What is great about America.

[ummbikes]

We are still a very free society.

We can dissent and not get arrested.

Our healthcare system isn't too crappy.

Clean water.

Access to education for all willing to work for it.

An open dialoge on race and sex equity.

I had a conversation with a friend last nite who is a Lt. in the Air Force and as an exercise I pointed out ten or so great things about our country as a counter to the hour long "why Bush is an evil man and should be impeached" rant on my part.

I still love this place.

[CRUM]

Originally posted by ummbikes


I still love this place.

That's why I whine so much.

[ummbikes]

Crum- I'm not sure whether or not you were trying to be funny or just are being a punk. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are being funny.

Ha ha!

Dissenting view points are just whiny. :rolleyes:

[Westy]

Originally posted by CRUM


You can call it whining or whatever you want but this country is what it is because there are individuals out there who voice a differing opinion and are willing to do something about it. But I guess the founding fathers were also whiners, Taxation without representation, waah waaah. There was not a revolutionary war, Briton just gave up because they couldn't stand our complaining asses.

[CRUM]

Hey folks, I was serious. I whine. We all whine. If I did not care about this country, I'd sit in the barco-lounger, stuff cheese noodles in my face and watch Lassie re-runs. If I did not care I wouldn't, at times, be the harsh critic I am. You can call it anything you want to also. I am a whiner and proud of it. And I will continue my whining without guilt. Whining will do in the face of feeling impotent and powerless to change the things I see as wrong.

[N8]

What's great about America?

Everything; try living in another country for a while... you'll know what I am talking about.

[$tinkle]

Originally posted by N8
What's great about America?

Everything; try living in another country for a while... you'll know what I am talking about. i did.
and i do.

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by $tinkle
i did.
and i do.

I did too. :)

And ehr, to the whiney sorts....

While I know that this changes nothing about the fact that you whine or will continue to whine, but personally I strongly feel you have no right to whine unless you are willing to roll up your sleeves, wade in, and do your part to help make whatever is causing you to whine, better.

Everyone has some responsibility to their community, their family, their friends on at least some level to help with the community and make it a better place. What good does whining do? Nobody cares about your problems, so get off yer ass and go do something to make Your problems go away. Chances are, you're not the only one with Your problems and you might actually make friends that wanna participate in making a mutual problem better.

:D

[ummbikes]

Taking action.

I do and I encourage others to do likewise.

[MMike]

Know what's great about Canada? Pretty much all the same good stuff about America but with fewer Americans!

I crack me up....

THUD THUD SPLAT THUD SPLAT <---sound of stuff being thrown at me...

My wife hates it when I say that stuff....

[llkoolkeg]

The rest of the world is kinda like Amsterdam for me- a Hell of a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. God bless the USA! :)

[Serial Midget]

I'm pretty sure it's the water and our stable currency. Even Saddam used greenbacks. :thumb:

[BurlyShirley]

Things I like about America include, but are not limited to:

Hot Blondes
Bacon
Silicon Breasts
Big Trucks
Red Meat
Rock and Roll
Britney Spears
Ultimate Cheeseburgers from Jack in the Box
NFL football
College football
Bass Boats
Chainsaws
Man-made lakes
Smith and Wesson
Paris Hilton
Hatchets
Nachos Bel Grande
Mountain Dew
Wolverine Work Boots
Fire Trucks
Cheerleaders
ESPN
Jeep
Waffle House
Subway
Pork Products in general
WW2 documentaries
Supercross
Casinos
Fly fishing
Thanksgiving Dinner
Internet Porn
Roadkill
M1A1 Abrams battle tanks
Littering
Victoria's Secret Commercials
Victoria's Secret Catalogue
Dick Butkus
Chili Cheese Fries
Pam Anderson
Bacon

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by Westy
You can call it whining or whatever you want but this country is what it is because there are individuals out there who voice a differing opinion and are willing to do something about it. But I guess the founding fathers were also whiners, Taxation without representation, waah waaah. There was not a revolutionary war, Briton just gave up because they couldn't stand our complaining asses.

I would put the emphasis on the "do something about it" part. Whinning is empty without doing something about it.

Founding fathers were not whiners....they were doers and if that fact is lost on everyone I pitty them. The USA was built (for good or bad) on doer's.

Now stop whining.......;) :D

[$tinkle]

i've taken liberty & comprised a subset of your list...Originally posted by BurlySurly
Things I like about America include, but are not limited to:

Hot Blondes
Bacon
Silicon Breasts
Red Meat
Britney Spears
Ultimate Cheeseburgers from Jack in the Box
Paris Hilton
Cheerleaders
Pork Products in general
Internet Porn
Victoria's Secret Commercials
Victoria's Secret Catalogue
Dick Butkus
Pam Anderson
Bacon which tells me you just like to pork, the other white meat

[CRUM]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit
I did too. :)

And ehr, to the whiney sorts....

While I know that this changes nothing about the fact that you whine or will continue to whine, but personally I strongly feel you have no right to whine unless you are willing to roll up your sleeves, wade in, and do your part to help make whatever is causing you to whine, better.

Where did I give the impression that I did not do my part? I own a business that employs people. I own a home and pay taxes. And probably the biggest is I vote. I have paid and continue to pay for the right to whine. Maybe you call it complaining, ranting, critisizing, or some other adjective that makes you feel better. And that's fine. I have paid in sweat and responsibilities for the right to complain, rant, critisize , and yes, whine.

Everyone has some responsibility to their community, their family, their friends on at least some level to help with the community and make it a better place.

Yes we all should pull our weight. I am more than satisfied I am carrying my fair share.

Nobody cares about your problems, so get off yer ass and go do something to make Your problems go away.

And what problems are you referring to that no one cares about? I don't recollect sharing any with you.

Chances are, you're not the only one with Your problems

It sure looks like it, Apparently you have made my problems your problems. So we know there's at least two of us with my problems. Maybe between the two of us we can solve them. Two heads being better than one. Of course if we can get someone else to join in, we can form a committee. Won't that be neat.

[Sideways]

What I love is the land. Big, diverse, wonderful.
I guess the people are the same, and that's pretty cool too (cept being big...that's kinda gross)

What I don't like is that we are all living an unrealistically plush life thanks to what is essentially slave labor and stolen goods. Not to mention that while we have a ton of cheap food, real food is excessively expensive and in low supply.

[Evel Monkey]

Go Crum!

[N8]

Originally posted by Sideways
What I love is the land. Big, diverse, wonderful.
I guess the people are the same, and that's pretty cool too (cept being big...that's kinda gross)

What I don't like is that we are all living an unrealistically plush life thanks to what is essentially slave labor and stolen goods. Not to mention that while we have a ton of cheap food, real food is excessively expensive and in low supply.

:confused: - Huh..???

[Sideways]

Originally posted by N8
:confused: - Huh..???

Look at the country of origin label on the things you buy.
Why is it so economically obvious where to have stuff manufactured?
Because people aren't being paid fairly in some places.

Locally and organically grown food isn't common enough....there are some seriously flawed reasons for this originating in congress.

10pm wed night: Starting to drink, verbal skills declining...sorry for incomplete sentences.

[N8]

Originally posted by Sideways


10pm wed night: Starting to drink, verbal skills declining...sorry for incomplete sentences.

..ah that 'splains it...

[Sideways]

Originally posted by N8
..ah that 'splains it...

Not entirely.

[ohio]

Originally posted by N8
What's great about America?

Everything; try living in another country for a while... you'll know what I am talking about.

Um, what experience are you speaking from? Have you ever lived in another country NOT on a base?

This is the greatest country on Earth, but to not recognize its faults is a failure to be the best citizen you can. Not everything is great; there is always room for improvement.

[looseunit]

Look at the country of origin label on the things you buy.
Why is it so economically obvious where to have stuff manufactured?
Because people aren't being paid fairly in some places.


Very true, At the other end of the scale other countries like Australia and New Zealand are at a major disadvantage with trading with USA despite being far more efficient in farming and agriculture. American government subsidies its own industries to protect jobs. This I believe has been happening with farming since the 1930s.

[N8]

Originally posted by ohio
Um, what experience are you speaking from? Have you ever lived in another country NOT on a base?

This is the greatest country on Earth, but to not recognize its faults is a failure to be the best citizen you can. Not everything is great; there is always room for improvement.

Yeah I've lived in a couple countries (NOT ON A BASE)... namely Italy (Sicily), Mexico and Japan. Japan is quite clean as in has no litter, and Sicily is... well.... the Mississippi of Europe... and Mexico is... Mexico.

Sure, there are some problems with the USA but they are quite minor compared to other places in the world.

This is the greatest country in the entire history of mankind.

[N8]

Originally posted by Sideways
Not entirely.

..no, really... that 'splains it.

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by CRUM
Where did I give the impression that I did not do my part? I own a business that employs people. I own a home and pay taxes. And probably the biggest is I vote. I have paid and continue to pay for the right to whine. Maybe you call it complaining, ranting, critisizing, or some other adjective that makes you feel better. And that's fine. I have paid in sweat and responsibilities for the right to complain, rant, critisize , and yes, whine.
Yes we all should pull our weight. I am more than satisfied I am carrying my fair share.
And what problems are you referring to that no one cares about? I don't recollect sharing any with you.
It sure looks like it, Apparently you have made my problems your problems. So we know there's at least two of us with my problems. Maybe between the two of us we can solve them. Two heads being better than one. Of course if we can get someone else to join in, we can form a committee. Won't that be neat.


:D :eviltongu

Hate to say it darlin, but most of us pay our taxes, just as most of us here vote, and work a regular nine to five, and if that's considered giving back to the community, well then that's just dandy. ;) Now granted, not many people own a business, and props to you for being a good ole fashioned capitalist (my favorite kind of person, because what is life without money?), as for having employees, well that goes both ways. Chances are your business wouldn't be successful without their help, and chances are they could have work elsewhere too.
I'm very happy however you feel so strongly you carry your weight well. :D Most people are quite satisfied to sit at home on their arse in the evenings flicking through tv channels and whining that their government isn't doing enough for them, that the roads aren't good enough, the health care isn't good enough, the cops are corrupt, and damnit why can't they run high speed internet to my house??? :D But since you're different from the majority well then whine away. Me? If I'm gonna whine about my government, usually I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and go do what I need to to help fix what I can in regards to the area in which I whine. Usually for me it's bike related, trail access related, and yep - I sure as heck work my li'l bunsies off trying to get trails that'll stick around and not get torn up.
As for the problems of the world that no one bloody cares about, well I don't really care - but in that particular instance I don't know that i was responding to you directly, seeing as I don't know you don't know your problems and quite frankly could give a rats ass unless I did know you. However, most people within this great country of ours assume that everyone else needs to know their problems, and should pity them for their problems irregardless of how their problems match up against the other person's or whatever. We've all got issues, problems, areas to whine about. The best among us, however, are those who keep them to themselves and put up with others who need to whine about theirs.
Now then, considering the fact that you chose to make my statement a personal attack upon yourself says plenty about whether or not you whine on a regular basis to people who probably really and truly could care less about you. :) I was referring to people in general, if you fall in the category, well then good for you. If your proud of being in that category, well gosh, that's even better. ;)
What ever happened to the strong silent type of people who kept their problems to themselves or to their families and dealt with them on their own while still doing what they could to make their community a better place? Oh yeah, I forgot, the baby boomers managed to make that breed of people an endangered species with all their shrinks and psychotherapists and problems and inability to take responsibility for their part in creating their own damned problems and the desire to let the next guy fix whatever it is that ails them. If you've got an issue that isn't directly pointed at you but at your community in general, go get involved with your local gov't and fix it. :) (strange concept, I know).

[DRB]

You know what. I can whine all I want even if I don't vote, avoid paying my taxes, say racist things, and never even think about lifting a finger to help others.

And their ain't F'ck all you or anyone else can do about it.

That is what is great about this country.

[mrbigisbudgood]

I have a job that pays well.

I own 5.25 acres in VA with a kick ass home.

I own 380 acres in Il that makes me money from 1000 miles away.

I have 2 cars.

I have 3 bikes.

I feel safe.

I'm free to protest if I want to.

I don't feel overtaxed.

I have enough food.

I can VOTE for my leaders

I don't have AIDS, I'm not living on a grass hut, I'm not eating 150 calories a day, my government isn't taking 75% of my income. I have no right to complain. Merica is the best, even if toursists attack once in a while because we have nukaler bombs.

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by DRB
You know what. I can whine all I want even if I don't vote, avoid paying my taxes, say racist things, and never even think about lifting a finger to help others.

And their ain't F'ck all you or anyone else can do about it.

That is what is great about this country.

True - and that's okay. :) I've long since known I'm not exactly holding a popular or common opinion here. It's just me and mine and a lot folks would consider me a nasty cold-hearted beotch as a result. :D

[DRB]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit
True - and that's okay. :) I've long since known I'm not exactly holding a popular or common opinion here. It's just me and mine and a lot folks would consider me a nasty cold-hearted beotch as a result. :D

I'd never call you a nasty cold-hearted beotch........ unless you told me to.

http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/bowdown.gif

[mrbigisbudgood]

Originally posted by DRB
You know what. I can whine all I want even if I don't vote, avoid paying my taxes, say racist things, and never even think about lifting a finger to help others.

And their ain't F'ck all you or anyone else can do about it.

That is what is great about this country.

You're either part of the problem or your part of the solution.

[DRB]

Originally posted by mrbigisbudgood
You're either part of the problem or your part of the solution.

Did you read that on some inspirational calendar that they gave you at work? Turn to the next month, I bet it says something else clever like "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

But until you can show that to me in the US constitution.....

[ohio]

Originally posted by N8

Sure, there are some problems with the USA but they are quite minor compared to other places in the world.


I'd almost agree with you, but I have two exceptions:
1. American public secondary education is SO lacking...
2. Legacy of racism. Not talking affirmative action issues... talking about the way people view or focus on race and color from the PC-freaks on down.

Any other complaints of mine are pretty marginal...

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by DRB
I'd never call you a nasty cold-hearted beotch........ unless you told me to.

http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/bowdown.gif

*sound of a cracking whip* :D Thank you maddam. May I have another?

LOL!

[DRB]

Originally posted by RhinofromWA
*sound of a cracking whip* :D Thank you maddam. May I have another?

LOL!

I was going to use this smiley http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/whip.gif
but it wasn't wearing leather boots which is sort of what was running thru my mind at the time.

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by DRB
I was going to use this smiley http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/whip.gif
but it wasn't wearing leather boots which is sort of what was running thru my mind at the time.

haha I needed that this morning.

:D

[ummbikes]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit
:D :eviltongu

Usually for me it's bike related, trail access related, and yep - I sure as heck work my li'l bunsies off trying to get trails that'll stick around and not get torn up.


Wow! You are a saint!

While us whiners in hear are atempting to come to terms with creeping imperialism, terrorism, stolen elections and other minor topics, it is good to know you are doing the real work up in your ivory tower and saving trail access. :p :p :p :D :evil:

But seriously, there are people in this forum who not only whine but write letters to representives, volunteer with various causes, serve in military, actively protest in streets, are involved in politics professionaly and God knows what else.


It's rather presumptious to come in here and claim to have us pegged as whiners who are not active in atempting change.

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by ummbikes
Wow! You are a saint!

While us whiners in hear are atempting to come to terms with creeping imperialism, terrorism, stolen elections and other minor topics, it is good to know you are doing the real work up in your ivory tower and saving trail access. :p :p :p :D :evil:

But seriously, there are people in this forum who not only whine but write letters to representives, volunteer with various causes, serve in military, actively protest in streets, are involved in politics professionaly and God knows what else.

It's rather presumptious to come in here and claim to have us pegged as whiners who are not active in atempting change.

Trail access is a issue she has chosen to work on....and to somehow lessen the validity is wrong. It is part in keeping you with dirt to ride on. I realize you are partially kidding but it is in poor taste.

Write letters to representatives - simple and can be a form of whining.

Volunteer for causes - :thumb: up from me 'cause I should do more.

Actively protest in streets - changing location for whining.

Served in military - honorable vocation, but I don't see how this is changing what bothers you about the country. Gets you employeed and pays for schooling...in reality.

Professional politicians - :think: I guess all of us have a hard time respecting that one. ;)

Her point was that instead of whining about trail access and shrinking oportunities for riding...she is actively involved in meeting most of us would stop going to after 2 tries. Building legal trails recognized by land owners. That is more than writing letters, donating $, or complaining about trail access will ever do...not saying she isn't doing that too.

Rhino "complainer :D" from WA

[ummbikes]

Originally posted by RhinofromWA
Trail access is a issue she has chosen to work on....and to somehow lessen the validity is wrong. It is part in keeping you with dirt to ride on. I realize you are partially kidding but it is in poor taste.


Rhino "complainer :D" from WA

Rhino, I knew you would jump in.

I simply threw back in her face in as polite as possible the same arguement she was using to slam the users of this forum.

She doesn't know me or anyone else besides you in this thread and I thought it rather crass on her part to make assumptions on our level of involvement in making change.

For that matter Rhino shame on you for questioning my "taste". :p

Jr. can more than handle herself I don't think she needs your protection.

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by ummbikes
It's rather presumptious to come in here and claim to have us pegged as whiners who are not active in atempting change.

Well gosh - I never would have thought that a general random post directed towards people in general would be such a personal affront to just monkies...especially since I tend to consider myself part of that particular "pack"...lol. Perhaps the fact that you take it so personally says something about the level of commitment and effort you put into whatever it is you consider "your" community, or feel you do. :)

For some people it's teaching soccer in the evenings, for others it's donating money. What I find in horribly poor taste are the saps that feel they have the right to complain about anything anytime without ever doing a damned thing to make whatever it is they are complaining about go away. I was simply using my small amount of donated time as an example of something I do, rather than whine.

And in response to "coming to terms with creeping imperialism, terrorism, stolen elections and other minor topics" a good discussion and debate in order to better understand the issue at hand and at large is always a good thing. And highly welcome, and not considered whining. It's whining when you feel such issues are a personal attack on your life and yet you do nothing about it, or whining when you complain about how horrible the roads are yet do nothing either at time of voting or in active participation with your community to make it better. If you are cognizant of the issues that exist on a global scale and at least act on a local scale to address those issues that directly affect your life rather than whining about them and expecting someone else to roll out the red carpet on your behalf.

And ehr...thanks Rhino...:)

[ummbikes]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit
Perhaps the fact that you take it so personally says something about the level of commitment and effort you put into whatever it is you consider "your" community, or feel you do. :)



You don't know me or what I do. I'm at peace with my level of involvement.

Just to make it clear, not that my opinion matters, it is cool you are involved in trail access issues. Thank you.

I think it is great that anyone spends anytime at all away from the 'net of TV to be involved in working at changing anything.

[Serial Midget]

Originally posted by looseunit
Very true, At the other end of the scale other countries like Australia and New Zealand are at a major disadvantage with trading with USA despite being far more efficient in farming and agriculture. American government subsidies its own industries to protect jobs. This I believe has been happening with farming since the 1930s.

This is not true. The most productive, cost efficient agricultural industries reside in the US.

ADM RULES THE WORLD!

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by ummbikes
You don't know me or what I do. I'm at peace with my level of involvement.

Just to make it clear, not that my opinion matters, it is cool you are involved in trail access issues. Thank you.

I think it is great that anyone spends anytime at all away from the 'net of TV to be involved in working at changing anything.

I still don't understand why you're assuming my comments have anything to do with you, other than as a response to you. :) Or with anyone else on this forum. :D

Those who are involved, know they are, and thus have no need to rebut whatever I say about the hoi polloi of america in general. ;) If I recall...the political forum is not an area for personal attacks, or an area where one points fingers at other monkeys in regards to whatever their views are.

So sorry if that was misconveyed in everything I have said on here and you so strongly feel I was actively pulling you out of the crowd and shaking my finger atcha :nono:
:p

[ummbikes]

You know at the end of a particularly rigorous school term spent analyzing every word, dissecting every arguement and generally being super critical of everything? You know that feeling of burn out? I feel that.

If I missed your point it's due to mental fatigue.

[Serial Midget]

The one thing that America has that many other countries lack is individual opportunity. Issues of racism and poverty, while significant in the past, are now so overused as to become meaningless.

Political views aside; we are a land of milk and honey that inspires jealousy, envy and hatred throughout the world.

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by ummbikes
Rhino, I knew you would jump in.

For that matter Rhino shame on you for questioning my "taste". :p

Jr. can more than handle herself I don't think she needs your protection.

If I am anything...I am predictable. :D

I respect your taste, but must question its validity :rolleyes: ;) She let everyone here know what she works toward as an example. Just thought it was crued to make fun of or lessen when we can be vague ourselves. :)

Not protecting her so much as adressing you...She is a big girl (actually she is a petite woman) and can speak for herself.

[fluff]

Originally posted by N8


This is the greatest country in the entire history of mankind.

That's a bit steep!

Whaddabout Rome and Greece? Pretty major civilisations that might rate pretty highly on an overall historical scale.

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by fluff
That's a bit steep!

Whaddabout Rome and Greece? Pretty major civilisations that might rate pretty highly on an overall historical scale.

Don't forget China before the western barbarians learned to sail ships too! :)

[MMike]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by N8


This is the greatest country in the entire history of mankind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Just makes you want to break into song, doesn't it?

[$tinkle]

Originally posted by fluff
That's a bit steep!

Whaddabout Rome and Greece? Pretty major civilisations that might rate pretty highly on an overall historical scale. they buggered each other & didn't have tampons.

[Serial Midget]

Originally posted by $tinkle
they buggered each other & didn't have tampons.

Your point?

[Westy]

By traditional American standards we are the greatest nation, in a way these standards were developed as a celebration of itself. I am sure by Roman standards they were the greatest nation. By Soviet standards the USSR was the greatest. By Nazi standards Germany was the greatest. By my standards, I am the biggest baddest mofo around.

[N8]

Originally posted by fluff
That's a bit steep!

Whaddabout Rome and Greece? Pretty major civilisations that might rate pretty highly on an overall historical scale.

Those are civilizations not countries...

What countries can you compare to the USA? Maybe be 17th century Britian is a far-far distant second with Renaissance Italy a distant third. I argue the US is the greatest because of the well being and freedoms afforded to average citizens, for the stregnth of our military, for the wealth of our people, yes... we are the greatest country in the history of world.

No..?
:monkey:

[N8]

..plus you can post whatever you want on your car unlike this guy..

Man Faces Jail for Car Sticker

TEHRAN (Reuters) - An Iranian man faces a possible lengthy prison term or even the death penalty for attaching a sticker to the rear window of his car proclaiming "The era of arrogant rulers is over," his lawyer said Thursday.

"My client faces jail for acting against national security just because of that sticker," attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah told Reuters.

The charge of acting against national security normally carries a hefty prison sentence and in some cases has led to the death penalty being imposed.

Dadkhah said Ali Akbar Najafi, 27, an unlicensed taxi (news - web sites) driver, was arrested in June in southern Tehran. He said his client had thought up the slogan himself, but that it was not specifically aimed at Iran's clerical establishment.

"After being kept blindfolded in solitary confinement for 53 days he now suffers psychological problems," said Dadkhah, who was asked by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, to represent Najafi.

Najafi was released on bail of $25,000 and ordered to appear before a branch of the Revolutionary Court on December 28.

His arrest in June coincided with a rash of pro-democracy protests during which around 4,000 people were arrested. The vast majority of them were released without charge.

When asked Wednesday whether Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) ought to receive the death penalty, Iran's President Mohammad Khatami (news - web sites) said: "If anyone is to be executed, the most appropriate person would be Saddam. But it don't want any human being, even a criminal, to be killed if there is an alternative."

[Jr_Bullit]

Originally posted by N8
Those are civilizations not countries...

What countries can you compare to the USA? Maybe be 17th century Britian is a far-far distant second with Renaissance Italy a distant third. I argue the US is the greatest because of the well being and freedoms afforded to average citizens, for the stregnth of our military, for the wealth of our people, yes... we are the greatest country in the history of world.

No..?
:monkey:

Why only compare the US to other nations that are similar to us? Isn't what makes a nation, or a society - which is truly what we are, we may be a nation defined by our borders and leaders, but we are also a culture and a socieity - isn't what makes a nation or society "great", or better than others, the amount of loyalty and fierce pride in their country/society/culture the hoi polloi have? I mean so what about "freedom" that's such an idealistic utopian ideal that to others may really not be as important as the culture in which they live. Leave it to the Americans to look down upon other cultures just because we have such a firm belief that we are better and they are not.

For example...what about tribal cultures? I mean yay for money, prosperity, and new toys and all that...but so what. In the end it all just means more stuff and has nothing to do with "greatness" greatness comes from the love of the citizens, not from the monetary wealth or even necessarily freedoms afforded to the people.

[N8]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit

For example...what about tribal cultures? I mean yay for money, prosperity, and new toys and all that...but so what. In the end it all just means more stuff and has nothing to do with "greatness" greatness comes from the love of the citizens, not from the monetary wealth or even necessarily freedoms afforded to the people.

What tribe are you suggesting that ranks..???

[MMike]

Originally posted by N8
Those are civilizations not countries...

What countries can you compare to the USA? Maybe be 17th century Britian is a far-far distant second with Renaissance Italy a distant third. I argue the US is the greatest because of the well being and freedoms afforded to average citizens, for the stregnth of our military, for the wealth of our people, yes... we are the greatest country in the history of world.

No..?
:monkey:

That's even dumber than most of my posts...No...greece isn't a country. It's a musical with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.

I wish I could find the link (damn you google), but the US has never ranked #1 in the UN's list of "great places to live".

Let's see.. what country has a few times....ummmm...hmm...oh yeah...CANA....Oh nevermind... it doesn't matter...

[N8]

Originally posted by MMike
That's even dumber than most of my posts...No...greece isn't a country. It's a musical with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.

I wish I could find the link (damn you google), but the US has never ranked #1 in the UN's list of "great places to live".

Let's see.. what country has a few times....ummmm...hmm...oh yeah...CANA....Oh nevermind... it doesn't matter...

From a Canadian on the Newz Canada was voted #1 in the UN poll:
Cool! See what an injust, unequal, disgusting tax system will get you? I wonder what the UN will say when Canada goes into bankruptcy (not to be confused with the highest (second highest?) GDP debt load in the G7 that we have now). In 15 years 1/3 of the country will retire (the baby boomers) and we won't be able to pay for it through an absurd tax system because our taxation levels and debt loads are already maxed-out. God forbid you promote national economic well being & wealth creation to pay for high quality social programs.

Look forward to more complicated tax rules to hide additional taxation and an increased pay per use taxation scheme. I pity the (fool!) middle income earner with kids!

Item 2... the original poster was refering to Ancient Greece I'm sure, silly...

[fluff]

Originally posted by N8
From a Canadian on the Newz Canada was voted #1 in the UN poll:


Item 2... the original poster was refering to Ancient Greece I'm sure, silly...

Um, as the original poster I feel it is my duty to point out that ancient Greece was actually a country. In fact it was an Empire for a while.

The same goes for Rome.

I was somewhat bemused by your comment that they were civilisations and not countries.

I don't mean to be patronising or condescending but perhaps you should check out some of what the Greeks and Romans achieved.

If you put them in context with any modern nation they look rather impressive.

[looseunit]

This is not true. The most productive, cost efficient agricultural industries reside in the US.

Not all agriculture and farming in the US is the most productive and cost effient. Take the cattle and sheep, Australia and NZ are by far the most efficient country in the world. It is one of the main reason Australia want a free trade deal with the USA. When it comes to supporting free trade America supports it, but does not always act on it. Even in Australia import tariffs are still used to protect local business, but they are getting lower each year so that business become more competitive with imports.

[MMike]

Originally posted by fluff


If you put them in context with any modern nation they look rather impressive.

But it was easy back then. None of the easy stuff had been invented yet...Aquaduct....pffffft......today to impress people you have to invent a compressed cheese that comes in a can.

[fluff]

Originally posted by MMike
But it was easy back then. None of the easy stuff had been invented yet...Aquaduct....pffffft......today to impress people you have to invent a compressed cheese that comes in a can.

Well, clearly that's why the empires crumbled.

[Serial Midget]

We don't eat a lot of muttin around here... :) but I have do some some New Zealand rack of lamb in my freezer...

Originally posted by looseunit
Not all agriculture and farming in the US is the most productive and cost effient. Take the cattle and sheep, Australia and NZ are by far the most efficient country in the world. It is one of the main reason Australia want a free trade deal with the USA. When it comes to supporting free trade America supports it, but does not always act on it. Even in Australia import tariffs are still used to protect local business, but they are getting lower each year so that business become more competitive with imports.

[CRUM]

Originally posted by Jr_Bullit


Hate to say it darlin,

Well Hon, considering the following diatribe, I would hate to see something you didn't hate to say. But don't let me intterupt, please continue.


but most of us pay our taxes, just as most of us here vote, and work a regular nine to five, and if that's considered giving back to the community, well then that's just dandy.

I consider it the least I can do. But yes, that is giving back. Please, go on.

Now granted, not many people own a business, and props to you for being a good ole fashioned capitalist (my favorite kind of person, because what is life without money?),

Pretty poor substitute for Life with money.

as for having employees, well that goes both ways. Chances are your business wouldn't be successful without their help, and chances are they could have work elsewhere too.

Absolutely. Wow, nothing gets by you, does it? My employees are the most important asset I have.

I'm very happy however you feel so strongly you carry your weight well. Most people are quite satisfied to sit at home on their arse in the evenings flicking through tv channels and whining that their government isn't doing enough for them, that the roads aren't good enough, the health care isn't good enough, the cops are corrupt, and damnit why can't they run high speed internet to my house???

Watch out, gettin a tad whiney.

But since you're different from the majority well then whine away. Me? If I'm gonna whine about my government, usually I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and go do what I need to to help fix what I can in regards to the area in which I whine.

Again, you seem to assume facts about me not in evidence.

Usually for me it's bike related, trail access related, and yep - I sure as heck work my li'l bunsies off trying to get trails that'll stick around and not get torn up.

Well, good for you.

As for the problems of the world that no one bloody cares about, well I don't really care - but in that particular instance I don't know that i was responding to you directly, seeing as I don't know you don't know your problems and quite frankly could give a rats ass unless I did know you.

To know me is to love me. At least in my mind it is.

However, most people within this great country of ours assume that everyone else needs to know their problems, and should pity them for their problems irregardless of how their problems match up against the other person's or whatever. We've all got issues, problems, areas to whine about. The best among us, however, are those who keep them to themselves and put up with others who need to whine about theirs.

Previously in this post, I was not of the majority. Now I am. Please, make up your mind. I can't stand not knowing where I belong.

Now then, considering the fact that you chose to make my statement a personal attack upon yourself says plenty about whether or not you whine on a regular basis to people who probably really and truly could care less about you.

Says all that does it? I'm impressed. I seem to remember you fired the first shot across my bow. I chose to give as good as I got

I was referring to people in general,if you fall in the category, well then good for you. If your proud of being in that category, well gosh, that's even better.

You should have been less specific, and not told me to get off my ass.

What ever happened to the strong silent type of people who kept their problems to themselves or to their families and dealt with them on their own while still doing what they could to make their community a better place?

I think John Wayne and Bogie have left the building. Clint might still be around. After we're done here, I'll let him know you were asking about him.

Oh yeah, I forgot, the baby boomers managed to make that breed of people an endangered species with all their shrinks and psychotherapists and problems and inability to take responsibility for their part in creating their own damned problems and the desire to let the next guy fix whatever it is that ails them.

Because I am a whiner, I know whining when I see it And that statement is perilously close.

If you've got an issue that isn't directly pointed at you but at your community in general, go get involved with your local gov't and fix it. (strange concept, I know).

I'd say we got off on the wrong foot. Done it before and I will most likely do it again. Let me make myself clear. You know nothing of me and what I do and don't do in between my bouts of whining. You know only that which I choose to let you know. As I know about you, only what you choose to divulge. So far, it would seem we have more in common than most cyberspace strangers. Bicycles, trails, and an apparent need to voice an opinion. So, let's work on the positives and forget the stupidity of reading more into each other's post than is there. I think that's fair. How about you? Besides, I have to get back to some serious whining.

[goosemagoo]

Originally posted by fluff
Whaddabout Rome and Greece? Pretty major civilisations that might rate pretty highly on an overall historical scale.

They rate pretty high unless you were a gladiator with no skillz:dead:

[Damn True]

My personal definition of "great country" is one that not only prospers itself economically and culturally, but positively impacts the economies and culture outside it's borders. In that regard, IMO the US is tops. One might argue that Spain and Brittian at the height of their respective empires compare, however the citizenry of India and Mexico of that time might beg to differ.


Besides, we have the Simpsons, and we made hockey profitable.

[DRB]

National Lampoon's Animal House and Christmas Vacation.

[DRB]

Oh yeah and Southpark.

Screw you guys, I'm going home.

Another thing I love about America, is coming home from somewhere else which is what I am doing tomorrow morning.

[N8]

Originally posted by DRB


Another thing I love about America, is coming home from somewhere else which is what I am doing tomorrow morning.



...yep...

[Skookum]

Cool i'm gonna use your list as a template.....

Originally posted by BurlySurly
Things I like about America include, but are not limited to:

Hot Blondes-Variety of hotties
Bacon-Sausage Patty
Silicon Breasts-Real boobs
Big Trucks-Work Trucks
Red Meat-Venison
Rock and Roll-Yup
Britney Spears-Salma Hyak
Ultimate Cheeseburgers from Jack in the Box-Jumbo Jacks
NFL football-MLB
College football-NFL football (at least there's a real champion)
Bass Boats-hoggin a 2 man floater
Chainsaws-Hard ass work no thanks
Man-made lakes-Real lakes in the sticks
Smith and Wesson-Squirt Guns
Paris Hilton-Porn in higher video resolution quality
Hatchets-Chainsaw
Nachos Bel Grande-Taqueria Guaymas
Mountain Dew-DNL
Wolverine Work Boots-Overrated but it's what i'm usin now
Fire Trucks-Hottie girly emt's
Cheerleaders-Hottie garb to be stripped from a girly in my casa
ESPN-Yup
Jeep-Mt. bike
Waffle House-Sure sounds good
Subway-Sub Shop
Pork Products in general-meat products in general
WW2 documentaries-WW2 Medal of Honor game
Supercross-Jimmy Superfly Snuka
Casinos-Movie Theater
Fly fishing-Hiking
Thanksgiving Dinner-Yah.....
Internet Porn- Being a porn star to your queen
Roadkill-That free cat picture Damn True posted haha
M1A1 Abrams battle tanks-Overloaded dump trucks in heavy traffic
Littering-Only in yuppie parts of metropolis
Victoria's Secret Commercials-stupid R.M. commercials asking you to pick which one is papa smurf
Victoria's Secret Catalogue-Perfect 10
Dick Butkus-Steve Largeant (yah it's hard to be a Hawks fan)
Chili Cheese Fries-Steak Fries
Pam Anderson-Salma Hyak
Bacon-Ok ok make it maple flavored

America is a beautiful wonderful land, it's my home.

[narlus]

i've learned a few things in this forum lately.

1 - burly surly's love of pam anderson and silicon breasts is not surprising. (btw, isn't she canadian, not american?)

2 - N8 is a tool

3 - crum is a good addition to the monkey

back on topic, i haven't been in the US since may, and i really don't see myself returning until i have to.

[Toshi]

Originally posted by narlus
back on topic, i haven't been in the US since may, and i really don't see myself returning until i have to.
heh, it's the tv isn't it? :eek: :devil:

[narlus]

LOL! you caught the hcor post i see.

[stevew]

Originally posted by narlus
LOL! you caught the hcor post i see.

But do you get Seinfeld? I couldn't live w/out it.

Long nipples, ewwwwww.

[partsbara]

Originally posted by narlus
i've learned a few things in this forum lately.

2 - N8 is a tool

back on topic, i haven't been in the US since may, and i really don't see myself returning until i have to.

agreed, except i d go so far as to say that n8 is a COMPLETE TOOL... 'america is the greatest country in the history of civilization'... god... is your head that far up your a$$??? that is scary from a guy who has 'lived' (i use the term loosely here) in 3 other countries...

sure america is good... but it s no better than alot of places i ve lived... as for the concept of freedom, it s an ideal that you guys get a little too carried away with.... it s no more free that 90% of the western world...

how free is it when i can t go out and have a beer without carrying ID ?$#^@%&

i m in no rush to get back either narlus... europe is fine by me...

parts

[dickiesbike1]

Whats so great? I can get a speeding ticket for doing 34 mph over the speedlimit and have a chance of getting it thrown out completely. GOD BLESS AMERICA!:D

[narlus]

Originally posted by stevew
But do you get Seinfeld? I couldn't live w/out it.

Long nipples, ewwwwww.

they were like little nematodes...

_friends_ and _the simpsons_ are on constantly, sometimes you get crap like _survivor_ and _fear factor_ too. haven't seen _seinfeld_ since i got here. :(