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blackegg
...has left the building.



Registered: 01/25/06
Posts: 1,021
Last seen: 15 years, 6 months
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The mentality of thinking America is #1.
#8063315 - 02/24/08 04:22 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Okay, a few years ago I was taking a US Government class and the very first day of class the professor asks, "Who here DOES NOT think America is THE BEST country in the WORLD?"
Out of a class of perhaps 20 students (community college ) ...NO ONE raised a hand or appeared ready to even question: #1 in what? #1 to who? what does being #1 mean? So I raised my hand. (people turn and look) Professor says, "Oh? and who do you think is #1 then?" Stupidly I replied, "...uh...I don't know." (murmurs) Teacher looks satisfied and starts to go on and I say "...maybe Sweden or Denmark or someone..." Classroom erupts! Someone actually said later, "People who think that don't even deserve to be in this class." I'm not kidding. I felt like a leper for even questioning America's role as Big Boss Man of the world.
 That's supposed to be a Mountie BTW.
Now, it doesn't matter to me if you think Denmark or Sweden or even Socialism is the right path ...but doesn't *thinking* we're number one put us at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to actually becoming number one...or at least maintaining our number one status?
Please listen, I want America to be #1 as much as anyone, I live here too and have zero desire to move.
but can anyone show me evidence that America is statistically the best country in SOMEthing?
Here's my rancid commie, doesn't deserve to get financial aid link to evidence that we may not be El Numero Uno ...http://www.bloomu.edu/departments/philosophy/pages/content/hales/articlepdf/bestcountry.pdf
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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Arp
roving mycophagist



Registered: 04/20/98
Posts: 2,191
Loc: in a van by the river
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8063345 - 02/24/08 04:49 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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imho Scandinavia is heading more towards a neo-liberal path, rather than a socialistic. It's a dual system with a little of both. Calling it Socialism would be misleading.
US make the best pizza (Dominos).
All-American pressure cookers are also #1
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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8063530 - 02/24/08 07:51 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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The US has been the most influential country in the world for the past 60 years and still is today. I'm not sure what you mean by the #1 country in the world, but the US certainly is a lone hegemony.
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Majawala
Stranger
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Redstorm]
#8063612 - 02/24/08 08:40 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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that sounds like the worst history teacher ever. what the hell kind of broad stupid question is that. i hope you were in 3rd grade.
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Ferris
PsychedelicJourneyman



Registered: 03/12/06
Posts: 11,529
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Majawala]
#8064268 - 02/24/08 12:15 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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It's number one in total GNP. As far as living standards go, no, not really.
-------------------- Discuss Politics
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unbeliever
Yo Daddy!


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8065538 - 02/24/08 06:18 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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We've got a lock on inbred hill billies. Fuck yeah, America is #1!
-------------------- Happiness is a warm gun...
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wilshire
free radical


Registered: 05/11/05
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8065998 - 02/24/08 07:57 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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#1 in what?
in terms of economic strength, military power, and cultural influence, the united states is #1. in terms of countries that historians will care about in 400 years when looking at this time period, the US is #1. i can think of a lot of indices that matter more to me personally, in my own life, than those, but i think those are usually what people mean when they ask that.
was your professor trying to start a discussion about patriotism/nationalism, or was it something else?
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: wilshire]
#8066059 - 02/24/08 08:08 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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It always strikes me as funny that many people who say America is #1 have never been beyond its borders.
*So I don't get flamed- I have, in fact, been outside the country and am currently right now and would put the US in the top 10
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SlashOZ
:D



Registered: 10/20/06
Posts: 3,557
Loc: Following the water cycle
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8066528 - 02/24/08 09:50 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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america is number one because most americans can get what they want when they want. in fact we have too much of it, look at all the damn fat people we have lol. we all have ps2, xboxs, xbox 360s, awesome computers, we all have a myspace, text each other, a car, most of us go to college, we all got vaccinated before we went to public school against diseases that are ravaging the third world today, clean water, houses, and pets. basically Americas have pretty much everything modern society has to offer and the lowest prices via wal-mart on top of it.
this mentality makes us apathetic towards government imo. assuming that we are the best allows us to think that change isn't needed and it makes looking into the future and prepairing for it seem unnecessary.
-------------------- "Life sucks but in this really beautiful way" - Axl Rose "Life's a bitch and then you die that's why we get high cuz you never know when you're gonna go." - NAS "When people don't know what you're about they put you down and shut you out" - Black Sabbath "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" - Gandhi "Look up at me I am God, look down on me and I am evil, look at me I am you." - Charles Manson. "Don't question my reality." - Me (as far as I know)
Edited by SlashOZ (02/24/08 09:52 PM)
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: SlashOZ]
#8066593 - 02/24/08 10:07 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
assuming that we are the best allows us to think that change isn't needed and it makes looking into the future and prepairing for it seem unnecessary.
I agree. Complacency will not keep the US as number one for long, especially when you consider the surging economies of China and India and the plummeting US dollar along with standards of health and education.
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Disco Cat
iS A PoiNdexteR

Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 2,601
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: SlashOZ]
#8066836 - 02/24/08 10:57 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
SlashOZ said: america is number one because most americans can get what they want when they want. in fact we have too much of it, look at all the damn fat people we have lol. we all have ps2, xboxs, xbox 360s, awesome computers, we all have a myspace, text each other, a car, most of us go to college, we all got vaccinated before we went to public school against diseases that are ravaging the third world today, clean water, houses, and pets. basically Americas have pretty much everything modern society has to offer and the lowest prices via wal-mart on top of it.
this mentality makes us apathetic towards government imo. assuming that we are the best allows us to think that change isn't needed and it makes looking into the future and prepairing for it seem unnecessary.
You just described Canada, Australia, and several European countries - aside from maybe the obese part (tho Canada is growing in its amount of those too), and Wal Mart (except for Canada, which also has Wal Mart).
Nothing you just mentioned is specific to the US.
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Ferris said: It's number one in total GNP.
But what would matter is GNP per capita, which the US is not #1 in, or 2, or 3... (I think Norway is #1).
Quote:
wilshire said: #1 in what?
in terms of economic strength, military power, and cultural influence, the united states is #1. in terms of countries that historians will care about in 400 years when looking at this time period, the US is #1.
I doubt that 100%. First of all, cultural influence??? Not to offend, but that comment reveals you really have not travelled. The US has one of the most stale cultures worldwide, and it isn't something that's sought internationally, regardless of what Hollywood movies might imply. The US has taken immesurably more from other cultures than other cultures have from the US. Secondly, the US has not been a sole superpower for any great period of time, and it is already losing its sole superpower status. Now it steadily loses prestige woldwide in the face of rapid power growth of all kinds in various parts of the world. US perceived prominence was loud, but blundering and extremely short. In 400 years I believe the messes that were made will be what's featured when the subject of the US in this time period is raised.
Edited by Disco Cat (02/24/08 11:48 PM)
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Disco Cat
iS A PoiNdexteR

Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 2,601
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8067022 - 02/24/08 11:42 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
blackegg said: Okay, a few years ago I was taking a US Government class and the very first day of class the professor asks, "Who here DOES NOT think America is THE BEST country in the WORLD?"
Out of a class of perhaps 20 students (community college ) ...NO ONE raised a hand or appeared ready to even question: #1 in what? #1 to who? what does being #1 mean? So I raised my hand. (people turn and look) Professor says, "Oh? and who do you think is #1 then?" Stupidly I replied, "...uh...I don't know." (murmurs) Teacher looks satisfied and starts to go on and I say "...maybe Sweden or Denmark or someone..." Classroom erupts! Someone actually said later, "People who think that don't even deserve to be in this class." I'm not kidding. I felt like a leper for even questioning America's role as Big Boss Man of the world.
Wow. It's funny that you say everyone laughed when he suggested Denmark because, humourously, Denmark is #6 on the human development index, while the US is #12 and dropping. The country must be absolutely rotting its brains out.
Norway, Australia, and Canada rank highest on the HDI, which takes into account longetivity, education, and GDP per capita.
Pretend, tho, that his idea of the US being the best country was actually true... wouldn't it take a heavily deranged and narcistic mind to say what he said (or to feel what he expressed), or to respond like the class did (most notably the "don't even deserve to be in this class" remark)?
Usually characteristics like arrogance, smugness, self-righteousness, and stupidity are taught and known to be negative and undesirable, but these traits somehow appear to be key aspects of the identities of a portion of US'ers.
And this man is teaching a younger generation, "educating" them to be stupid? Yikes.
Quote:
Please listen, I want America to be #1 as much as anyone.
Why? Wouldn't it be better if the US was as good as it could be, and every other country was equally so? Would you be in favour of holding down others just to be perceived as #1 (something the US already attempts)? Why would being "#1" matter even a little? Vain pride?
Quote:
but can anyone show me evidence that America is statistically the best country in SOMEthing?
I think it houses the largest population of US'ers worldwide.
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Disco Cat
iS A PoiNdexteR

Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 2,601
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8067187 - 02/25/08 12:25 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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This might be of interest to people:
Democracy Index
"The Economist has in a study examined the state of democracy in 167 countries and attempted to quantify this with an Economist Intelligence Unit Index of Democracy which focused on five general categories; free and fair election process, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation and political culture."
Here is the report
Top 10 democracies in the world:
1. Sweden 2. Iceland 3. Netherlands 4. Norway 5. Denmark 6. Finland 7. Luxembourg 8. Australia 9. Canada 10. Switzerland . . . 17. USA
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For education: PISA
"The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial world-wide test of 15-year-old schoolchildren's scholastic performance, the implementation of which is coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)."
Here is an article from 2004

The most recent report is from 2006 (which can be viewed here), and again, Finland tops the list.
In the next highest scoring group were: Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taipei, Estonia.
Next, were: Australia, Netherlands, Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Macao.
I don't know where the US scored, but it was reportedly among the last.
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Best healthcare systems worldwide (original source is WHO's World Health Report):
1. France 2. Italy 3. San Marino 4. Andorra 5. Malta 6. Singapore 7. Spain 8. Oman 9. Austria 10. Japan 11. Norway 12. Portugal 13. Monaco 14. Greece 15. Iceland 16. Luxembourg 17. Netherlands 18. United Kingdom 19. Ireland 20. Switzerland 21. Belgium 22. Colombia . . . 37. United States of America
--------------------------
Technology:
According to the UN's 2001 Technology Achievement Index, Finland was the most technologically advanced country, with the US being second, followed by Sweden, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, the U.K., Canada, Australia and Singapore. However, 7 years brings huge changes in the world of technology, and I can't find a newer report.
I don't think the US has ever actually been the "best" country. I think that's just homegrown propaganda. The country with the highest quality of life for 2007 is Iceland, with Norway holding that designation for the previous 6 years, and Canada holding it for 10 years since 1985, with Japan gaining that recognition for the odd year here and there during Canada's 10.
Edited by Disco Cat (02/25/08 01:25 AM)
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Redstorm
Prince of Bugs




Registered: 10/08/02
Posts: 44,175
Last seen: 3 months, 11 days
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Disco Cat]
#8067643 - 02/25/08 05:16 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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While the US does have its problems, I believe it gives me the best opportunity to be successful in a career and to make money. This may not apply to everyone, but it does to me.
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blackegg
...has left the building.



Registered: 01/25/06
Posts: 1,021
Last seen: 15 years, 6 months
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Disco Cat]
#8067703 - 02/25/08 06:05 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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BEGIN: rant
Well, first off, as I said, this was a community college class, not third grade as someone suggested...but it was in Texas so...
This was in San Antonio, BTW, which (as of 2004!) made it illegal to own a bong or pipe!

Quote:
And this man is teaching a younger generation, "educating" them to be stupid? Yikes.
This was the same college where we were told that peyote was something "you smoked...like pot." and my fellow students all sat there squinting their eyes and nodding their heads!
But I'm quiet and I don't say anything.
Then the prof. went on to say how pot is illegal and isn't likely to ever be legalized because of our culture and Judeo Christian values and etc etc and after listening to as much of this as I could I finally said, "well...in California and Oregon and some other states it's actually becoming DEcriminalized"......and he's saying the laws aren't important and aren't really used much and I'm like, (addressing the class) "No really, you can get on the Internet and find out for yourselves."
It wasn't like a blow-out argument and I didn't elaborate too much because I didn't want to be 'the drug guy' in the class.
Anyway, I came in a little late the next day and this professor says, "OH! Now the class can begin!"

Then there's Professor Fitzgerald, I'll never forget him, he's the History teacher I had who said, "Now a lot of people question, are the Spanish white? and I have to say: look at the conquistadors, look at the Inquisition... I think they are."
Now the class and really the whole college is 95% black and Latino and I'm white...so keep that in mind.
Anyway everyone just sits there murmuring agreement and I'm like "Wait a minute now... you're saying... that the Spanish are white *because* they tortured people?"
...and someone yells an insult at me from the back of the room and there's general chaos and the prof says, "Well perhaps.. yes. This is a whole line of study, What Is White..." but he had already made his point I guess... because I got cold-shouldered from that day forward. (wow. that rhymed.)
He's the same one who thought all white people were priveleged. He once even specifically pointed out a girl in class saying, "It's people like Ms.______ who live in Alamo Heights coming in and buying up the properties" when we were talking about gentrification.
...and when I walked into the class looking kinda crummy one day he says loudly, "you all know what I like? When rich people PRETEND to be poor!"
and he did it in such a way that I couldn't even respond but had to sit there looking around at all these eyes looking directly at me.
I could go on and on. really I could.
Suffice it to say: I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut.
and
St.Philip's College in San Antonio Texas has to be THE shittiest community college on the face of the Earth.
END: rant
Quote:
Please listen, I want America to be #1 as much as anyone.
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Why? Wouldn't it be better if the US was as good as it could be, and every other country was equally so? Would you be in favour of holding down others just to be perceived as #1 (something the US already attempts)? Why would being "#1" matter even a little? Vain pride?
nooooo..... I want the U.S. to be #1 because as I stated *I live here* and I have zero desire to move. I want the best health care, to breathe the freshest air, to be robbed the least amount of times, etc.
Quote:
but can anyone show me evidence that America is statistically the best country in SOMEthing?
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I think it houses the largest population of US'ers worldwide.
US'ers???
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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xFrockx



Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 10,455
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8068370 - 02/25/08 12:10 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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We spend more on our military than every other country combined, so then, why are we number one? Because we say so, thats why. :p
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: xFrockx]
#8068727 - 02/25/08 02:23 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
xFrockx said: so then, why are we number one? Because we say so, thats why. :p
And if you don't we'll come over there, overthrow your government and give you someone who will say we are
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zappaisgod
horrid asshole


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: unbeliever]
#8068764 - 02/25/08 02:39 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
unbeliever said: We've got a lock on inbred hill billies. Fuck yeah, America is #1!
I think that might actually go to the Irish.
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afoaf
CEO DBK?



Registered: 11/08/02
Posts: 32,665
Loc: Ripple's Heart
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8068821 - 02/25/08 02:52 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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whatever...have you ever met an Australian before?
apparently they are ALL inbred hillbillies.
-------------------- All I know is The Growery is a place where losers who get banned here go.
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zappaisgod
horrid asshole


Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: afoaf]
#8068826 - 02/25/08 02:54 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Ya know, I have met a few. You might well be correct. Is there really a difference, anyway?
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8068840 - 02/25/08 02:57 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I'd bet Uzbekistan really sucks ass too.
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zappaisgod
horrid asshole


Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8068877 - 02/25/08 03:08 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Ammerukkah is t3h llllllll cuz I liv int. And zappa 2. FTW
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Disco Cat
iS A PoiNdexteR

Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 2,601
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8068934 - 02/25/08 03:33 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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State of World Liberty Index 2006
Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_World_Liberty_Index
"The 2006 State of World Liberty Index is a compilation of data from four major freedom indices: The Fraser Institute and The Cato Institute "2005 Economic Freedom of the World"; The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal "2006 Index of Economic Freedom"; Freedom House "2005 Freedom in the World"; and Reporters without Borders "Press Freedom Index". The SoWL Index scores and ranks 166 countries based on three criteria: individual freedom, economic freedom and government size and taxation."
Overall top 10:
1 Estonia 2 Ireland 3 Canada 4 Switzerland 5 Iceland 6 Bahamas 7 United Kingdom 8 United States 9 Cyprus 10 New Zealand
United States Individual Freedoms rank: #19 United States Economic Freedoms rank: #6
Edited by Disco Cat (02/25/08 03:48 PM)
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unbeliever
Yo Daddy!


Registered: 05/22/04
Posts: 5,158
Loc: Gallifrey
Last seen: 14 years, 10 months
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8069152 - 02/25/08 04:46 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
zappaisgod said:
Quote:
unbeliever said: We've got a lock on inbred hill billies. Fuck yeah, America is #1!
I think that might actually go to the Irish.
Don't they call 'em pikers or something? Whatever the case, they got nothing on our hill billies. And don't confuse them with rednecks. Especially not to a redneck. I made the mistake once of calling a redneck a hill billy. He got soooo pissed. He was a friend so luckily I didn't get shot or anything, but he kept bitching about it. Like he was deeply offended to be mistaken for a hill billy.
Then he told me a story how he once got taken to a hill billy party and they were literally throwing bricks at each other's heads and drinking moonshine. Half of 'em were bleeding all over from pretty bad head wounds but they were laughing and kept on drinking. Fucking retards.
-------------------- Happiness is a warm gun...
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zappaisgod
horrid asshole


Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: unbeliever]
#8069422 - 02/25/08 05:43 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Sounds like a spot on description of Irish and Aussies. English footy hooligans as well. Oy oyoyoyoyoyoyoy ah yah fuckin gobsheit, that was well struck ear ave a bit of this.
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buckwheat
Cynically Insane


Registered: 12/09/02
Posts: 11,179
Loc: Not Enough Characters to ...
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Disco Cat]
#8071961 - 02/26/08 10:44 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Disco Cat said: This might be of interest to people:
Democracy Index
"The Economist has in a study examined the state of democracy in 167 countries and attempted to quantify this with an Economist Intelligence Unit Index of Democracy which focused on five general categories; free and fair election process, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation and political culture."
Here is the report
Top 10 democracies in the world:
1. Sweden 2. Iceland 3. Netherlands 4. Norway 5. Denmark 6. Finland 7. Luxembourg 8. Australia 9. Canada 10. Switzerland . . . 17. USA
Might that be because the US is a Republic?
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: buckwheat]
#8072116 - 02/26/08 11:21 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Might that be because the US is a Republic?
Yes. I've lived in Switzerland and they have a much more robust democracy than the US, which truly represents the will of its people. With almost every issue there is a referendum and citizens are encouraged to vote on all of them. Moreover laws often vary from canton (district) to canton depending on what the people in that given area want to have.
For instance, certain cantons wanted to criminalise weed and have continuously asked the people via referendum, who responded with a resounding, "Hell no!" This is why weed remains decriminalised in certain areas to the point where you can roll yourself a spliff in a bar. Could you ever imagine the US government giving its people this much power and responsibility?
...Hence the US' position on that list.
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BrAiN
Art Fag


Registered: 03/01/01
Posts: 6,875
Loc: Chocolate City
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8072143 - 02/26/08 11:27 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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WOOOOOO!!!
WE'RE NUMBER 1 WOOOOOO!!!!!!!
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blackegg
...has left the building.



Registered: 01/25/06
Posts: 1,021
Last seen: 15 years, 6 months
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: BrAiN]
#8072177 - 02/26/08 11:35 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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U S A!!! U S A!!!
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: buckwheat]
#8072308 - 02/26/08 12:19 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
buckwheat said: Might that be because the US is a Republic?
Not really. Norway is officially designated as a Constitutional Monarchy, for example.
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If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
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gluke bastid
Stinky Bum



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8072363 - 02/26/08 12:37 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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The US makes the best music in the world and yet this is the hardest country to be a musician in. Musicians don't make shit in America. But I guess they don't most other places, its just easier to get grants. All those crappy Canadian Indy bands get free money left and right.
My Favorite Hill billies are the 11 year olds with shaved heads who look like they could kick the shit out of me and would be happy to. I'll never forget the first time I pulled into a gas station in Kentucky and there was this little boy in a wife beater who had a white kitten at the end of fishing wire. He was dragging the kitten, who was protesting loudly, over the asphalt while chewing tabacco. Eventually, he got tired of the kitten's meowing so he turned to it and yelled, "shut up, nigger!"
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Society in every form is a blessing, but government at its best is but a necessary evil - Thomas Paine
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afoaf
CEO DBK?



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Posts: 32,665
Loc: Ripple's Heart
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: gluke bastid]
#8072587 - 02/26/08 01:36 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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I'm serious....we should have just let the south cede.
-------------------- All I know is The Growery is a place where losers who get banned here go.
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xshadowmage666x
*opiate enthusiast*


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8072606 - 02/26/08 01:40 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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imho....fuck america
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"It is the prayer of my innermost being to realize my supreme identity in the liberated play of consciousness, the Vast Expanse. Now is the moment, Here is the place of Liberation. " -alex grey
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blackegg
...has left the building.



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: xshadowmage666x]
#8072973 - 02/26/08 03:03 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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I'm serious....we should have just let the south cede.
Fuck that shit, then I'd be stuck in Strange Fruit Land. (shiver)
But it's AMAZING to me that people, some people at least, just completely have no concept of America not being #1.
None.
To even bring up the possibility is mind-boggling to these people.
They usually react with..."Well we're better than (name of a really shitty counrty)"
Like if you're not #1 you must be #5,003
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8073060 - 02/26/08 03:21 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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The thing that pisses me off is that the US has, by far, the largest economy and it could easily have the best health care and education systems in the world though this is not the case. Wasted potential...grrrr
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buckwheat
Cynically Insane


Registered: 12/09/02
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8073111 - 02/26/08 03:31 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Virus_with_Shoes said:
Quote:
Might that be because the US is a Republic?
Yes. I've lived in Switzerland and they have a much more robust democracy than the US, which truly represents the will of its people. With almost every issue there is a referendum and citizens are encouraged to vote on all of them. Moreover laws often vary from canton (district) to canton depending on what the people in that given area want to have.
For instance, certain cantons wanted to criminalise weed and have continuously asked the people via referendum, who responded with a resounding, "Hell no!" This is why weed remains decriminalised in certain areas to the point where you can roll yourself a spliff in a bar. Could you ever imagine the US government giving its people this much power and responsibility?
...Hence the US' position on that list.
Switzerland and those perfect little culturally homogeneous European countries are not good examples of the real world.
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



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Posts: 3,707
Loc: Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: buckwheat]
#8073223 - 02/26/08 04:11 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Switzerland and those perfect little culturally homogeneous European countries are not good examples of the real world.
Of course. This country is a figment of my imagination and all of its peoples are living in a bubble. Does the same goes for every other European country that has a more democratic system than the US'? What you've just said is actually quite insulting.
Switzerland is far from being culturally homogenous and contains French, Swiss-German, Italian and Romansch speakers all with their own distinctive cultures. But let's discount it from what we consider the real world, because it's tiny and European. I've lived and worked there for over a year and can honestly tell you that, yes, it is the real world. It is also far more democratic ...
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blackegg
...has left the building.



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8073271 - 02/26/08 04:29 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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The thing that pisses me off is that the US has, by far, the largest economy and it could easily have the best health care and education systems in the world though this is not the case. Wasted potential...
...different priorities.
The sad part is and I think this is the main difference between 'Reps' and 'Dems' (if i may be so bold) is that Dems see helping those on the bottom as not only a moral thing to do but a financial thing as well.
Education, welfare to work programs, homeless job training programs, treatment instead of prison...all these things will actually *decrease* the burden the taxpayers are saddled with in the long run.
I'm not sure what the mainstream Republican constituency thinks about this except what the few I know have said and it's basically some variation of "Those blacks take drugs while they're pregnant SO THEY'LL HAVE deformed kids that they can get money for."
or
"Yeah, but a lot of those charities are corrupt anyways. I was the treasurer for _______ and you should've seen the lunches these guys wanted put on the account"
Which sidesteps the whole issue.
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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buckwheat
Cynically Insane


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: Virus_with_Shoes]
#8073396 - 02/26/08 04:53 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Virus_with_Shoes said:
Switzerland is far from being culturally homogenous and contains French, Swiss-German, Italian and Romansch speakers all with their own distinctive cultures. But let's discount it from what we consider the real world, because it's tiny and European. I've lived and worked there for over a year and can honestly tell you that, yes, it is the real world. It is also far more democratic ...
Culturally was the wrong word i admit when referring Switzerland ive been there. Politically, perhaps ostensibly because low populations and decent economies don't let problems arise hence "real world". These countries don't work when you add more and more truely different people. Look at Denmarks reformed immigration policy,what happens when a new majority with different ideas emerges? Different situation in the US and larger countries.
Edited by buckwheat (02/26/08 05:07 PM)
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zappaisgod
horrid asshole


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8073921 - 02/26/08 06:41 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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blackegg said:
The sad part is and I think this is the main difference between 'Reps' and 'Dems' (if i may be so bold) is that Dems see helping those on the bottom as not only a moral thing to do but a financial thing as well.
I disagree. I think Dem politicians see it as a means to agglomerate power for themselves and don't give a fuck about the people they will screw to get it. A dependent class is their only validation. They don't want to teach you how to fish, they want to give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, until you have no idea how to get your own. Their "morality" is bankrupt and if you think they care about you you are an utterly irredeemable fool.
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BrAiN
Art Fag


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8073964 - 02/26/08 06:50 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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zappaisgod said: [ I disagree. I think Dem politicians see it as a means to agglomerate power for themselves and don't give a fuck about the people they will screw to get it. A dependent class is their only validation. They don't want to teach you how to fish, they want to give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, until you have no idea how to get your own. Their "morality" is bankrupt and if you think they care about you you are an utterly irredeemable fool.
Wow... an actual articulate rebuttal by zappam where he doesn't just spend all his energy mocking people here. I'm shocked.
"A dependent class is their only validation."
That sentance pretty much sums up the entire democratic party.
I find the republicans to be just as bad though which is the difference between us.
The republicans are on the other extreme... the Do It Yourself party. They stand for personal responsibility which I like, but at the same time they seem to not give a shit about anyone who has to work 80 hours a week just to keep up with the cost of living. They talk all this smack about how we're such a great country because of our freedom, but they talk down on those who practice these freedoms when they speak out against the gov't and their current actions... the party that leaves their brothers in the dust if they can't keep up, even if those brothers are trying.
Republicans seem to want to divide all americans into two classes... Americans and Sub-Americans... and they tend to forget that those who AREN'T American are actually humans.
You're fucked with either party.
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blackegg
...has left the building.



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: BrAiN]
#8074024 - 02/26/08 07:06 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
They don't want to teach you how to fish, they want to give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, and give you fish, until you have no idea how to get your own. Their "morality" is bankrupt and if you think they care about you you are an utterly irredeemable fool.
A) that's a lot of fish. B) you still rely on personal attacks to make your point.

C)The welfare reform movement reached its apex on August 22, 1996, when President Clinton signed a welfare reform bill, officially titled the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The bill was hammered out in a compromise with the Republican-controlled Congress, and many Democrats were critical of Clinton's decision to sign the bill, saying it was much the same as the two previous welfare reform bills he had vetoed. In fact, it emerged as one of the most controversial issues for Clinton within his own party.[Haskins 2006]
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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Virus_with_Shoes
Pastor of Muppets



Registered: 01/25/07
Posts: 3,707
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8074151 - 02/26/08 07:30 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Culturally was the wrong word i admit when referring Switzerland ive been there. Politically, perhaps ostensibly because low populations and decent economies don't let problems arise hence "real world". These countries don't work when you add more and more truely different people. Look at Denmarks reformed immigration policy,what happens when a new majority with different ideas emerges? Different situation in the US and larger countries.
Ah, Switzerland...they've got their problems for sure like every other country but I definitely see your point. When certain tolerant, democratic countries get flooded with immigrants there tends to be a reactionary right-wing movement as is happening right now in the Netherlands and to a large extent throughout Europe. Especially when these new citizens are resistant to assimilating into the culture...
Switzerland has a very restrictive immigration policies even to the point of outright xenophobia but they have managed to maintain a prosperous, thriving nation for centuries. Getting Swiss citizenship is a real pain in the ass 
But anyway, I think that the US is just as "real world" as European democracies and we can even learn a thing or two from them. Do you think perhaps that countries with the size and diversity of the US don't lend themselves as easily to be administered more democratically?
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andrewss
precariously aggrandized


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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8081597 - 02/28/08 01:53 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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America, FUCK YEAH
-------------------- Jesus loves you.
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blackegg
...has left the building.



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: andrewss]
#8081644 - 02/28/08 02:08 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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vonhumboldt
Stranger
Registered: 02/28/08
Posts: 377
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: blackegg]
#8081724 - 02/28/08 02:32 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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I am a liberal democrat. I do not see America as #1 - whatever that means. I do not see America as last either. America is a great nation and we should be proud, but not the point of turning a blind eye to injustice.
Stop with the culture wars already. This isnt the 60s. This isnt the 90s. Get over the hatred and division and the us vs them mentality.
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blackegg
...has left the building.



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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: vonhumboldt]
#8081911 - 02/28/08 03:22 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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You ain't from around here is ya? (hawk-ptooie!)
-------------------- 'Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain and leave the Shroomery.' ~ Jim Morrison
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Cameron
Too Many Words



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Posts: 4,437
Loc: Canada
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Re: The mentality of thinking America is #1. [Re: zappaisgod]
#8085970 - 02/29/08 12:24 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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First of all, which fucking college are you attending and why are you there if you're being asked questions like that? I can't believe a licensed teacher could be so ignorant and biased and... uneducated. God damn.
Anyways, I read a few replies and it seems that most people think that being 'the best country in the world' has to do with having the most things, and being the most comfortable, the best standard of living, etc. My idea of the best country in the world is a place where people are taught to respect each other, to respect the environment, to live life in a way that is beneficial to all living things on this planet. We live a terrible life in western society today - everything is about the self. We center our lives around our selves (for the most part), and rarely use what's been given to us to empathize with others (human and otherwise); we substitute love for material goods, and we put ourselves above others.
I would rather live in poverty with a community that loves me, who I can also love -a place where people work together-, than live in my big house in a country where I feel alone and worthless most of the time.
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