Eh, America's just in a recession.

So what? In case you haven't noticed, the entire point of capitalism is a cycle of "boom"s and "busts"s; aka, periods of massive growth and periods of moderate depression. It's been happening across the world for centuries now, so I don't see why everyone's going "OMGZ THE US ECONOMYZ NOT DOIN AMAZIN!!!!" It will recover, just as it has a million times before in all the Panics (economic recessions) we've had in the past.

As for our percieved image on the internation stage... oh well, I blame Bush (considering I agree with roughly 4% of his policies...). Yes, we try to play World Police too much, and Bush has blown the Atlantic Charter to hell now, but we do it with (mostly) good intentions.

Just to sum up: Afghanastan = GOOD, Iraq = BAD.

Chemical_flare:

Typical coming from someone in the most Capitalist crazy country in the world. I ask for standards of living, and I get GDP and an ego-stroking report as to just how great it's military is. Well, it'd have to be to buttfuck the amount of countries it has in past and present. Let's consider something a little less biased towards a successfully Capitalist entity, something foreign to it, happiness:
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=108&subsecID=900003&contentID=253543

'Happiest Countries:


Netherlands, Denmark, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland among wealthy countries;

Colombia and Ghana among developing countries.'

8 countries that are up there, and yet somehow, those countries don't receive the same kind of global, general dislike of the U.S. Ponder as to why, and if it's because it has a military that outspends everyone else combined, have a think as to whether that's a good thing.

As for your list of GDPs. An observation: China is 4th. A country ripe, ironically for a supposedly communist country, with the Capitalist divide of the rich vs. the very poor. A country that enacts grace injustices to it's people, that brainwashes militant nationalism to ensure the next generations believe the rhetoric that Taiwan and Tibet are rightfully theirs, and that the Japanese are nothing more than arseholes. Japan comes 2nd. The Japanese language actually has a word that distinctly means 'death by overworking'. It's nation's lifestyle is by no means laid back, and by no means healthy or conducive to an enjoyable life. United Kingdom, 5th. A country where more and more people seem to be beginning to leave due to the lifestyle being too work oriented.

Can I see this NEWSWEEK article? Perhaps the reason that 8 out of the 10 'top' universities are in the U.S. due to the various reason:

'In the United States at the end of 2001, 10% of the population owned 71% of the wealth, and the top 1% controlled 38%. On the other hand, the bottom 40% owned less than 1% of the nation's wealth.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distribution_of_wealth

Liberty and freedom for the rich. Those great universities you talk about only exist for the exceedingly wealthy, and not just inhabitants of the U.S.

These ideas are certainly painting a picture that money is not everything.

In anycase, I question that the U.S. is hated because, as you so claim, it's such a fucking great country. Take a look around, there are many other great countries that do not harbour such international discontent. My point is not that the U.S. is crap, by pure pragmaticism anyone can see it holds it's own. My point is that it's nothing unique, but your agenda to cock-stroke your country became evident quickly and has missed my point.

And you talk about Rome; sure, today, comparing it to other lands of it's day, it seems like a great place. I'm sure the countries it conquered, the countless slaves it required from those countries and traded as entertainment would have good cause not to like the Romans.

Wow, history really does get repetitive.

The US isn't unique, you're right. Neither is the UK, France, China, Japan, or any of the other nations on Earth. We all built off someone that came before us, after all, and we all still have a long way to go.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Chemical_flare:

Typical coming from someone in the most Capitalist crazy country in the world.

What's wrong with capitalism?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
I ask for standards of living, and I get GDP and an ego-stroking report as to just how great it's military is.

You did not ask for standards of living. Do I have to tell you what you posted now?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Well, it'd have to be to buttfuck the amount of countries it has in past and present.

Aww...the US isn't as nice as you would like it to be in your little fantasy world. Boo f*cking hoo. Get over it. People are not nice, the Romans were not nice, no empire in history has ever been nice. In fact, in comparison, the US is a damned Samaritan. So please, get off your whiny little soap box about the US' "evil" self (which is probably a few CIA supported government coups in some third world country in the 60's) and shut up unless you have a real argument, k?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Let's consider something a little less biased towards a successfully Capitalist entity, something foreign to it, happiness:

http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=108&subsecID=900003&contentID=253543

'Happiest Countries:

Netherlands, Denmark, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland among wealthy countries;

Colombia and Ghana among developing countries.'

I don't even see New Zealand on there. And what relevance does this have to how great a nation is??

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
8 countries that are up there, and yet somehow, those countries don't receive the same kind of global, general dislike of the U.S.

Those countries also don't have half the power of the US...

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Ponder as to why, and if it's because it has a military that outspends everyone else combined, have a think as to whether that's a good thing.

If your country can't project power, then you might as well bend down and take it from those who can...

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
As for your list of GDPs. An observation: China is 4th. A country ripe, ironically for a supposedly communist country, with the Capitalist divide of the rich vs. the very poor.

An observation: China is communist only in name. There is no real distribution of wealth. The average Chinamen makes 10% what the average American makes. They are merely catching up. And their total GDP is still 4x smaller then the US'...and with a nation that has 5x the people, do the math. People think China will overtake the US...good luck with that, they are completely destroying their environment. I think India is a more likely competitor to US supremacy.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Can I see this NEWSWEEK article? Perhaps the reason that 8 out of the 10 'top' universities are in the U.S. due to the various reason:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/135380/page/6

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
'In the United States at the end of 2001, 10% of the population owned 71% of the wealth, and the top 1% controlled 38%. On the other hand, the bottom 40% owned less than 1% of the nation's wealth.'

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

So what? Its a capitalist society, you make what you earn for yourself.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Liberty and freedom for the rich. Those great universities you talk about only exist for the exceedingly wealthy, and not just inhabitants of the U.S.

Absolute BULLSHIT. I have a few friends going to ivy league schools in those top 10, and they are anything BUT rich (one of them is on the gyc too). So please, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't include it in your post k?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
These ideas are certainly painting a picture that money is not everything.

Maybe in day care, but in the real world, money is the most powerful element in the world.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
In anycase, I question that the U.S. is hated because, as you so claim, it's such a fucking great country. Take a look around, there are many other great countries that do not harbour such international discontent.

Where did I say people hated the US because it is a "great country"...? I said people hate the US because it has reach and power that no other country on earth can compare to.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
My point is not that the U.S. is crap, by pure pragmaticism anyone can see it holds it's own. My point is that it's nothing unique, but your agenda to cock-stroke your country became evident quickly and has missed my point.

It is my opinion that the US is the world's best country, and it is your opinion that the US is not. It is a simple but pointless argument.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
And you talk about Rome; sure, today, comparing it to other lands of it's day, it seems like a great place. I'm sure the countries it conquered, the countless slaves it required from those countries and traded as entertainment would have good cause not to like the Romans.

Wow, history really does get repetitive.

Yes, I mean the US' invasion of foreign lands to claim as it's own and enslave the people happens all the time right...

For fuck's sake, chem.

'What's wrong with capitalism?'

Hmm, something about equality, something a capitalist ego stroke wouldn't understand.

'You did not ask for standards of living.'

No, you took that upon yourself I guess. American greatness to you corrolates to the American war machine and how many more countries you can go fuck.

'Aww...the US isn't as nice as you would like it to be in your little fantasy world. Boo f*cking hoo. Get over it. People are not nice, the Romans were not nice, no empire in history has ever been nice. In fact, in comparison, the US is a damned Samaritan. So please, get off your whiny little soap box about the US' "evil" self (which is probably a few CIA supported government coups in some third world country in the 60's) and shut up unless you have a real argument, k?'

You admit your country goes about fucking other countries up, and yet you see it as okay that they continue their invasive foreign policy. By the way, the U.S. is not an empire, so get off your cock-thrashing chair and don't be so shocked that people outside your precious 'Empire' get pissed off with it. Yes, compared to the major Empires of the past, China looks good, is that something to be proud about?

'I don't even see New Zealand on there. And what relevance does this have to how great a nation is??'

That's just it; you view greatness with guns and money for the rich, you don't think that there are other things. Other countries are a little more concerned about these things. Being the ugly American, yourself, you don't seem to understand that.

'Those countries also don't have half the power of the US...'

Egotistical cock-stroking American. You've got all the guns and so now the rest of the world can go fuck itself. You're number one. Do you see now why many people don't like the U.S.?

'Absolute BULLSHIT. I have a few friends going to ivy league schools in those top 10, and they are anything BUT rich (one of them is on the gyc too). So please, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't include it in your post k?'

Easy to say these things. I'm sure though in a capitalist country, some of the best schools would be occupied by the poor. Sure sure.

'http://www.newsweek.com/id/135380/page/6'

Hmm, a story from another U.S. ego-stroking book. It's sources unsited.

'An observation: China is communist only in name. There is no real distribution of wealth. The average Chinamen makes 10% what the average American makes. They are merely catching up. And their total GDP is still 4x smaller then the US'...and with a nation that has 5x the people, do the math. People think China will overtake the US...good luck with that, they are completely destroying their environment. I think India is a more likely competitor to US supremacy.'

Better invade it now then, before it becomes a threat.

'Maybe in day care, but in the real world, money is the most powerful element in the world.'

Again, only to a capitalist.

You had a chance to defend your country, and you proved yourself to be the ugly American most despise. You picture your country as some great empire that has some kind of God-given right to fuck up every other small country.

And then your country becomes shocked when acts of terrorism are committed on it's citizens.

'Yes, I mean the US' invasion of foreign lands to claim as it's own and enslave the people happens all the time right...'

Perhaps, if you count the excessive amounts of troops in foreign lands, the economic rape of poorer countries it commits daily, all with the ill-conceived justification that Capitalism calls for it. Your country has brought on all it's hate, and as far as countries to live in, it is not even the best. Just a small man with a big gun.

QUOTE:
Maybe in day care, but in the real world, money is the most powerful element in the world.

QUOTE:
Again, only to a capitalist.

You had a chance to defend your country, and you proved yourself to be the ugly American most despise. You picture your country as some great empire that has some kind of God-given right to fuck up every other small country.

And then your country becomes shocked when acts of terrorism are committed on it's citizens.

He's right. I mean without money, what the hell would you do? Sit there until you rot yourself inside out?

And who said everyone despised Americans? In a lot of countries, being an American is like being a hero in some sense. I remember when I called my family in India and they told me they rave for Americans. It's like every time they see one walk on the street, they'd run up to them and beg for them to come to their houses.

But that's not my whole point.

I know that you, Bravo, are biased in a lot of ways. It's just who you are and I doubt that would change. But I would have to ask YOU a question personally....What has America done to YOU that makes you loathe it so much?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Hmm, something about equality, something a capitalist ego stroke wouldn't understand.

You're saying capitalism isn't fair, isn't about equality? Why should I ever work hard to support others? Asides from the bare necessities in life, I don't see why people who DON'T go to college and DON'T bust their asses in school should get the hard earned money of those who do.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
No, you took that upon yourself I guess.

What are you talking about? You say "I ask for standards of living,". But you didn't. So please, at least try and remember the point of your posts OK?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
American greatness to you corrolates to the American war machine and how many more countries you can go fuck.

No. It correlates to the fact that America is one of the most successful countries in history. America is a great nation. Not to say there aren't nations just as good as the US, but as of the moment the US has an edge.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
You admit your country goes about fucking other countries up, and yet you see it as okay that they continue their invasive foreign policy. By the way, the U.S. is not an empire, so get off your cock-thrashing chair and don't be so shocked that people outside your precious 'Empire' get pissed off with it. Yes, compared to the major Empires of the past, China looks good, is that something to be proud about?

Call it what you want, Empire, Hyperpower, Superpower, Great Satan...whatever. It is the most powerful country in the world at the moment, and asserts more economic and military control over the world then any country has ever done.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
That's just it; you view greatness with guns and money for the rich, you don't think that there are other things.

The average American makes over $40,000 a year. Most Americans live comfortably.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Other countries are a little more concerned about these things. Being the ugly American, yourself, you don't seem to understand that.

I'm the ugly American? I don't even see your picture...go f**k some sheep.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Egotistical cock-stroking American.

Enough of the name throwing please? I have used facts and my opinion, there is no need to resort to petty name calling...

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
You've got all the guns and so now the rest of the world can go fuck itself. You're number one. Do you see now why many people don't like the U.S.?

Yes, American arrogance may have a thing to do with it. But it is not as if Americans are the only arrogant people in the world...

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Easy to say these things. I'm sure though in a capitalist country, some of the best schools would be occupied by the poor. Sure sure.

I won't even argue with you on this point. Seriously. You are so absolutely uninformed I don't even care to show you how dumb that remark is.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
'http://www.newsweek.com/id/135380/page/6'

Hmm, a story from another U.S. ego-stroking book. It's sources unsited.

Newsweek is a magazine actually. And it is far from US ego stroking...look at the title of the article for starters...

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Better invade it now then, before it becomes a threat.

Read a book called SARCASM FOR DUMMIES it will surely help you come up with better shit then that!

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Again, only to a capitalist.

I don't know how you operate, but you can't buy a fully loaded F-15e strike aircraft with 1,000,000 SHEEP. It takes MONEY...I don't care what Dr. Seuss book you read today, an F-15e will always have more power then a bunch of hippies smoking weed k?

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
You had a chance to defend your country, and you proved yourself to be the ugly American most despise.

I really couldn't care less what you, or others think about this country...it is typical of arrogant foreigners to think they are better then Americans.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
You picture your country as some great empire that has some kind of God-given right to fuck up every other small country.

1. I don't believe in god.
2. Americans have given more to charity organizations then any other country in the WORLD, even more then the combined total of the EU. so please, if you want to talk about "fucking other countries up", please, bring it ON.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
And then your country becomes shocked when acts of terrorism are committed on it's citizens.

I'm sure if a suicide bomber killed 3,000 sheep in a single go you would be in tears too!

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Perhaps, if you count the excessive amounts of troops in foreign lands, the economic rape of poorer countries it commits daily, all with the ill-conceived justification that Capitalism calls for it.

The European Union is just as bad at fucking other countries...after all, look at the last half millennium.

BravoLima wrote:

QUOTE:
Your country has brought on all it's hate, and as far as countries to live in, it is not even the best. Just a small man with a big gun.

Its not the best? Best is an arbitrary term in this case, so please, quit stating the obvious...<br /><br />Post edited by: chemical_flare, at: 2008/05/23 04:12

Thin ice.... you know who I'm talking to....

Well in Sweden at least the public has an overly negative opinion on America. Like yesterday a newspaper called the US recession "The collapse of the global economy" and so on...so no wonder people criticize anything related to America and it's almost as if you remotely do like America and its people, you're heavily criticized like me...no one is looking up to America anymore

chemical_flare:

you are right about why the world hates america, but wrong about the effects of your american outreach.Your 'outreach' consists of meddling in other peoples affairs, exploiting about 80% of the worlds population, and pushing incredibly unfair trade deals on poorer nations.

in terms of who is better educated, i could argue very well that Cubans are far more educated than the average American , seeing as education there is completely free.

Second of all, no capitalism isn't fair. Have you ever considered for a moment that some people are marginalized in your country and within the capitalist system for many reasons including racism, transphobia, and sexism? Not to mention that your countries 'greatness' could never have been acheived without slavery. Your entire nation is built upon the backs of millions of black people from whom you drew extensive manpower and labour. And most poor people in your country work harder than you ever will, they balance three jobs, work in occupations that keep your country alive, and provide you with a cheap pool of labour. The top 1% of your country owns more money than the bottom 90%, that is how wide your class gap has become. And I can tell you, these super-rich individuals did not earn their money from working hard; they did it by exploiting Vietnamese children to make their clothes, busting unions at Walmart, and killing labour leaders in Colombia.

Your foreign policy is tainted with blood, and I agree with BravoLima that terrorist attacks on the US (while abismal and completely disgusting) do not exist within a vaccum; they are retaliatory. Your country flip-flops on everything...you may be surprised to know that your country joined forces with Iran (yes, IRAN) to oppose a UN bill put forth by Brazil banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender-identity; it also called for the establishment of a UN special authority on LGBTQI rights. Your country turned down an opportunity to protect people like you and I in this world.

I want you to go to a third world country, and look at what the amazing capitalism has done to the rest of the world. Better yet, go visit a first nations community, get a view of the third world in your own back yard. Look at entire populations who no longer have a country to call their own, with no support from a government that stole their identity, their land and wiped out 90% of their ancestors; then provides literally no social support for them, and tell me your capitalist bastion is so great.

By the way, dont argue with me through wikipedia; an educated person would know that in university, high school and college (and life in general) an information website that can be edited by anyone is not a reliable source of information.