have you ever noticed this?
12-31-2004, 01:34 PM
#22
2000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,142
I would like to point out that every sentence that is in italics will represent what a Canadian on this board will probably say in response to my post.
I'm not trying to fight. It just pisses me off that everyone craps on the US. And to everyone that wants to harp on about starting wars, there was Desert Storm, Vietnam, and the current war we are now fighting. How can you call that always wanting to go to war? All the other wars way back when everyone seems to agree were necessary so I won't count them. So 3 wars is always wanting war? It doesn't matter how many wars you've been in! You all love it! You love killing people and blowing things up!
I will say that I think going after Saddam was a cop out because we couldn't find Bin Laden. However, Saddam was a freak that needed to be dealt with. It's funny that countries criticize us for going after him. What would you all have had us do? Just sit back and watch him brutalize his people and country? I'll say again... going after Saddam was a cop out. But, he was a mad man. And even if no WMD were found. Don't think for one second that he wouldn't have hesitated to use them once he got some. Hence the whole world benefits from him being out of power! Nobody has to worry about him dropping nukes on them! I'm not worried about Saddam dropping nukes on us. I'm more worried about the US nuking us. ...Yeah okay cause the US is going to nuke someone for no reason... Which Saddam would!
It's like when it came to Saddam back in 90-91 and then now. Everyone else just wanted to sit back and say well, it's not our problem he isn't bothering our country so leave him be. We went after him and everyone yells at us! You guys just wanted the oil! You're all money hungry oil stealers! Alright then...
I hate Bush and I don't believe anything our government says but, It does bother me when people talk so much crap about us. It's like everyone thinks just because Bush and a few others run our country that we all agree with him and are all blood thirsty tyrants! You are all blood thirsty tyrants! I bet you'll invade our country next and kill us all! Yeah okay... sounds realistic!
And if we can afford to give so much more money to everyone why in the hell do we have such a huge National Debt? If we are so loaded that huge debt shouldn't be there. Whatever, the debt is your own fault. Suck it up! YEAHHHH!
Anyway, I don't mean to start a flamming war it's just that you can't tell anyone from another country anything about the US. Because no matter what their response is always the US sucks and we are bullies and blah blah blah...
You are bullies. You beat up every country and block access to trading and other partnerships that you have made with countries. Hmmm and we are the only country that has every restricted some form of international trading? ... alright then!
It simply wouldn't matter if I made a point that couldn't be argued. Someone would simply say "Oh the US are bullies... they don't give enough, they don't care..." It doesn't matter what you tell anyone... We suck according to every other country end of story. LOL! You guys do suck! Every American is the same and wants total world domination! Alright sounds great to me! Sure thing. [img]graemlins/freak.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
USA Sucks! Money hungry, blood thirsty, oil bandits! YEAH!!! ROCK ON!!!
[img]graemlins/cf2.gif[/img]
I'm not trying to fight. It just pisses me off that everyone craps on the US. And to everyone that wants to harp on about starting wars, there was Desert Storm, Vietnam, and the current war we are now fighting. How can you call that always wanting to go to war? All the other wars way back when everyone seems to agree were necessary so I won't count them. So 3 wars is always wanting war? It doesn't matter how many wars you've been in! You all love it! You love killing people and blowing things up!
I will say that I think going after Saddam was a cop out because we couldn't find Bin Laden. However, Saddam was a freak that needed to be dealt with. It's funny that countries criticize us for going after him. What would you all have had us do? Just sit back and watch him brutalize his people and country? I'll say again... going after Saddam was a cop out. But, he was a mad man. And even if no WMD were found. Don't think for one second that he wouldn't have hesitated to use them once he got some. Hence the whole world benefits from him being out of power! Nobody has to worry about him dropping nukes on them! I'm not worried about Saddam dropping nukes on us. I'm more worried about the US nuking us. ...Yeah okay cause the US is going to nuke someone for no reason... Which Saddam would!
It's like when it came to Saddam back in 90-91 and then now. Everyone else just wanted to sit back and say well, it's not our problem he isn't bothering our country so leave him be. We went after him and everyone yells at us! You guys just wanted the oil! You're all money hungry oil stealers! Alright then...
I hate Bush and I don't believe anything our government says but, It does bother me when people talk so much crap about us. It's like everyone thinks just because Bush and a few others run our country that we all agree with him and are all blood thirsty tyrants! You are all blood thirsty tyrants! I bet you'll invade our country next and kill us all! Yeah okay... sounds realistic!
And if we can afford to give so much more money to everyone why in the hell do we have such a huge National Debt? If we are so loaded that huge debt shouldn't be there. Whatever, the debt is your own fault. Suck it up! YEAHHHH!
Anyway, I don't mean to start a flamming war it's just that you can't tell anyone from another country anything about the US. Because no matter what their response is always the US sucks and we are bullies and blah blah blah...
You are bullies. You beat up every country and block access to trading and other partnerships that you have made with countries. Hmmm and we are the only country that has every restricted some form of international trading? ... alright then!
It simply wouldn't matter if I made a point that couldn't be argued. Someone would simply say "Oh the US are bullies... they don't give enough, they don't care..." It doesn't matter what you tell anyone... We suck according to every other country end of story. LOL! You guys do suck! Every American is the same and wants total world domination! Alright sounds great to me! Sure thing. [img]graemlins/freak.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
USA Sucks! Money hungry, blood thirsty, oil bandits! YEAH!!! ROCK ON!!!
[img]graemlins/cf2.gif[/img]
12-31-2004, 02:06 PM
#24
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,120
Most Canadians are intelligent (informed) enough to understand that the majority of Americans are generous and most Americans personally believe they are being so. BUT also understand that the American policy makers are NOT.
But what bothers Canadians the most is when the American public believes whatever they are told through mainstream media, and takes it as the gospel. The American mood is that they are giving TOO MUCH foreign aid and they would like it to be cut back...when the reality is not so.
So who's perpetuating this un-truth?? Why do the Americans not realize this is not true? These things bother me personally.... it's like your whole public opinion is so easily manipulated, and often ends up tragically mis-informed, to the point where the rest of the first world is laughing at the common American view point.
Case in point:
Curious that the American public believes it is giving 25% of it's budget as foreign aid, reality in less than 1/100th of that.
"Though Egeland, from Norway, named no names, the United States, or rather, its leaders, chose to take that personally. Perhaps they should. The New York Times in an editorial titled "Are We Stingy? Yes" pointed out that the original offer of the U.S. government, $15 million, was half what Republicans have budgeted for Bush's inauguration. It is a fact that although national polls show that Americans believe the government spends a quarter of its revenues helping poor countries, the actual figure is one-hundreth of that, one-quarter of 1 percent. Of the world's 21 richest countries, the United States ranks 19th in non-military foreign aid".
Sorry Joe I just call it the way I see it, supported by facts that any American can easily acquire if they investigate and think for themselves, and stop allowing someone else to do your thinking for you.
Most of the rest of the world believe that this administration and the networks are exploiting the inherent trust which the American public has in the people who control policy and information...they have turned it into mis-information and propaganda as it relates to the objectives of the administration and serves their greater purpose, and not of the American public.
Most Canadians and Europeans I've talked to just can't figure out why the American public can't see what is so painfully obvious to the rest of the developed world???.
But what bothers Canadians the most is when the American public believes whatever they are told through mainstream media, and takes it as the gospel. The American mood is that they are giving TOO MUCH foreign aid and they would like it to be cut back...when the reality is not so.
So who's perpetuating this un-truth?? Why do the Americans not realize this is not true? These things bother me personally.... it's like your whole public opinion is so easily manipulated, and often ends up tragically mis-informed, to the point where the rest of the first world is laughing at the common American view point.
Case in point:
Curious that the American public believes it is giving 25% of it's budget as foreign aid, reality in less than 1/100th of that.
"Though Egeland, from Norway, named no names, the United States, or rather, its leaders, chose to take that personally. Perhaps they should. The New York Times in an editorial titled "Are We Stingy? Yes" pointed out that the original offer of the U.S. government, $15 million, was half what Republicans have budgeted for Bush's inauguration. It is a fact that although national polls show that Americans believe the government spends a quarter of its revenues helping poor countries, the actual figure is one-hundreth of that, one-quarter of 1 percent. Of the world's 21 richest countries, the United States ranks 19th in non-military foreign aid".
Sorry Joe I just call it the way I see it, supported by facts that any American can easily acquire if they investigate and think for themselves, and stop allowing someone else to do your thinking for you.
Most of the rest of the world believe that this administration and the networks are exploiting the inherent trust which the American public has in the people who control policy and information...they have turned it into mis-information and propaganda as it relates to the objectives of the administration and serves their greater purpose, and not of the American public.
Most Canadians and Europeans I've talked to just can't figure out why the American public can't see what is so painfully obvious to the rest of the developed world???.
12-31-2004, 02:12 PM
#25
2000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,142
I do think Bush and the government is full of crap! I don't believe a word I hear from them. I was crushed when Bush won again! My only point is that countries can't give us any credit. Nothing we do means crap. We're evil according to everyone else. End of story! lol!
12-31-2004, 03:18 PM
#26
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,120
Well...The majority of Americans did re-elect him ...which gives him a mandate to run with his agenda. The rest of the world must then conclude that most Americans support the admistration and what they are up to around the world ...Probably should give you a clue as to why the feelings still run strong
12-31-2004, 03:26 PM
#27
Cheddar
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 558
Some random thoughts and opinions......
IMHO, US foreign policy has a lot to do with the negative image America has.
This hatred for America and its people is not the fault of individuals living in the US, either. From the minute they are born, they are told how great their country is and how great the American people are - better than everybody else. American arrogance? I guess it's really hard to be an American and understand it all. Watching the behaviour of American athletes at the Olympics over the last two decades is an example of this brand of arrogance. Brat Hull et al trashing their rooms in Nagano after their loss - the US track team pumping their fists and mocking the competition, etc. The Russians (at one point) and Aussies win their fair share of medals, but people don't dislike them for winning - why is this?
Having Bush for a president doesn't help matters out any, either. It only solidifies what outsiders feel about the US and their self serving foreign policies. The man is truly ignorant and arrogant. A friend of mine told me - do you really think he makes the decisions? The answer is, yes. He does not listen to what his advisors tell him - except for those who tell him what he wants to hear. He wants to clean up what Daddy couldn’t do.
In Canada, we are told our country is great, but we are not told we are better than anybody else.
If Canada was attacked or went to war, it would most likely be because we are a neighbour of the US. Yes, it is true we cannot defend ourselves, but is that what defines a sovereign nation in today's world - a world in which a few nuclear missles will wipe out entire cities and regions? We have a huge country with a relatively small population. Contrary to what many Americans believe, we don’t need Americans to bail us out. We do well on the world stage, thank-you. At least we don’t have to wear flags of other countries on our apparel to get respect.
I don't hate Americans, I have friends and relatives who are American. I just don't like the foreign policies of their government.
WWII - Europe. Canada joined the war early to help Britain and the rest of Europe fight Hitler. The US joined toward the end only because they realized if Europe and Canada fell, they would be next on the list.
Japan - post WWII. US pours millions of dollars into rebuilding Japan. Why? Guess where Japan is? Yeah, next to Russia, China, North Korea, etc. What better place to have military bases. What better ally to have - a disgraced and battered nation. American foreign aid has its price. When did the US pull out their troops from Japan? Oh yeah, they were there to keep peace and insure the people there were kept in line.
Why are the US so interested in Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc?
This thread started out as a call for aid to those affected by the tragedy, but has turned into something more. Dialog on any topic is always good - as long as it stays constructive.
It's tough for anyone to face criticism about their country. Nobody should have to apologize for being what they are.
I am no expert in foreign policy. I just know that it is very complicated and the US have a history of being masters at it. It's all about them.
Are more dead Americans going to bring back those killed in 9/11? Remember Vietnam and North Korea - is Iraq goign to end up being the same?
One thing is for sure, America IS a great country and they have, for good or for bad, shaped this world into what it is today. What was it someone said not long ago.....From great power comes great responsibility.
My two bits........ get rid of Bush and bring into power someone who will bring honour and respect back to a great nation. A nation Canada would be proud to be a neighbour of.
[ December 31, 2004, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: mugen1 ]
IMHO, US foreign policy has a lot to do with the negative image America has.
This hatred for America and its people is not the fault of individuals living in the US, either. From the minute they are born, they are told how great their country is and how great the American people are - better than everybody else. American arrogance? I guess it's really hard to be an American and understand it all. Watching the behaviour of American athletes at the Olympics over the last two decades is an example of this brand of arrogance. Brat Hull et al trashing their rooms in Nagano after their loss - the US track team pumping their fists and mocking the competition, etc. The Russians (at one point) and Aussies win their fair share of medals, but people don't dislike them for winning - why is this?
Having Bush for a president doesn't help matters out any, either. It only solidifies what outsiders feel about the US and their self serving foreign policies. The man is truly ignorant and arrogant. A friend of mine told me - do you really think he makes the decisions? The answer is, yes. He does not listen to what his advisors tell him - except for those who tell him what he wants to hear. He wants to clean up what Daddy couldn’t do.
In Canada, we are told our country is great, but we are not told we are better than anybody else.
If Canada was attacked or went to war, it would most likely be because we are a neighbour of the US. Yes, it is true we cannot defend ourselves, but is that what defines a sovereign nation in today's world - a world in which a few nuclear missles will wipe out entire cities and regions? We have a huge country with a relatively small population. Contrary to what many Americans believe, we don’t need Americans to bail us out. We do well on the world stage, thank-you. At least we don’t have to wear flags of other countries on our apparel to get respect.
I don't hate Americans, I have friends and relatives who are American. I just don't like the foreign policies of their government.
WWII - Europe. Canada joined the war early to help Britain and the rest of Europe fight Hitler. The US joined toward the end only because they realized if Europe and Canada fell, they would be next on the list.
Japan - post WWII. US pours millions of dollars into rebuilding Japan. Why? Guess where Japan is? Yeah, next to Russia, China, North Korea, etc. What better place to have military bases. What better ally to have - a disgraced and battered nation. American foreign aid has its price. When did the US pull out their troops from Japan? Oh yeah, they were there to keep peace and insure the people there were kept in line.
Why are the US so interested in Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc?
This thread started out as a call for aid to those affected by the tragedy, but has turned into something more. Dialog on any topic is always good - as long as it stays constructive.
It's tough for anyone to face criticism about their country. Nobody should have to apologize for being what they are.
I am no expert in foreign policy. I just know that it is very complicated and the US have a history of being masters at it. It's all about them.
Are more dead Americans going to bring back those killed in 9/11? Remember Vietnam and North Korea - is Iraq goign to end up being the same?
One thing is for sure, America IS a great country and they have, for good or for bad, shaped this world into what it is today. What was it someone said not long ago.....From great power comes great responsibility.
My two bits........ get rid of Bush and bring into power someone who will bring honour and respect back to a great nation. A nation Canada would be proud to be a neighbour of.
[ December 31, 2004, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: mugen1 ]
12-31-2004, 07:01 PM
#28
2000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,142
U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid Tenfold to $350M
Oh but we're being cheap again. We should probably give way more!
Oh but we're being cheap again. We should probably give way more!
12-31-2004, 07:41 PM
#30
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,120
^^^It's amazing how motivating embarassment can be...^^^
It's a start at least, I encourage everyone here, even if it's small donation, to contact your local Red Cross and donate, be a part of reaching out to these people who need our support in a timely fashion. Thank you.
It's a start at least, I encourage everyone here, even if it's small donation, to contact your local Red Cross and donate, be a part of reaching out to these people who need our support in a timely fashion. Thank you.
