America: Great or Evil?

Non-Phish General
#41

Here’s what many people in other countries and GoldenRoad need to be reminded of:

AMERICA AND ITS GOVERNMENT ARE NOT ONE AND THE SAME!!!

People see the action of our government and hate Americans. Goldy, you should know from many of the posts here that many of us do NOT like the actions of the US government or what many of our policies are. I personally try to ignore the government completely and if I could get away with it I wouldn’t pay those scumbags one cent of taxes and would instead only support local functions like police, schools and whatnot through local taxes since those actually have a legitimate affect to me and my life.

We do NOT have control over our government. Seriously, we can’t change our horrible system of elections and we have no control over the people we elect once they’re in office. Our government is horribly flawed and horribly misdirected.

But PLEASE remember…America is not JUST the government. America is filled with wonderful people, many of whom care for others, are not arrogant about our country and are very caring for each other. We may not be the most world-conscious but then why should we be? Just as it’s not our job to police the world, it’s not our job to bail them out or give them support either. Many people like me just want to live our lives, go to our jobs and have fun…and THAT is what America is about. It’s about enjoying our lives and being good to each other.

This crap about health care, the war, and whatever else…that has nothing to do with the everyday American…as much as people like to claim we do, we do NOT have control over any of that. However we can control how we treat each other in public and in our every day lives.

And for that, I think we’re okay, yes?

Stevo

#42

^ I thought I made it clear that I was just talking about their Government. I have nothing against any humans per se. I would question the motives of those who choose to run for public office, but it does not mean that I think they are any less of people either. The Government is what I’ve been talking about, not any individual. By America : Great or Evil? I thought we were implying the American Government.

But I think that fact that me and goldphish can still throw down Caddyshack style proves that.

#43

Okay…my mistake. I didn’t read every post between you two so I might have missed that.

But yeah…for me, I thought this poll was about America in general. When I think of America, I don’t think of the government. I’ve always had a philosophy to not worry about things I have no control over. Since I have no control over our government, I don’t worry about it. It does things, I deal with it and I move on. No biggie.

Stevo

#44

Hey, I think we have a greater than average share of assholes in this country. Afterall, if you’re a greedy sonofabitch where are you going to get the most for your efforts? Capitalism is designed for the avaricious personality, the highly motivated greed mongers who populate the world.

And these creeps exist and thrive here at all economic and racial categories, the stronger, wealthier ones having more initial power from which to grab more. I keep thinking of the line from Citizen Kane when Bernstein tells the interviewer that it’s not hard to make a lot of money, if that’s ALL you want to do is to make a lot of money.

And unfortunately, I think this country does have it’s lion share of unthinking, unfeeling capitalists. But these folks just don’t exist here. They populate most countries in spite of the system of government, even those deemed as socialist.

So I actually believe the tide will turn as we turn this crap onto a “world economy”. The resonating money creeps will start popping up all over the place, especially in China as it mobilizes it’s capitalistic tendencies under the guise of communism. The money is just too much of a lure for even the most prinicpled of commies. There aren’t many among us who would prefer a poorly run filthy packed subway to a chaufeur driven limo anyday.

We do suck as a people. I think we’ve had our collective heads up our asses for a long time, missing many opportunities to simplify our wanton lifestyles and resource wasting ways. We have many admirable traits as well, but a little self deprecation and self examination of every step we take in life, is something incumbent upon all of us.

When an American attempts to walk bare foot on the rice paper, he generally shreds the damn thing in the first step.

#45

lol, nice.

I don’t have a huge problem with the US gov’t. I mean I expect there to be gray areas and problems and I will be the first to admit the freaking military is a HUGE wasteful money pit. I mean how much money is frivolously and corruptly spent… one could never count that high. I’m not kissing the gov’ts feet but for the most part the founding principles of our gov’t is a masterful piece of work. It’s the damn corrupt politicians that ruin it.

#46

I don’t want a debate either. I’m more interested in a sharing of ideas and facts. All the above mentioned actions I either don’t know or know little of. So if you could provide more info I would read up on it.

I’m interested if the bad outlook other nations have of the US are founded in reason and facts… not just “I hate the US! Bush Sucks!” propaganda crap. If all certain nations see of the US gov’t is a big air force base with women rapers then I can see people getting pissed. Tho I’m sure there are many well run bases that probably provide some sort of incentive for the communities they occupy.

#47

YANKEE dollar talk
To the dictators of the world
In fact it’s giving orders
An’ they can’t afford to miss a word

I’m so bored with the U…S…A…
But what can I do?

#48

I’m not a fan of the dichotomy here. I don’t want to be one of those ultra patriotic people who think America is the best thing ever in the entire world, but I also want to avoid being the other pole of the anarchist-hippy who thinks this country is damned. So I’d say I like America while recognizing its faults.

#49

Sure, I don’t want to seem like a wikipedia whore because it does have it’s downsides, but it’s great for brief outlines and providing links for further reading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Lai_massacre

[quote]
The Rettig Report, officially The National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation Report, is a report by a commission designated by then President Patricio Aylwin (from the Concertaci

#50

If people are going to harbor resentment against the US for something that happened 30-40 years ago then, well, fluffernutter.

The Abu Ghraib prison scandal was condemned by the gov’t no? If people are going to harbor resentment b/c the actions of some screwed up people then fluffernutter again.

Anyway I pretty much agree with Oscar Wilde even tho Bram Stoker stole his girlfriend. I mean the US is clearly not perfect… people are not perfect and some are just plain evil and horrible. I certainly believe at the core of any individual is a pure heart but so many are miles and miles away from that.

In general I think the US is a positive force in the world. Who knows, times can change. Hamas has endorsed Obama for president.*

*see signature for my reaction to this recent predictable development.

#51

A good reputation isn’t just built overnight, and it is even quicker to destroy. Whilst the events might have happened some years ago they are still within peoples lifetimes so obviously they will be part of what people form their opinions on, justifiably.
They were just a few examples of the reasons why America doesn’t have the pristine reputation that it might portray it has within its boarders and they influence other peoples opinions whether you think they should or not.
Like I first said, personally I think it’s 50/50. It would be just as ignorant to focus solely on the bad things the US has done as it would be to disregard them.