How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I think this is a very well written commentary on America and it's whinyness. I would love to get Accywebs comments on some of this guys statements.

Brian

The commentary was written by Craig R. Smith and published on WorldNetDaily.com at Thanksgiving, 2006.

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are
unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent
of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president.
In essence, two-thirds of the citizenry just ain't happy; they want a change.

So, being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are
we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running
water 24/7? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk
into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments
<B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">than Darfur has seen in the last year?


Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the
Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as
we move through each state? Or possibly it's the hundreds of clean
and safe motels we find along the way, where we find temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take us to the hospital?

Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames. Thus they save you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. This in neighborhoods where 90% of the teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen.

No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president with a a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession?

Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?


Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. ;


So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. "If it bleeds, it leads," and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner?

The media know this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their action s by "justifying" them in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he "didn't kill his wife, but if he had, he would have done it his "way"......Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use The New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start thinking for yourself and concent rate on being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be have an attitude of appreciation.



One thought puzzles me: "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of
control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the
country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and
terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God
out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

*No wonder the world loves the U.S.*

Oh no it doesn't !!! Your foreign policy is based on the need for oil. You are known as one of the worst for emitting greenhouse gases. We are wary of the upsurge of your Christian fundamentalists who seem to be waging a crusade against other religions. Your constitutional right to bear arms makes it a dangerous place to live.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

If one believes the rash of polls......which I don't. There are a few legitimate and honest pollsters, of course. But it seems that far too many of the polls taken are done by the media outlets themselves and then immediately turned into a news story. I'd like to see all of the "internals" and find out how the questions are asked. It isn't hard to get the answers you want if you phrase the questions in a certain way.

Margaret, you seem to have fallen for the prevailing pap you see on t.v. I am an American by choice not by birth. It's an amazing country and I am very thankful and proud to live here.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I beleive Tv journalism in this country to be of a high standard, and much of it its content is not dictated by commercial interests(ie not ruled by 'our sponsor')
I think that many Americans wrongly believe that they are 'god's gift' to the world and they will be the saviour of western civilisation - (even for those who don't want or need 'saving'.)
This sanctimonious holier than thou attitude is not condusive to popularity

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

O.K. then. Don't bother calling us the next time there's trouble on that side of the pond. We'll just sit here and watch Europe circle the drain. Well, it's doing that anyway. A civilization that isn't prepared to make a stand to save itself isn't worth saving.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

It has just taken us over 50 years to PAY for the 'help' you last gave us. The recent war you talked us into in Iraq was about your need for oil.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Oh, so you think American taxpayers should pick up the tab for everything? And perhaps you are forgetting all of those serving in the U.S. military who gave their lives to liberate Europe.

Oil. Oh, that old saw again? Please, play us another tune would you?

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I see America as incredibly capitalist. Capitalism works off supply and demand, the flaw being that resources are finite and Amercia have to secure those resources at whatever cost, to continue their survival.

Even though we went to war with Iraq also, I don't think the rest of the world works in the same way, I hope they can see that we can still have a free market but it needs to be somewhat regulated, somewhat controlled, to ensure sustainability. America doesn't seem to care about anybody but itself. Huge generalisation I know, and im not saying any Americans on this forum are at all like that, but its how the present president paints his image to the world.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

We must remember Margaret that those damn Yankies do sometimes invade countries without oil...like the British Commonwealth island of Greneda, which they did in 1981.:D

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

There's an arrogance among those who rule America that just p***es most of the rest of the world off. It's a swaggering, bullying attitude which is not shared by the majority of the American people. The American government seems determined to shove their brand of democracy down the throats of everyone they think they can beat the crap out of. Right now the Iraqis are saying no; we may not like the "language" they are using, but it's their country that has been ruined.

If America wants to be the world's policeman, it is going to run into a heck of a lot more problems ... unless of course, another invasion of Grenada is planned.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

on a lighter note

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6omQ5JjjLsE

you couldn't have done it without John Wayne :)

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

We have our own resources - but thanks to the radical environmentalists in this country who, (for whatever reason), seem to have a death grip on congress, we haven't been drilling for oil, haven't built a new refinery in over 30 years - nor any new nuclear facilities. If you are under the impression that our capitalist system has no restraints placed upon it by government, you are sadly mistaken. There are far too many regulations, rules and taxes.

The president has no chance to paint his true image. His opponents and the press do that for him. A grave mistake to allow others to define you.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Darn straight we did Rindy. We knew you British were building a huge military force in Grenada and we had to take you down!;)

The reason I submitted the thread was more to show how spoiled/ill-informed we as Americans have become. Thank you Eric for the sentiments that very very few of our Politicians and even fewer of our Media outlets share the typical Americans view on things!

So Margaret for all your hatred against everyone in the USA, your facts that everything America has done in it's 400 years of existence has been to rape and pillage and give nothing back to the world is merely your very narrow minded opinion (IMO).

Trust me, I would not think there is any American who has ever fully supported everything our government has done. Either good or bad.

For example, WWI many Americans (including all of my family) thought we should have gone in much earlier. Then there was the bunch who still thought we should never have gone in. I feel the same way about WWII.

All I'm saying is please don't lump us all into this one pile of manure as you see it. We have many individual piles of manure here in America. Some use it to stink people away. and others use it as a fertilizer to assist in the growth beautiful flowers and delishes fuits and vegetables.

Now Barb, slow down and breathe! Everyone has varied opinions and I'm glad we are able to share and explain various sides of issues!

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I do know that it is very easy to sit back and bitch at the Americans. But America is huge, immensely powerful, and unbelievably diverse. It's so hard to talk about America without falling into generalizations ... that is why so much criticism doesn't seem fair. One can generalize about the government because it has policies and agendas, but it does not speak for all Americans, nor does it represent them all. Some things bring Americans together, the VT tragedy will do it, 9-11 did it, support for the troops in Iraq does it. But on all other issues Americans are as divided as are those in other great democracies.

Perhaps one can see the weakness of America in its power, and its strength in its diversity.

America is, among all nations, the world's celebrity. It is there, in the news all the time. But like all celebs, it is scrutinized, criticized, castigated, ridiculed, in fact, subject to all the forms of nastiness that living in the spotlike brings.

Perhaps this is a fair price Americans have to pay for having it so good. After all being rich and unpopular, as a country, is a hell of a lot better than being weak and impoverished.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

*rich and unpopular*
not
*No wonder the world loves the U.S.*

well put Eric

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

What an asinine, ludicrous article!

It says that most Americans are unhappy with George W. Bush, then it goies on to mention air conditioning, runnning water and a whole host of other things that George certainly cannot take credit for.

Heck, I have any number of friends who are now former Republicans!

We've gotten ourselves and our allies mired in a useless, senseless war in Iraq. Any idiot (George W.!) could understand that the USA could easily win the ground war, but only those with a smidgen of intellect understood that "winning the peace" would be, by far, a much more difficult task. That part of the plan has been a colossal cock-up, at the cost of many lives and a mind-boggling financial cost, which will burden our children and grnadchildren. For a party that once styled itself as the fiscally responsible alternative, the Republicans have proven that they are, by far, the party that grossly overspends.

Let's talk hard facts....At the last election, the polls that some folks like to denigrate, were proven correct. The voters proved their discontent in no uncertain terms and voted for major change in our leadership.

George W. has certainly had every opportunity to paint his true image. George occupies an office that the last great Republican, Teddy Roosevelt, correctly called "A bully pulpit!" Unfortunately for America and the world, George and Shakespeare's character, Bottom, share a number of traits. Bottom's asinine condition, however, was only temporary!

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Like Bullseyebarb, I am a Briish citizen but also an American citizen by choice not birth. I too consider this to be a great country and I am very happy living here. Of course it has problems and there is plenty wrong with it just like everywhere else, but the +'s well outweigh the -'s.
It should be remembered that Great Britain took on the role of world policeman for about a hundred years not all that far back. It generally falls to the most powerful nation to do that job. So, to all those who constanly say that America is doing a terrible job, let me ask you to consider the following. Up until the latter part of the last century, it was touch and go which was going to be the most powerful nation in the world. The period was known as the "cold war" and the two main contenders were Russia (representing the communist world) and the USA (representing the capitalist world.) How many of the USA haters out there consider it would have been better if Russia had come out on top? What kind of world do you think we would be living in now? When Russia marched into countries it was with the intention of taking them over (just like good old Great Britain did in its period of domination.) America has never marched into any country with the intention of collonisation. When they helped us out in the two world wars, they charged us for the goods we used which they supplied which someone mentioned has just been repaid. We will never be able to repay them for the lives of their young men which were cut short, and we're not talking a few odd thousand here, we're talking hundreds of thousands. America has been a great friend to Britain and generally speaking I think that has been reciprocated. It needs to stay that way, and Britain would be foolish indeed not to recognise that.
On the subject of Iraq. Quite frankly I would pull out all the troops and let the damned idiots kill each other and sort it out themselves. I really don't believe we can do any more there, our lads are just being used for target practice. We are stuck in the middle of a civil war. All countries which have ever been prominent in the past have all had their civil wars, maybe it's time for us to let the middle east have theirs. To those who constantly say that the west only went in because of oil - OK - let's think about that one for a minute. Let's agree that oil was certainly a part of the equation. If the western world does not get regular supplies of oil, what the hell do you think is going to happen? The oil isn't any more important to America than it is to Britain. Well without oil, the wheels of industry grind to a halt and our econmies go to hell in a handbasket. No money in the coffers to buy goods from abroad. So, as America is the biggest world market all the countries who supply them with their needs no longer make any sales. So, all their economies go to hell in the same handbasket. It would be a global disaster not just a disaster for the western world.
Let's just look at the countries which were defeated in World War 2. Germany and Japan. Did we collonise these countries and enslave their people? I don't think so. Both of these countries are doing very well indeed, much of their ability to become wealthy having been instigated by the countries which defeated them. This is the true measure of those countries. Our countries.
America is not a evil country. It is a good and generous country. Sometimes misguided? Yes. Do its politicians make blunders? Yes. Is the heart of its people in the right place? I believe so. It is a mistake to judge a country by its politicians, they come and go, a country endures because of its people.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Gosh I've missed you JohnW. Very well said indeed! Ever think of running for office. Nah, it'd never work. Way too much common sense.:o :cool: Just another breath of fresh air from an Ex-Pat.

Brian

Ooops, forgot to add IMO!:p

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

The only thing I completely agree with is the last paragraph.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

put your hand up are ass and we will doe what you say

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

[quote=JohnW;412586] The period was known as the "cold war" and the two main contenders were Russia (representing the communist world) and the USA (representing the capitalist world.)

Bit patronising don't you think?

On the subject of Iraq. Quite frankly I would pull out all the troops and let the damned idiots kill each other and sort it out themselves. I really don't believe we can do any more there, our lads are just being used for target practice. We are stuck in the middle of a civil war. All countries which have ever been prominent in the past have all had their civil wars, maybe it's time for us to let the middle east have theirs.

Is that why America chose to create a civil war in Iraq? We, as allies, have found ourselves in the midst of a civil war and it is our fault. To pull out now would be to condemn thousands of people to die- Yes American and British soldiers are dying and will continue to do so before there is any form of stability- if that will ever be possible. We should not have gone in the first place but now Mr Bush and Mr Blair have achieved the mother of all f*** ups then 'our lads' as you call them will have to continue to pay for that misatke with their lives.
Truth, Justice and the American Way?- George shone the torch and Tony 'Mothman' Blair followed the beam of light. Together they would bring light to the darkness, destroy the axis of evil, wage the war on terror and of course- enable George to get Saddam fo his Daddy whilst potentially securing lucrative deals in regard to oil production and export from the region- everyones a winner.
As I see it for the next few years at the very very least that will continue to be some corner of a foreign field or more accurately desert that shall always be England.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

So America, created the civil war, amazing that Bush represent's America and Americans, but Blair did it himself. No guilt that the brits are there, just Blair decided, so its the Americans fault.
When was parliament disbanded?

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I do think that it is wrong to generalize and say things like America did this or that "bad" thing and then move easily from such an empty generalization of the nature of Americans. It is a fault that many Americans make when judgingm, say, the French based on the actions of Jaques Chirac. When our PM, Stephen Harper, says "I am sure I speak for all Canadians" most Canadians say "Like f**k you do Harper!" (For better or worse most Canadians do use expletives when talking about politicians).

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

So why get so upset when an American generalize about the British? Its ok to say our boys are getting killed because of Americans, but its not ok to say Americans are getting killed because of Brits? They are both there, both goverments voted to go, agree or disagree with the decision it was not follow my leader. Tony Blair does not have the overiding vote. Reading to much S*n and Daily Mail does cloud your judgement. I would be insulted as a British citizen if I thought that my goverment was so downtrodden that they had to follow another countries decisions and couldn't make its own. It would prove one of two things, the UK is the poor relation and can longer look at its self as any kind of player on the world stage, some what like Sweden, or the people who vote are so easily led they belieive everything they are told and never question the source. Niether of which is true, so why blame everyone else, stand up and take some responsibilty for what is in truth a sad and unmanagable situation.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Hmmm, since you offered:eek: , I'll be sure to bring some plastic gloves to the May Meet. This should make for some interesting entertainment!:cool:

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

[quote=Flash;412850]I think Bazf answered most of this very well indeed. The proceeds from any lucractive oil deals which may have been secured will take a very long time to pay off the cost of the war, if ever.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Well, would you care to expand on that and let us know which parts of the other paragraphs you don't agree with, and why? I always like to hear the other side of the argument.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Well regardless of where you live there will always be people who are unhappy on how that particular country is run. The USA is not on its own in that respect when you look world wide, as with the UK Russia and at the extreme end Zimbabwe. The fact that some countries populations can affect a change at the highest level means that they are not stuck in the rut for an indefinate period. GWB VP TB can all be elected out but think of Zimbabwe and its problems with a President (Mugabe) that wants and has total personal control of all that happens in his "little" empire. If compared to this mess we are very fortunate at what we have and shouldn't moan at the lot we have been dealt.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Great Britain took on the role of world policeman and, unfortunately, pretty much bankrupted themselves.

While Russia had nuclear weapons, they too were bankruptiing themselves trying to keep up with the USA. While the CIA regularly issued misleading reports about the "strength" of Russia's economy, the truth was that Russia had grossly overreached in their contest with the USA (and our western allies!) and economic implosion was inevitable.

America has never colonized? Total bull! Read the hsitory of how we acquired Hawaii sometime - it will enlighten you! Let's be realistic - All of the land that is the USA today was taken, often forcibly, from other people. Not to mention our long-term occupation and manipulation of other territory, such as Cuba and the Phillipines. We still hold Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa, among others.

So, what is there to admire, in spite all this? Many of the things that we share in common with our friends in the UK! An elected, representative government, considerable freedoms, and a desire to make our countries (and the world) better places to live.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I think you'll find I went on to say that it is 'our' fault- of course Bush and Blair are culpable and of course they both have the blood of American and British soldiers on their hands. If they impression was that I was blaming the American people I apologise for that was not my intention.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

[quote=Bazf;412935] Tony Blair does not have the overiding vote. Reading to much S*n and Daily Mail does cloud your judgement.

Two particular comments to make about this aspect of Bazf's response-

Tony Blair and George Bush are the democratically elected leaders of these twop nations- True. To suggest however that they do not have the overiding vote' is naieve in the etxreme. Not because it isnt factualy correct but because they do wield a sufficient amount of power and influence (along with their immediate aides) to enable them to manipulate the politiacal system in order to drive their agenda. Or do you beleive that they genuinely believed there were WOMD and were acting accordingly?

In regard to the comment about the Sun and Daily Mail- not really worthy of dignifying with a response- but on the other hand too patronising to ignore- I dont think I have ever actually even held a copy of these publications- I tell a lie I had a paper round when I was 11 so I have.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

[quote=JohnW;412987]Do you honestly believe that the cost of the war is viewed as a negative by individuals in power (both in a political and industrial sense)? Revenue generated by armaments/supplies to service such a vast military campaign runs into billions- the people lining their pockets from these contracts have no concern for the long term cost to the taxpayer- why should they?- When the dust has settled the bank account will be fuller than ever before.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Very glad to have you back, John W. I've grown weary of the BDS crowd.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

BDS crowb????????? :confused:

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Bush Derangement Syndrome.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

It's kinda too bad this thread turned into that sort of thing. My biggest objective was to show people that Americans have it awfully good. And the seeming fact that they don't look at many of the positives but just pick and choose some of the many ill that we do indeed have some struggles with. Overall, most things, taken in there entirety are pretty good over here. I for one, well I guess there are alot more than one, am very content with being an American. This despite her faults.

Brian:( :o :cool: :)

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Yes, indeed. Actually, I can't think of anyone I know who is a whiner. The people I associate with are positive, forward thinking, optimistic, hardworking, independent and generally delightful to be around. I consider myself to be most fortunate.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

It's not an argument ... And I haven't picked sides ... I intended it as a compliment to America and Americans. On the whole Iraqi question I agree, and this surprises even me, with the policy of the Canadian government. Even though Canada shares the longest undefended border in the world with the US, even tho' we are each others most important trading partners, even tho' the Blue Jays will win the series this year (had to throw this one in) Canada has always pursued an independent foreign policy. Sometimes close to America, as in the Reagan/Mulrooney days sometime a little farther away, as when Trudeau was our PM. (If you want a good Cuban cigar, come to Canada.) But on the whole we get along fine with our bigger neighbours. I just happened to point out, in a sort of indirect way, that I agree that America is a good and great country and that its heart is in the right place. George W will not be in power for much longer. And that will end much of the America bashing. It's not so long ago that Bill Clinton built up so much good will world wide to American and the American people. One of the things that W did successfully, maybe the only one, is squander much of that good will. And he is well on the way to dividing his own country.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

one or two comments on the original post

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the
Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as
we move through each state?

Europeans have the ability to drive east to west from the Black Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, they can also drive from the 'toe' of Italy in the south to the Arctic ocean in the north of Finland , lots of different cultures to enjoy instead of the endless cookie cutter towns of the US


Or possibly it's the hundreds of clean
and safe motels we find along the way, where we find temporary shelter?

Maybe you have missed all the news reports of bed -bug infestations in New York City hotels, I understand San Francisco and L.A. Hotels are having the same problems

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Don't forget to mention that most of the employees are paid minimum wage, in some states even less than minimum wage since the Govt. says projected tips can be classed as part of the pay rate, and most of the food is either heart clogging fat or consists of some genetically modified ingredients

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take us to the hospital?

God hopes that you are lucky enough to have medical insurance, if you dont a hospitals only obligation is to provide BASIC life saving care, otherwise heres hoping you have enough funds available to pay the bill presented on discharge otherwise they will see you in court. A case now in the Californian courts...a Hospital is charged with dumping patients with mental problems on skid row when they were unable to pay.

Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames. Thus they save you, your family and your belongings.

You mean like the Govt. came to the rescue when the folks of the Gulf coast needed help and still do after Katrina hit

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

yep, this is why most families in the US feel its necessary to own a gun

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents.

Apart from the World Trade center attack all recent terrorist attacks in the US were commited by homegrown US citizens (Unabomber/ Tim McVey )

This in neighborhoods where 90% of the teenagers own cell phones and computers.

And over 40% of students (high-school graduates) admitted to the California State University system have to do remedial math and english before starting class

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Is this why we now have Spring Holiday instead of Easter and send Seasons Greetings cards instead of Christmas (Baby Jesus) cards , Christmas creches are banned but Menorahs are ok , oh I forgot to mention, we also have a President who WON the election with fewer votes than his opponent and led us into biggest overseas debacle since Napoleans march on Moscow in 1812

hardly surprising that the world has a negative view of us

:confused: :rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes:

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Now you have let the cat out of the bag. Most of the people in the rest of the world do not see the downside. They long to live in the image that is filtered out to them.

But I'm Canadian eh. So I won't get controversial, because we are supposed to be nice ... unless we are wearing skates, or are in the vicinity of helpless baby seals.

By the way, do you know that a Canadian is an unarmed American with medicare:D

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

And yet we don't have a mass migration to other countries, do we? The movement seems to be in the other direction. Guess all of these people, myself included, are not quite as cynical as some on this thread. They recognize a good thing when they see it.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Most of the influx seems to come over the southern border .. they walk in to be exploited by those who need cheap labor. I don't think that they have time to be cynical. They are hungry. We don't expect an influx until the war gets a lot worse ... and then it will be like it was in the Viet Nam war; we will get the draft dodgers and the deserters.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I am referring to LEGAL immigrants. Still have a very long list of those waiting their turn to enter the country.

And how many draft dodgers did you actually get during the Viet Nam war? Not all that many at the end of the day. Nowadays, we have an all volunteer military, in case you haven't noticed. You may see a few deserters......but they are in the minority by a long shot. Re-enlistments here are very high. Our guys and gals believe they are making a positive difference - despite all of the lousy press they get, along with the disgraceful comments by many "leading lights" in our government.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

That's very true Barb. I just sent my 4th "boy" over there. He actually left yesterday. He's a marine (they all are). This kid also calls me Pa and has stated that I'm the closest thing to a father he's had. Really not saying a whole lot as his dad abandoned the family a number of years back.

It certainly brings the war home when we hear of casualties. They are basically happy doing what they do, very discouraged by the negative/blatantly false news presented to the American public, and would all rather be home getting on with their lives!

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

helppppp, were been took over by americans:D

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Not me, I'm Canadian eh. A quick list of how to tell the difference: we say "eh" a lot, we say "zed" not "zee", we like beer with more than 2% alcohol, we become homicidal on skates but are otherwise generally friendly.:)

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

i want to live in canada, do you see wolves:D?

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Well, I think it was two world wars which pretty much bankrupted Britain. I suppose you could argue that we were playing world policeman and saving all our 'good friends' in Europe from the mighty German Army. But it was only a matter of time before Hitler turned his eye upon Britain, and we were very much aware of that, so it was really a self preservation thing. Up until then the Brits were doing very nicely thank you, plundering every country that they colonised.

Most of the land in the USA today was stolen from the Red Indians - by, oh that's right, Europeans, mainly Brits, Frenchmen and Spaniards. I suppose Hawaii want out of the Union.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I have many American friends; I used to get into serious drinking sessions with members of the US Navy and Marine Corps - we had great discussions and even better arguments. Like all Americans, they wanted to be liked. Sometimes, the question would arise from them "Why do many in the world not like us?". I usually waffled and hummed my way out of that one.

However, if I had a statement such as the one above, I would have replied quite simply - because you talk a load of b*ll*cks. While the US may well have been the prime defender of Western post-1945 interests, it's record prior to that was quite simply, awful.

1) Unlike the UK, the US did not enter WW2 because it was the right thing to do; it entered because it was attacked by Japan and Hitler subsequently declared war on them. If He had not made that mistake, then the US would not have become involved in the European war - it simply would have had no reason to do so and would have been quite happy to see the Russians and the British do the fighting while they stood idly by.

2) Similarily, the US did not enter WW1 until 1917 and then at the point when losses of US civilians on passenger liners became unacceptable. As in WW2, Britain had the option of staying out of this conflict; we could have ignored any treaty obligation and certainly we had no reason whatsoever to fight over Belgian neutrality. The US did nothing.

3) The British in North America went no further than the 13 Eastern seaboard colonies; we had treaties with the native indians which were mutually respected to the extent that it was only with their assistance that the French (a far larger country than Britain) were defeated in the 7 years war.. Had that happened, JW, you would not now be on the Accy web - you would be on the Boulogne or the Toulouse web, gibbering away in Frenchy. The drive west, from the Ohio River to the Rockies- and the subsequent murder, rape and pillage and then land grab all occured in the 19th century under US, not British colonial auspices.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Mr. T.,

When I said "we" saved our European friends I was in fact referring to Britain doing the saving, although I have to admit, looking back, that was not altogether clear. I was being a little sarcastic because I don't really consider the Europeans saved were particularly good friends, with the possible exception of the Dutch. I will try to make it clearer in future when I say "we" as I can be referring to either the UK or the US.

When it comes to being liked in the world, I don't think the Brits fare much better than the Americans to be honest. Look at all the (so-called friends) European partners in the fiasco known as the European Union. How many of them like the Brits? How many of them do we (the Brits) like?

I don't think Britain entered the 2nd war purely because it was the right thing to do, it was pretty obvious that Britain would not be left off the list of potential slaves to the Third Reich, it was not totally altruistic as you suggest. Better to pre-empt a strike on British soil, and fight alongside the other fearful countries such as the French. We were no doubt expecting a lot more from them than we received.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Actually, now you ask, quite a few of them. The wolf population around here is making a comeback; it makes environmental sense. The wolves cull the deer population, getting rid of the sick and the weak. Sort of Darwinish really. So we get a healthy deer population. I saw a couple just last week. About 3 in the morning running along the highway. We also have coyotes, foxes, skunk, deer, moose, racoons, thousands of squirrels, chipmunks, beaver, groundhogs, wild turkey, all kinds of ducks, etc. Did I mention skunk.

Of course that might not be the kind of wolf you are thinking of.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

By the way, did I mention skunk.

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

Eric .......just out of curiosity what do the Quebecois (?) call the cartoon character Pepe le Pew ?, racial sterotyping if you ask me ;) ;)

Re: How "bad off" are Americans?
 

I don't know ... but I may be spending the weekend with an old freind of mine in the Gatineaus, I will ask him.:confused: