Is America that Bad

[Twitchy]

Does anyone else think America is bad or just a pain. I for one am an American and I actually like it here because there is never a dull moment. Plus living here is great, nice, and relaxing. Even though I dont always agree with the government I still Like it.

[Rowan11088]

Well you can't really generalize. Your life has more in common with someone from another country who is in the same socioeconomic class as you than a fellow countryman who isn't. At least, if we're talking about 1st world countries. Your personal experience here may have no relevance to those who criticize this country, because they're not generally looking at upper middle class (or whatever you may be) people's lifestyles.

[LordSaradain]

Is america that bad?

How do you define america?

[CrackerMonkey]

Never been there, but I kinda like it.
We've gotten so many cool things from the states. Like... ermm... McDonalds?!?!?
While I don't agree on many issues (including the 2nd Iraq War) America is my countrys security. We just push the "NATO-button" and we'll have american GIs here within 3 days or less.
The lack of gun control and the death penalty is wrong IMO, but I don't hate the US for that. They need it I guess, since their crimerates are through the roof for reasons unknown.

[the_mango55]

Never been there, but I kinda like it.
We've gotten so many cool things from the states. Like... ermm... McDonalds?!?!?
While I don't agree on many issues (including the 2nd Iraq War) America is my countrys security. We just push the "NATO-button" and we'll have american GIs here within 3 days or less.
The lack of gun control and the death penalty is wrong IMO, but I don't hate the US for that. They need it I guess, since their crimerates are through the roof for reasons unknown.

If McDonalds is the only American fast food place that your country has, I feel sorry for you. McDonalds has to be the worst place to eat ever. Even ammong other fast food chains McDonalds is crappy.

I would like to appologise on behalf of all Americans for sending a fast food chain like Mcdonalds, and not one like Bojangle's or Arby's, to other countries.

[CrackerMonkey]

If McDonalds is the only American fast food place that your country has, I feel sorry for you. McDonalds has to be the worst place to eat ever. Even ammong other fast food chains McDonalds is crappy.

I would like to appologise on behalf of all Americans for sending a fast food chain like Mcdonalds, and not one like Bojangle's or Arby's, to other countries.

Heh, I was only joking!
We have burger king, pizza hut and kentucky fried chicken too!
Fridays is kinda good though.

[Legio XX Valeria Victrix]

If McDonalds is the only American fast food place that your country has, I feel sorry for you. McDonalds has to be the worst place to eat ever. Even ammong other fast food chains McDonalds is crappy.

I would like to appologise on behalf of all Americans for sending a fast food chain like Mcdonalds, and not one like Bojangle's or Arby's, to other countries.

Amen. Arby's rocks.

America is not that bad, if that's the question in the thread. I love America. I hate our government (people, not the ideals or political system), but the country itself, as far as the land goes, is the most majestic and beautiful of anyplace I have ever been. Sure, some people are douchebags, but you find that in every country. I think for the most part America is just like any other nation out there, we just get scrutinized more than any other because of our world status.

[Scar Face]

If McDonalds is the only American fast food place that your country has, I feel sorry for you. McDonalds has to be the worst place to eat ever. Even ammong other fast food chains McDonalds is crappy.

I would like to appologise on behalf of all Americans for sending a fast food chain like Mcdonalds, and not one like Bojangle's or Arby's, to other countries.

Apology accepted. Howver arby's has opened up in SOME city's in canada. Very expenisve (for fast food) worth it though. What is Bojangles? Oh the guy that mango quoated are you canadain kinda sounds like it. Just wondering. Oh btw I know what A first class contry is (western) and a 3rd world (africa mostly) but what's a 2nd class? Isreal? Turkey or are they first class? Russia mabey? Or is this just one of those things where there isn't that in between cuz it's a werid saying

[John I Tzimisces]

Apology accepted. Howver arby's has opened up in SOME city's in canada. Very expenisve (for fast food) worth it though. What is Bojangles? Oh the guy that mango quoated are you canadain kinda sounds like it. Just wondering. Oh btw I know what A first class contry is (western) and a 3rd world (africa mostly) but what's a 2nd class? Isreal? Turkey or are they first class? Russia mabey? Or is this just one of those things where there isn't that in between cuz it's a werid saying

Indeed. Quid bojangles est? I live in the US and I've never heard of it...all's i know is McDonalds, BK, KFC, DQ, Wendy's (actually the worst for you I've heard), whitecastle...but heck, what do I know, I prefer to eat at those mom and pop pizza places. Best thing ever.

[the_mango55]

Apology accepted. Howver arby's has opened up in SOME city's in canada. Very expenisve (for fast food) worth it though. What is Bojangles? Oh the guy that mango quoated are you canadain kinda sounds like it. Just wondering. Oh btw I know what A first class contry is (western) and a 3rd world (africa mostly) but what's a 2nd class? Isreal? Turkey or are they first class? Russia mabey? Or is this just one of those things where there isn't that in between cuz it's a werid saying

Bojangles is southern food, fried chicken, breakfast all day, etc. It is mainly only in the North and South Carolina, maybe a little bit in Georgia. And I think that the "worlds" came about during the cold war, first world being western democracies, second world refered to Soviet nations, and third refers to poorer countries that are neither, and are being battled over by the larger powers. The second world is gone now, but the term third world stuck.

And Hardee's make by far the best fast food burgers. but they are kind of expensive, and really bad for you. people out west know Hardee's as Carl's Jr.

[SovietDoom]

They need it I guess, since their crimerates are through the roof for reasons unknown.

And they have gone down by over 50% since the mid-90s.

However, that is quite possible because of abortion. Read the book "Freakonomics" by Steven D Levitt.

[Haytham]

Ain't bad it's just simple

[DrakKassleron]

Is America that Bad?

To many people in the rest of the world, yes it is. That doesn't mean it is actually a bad country.

However, when you compare it with Europe, it is backward, sorry. Gun control laws are pathetically stupid and barbaric, some of the justice laws themselves seem to belong more in a theocracy than a democracy, particularly the Death Penalty, which is not a civilised thing and should not really exist in the west at all, and the American obsession with profit and money is greedy and immoral.

The country itself seems so absurdly religious, that many people in Europe see the american people as being more respecting of religious dictatorial laws and christian laws than of democratic laws. The fact that the U.S. was one of the first democracies doesn't excuse this backward way of thinking. Lots of Americans that are conservative are very religious, unlike in Europe, where conservatism, as bad as it is, is not so frequently based on such absurdly stupid things as "family values", or "respecting authority". These are conservative christian laws which only exist in the United States. And the strange thing is, the whole outlook on religion in general is different. It is far less secular. Which, despite all of the neo-conservative propaganda and lies, actually makes the U.S. not only seem less democratic, but it actually is less democratic.

While freedom of speech is a fundamental human right in the United States, and this is something to be admired in some ways, this is in itself constricted by patriotism, religious neo-conservatism, and capitalism. These three things make the U.S. a lot less democratic.

As a whole, the political system is in itself less like a real democracy, and more like a republic. But then again, the U.S. is a republic, so this is nothing to be ashamed of, right?

Wrong.

The system is far too much like the Roman Republic. When a politician is elected President, he can rule with a great deal of power - far more than any Prime Minister in Europe - for four years. The only things that prevent him from actually becoming a dictator is the senate and the constitution. The very fact that he gets his own national house, the White House, all to himself for four years, is proof that anyone who can become president is a very powerful man in the United States.

This political system means that the U.S. is, in actuality, a democratic republic, rather than a true democracy. The same could be said of the UK or France - in fact, France actually calls itself a Republic. However, there is one fundamental difference.

This difference is that the French president has less power to make laws than the American president. There is a prime minister as well as a president in France. America, however, has only a president. There are still two parties that can fight against and use propaganda against one another, there is still a senate, and there is still a constitution. This doesn't take away from the fact that a U.S. president has far more actual power than any president or prime minister in Europe, and not only over U.S. foreign policy.

Finally, the very immoral, and quite disgusting thing, is the absurdly stupid religious neo-conservative propaganda, which has no respect for democracy at all, only for religion, authority, and lies.

I have made my point.

Never been there, but I kinda like it.
We've gotten so many cool things from the states. Like... ermm... McDonalds?!?!?

I hope that was a joke. If you think McDonalds is "cool" then you have very little understanding of food quality.

McDonalds is the most despicable, imperialistic, disgusting, capitalistic food company in the history of humanity. It has poisoned the minds of millions of people in Europe and the world who are being decieved by greedy, despicable imperialist dirtbag corporations. It has poisoned the bodies of many formerly healthy people who will now die of heart disease when they are only in their 60's because of despicable greedy corporate businessmen, who care only about their disgusting profits.

I hate McDonalds and it should be wiped off the face of the earth, never to poison the bodies or the minds of potentially honourable men ever again.

[1{H][NA]

ill admit the mcgriddle is pretty good, i am eating one right now.

yes our president (and is admin) may be a jackass, but overall, living in the US is a pretty sweet deal. its not very crowded, our food comes in massive portions, anything you want or need is right around the corner, and theres plenty of diversity where i live(i live on the west coast), and we are not all religous fanatical gun toting right wingers the media makes us out to be. its a shame the world media is so quick to point out the US's negatives while neglecting all the good it has done.

They need it I guess, since their crimerates are through the roof for reasons unknown

crime is actually at an all time low.

[CrackerMonkey]

I hope that was a joke. If you think McDonalds is "cool" then you have very little understanding of food quality.

McDonalds is the most despicable, imperialistic, disgusting, capitalistic food company in the history of humanity. It has poisoned the minds of millions of people in Europe and the world who are being decieved by greedy, despicable imperialist dirtbag corporations. It has poisoned the bodies of many formerly healthy people who will now die of heart disease when they are only in their 60's because of despicable greedy corporate businessmen, who care only about their disgusting profits.

I hate McDonalds and it should be wiped off the face of the earth, never to poison the bodies or the minds of potentially honourable men ever again.

Relax, man!
Only joking...

EDIT:

[NA]crime is actually at an all time low.

Yeah right!

[Ó Cathasaigh]

Is America that Bad?

To many people in the rest of the world, yes it is. That doesn't mean it is actually a bad country.

However, when you compare it with Europe, it is backward, sorry.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I read the first few Paragraphs...then thought to myself. "Meh, I've heard this crap before," then I read some of your McDonald's comments and it made it official. You sir are a loon.

[danzig]

No we arent 'bad' we are simply everyones favorite target now a days because we are the only superpower. Its popular to be antiamerican but people are antiamerican as they consume american consumer/service products whether its music, movies or yes even McDonalds. Think of it this way if we truly were as bad as some people believe then you people who believe that wouldnt be posting here, you'd be in a reeducation program located in the European Colonies.

[SpartanCaesar]

Is America that Bad?

To many people in the rest of the world, yes it is. That doesn't mean it is actually a bad country.

However, when you compare it with Europe, it is backward, sorry. Gun control laws are pathetically stupid and barbaric,

How so? What is wrong with allowing the people to arm themselves? Prevents dictatorship, that's what I say. Not that I own a gun, mind you, nor am I one of those stereotypical gun nuts. I just feel that All weapons in control of govt + no weapons avaiable to people = bad news.

Of course, you like dictatorship. "Dictatorship of the proletariat", I believe it's called? Right...

some of the justice laws themselves seem to belong more in a theocracy than a democracy, particularly the Death Penalty, which is not a civilised thing and should not really exist in the west at all,

Really? And what shall we do with the Ted Bundys and the Timothy McVeighs of the world? Let these ba*ds walk the streets? I personally feel that the death penalty should be used less than it is now, but to do away with it? I'm sorry, but I want Ted Bundy/Timothy McVeigh dead.

and the American obsession with profit and money is greedy and immoral.

The American dream is to get rich. Get over it. It's something ingrained in us even before we were even an idea, what with all them "Come ye to the Americas, good lande, much profite!" pamphlets in England, et al.

Now, if you think it's immoral, then that's your problem. But I'm sure that once you graduate you'll be singing a different tune. (Because then Mommy and Daddy no longer provide for you. Then it becomes a necessity to have lotsa money)

The country itself seems so absurdly religious, that many people in Europe see the american people as being more respecting of religious dictatorial laws and christian laws than of democratic laws.

Ah, yes, these people who claim these things are clearly unbiased individuals, right?

Tell me, Drak, what is "too religous"? What is an acceptable amount of religion? Can there be too little religion?

The fact that the U.S. was one of the first democracies doesn't excuse this backward way of thinking.

We're the world's only superpower. I think we're entitled to do whatever we damn-well please. (Within reason of course. We being the light of the world when it comes to democracy, we should keep a certain moral high ground, yes?)

Lots of Americans that are conservative are very religious, unlike in Europe, where conservatism, as bad as it is, is not so frequently based on such absurdly stupid things as "family values", or "respecting authority".

So authority shouldn't be respected? So family is something that shouldn't be protected? (Alliteration!... I think...) All I'm saying is, is that if you take away the slightly more religous nutjobs from America's conservative pool (Like them fellers who wanted to put the stickers on North Carolina textbooks....) European conservatism begins to look a lot more similar to American conservatism.

These are conservative christian laws which only exist in the United States.

Respect of authority (Authority which is just, mind you,) is a value that any society must have in order to function. Unless you want to go back to tribalism..?

And the strange thing is, the whole outlook on religion in general is different. It is far less secular.

This doesn't make any sense to me, Drak. Religion and secularism are polar opposites. Religion can not have a degree of secularity...

Which, despite all of the neo-conservative propaganda and lies, actually makes the U.S. not only seem less democratic, but it actually is less democratic.

...What..? This makes absolutely no sense. Why would the allowing of people to practice religion, even the religous nutjobs, make us less democratic. I have the feeling I have lost your train of thought....

While freedom of speech is a fundamental human right in the United States, and this is something to be admired in some ways,

Your welcome!

this is in itself constricted by patriotism,

Now, our little 200 year old nation has made some big waves. I think this is something to take pride in, no?

religious neo-conservatism,

...Mmkay...Whatever...

and capitalism.

Now, capitalism has worked for about... all of human history. If it ain't broke, don't go fixing it...

These three things make the U.S. a lot less democratic.

MAtter of opinion, not fact.

As a whole, the political system is in itself less like a real democracy, and more like a republic.

What's wrong with this..?

But then again, the U.S. is a republic, so this is nothing to be ashamed of, right?

YOU ARE CORRECT, SIR!

Wrong.

Now where did this nonsense come from?

The system is far too much like the Roman Republic.

Except that whole, you know, Constitution, Checks and balances, etc. But you conveniently forget about those when making this analogy, right?

When a politician is elected President, he can rule with a great deal of power - far more than any Prime Minister in Europe - for four years.

So how long should one rule? And I don't really see how he could become dictator, what with the Senatorial impeachments, the Supreme Court's protecting the Constitution, and the media breathing down his neck, like, always...

And if you'e thinking military coup, think again. The US Military is loyal not to the man holding the office of president, but the office itself. If any grizzled old Army general sees a man defiling thre highest office in the nation, I think he'd launch a little military coup of his own...

The only things that prevent him from actually becoming a dictator is the senate and the constitution.

And those have worked for 200 years. Do we need anything else?

The very fact that he gets his own national house, the White House, all to himself for four years, is proof that anyone who can become president is a very powerful man in the United States.

No ****, Sherlock. Should the head of state not be powerful? The man needs to, along with the Senate et al, administer the entire nation. That's a naturally powerful position....

This political system means that the U.S. is, in actuality, a democratic republic, rather than a true democracy.

How long did it take you to figure that one out?

The same could be said of the UK or France - in fact, France actually calls itself a Republic. However, there is one fundamental difference.

This difference is that the French president has less power to make laws than the American president. There is a prime minister as well as a president in France. America, however, has only a president. There are still two parties that can fight against and use propaganda against one another, there is still a senate, and there is still a constitution. This doesn't take away from the fact that a U.S. president has far more actual power than any president or prime minister in Europe, and not only over U.S. foreign policy.

Okay... So why is France better than America? Because it has both a Prime Minister AND A Prez? N0 W4YZ0rz!11111! 7h@ iz t3h c00lz!!1111! Please. Two heads of state is just arbitrary, not superior....

Finally, the very immoral, and quite disgusting thing, is the absurdly stupid religious neo-conservative propaganda, which has no respect for democracy at all, only for religion, authority, and lies.

A democracy (and republic) would allow people to voice their opinions. From HArdline Commies, to Neo-Cons. (j00 h4v3 b33n pwn3d!111!!!!11)

I have made my point.

Where did it go? I can't see it!!!!!

I hope that was a joke. If you think McDonalds is "cool" then you have very little understanding of food quality.

Matter of opinion, not fact! Facts win arguments, opinions make you look whiney, at least, in a debate.

McDonalds is the most despicable, imperialistic, disgusting, capitalistic food company in the history of humanity.

Opinion, not fact. And besides, all businesses in the west (besides a few nationalized industries) are capitalistic. But you certainly have no problem eating food bought from capitalist businesses, do you?

It has poisoned the minds of millions of people in Europe and the world who are being decieved by greedy, despicable imperialist dirtbag corporations.

Yes, it has poisoned people's minds through the use of such evil symbols as Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar, and two golden arches!!!!!!O NOES!!!1111!!

It has poisoned the bodies of many formerly healthy people who will now die of heart disease when they are only in their 60's because of despicable greedy corporate businessmen, who care only about their disgusting profits.

I've two counterpoints here.

1. If the food's makin' 'em fat, they must stop eating it and/or exercise regularly. It's their problem, not the company's.

2. Everybody's in biz to make the green stuff. Even MOm and POp at that little Mom and Pop antique store. Get used to it.

I hate McDonalds and it should be wiped off the face of the earth, never to poison the bodies or the minds of potentially honourable men ever again.

Hmm. Well I can't say I've ever seen somebody hate an eating establishment so much.

[Nerwen Carnesîr]

Is America that Bad?
Gun control laws are pathetically stupid and barbaric,

This is another area we disagree on, Drak. If I ain't packin' heat 24/7, then I might as well not live. Guns are one of my greatest loves.

I love guns.

[eurolord]

Hi,

I'm English and have nothing at all against the US. Indeed, I have worked with their armed forces in many countries, including the middle east.

Sadly, too many people only see the US through the media so it is obvious they are going to get a biased view of the US.

It would do some of the people on this forum, and indeed other forums, a lot of good to visit the US. Perhaps the braver ones might even risk leaving their PC for a while and visit the middle east, Iran or even Iraq prior to Gulf War 2.

Perhaps then, they might have a better picture of the truth rather than just the progaganda.

Eurolord