SoCal Driver

Don't worry Deni. Most Americans know that SanFran, "frisco", is not part of the United States. Where else can all the homeless go and get a $300 plus check a month. Just as Gray-out Doofuss has run California into the ground so has your Willie Brown and socialist liberal city counsel run frisco into the ground.

It's going to be a hard landing for California and all of it's left coast liberals when what's left of the big money leaves the state. Don't think the illegals pay income taxes or sales taxes. Going to be at least $40 billion in debt before the Ex-Golden state goes **** up.

Your interdependent world goes both ways. Hopefully the developed countries will figure out their fate lies beside ours and get with the program. But most likely we will have to pull their asses out of the fire as we have many times before.

Z-man

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by jiffypop:
<strong>Carry on my "self-righteous" ones! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Jiffy:
Is that comment directed towards me?

While I was upset about schnellfahrer944 comments about the USA, I certainly don't think that America is the perfect country! We have our problems and issues, and often bully other countries around.

To further explain:
What Bush is doing these days can be perceived as bullying around the small countries of the world. HOWEVER: don't forget who started this most recent "US involvement in the rest of the world's affaris:" Osama Bin Laden and the terror attacks of 9-11. Just like in high school: if you hit a bully, he's going to retaliate. And I'm not so sure he's being a bully: he is after all, defending the interests of the free world. Was the US asked to do this? No, but it is in our best interests to do so.

I have spent some time overseas on short term missionary work, and I've been exposed to different cultures and customs. Frankly, I would consider my childhood home more of a Hungarian home rather than an American one, even though I've lived in the USA all my life! I don't like it when people from the USA force their culture upon others. I don't like it when we think we're the best: we're not. Yes: we have crime and corruption, but evil is not running rampant across our land like some people tend to believe!

HOWEVER: I do get upset when foreigners criticize the USA based on generalizations and cast judgements upon us based on incorrect or incomplete information.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">originally posted by Olli regarding my reference to Norway being socialistic:
<strong>
Iam not norweigan, but that was the bad one!
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Technically, Norway has a constitutional monarchy.
But:
"All public education in Norway is free up to and including the upper secondary level. "
"The health and social welfare system in Norway is predominantly publicly financed, through a combination of general and separate taxation."
(Quotes from ask.com)

While Norway may not technically have a socialist government, it does have socialistic ideals. (Socialist democratic society)

I don't mind discussing the faults and follies of the USA, but let's discuss this in a mature manner, please.

Ok, I'll stop now. Am I way off here?
-Z.

schnellfahrer

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">
While I was upset about schnellfahrer944
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I'm sorry that I offended you, but I think the majority of the European population share my impression of the USA (but hey, I could be wrong)

Although I'm not a fan of US politics (esp. foreign politics), I'm very impressed with the people I've spoken with on this list. What a great bunch of people.

I realize that the discussion regarding terrorism or US politics does not belong on this forum, so I'll let it go.

Eivind

Jeff928S4

Beautiful car!!!! I dream of having that engine in my car.....but I'll settle for my timing belts not breaking again!

Oh, here is my take on this "America, The Beautiful.....True or False" discussion. I thought I'd get the Canadian viewpoint (well, at least mine) in here.

1. America IS about war and not peace. Whomever blew up the twin towers did it for a REASON. Peace-making countries would find out why and make sure it doesn't happen again by solving the problem with questions and solutions. War-loving countries shoot first and ask questions later.

2. 911 was NOT and unprovoked attact. Just ask the parents of the millions of children who died from American sanctions and the people who live in the towns that American tanks patrol.

3. That "sheep-like" attitude that was mentioned is what is keeping peace in all other countries. Once the American's join the herd, their country will be "nice" also....it's just that you have to scare Amrican's into conformity and that plan isn't quite working. It may work once the "threat of a mass-destruction weapon attack" plan gets going. What's the name of that plan again??? Oh yea,.....it's called WAR. War will not stop unless Americans swallow their pride, shut the hell up about long waiting lines, give up some freedom and become sheep like the rest of us.

4. Face it - Americans don't give a Rat's *** about anything else but THEIR country. Finland IS a better place because it's people study the world, which is better than NOT studing the world.

5. It's not only the upper-crust rich Americans who are mouthy....and they don't think they are better than other's because they are rich, they think they are better because of the type of people they are. I know a ton of dirt-poor Americans who are mouthy and think they are better than others.

6. That, "we don't give a crap about what others think" attitude is what is making America the "bad guy" in a lot of peoples eyes. Knock, knock America....there are people out there who don't like what you're doing around the world and if you keep doing it, people will keep bombing you. If 911 didn't open the American people's eyes's to the hatred felt towards America, perhaps it will take a nuke.....but will that even get the message across or will all the blame be put on the other side yet AGAIN??? News flash!!!! - people don't go around bombing ships and flying planes into building "just because they are crazy". Perhaps the American people should start asking "why" instead of asking "when are we blowin' up these Sumbytches!!?".

7. America will only pull people's ***'s out of the fire if there is oil, cash, cocaine, or promise of something in the future attached to it. If anything, America has been "saved" more then they have done the "saving".....ask France. Ever wonder why French people hate America so much?

8. Osama did NOT start America's involvement in the World's affairs. America's involvement in World affairs created Osama. America basically created Osama's army so he could fight Russia for America, then they leave him high and dry, his country ravished, his people hungry and then they only return when they feel they need to interfere again - for their own good. America is like that cool guy everyone wants at their party, but he won't show up unless there is free beer and women and when he is done partying, he will not clean-up and he will leave prematurely and bad-mouth the hosts if it means he gets something better at another party. Everyone pretends to like this guy, but everyone secretly wants to punch him in the throat......and the only reason anyone hangs with him is because he is rich, good-looking, and strong - nobody really likes him, but put up with him because "he is the man".

America is not "the man" and they have to stop acting like they are.

Commentary over.....944S Boyeee has to go back to his Canadian Conformity way of life, but hey - nobody is gonna bomb me soon.....unless I hang out with "the man" too much.

944S Boyeee

Jeff928S4

Oh, and by the way - I don't think America is properly represented on this board.....

Thank God!

At least the people here are rational and educated and willing to discuss problems, attitudes and opinions. If America was Rennlist, it would be the Home Of The Brave.

Two thumbs up to the Americans on this board!

944S Boyeee

Olli Snellman

This is getting real interesting! It's funny how some of you think some countries are socialist countries if they give a good education & medical care for their citizens.
My country, Finland, is a good example of that! about 50 years ago our country was just poor agricultural country.Not much industry.We had lost a war against Sovjet Union, but we were lucky and stayed independent (what ever happend to Baltic countries, Poland,Hungary,Czech,Romania etc.etc.)That war cost us a lot! We had to pay to Sovjet Union billions of Dollars.Had to build factories,ships,trains etc. This all helped Finland to develope to industrial country.First it was wood,paper & pulp.Later metal industry.In the '80's we found out that future is High Tech.The biggest problem is our population.There is only 5.4 million inhabitants in Finland.To be competive you just need people who had a good EDUCATION! That's the reason why all education is free ! Even in the universty (for foreing students also)! You can call it socialism or what ever you like.Finland is now world #1 for example in mobile phones, big US Motorola is second and Swede/Japan Sony-Ericsson is third.We have lot of these high tec companies here. It would not be possible without educated people.In the States you have over 200 million inhabitants, it's not necessary to have all of your people so higly educated.We are just living in so different situation.Finland have quite same situation like Norway & Sweden; population is so small comparing to the other countries.Our well educated people are our power!

Z-man

To all: sorry to 'taking over' this thread and turning it into a way OT topic about "THE USA vs. The WORLD." I can only hope that this discussion will continue as an honest exchange of views.

schnellfahrer944: I accept your apology: I am sorry I answered harshly to your comments. I am sorry that so many Europeans hold the beliefs you do, and that some of what you say is true about the USA.

944S Boyee:
Interesting viewpoints. May I counter:
First off, careful with your label: America is more than the USA: there's Canada (er, right), Mexico, and the countries in South and Central America. (For the record, I've always specifically stated USA in this post) I know, it's just a technicality, but when USA people call USA America, it shows their ethnocentricity. (Now there's a $5.00 word!)

I believe that the main reason for the terror attacks are because the USA supports Israel. And the conflict of the middle east has been around since Isaac and Ishmael parted ways! So the attack on America on 9-11 has little to do with American culture and American sociological influences: it has to do with bitter hatred between Mulsim and Jew.
(Another example of this: Look at when Iraq attacked Kuwait: the USA stepped in to help, and where did all those Skud missles land? Israel! Did Israel have anything to do with the Kuwait / Iraq affair? NO! )

Many people argue that the USA is the "2nd Israel." I do not hold to this thinking. Though we are founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we are not one nation with Israel. Israel has many enemies around it: as a nation friendly to Israel, the USA helps to balance that situation.

Important note: I am not saying that the Muslims are wrong and that the Jews are right: both sides have done wrong! It's when the fanatics like Bin Laden warp their system (Jihad) and us it to further their evil, that injustices occur. (Just like the Crusades of Medieval times!)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">4. Face it - Americans don't give a Rat's *** about anything else but THEIR country. Finland IS a better place because it's people study the world, which is better than NOT studing the world.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">While many in the USA have that attitude, I think that's changing, and there are those in the USA who have always thought differently.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">
7. America will only pull people's ***'s out of the fire if there is oil, cash, cocaine, or promise of something in the future attached to it. If anything, America has been "saved" more then they have done the "saving".....ask France. Ever wonder why French people hate America so much?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I don't think this is necessarily true, especially in the case of Israel. I mean, they don't have any oil fields, do they? If it were a matter of profitability, wouldn't it be wiser for the USA to side with the Arab nations to gain better deals in oil? If we were not allies with Israel, more oil-rich Arab nations would be willing to work with us more.

Again, I'm not looking to offend anyone: hopefully I haven't.
I am curious to read of your reactions.

Regards,
-Zoltan.

Z-man

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Quoting myself: HOW VAIN!
<strong>
While Norway may not technically have a socialist government, it does have socialistic ideals. (Socialist democratic society)
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Just to clarify: I believe that socialistic ideals are very good, and beneficial. It also is in line with my Christian view of life.

Anyway, carry on!
-Z-man.

Jeff928S4

See, that is why Z-man should be President instead of Bushy. He is intelligent, rational and willing to excepts others viewpoints and is genuinely interested in what people have to say.

Z-man, I do agreee that USA (you're also right about using "America" wrongly) IS trying to better educate it's people on world views. I hope this continues.

As for the US supporting Israel vs the Arab countries, well, I think they are supporting Israel because they can control their Government better (once the Oil is under Israel's control).

Bin Laden has warped the system, but I just don't see his agenda as "eliminate the US". I think he (and the rest of the Arab states) just see what is coming around the corner, which is the elimination of what they have enjoyed for so many years (like being able to buy boat-loads of Ferrari's). He is scared, but I also think he is a scapegoat for a bigger plan, which is getting the USA public to conform more through fear. I still believe (and I know people hate me for this), that the whole 911 was planned by someone other than Bin Laden and that person is closer to American's hearts than we think. Both 911 AND Pearl Harbour are suspicious to me....

As for a solution to all this.....simple, just move all the Jewish people over to USA. Heck, most of them are already in the US. This way the Arab countries get what they want. The US doesn't have to police the Middle East. No more bombing, no more threat of nukes. Give them a new Holy Land....give them an entire state, like New York (wait, the Jewish people already own New York).

...but that would never work, not because it's not feasible, but rather because "someone" wants the USA scared. "Someone" wants the USA to have currancy similar (if not exact) to the Euro. "Someone" wants the citizens of the US of A to have chips in their hands. "Someone" wants the USA to become more like the rest of the world. The USA is the final country on this list. Everyone else is "under control" and those who are not are not in the future plans as it is. USA is in the future plans, but only if they play by "someone's" rules.

944S Boyeee

Nabeel

OK, I'm a new member here, but some may know me from Pelican. Anyway, I saw this discussion and felt compelled to add my .02.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Z-man:
<strong>
944S Boyee:
Interesting viewpoints. May I counter:
First off, careful with your label: America is more than the USA: there's Canada (er, right), Mexico, and the countries in South and Central America. (For the record, I've always specifically stated USA in this post) I know, it's just a technicality, but when USA people call USA America, it shows their ethnocentricity. (Now there's a $5.00 word!)

I believe that the main reason for the terror attacks are because the USA supports Israel. And the conflict of the middle east has been around since Isaac and Ishmael parted ways! So the attack on America on 9-11 has little to do with American culture and American sociological influences: it has to do with bitter hatred between Mulsim and Jew.
(Another example of this: Look at when Iraq attacked Kuwait: the USA stepped in to help, and where did all those Skud missles land? Israel! Did Israel have anything to do with the Kuwait / Iraq affair? NO! )

Many people argue that the USA is the "2nd Israel." I do not hold to this thinking. Though we are founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we are not one nation with Israel. Israel has many enemies around it: as a nation friendly to Israel, the USA helps to balance that situation.

.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Ethnocentricity.......great word!

Anyway, I agree that a major factor that is responsible for terrorist attacks is the USA's cozy relationship with Israel. However, I do not believe the conflict has been around since Issac and Ishmael, that is a common misconception. Rather, it started about 85-90 years ago when the the Balfour Declaration was introduced. Before that, relations between Muslims and Jews in the region were getting along just fine. An interesting tangent is that the native Christians in the Middle East are pro-Palestine and have a very good overall relationship with the Muslims in the region. Also, it is debateable as to whether Bin Laden actually hates Israel and Jews or if he is just using that as a reason to rally support for him in the Arab/Muslim world. I've heard good arguments on both sides. Same can be said for Saddam's attack on Israel in the Gulf War. Seems as though he did it simply to rally support for himself throughout the region.

Also, the reason why USA support is so staunch for Israel is because Israel has a HUGE lobby in Washington, not necessarily because both countries are founded on Judeo-Christian principles, although that may also be a factor with the current administration. Face it, money talks in Washington. AIPAC, the largest pro-Israeli lobby in Washington, is behind only the AARP in terms of monetary influence. The combined budget for ALL Arab/Muslim lobbys in Washington is an estimated $6 million. Compare that with the budget of just AIPAC, which stands at $72 million. Add in the many smaller pro-Israel lobbies, and you'll get a $100+ million total. THAT is why we support Israel so much.

I'm not anti-semetic in any way. In fact, many of my close friends are Jewish. However, it irritates me that ourselves, being the most powerful nation on the planet, allow Israel to routinely break UN resolutions and receive condemnations, employ inhumane tactics in the occupied territories, and in general give the USA a black eye in the world arena. Don't forget that they have not always been a 'good' ally either. Their deliberate attack on the USS Liberty in the 1967 war was horrific, killing 35 innocent US soldiers and injuring 170 more. To this day there has not been a formal investigation into the event. Honestly, we've given Israel $1.7 trillion over the last 50 years or so, and we have nothing to show for it other than a bad rep in the international community, inflamed tensions in the Middle East, and terrorists attacking us left and right. I would not call myself pro-Israel, rather I'd consider myself more pro-American.

Another thing to consider is that this is not a Muslim vs. Jew issue. It is more of a pro-Israel vs pro-Palestine issue. I've met many Jews who are opposed to Israel's current policies and also many Muslims who are not 100 percent pro-Palestinian.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but since this thread has already crossed into the realm of OT, why not <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> .

Ken D

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Nabeel:
<strong>Their deliberate attack on the USS Liberty in the 1967 war was horrific, killing 35 innocent US soldiers and injuring 170 more. To this day there has not been a formal investigation into the event. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually there were 10 investigations in the US and 3 in Israel. US investigations were headed by the US Navy, the CIA, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Senate Committe on Foreign Relations, the Senate Armed Services Committe, the House Appropriations Commitee, the House Armed Services Committee (2x), the Senect Select Committee on Inteligence, and the NSA. All concluded the attack was either a "tragic mistake" or were inconclusive.
I'm not sure what evidence you have which proves the attack deliberate, but I'm sure all the US Govt agencies above would like you to share...

;-)

SoCal Driver

Millions of children died? I take it you have swallowed the lies about Iraq's fictitious plight. Iraq gets more than enough income from the oil it sells to provide comfortably for every citizen and still provide for a reasonable national defense. But when it takes this money and spends it on multimillion dollar "palaces" to cover WOMD development it only has itself to blame for any deprivations it's citizens experience.

As to unprovoked attack I mostly concur with Z-Man's response.

"Become sheep like the rest of us". Yeah, sure.

Even America's poor are better than "others". A single mother of two makes about $24,000 on welfare. Has indoor plumbing, a color TV or two, a car or unlimited public transit passes, free medical, free education, food stamps, etc.

Again: Most Americans don't give a rats behind what the rest of the world thinks!

Most Americans are tired of being blamed for the inability of other nations to fix their own problems. It's time to pull the rug; stop all altruistic foreign subsidies. All.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>
Ever wonder why French people hate America so much?
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">LOL!!! The french hate everyone!

Afghanistan is not Bin Ladins home country. Nor the majority of his followers that were there with him.

Yes Afghanistan did get caught between Russia and the US in the last days of the cold war. Still it's localized atrocities are the result of oppressive religious doctrines reinforced by the Taliban -- a coalition of native tribes. Bin Ladin just used his families massive wealth to pay the rent and get protection.

I don't mind being "The Man". However I don't like beer and I'm comfortably married. I find myself picking up others trash as I walk to the local market and back. I support local charities and donate time to community projects. I attempt to pass on my experience with my favorite car the 944.

I treasure my freedoms and will defend them to the end as will most Americans.

Never bite the hand that feeds you.

Nabeel

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Ken D:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Nabeel:
<strong>Their deliberate attack on the USS Liberty in the 1967 war was horrific, killing 35 innocent US soldiers and injuring 170 more. To this day there has not been a formal investigation into the event. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually there were 10 investigations in the US and 3 in Israel. US investigations were headed by the US Navy, the CIA, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Senate Committe on Foreign Relations, the Senate Armed Services Committe, the House Appropriations Commitee, the House Armed Services Committee (2x), the Senect Select Committee on Inteligence, and the NSA. All concluded the attack was either a "tragic mistake" or were inconclusive.
I'm not sure what evidence you have which proves the attack deliberate, but I'm sure all the US Govt agencies above would like you to share...

;-)</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Everyday I learn something new . Maybe I misinterpreted something I read a while back, who knows. Perhaps there was no independant investigation?

deni durrell

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> Don't worry Deni. Most Americans know that SanFran, "frisco", is not part of the United States. Where else can all the homeless go and get a $300 plus check a month. Just as Gray-out Doofuss has run California into the ground so has your Willie Brown and socialist liberal city counsel run frisco into the ground. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">We were never talking about SF, LA nor California, driver. This has evolved into a discussion of international consequences with whom most people can relate (the World). If you want to talk about Calif., fine, "Frisco" is what the "ignants" or redneck types (South-EBay) use when they are too lazy or think it's "cool" (i.e., the leather and steel studded gay harley bikers down in SoMa). Homelessness? If you were someone who lost their job, then their apartment, after that all their personal belongings, $300 is not much to remain living and survive. I don't know where you've been lately, but there is serious unemployment going on in this state, let alone in our country. The "state" of California supposedly had a higher GNP than the entire country of France!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/01/09/ED223338.DTL" target="_blank">link to SFGate.com</a> Some cuts, or even spending freezes, offer false economies. Californians know that higher education can prime new enterprises and that top-notch elementary schools can lure and keep talented employees in the state now and help assure a qualified workforce for the future. Strong environmental regulation helps maintain a quality of life that is essential to economic vitality. It's almost always cheaper and more humane to treat the root causes of homelessness </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Again: Most Americans don't give a rats behind what the rest of the world thinks!
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Again: Typical uneducated "American" answer. Almost sounds like Orange County.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">
Most Americans are tired of being blamed for the inability of other nations to fix their own problems. It's time to pull the rug; stop all altruistic foreign subsidies. All.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">americans aren't being blamed for other countries' issues, corporations are being questioned for their impact and their profit motivations in the Third World. Wake up dude! people are pissed off!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">
-----------------------------------------------

Ever wonder why French people hate America so much?

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

LOL!!! The french hate everyone! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I can understand why someone like you would say this. But, being an American, I have been to Frogland numerous times and hung out with all types of people. Most people think Americans are cool (or at least "interesting", that they come from another country), but most of the time, Americans come across as the type that 944S Boyeee
talked about: obnoxious, rude, and I have found that they/we are not as willing to understand another language + culture as easily as people from other parts of the World. what is up with that?!

I've seen it, lived it and know it too much from having to help other americans out!! The French (are we talking about everyone in the whole country or just the snobby ones in Paris, or in other cities like London, New York, West LA/Bevery Hills, Boston, Palos Verdes, Morgan Hill/San Jose, Orange County or Austin, Dallas, Houston?) are great people, just like most people in a lot of different countries around the world..

*But* - to clue you all in,
a. Yes, I am fluent in French (uh, not a typical 'Merican),
b. my wife is french (AND Arabic!)
c. I am originally from So. California and
d. I'm STILL unemployed!

Man, this is a great thread! Gotta love america for having a free environment to be able say that things can suck. people are killed around the world for saying that things suck.

P'tain !! pkoi c'est pas possible d'avoir ca à<a href="http://www.club944.net" target="_blank">http://www.club944.net</a> comme ça!?

Dales944

This is quite the entertaining post. Well, here's my "opinion changing" (sarcasm) $.02.
It makes me very irritated when ignorant people assume nationality makes the man. I am an American. The only G*D DA~N thing that means is I was born in the U.S.A. It doesn't mean I'm arrogant (I might be). It doesn't mean I want to go to war with Iraq. Just as most Muslims are NOT terrorists - most Americans are not "War-Mongers." Human nature is to desire peace, I have a son and a daughter - why would I not want peace? It is an error of astronomic proportion for a somone to believe that what they've heard from the media or what they've experienced with limited American (U.S.A.) interaction is representative of the entire population. It is down-right STUPID! I don't think every French-man is a "rifle-dropper." I don't think every Canadian puts mice in a beer bottle. Some Americans do very bad things, but if someone thinks my children deserve to die (terrorists) because of the sins of my countrymen - that is insanity. Anybody who can sympathize with that has got some severe moral issues.

I am a Human. I have free thought. I was born in America (allows me to express those very thoughts). And I'm Proud.

OK, I'm done.