type stuff, when making such claims people will tend to look into them and as result find problems.

Human nature. You know, a lot of "evil" countries end up invading their neighbors, not to mention disrespect and exploit them? America and Canada have always been peaceful neighbors. I don't get the hatred except for that people have it so good they don't have anything else to do accept bicker over social issues.

1812? you might say we were british then so it doesen't matter anyways other than that yes I agree we have allways been peacefull and more importantly respectfull neighbors of each other. There were allot of times the US could have just ingored agreements and there wouldn't be allot Canada could do about it and I think the USA deserves allot of credit for that.(one historic case comes to mind, around the 1900's the american's had a training ship on the great lakes, which was violation of the disarmament agreement. This caused quite a stir in Canada and a complaint was lodged, the ship was soon moved out of the lakes).

There are of course other examples to the contrary where Canadian products were barred from the US for suspicious reasons but by and large the USA is a very good neighbhour to have.

[ViperOverLord]

America is better.

I think you are prooving my point, not stepping on it.

We've been the most prosperous

Proof? Financially you arent doing that well and havent been for some time.

most athletic

I rarely ay people are wrong because there is normally truth is most peoples point of view but this statement is absolute rubbish. In sports, when you play internationally you dont tend to win. (Neither do we but i am not making such a claim) In war, you win by vast amounts of numbers and money thrown at the enemy, not through training.

bravest

Again, rubbish. I dont doubt an American's bravery but i would never say your country is any braver than any other.

most innovative

There is SOME truth in this statement. America has been a very innotive and free thinking country, or was at least. But many other countries have matched including Tim Berners Lee's creation of the WWW.

We paid for the world's freedom to aspire to our level of success with our blood.

This is a metter of opinion and one i do not share. A lot of countries have spilled blood over the years. I have never seen any battle/ war or country have anything to doing with the worlds freedome. Only greed, religion or a mix of the two.

Im sorry Viper, but YOU are very much the reason why people often feel negatively towards America where as thegreekdog argues with intelligence and respect.

There's too many flat out lies in your points to bother dignifying them.

You mean you are incapable of answering with genuinly intelligent comments. There is a difference.

Oh and there are no lies in my statement. Infact i didnt state that many facts mostly opinion which cannot in itself be a lie. Unless i wasnt being honest with my opinion, which of course i was.

So crawl back to your hole and let the grownups discuss.

There are a lot of people, both in America, UK and else where who have made valid arguments for and against America. You viper are not one of them.

Just because an 'opinion' is misleading and not an outright lying about a fact is merely splitting hairs. You sit there and pretend that other countries have been equally brave when that's B.S. It's always been American life on the line when the world is in trouble. Countries like France, Germany and Russia cowered when terrorism peaked. So if you're going to try and brush that type of stuff under the rug then yes I have absolutely nothing that I need to say to you. You're a coward.

[Dariune]

First of all its a nations soldiers that fight wars against "terror" and not the nation itself and my points were about America as a whole.

Secondly, give me an example where America has been brave.

In WW2 America was last to join. I wont deny America its breavery there though and i was with America's help that the allies won. (Not just because of America which a lot of Americans seem to think)

The fight against terror has either been joined by other countries including uk or in my opinion has not been justified and is not bravery but greed and arrogance. France didnt cower they just said they wouldnt bow down to America, they were braver than anyone. Germany and Russia also said they didnt agree with America's warmongering. Thats not cowerdice thats principles. A bully in a school playground is not brave for picking on the small kid. And the bullys friends are not cowards for deciding not to help the bully.

So if you're going to try and brush that type of stuff under the rug then yes I have absolutely nothing that I need to say to you.

Funny how you felt the need to say that last post to me.

And now you call me personally a coward based on nothing but a wish to try and offend me.

In England we have a word for people who spout shit based on nothing, with nothing valuble to say, and gun ho elitist attitude, like you. The word is prick. I hope that translates.