America has the largest land area, eh? You're fourth, you dumbass! Behind the Russian Federation, Canada and China. Thanks for reinforcing the ignorant American stereotype...
First of Two:
1. A written guarantee of individual freedoms.
>>A Bill of Rights is hardly exclusive to the US. Last time I checked, Canada has one. And ours is better because it doesn't have any gun shit in it... (easy there...)
2. Paramount.
>>Shatner. Even more ego.
3. The longest-lived successful Republic-based state.
>>Well, the Athenians had a democracy for a rather long time... and you beat France by less than twenty years. Besides, by then many monarchies were essentially constitutionalized and democratic anyway.
4. A viable (though seriously underfunded) space program.
>>Don't forget your unneccessary (not to mention very seriously overfunder) military program.
5. Microsoft AND Apple.
>>Molson AND Labatts
6. We are, to quote Bill Murray, "10 and 1!" (Okay, we took a dive in 'Nam, and Korea was pretty much a tie, so maybe it's 9-1-1.)
>>And you lost in 1812. We beat your asses (well, technically it was the Brits). Canada's never lost either. Not that military might should ever have any bearing on how great a country you are.
7. C. Capps
>> Me.
8. Jubes
>> Dani
9. Cargile
>>Tahna
10. Baloo
>>Fabrux
>>And, uh, we've got Vorlon, too...
Oh, and Baloo... I sorta agree with what you're saying. Except, well, the problem is that Americans are the exception rather than the rule when it comes to national pride. It's one thing to say Canadians are just not patriotic enough, but we feel no less pride in Canada than Australians feel in Oz, Swiss in Switzerland, Brits in the UK or Zambians in Zambia. The problem is that too many Americans think that (misconception 1) America is undeniably number one and (misconception 2) the rest of the world would undeniably be better off if they were like the US.
------------------ "You're not quite evil enough. You're semi-evil. You're quasi-evil. You're the margarine of evil. You're the Diet Coke of evil, just one calorie, not evil enough." -The good Doctor and his son, Scot
[This message has been edited by The_Tom (edited July 30, 1999).]
posted
Er. Reread Frank's post. He said "AT or AMONG the top." Therefore his mentioning land area is correct, even if largely irrelevant.
Technically, 1812 was a draw or stalemate. Realistically, it ended British harassment of US shipping, as well as establishing the US's place as a power to be reckoned with (any ragtag force that could pull a draw when fighting the same leadership that beat Napoleon would be.) Therefore, it was a win, if not a military victory.
And we got a National Anthem and a couple other good songs out of it too...
*sings* We fired one time and the British kept a'comin', But there wasn't quite as many as there was a while ago, We fired once more, and they began a'runnin', Down the Mississippi to the gulf of Mexico...
------------------ "When we turn our back on our principles, we stop being human." -- Janeway, "Equinox"
posted
Yeah, Tom...What First of Two said. :P (And land area is relevant. I mean, if the US were suddenly changed to the size of, say, most European countries, there would be an overpopulation problem. )
------------------ http://frankg.dgne.com/ "Seriously though, I love Earth. It's where I keep all my stuff." - Simon Sizer
------------------ "I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, I'll let you know." --Picard to Data, "In Theory"
posted
[Is flabbergasted and deeply honored to be listed as a national resource, then remembers that so is wood.]
:P
There are always dumb people in the world. Most of us don't have to cross any borders to find them.
Each nation represented by the people at these forums has something unique to offer. Each person here is unique and also has something to offer.
Are you griping because it will effect a change for the better or are you just whining that this ignorant so-and-so is an ignorant so-and-so. Calling an idiot an idiot will not make him any less of a dolt. Wailing about American arrogance will not change anything either.
What will change things is a willingness to face the fact that opinions are rarely changed by speeches. Rather, people are influenced by other individuals. I don't want to suggest that there are as many idiots in Great Britain or Canada as there are in the U.S., but that the proportion is approximately the same.
That "proportionality" thing also goes for proud and arrogant individuals as well. How they come across to others is probably more a matter of personal style than anything else, but I hardly consider it an insult to be put down by a dolt. Rather, it's a badge of honor when the idiots recognize your superiority and try to bring you down to their level.
I am not proud of America because of what we have done in warfare. Those things were done out of actual or percieved necessity. I am proud of things like the Marshall plan, the Berlin Airlift (and I might add that America shares credit with other countries for that one). I am proud of what America tries to do to promote peace, and I am proud of the direction I want America to go (whether we are going that way is another story, but...)
The "I'm best, you're not" ploy is childish and stupid. England, Canada, and the U.S. are all great nations, and they do not sit at the peak of the greatness pyramid, but are (or should be) sharing space with other nations, cooperating to raise the plateau of greatness (not defined by military might) to new heights.
Unless someone subsequently utters some irresistably stupid remark, I believe this will be my last comment in this thread.
Once again, Baloo rivals his eloquence only with his common sense.
Anyone who disagrees with the above statement is...um...screwed up. And weird. And bad.
------------------ "You're not quite evil enough. You're semi-evil. You're quasi-evil. You're the margarine of evil. You're the Diet Coke of evil, just one calorie, not evil enough." -The good Doctor and his son, Scot
Actually, it is the "the US is the best nation and everyone should be like us' attitude that most other countries can't stad. Even if only a few feel it. But then, most of you feel it, even if it's in the tiniest degree.
The British on the other hand, are rarely nationalistic. Only when someone says that the US is better does the Union Jack come out.
Oh, and football matches.
And rugby matches
And cricket matches (for all the good that does).
And anytime a Frenchmen is within 10 miles of us.
Oh, and New Year's.
------------------ "Time makes all things possible. I can wait. -Starscream
Dani
Naboo Handmaiden Ex-Part-Time Admin
Member # 57
posted
Tom: Why am I being compared to Jubes...? *feels slightly lost*
------------------ "Americans are benevolently ignorant about Canada, while Canadians are malevolently well informed about the United States." -- J. Bartlett Brebner
But really, who cares if America sucks or is great?
I'm little bit disturbed that imigrant workers get to take home all of thier income while I have to give some to the government. I'd gladly give up my citizenship to be able to take home all my money. (I'm poor. My attitude will change when I'm rich and complaining about there not being enough tax shelters.)
------------------ "What is that? A tank?" --Our Lord and Savior David Koresh, the Second Coming snuffed out before He could any good.
------------------ Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
Thanks for reinforcing the ignorant American stereotype...
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