How does it feel to be American in 2004?
We’re a pretty open bunch of pirates on FF so I would like to conduct a small poll.
I have never in my life done a poll this being my first will be interesting. And give me a deeper understanding of my friends across the pond. My thought’s I don’t think American people at large have anything to be ashamed of it’s really out of your control what’s going on in the bug wide dangerous world. I think most level headed thinkers around the world would agree with me on that.
How does it feel to be American in 2004?
Moderator: Super Moderators
-
Westward Ho
- Pirate
- Posts: 636
- Joined: 02-14-2004 09:00 PM
Anchors Aweigh!
I'm actually pretty proud to be an American. I don't have to wear a flag themed skirt or have a flag magnet on my truck...but I am proud. I'm not always happy with what our leaders are up to....but I always wonder when people "bash" America...or say the rest of the world "hates" us... If that were true why are some people willing to DIE and give up entire lives to come here?
Because as "bad" as it may be here at times...I do believe it is a literal hell in other countries.
Because as "bad" as it may be here at times...I do believe it is a literal hell in other countries.
Wiggle your big toe.
I'm glad I live in this country as opposed to other countries on the planet, but saying I 'love' it is a bit overstepping my feelings (I have a whole tirade stored up somewhere regarding the overuse of the word 'love,' but I'll save that for another day. 
). I would have to say I'm grateful I live here rather than, say, Pakistan, but I am a bit tired of the corruption from within and imposition that this country makes upon other countries on this planet.
Comedian Lewis Black mentioned at one point that America's government is kind of like the jerk at the office that goes around with his chest puffed out saying, "I'm the greatest guy here!! You should all bow to me in my greatness!" (paraphrased to remove explitives and keep it G-rated...) As he mentioned, after about a week of that crap, everyone else would "Rise up and slay him." I don't blame people for despising the United States' foreign policy. I think it's stupid, too.
I've noticed that the Greek people tend to have the correct attitude for America, for the most part. They have disdain for its policies, but they are exceptionally friendly and open towards its people. I wish the rest of the planet would follow their example. It's not my fault this country's government is full of nincompoops.
The problem is, there is no perfect country. Every country on this planet has varying degrees of corruption and suppression. I'm here at this time because I prefer this little corner of the planet to most other places I could be. But I certainly do not love it. It's just a matter of taking the bad with a grain of salt and trying to make at least your little corner a bit less gray.
). I would have to say I'm grateful I live here rather than, say, Pakistan, but I am a bit tired of the corruption from within and imposition that this country makes upon other countries on this planet. Comedian Lewis Black mentioned at one point that America's government is kind of like the jerk at the office that goes around with his chest puffed out saying, "I'm the greatest guy here!! You should all bow to me in my greatness!" (paraphrased to remove explitives and keep it G-rated...
) As he mentioned, after about a week of that crap, everyone else would "Rise up and slay him." I don't blame people for despising the United States' foreign policy. I think it's stupid, too. I've noticed that the Greek people tend to have the correct attitude for America, for the most part. They have disdain for its policies, but they are exceptionally friendly and open towards its people. I wish the rest of the planet would follow their example. It's not my fault this country's government is full of nincompoops.
The problem is, there is no perfect country. Every country on this planet has varying degrees of corruption and suppression. I'm here at this time because I prefer this little corner of the planet to most other places I could be. But I certainly do not love it. It's just a matter of taking the bad with a grain of salt and trying to make at least your little corner a bit less gray.
I have also seen way too many citizens doing the same thing, in subtle and not so subtle ways. Keep your eyes open next time you are on vacation in Canada or Mexico, and notice how many fellow American travelers treat others - in their own countries! There is a lot of the kind of attitude you allude to in this post. They flap the flag in people's faces, demand change in US dollars, and when there is a tiny problem or are denied a favor, they rant and rave "... I'm an American!" ... like being born in the US is some kind of pass to special treatment. Not all tourists act this way, in fact most don't, but those who do are particularly memorable.LadyAmari wrote: "I'm the greatest guy here!! You should all bow to me in my greatness!" ... after about a week of that crap, everyone else would "Rise up and slay him."
Leadership flows from the top down, yes, but it also flows from the bottom up. Attitudes of leaders are all too often a clear reflection of the attitudes of their people.
I am ok with being an american, but ...our 'politickin' has gotten me down...i would like to move to canada, live on a remote mountain and ...oh wait a min...those remote mountain canadians are gonna be gettin the big deep freeze before too long...on second thought , i will stay here in texas, and just hang on to my hat so to speak(you know...tornados and other fun stuff to deal with)...and wait it out...politics and texas weather are kinda the same...miserable for the most part, but if you stick around long enough...it will change
