Quoting:


No, afraid not.  It's a matter of perspective.  I could've said it's the only country where the "poor" people have cable or automobiles.  It's a shame--and, yes, it makes me sick--that the great opportunities in this country are often wasted by people who have always been told that the world owes them something.  Every parent learns that's a disastrous message to send your kid.  It's lousy parenting, and it's lousy government.  The bottom line is, whoever has the least is going to be considered "poor" no matter how well they're taken care of.  People don't starve here.  Plenty of people make unhealthy choices, but that's not exclusive to the lowest income bracket by any means.  I'm proof of that.
End Quote

Well, I'm not sure who is wasting opportunities.  IBM just layed off 500 people in Vermont and more in other states.  Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost over the last few years.  The food shelf in Rutland VT can't keep up with the demand.  Even in my little twon of 2500 or so, THERE IS HUNGER.  People, old and young, don't have enough to eat, and rely on charity to "keep the wolf at bay".  Schools are failing to educate too many kids (despite "No Child Left Untested").  

Sure, everyone makes bad choices at some point, but I think it is a hugh mistake to blame the victim.  Like blaming the slaves for slavery.

Quoting:


Hot dogs aren't American though I guess you have made eating them an art form !
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Blasphemy!!!!!!

The Hot Dog was invented by Oscar Meyer... :P ;D

Quoting:


Surely people thought of putting apples in pies before America came about ;)
End Quote

Oh, yeah, sure....

Like who? The Dutch?? Who ever heard of Dutch apple pie!!

Oh, wait...

Quoting:
and yet manages to stay so humble.
End Quote

What's wrong with pride for your country?? I LOVE America and would never live anywhere else. America is the Only country that has 2+ Mountain ranges, deep canyons, Deserts, Tropics, Swamps, Praries, Tundras, Vast Woodlands, etc. We have aboslutley everything. We have vast amounts of wildlife, trees, and plants of all kinds. In Alabama they even have some Asian plants. We have the largest and best selection of food in the world! We have technology galore! The only other countries that are even close to America's greatness are : England, Japan, and Australia!
( I say australia especialy, due to the fact they are young like us, and are producing some great movies!!)
( Japan, because of thier High Economy, and Technolgy, and thier personal spreading of thier culture, like America has spreaded thiers)
(and England, because they started our Country up and contributed our National language, as well as giving rich traditions)

Speaking of traditions, America has the BEST! We have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, The 4th of July, New Years, St. Patrick's Day, and of course the best Holiday by far, Christmas. It should also be noted that with the exception of Halloween, Christmas is the Holiday with the richest and largest amount of Traditions. Not to metion the great music!

Nope Nothing better and.....


AMERICA IS THE BEST!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoting:
2+ Mountain ranges
End Quote

Wow 2 mountain ranges, as apposed to Canada's 10000 or so.

Oh and almost every country celebrates those holidays in some way or form.

Quoting:


What's wrong with pride for your country??

Speaking of traditions, America has the BEST! We have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, The 4th of July, New Years, St. Patrick's Day, and of course the best Holiday by far, Christmas. It should also be noted that with the exception of Halloween, Christmas is the Holiday with the richest and largest amount of Traditions. Not to metion the great music!

End Quote

There's nothing wrong at all with having pride in your country. It's good to face the fact it may possibly have a few faults too though.

As to your traditional holiday list, I think a couple of those may have just originated elsewhere...

Quoting:
and yet manages to stay so humble.
End Quote

;D

Quoting:
AMERICA
RULES     !!!

I agree :D


End Quote

Quoting:


Possums? I could have sworn we had those in Australia...if not I have some other creature running across my roof at night.

You're right about the humour though...you spell it wrong  ;)
End Quote

Uhhh, are you sure they're not kangaroos? Or maybe bison? Or......they could be gigantic spiders... ;D ;D

http://home.neo.rr.com/gamblefish/spidy.gif

Quoting:


Uhhh, are you sure they're not kangaroos? Or maybe bison? Or......they could be gigantic spiders... ;D ;D

http://home.neo.rr.com/gamblefish/spidy.gif
End Quote

Couldn't possibly be bison...they're only in America...

as to the spider comment....I'll get you my pretty!

Quoting:


Well, I'm not sure who is wasting opportunities.  IBM just layed off 500 people in Vermont and more in other states.  Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost over the last few years.  The food shelf in Rutland VT can't keep up with the demand.  Even in my little twon of 2500 or so, THERE IS HUNGER.  People, old and young, don't have enough to eat, and rely on charity to "keep the wolf at bay".  Schools are failing to educate too many kids (despite "No Child Left Untested").  

Sure, everyone makes bad choices at some point, but I think it is a hugh mistake to blame the victim.  Like blaming the slaves for slavery.
End Quote

People have always come to America from all over the world --millions of  ‘em--for the opportunities created by economic freedom (AKA capitalism).  Sometimes it's difficult to feel sympathy for anyone who makes a choice to remain unemployed in the wealthiest nation in the history of the world.  Anyone who really wants a job--I mean REALLY wants a job--can find one, and everybody knows it.  Maybe not a lucrative, glamorous job with all the union goodies, but food service was good enough for me for fifteen years and believe me, every place I worked was always looking for help.  And I’m sorry, but the first problem the disadvantaged have is the cycle of poor parenting that allows them to grow up with no work ethic, and the second problem is the people who do them no favors by telling them they don’t need one.  

Quoting:


What's wrong with pride for your country?? I LOVE America and would never live anywhere else. America is the Only country that has 2+ Mountain ranges, deep canyons, Deserts, Tropics, Swamps, Praries, Tundras, Vast Woodlands, etc. We have aboslutley everything. We have vast amounts of wildlife, trees, and plants of all kinds. In Alabama they even have some Asian plants. We have the largest and best selection of food in the world! We have technology galore! The only other countries that are even close to America's greatness are : England, Japan, and Australia!
( I say australia especialy, due to the fact they are young like us, and are producing some great movies!!)
( Japan, because of thier High Economy, and Technolgy, and thier personal spreading of thier culture, like America has spreaded thiers)
(and England, because they started our Country up and contributed our National language, as well as giving rich traditions)

Speaking of traditions, America has the BEST! We have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, The 4th of July, New Years, St. Patrick's Day, and of course the best Holiday by far, Christmas. It should also be noted that with the exception of Halloween, Christmas is the Holiday with the richest and largest amount of Traditions. Not to metion the great music!

Nope Nothing better and.....


AMERICA IS THE BEST!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
End Quote

Sorry but America is not a country, it is a continent. And I don't know how you can say that Christmas is a holiday of the United States, Christmas is celebrated by millions world wide.

I'm not too sure whether or not Rock & Roll was invented in the States but I definately think that the British are the best when it comes to Rock & Roll.

Just my opinion.

Quoting:

There's nothing wrong with taking a little pride in your country.  I'm very proud to be an American, just as some of you are proud to be Australian, or British, or Canadian.  Every country has its good points (along with the bad) and we have lots to learn from each other, and just as much to give.
End Quote

That's beautiful man.

Quoting:
I think the Brits pretty much defined rock and roll and then it just developed from there.

I like the United States...I also like Canada.  But if it were up to me, I'd prefer to live in the United States but in a place where I could visit Eastern Canada every now and then :)

There's nothing wrong with taking a little pride in your country.  I'm very proud to be an American, just as some of you are proud to be Australian, or British, or Canadian.  Every country has its good points (along with the bad) and we have lots to learn from each other, and just as much to give.
End Quote

Now that's a REAL patriot.

Quoting:


Now that's a REAL patriot.
End Quote

One who loves his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests. --Bp. Hall.

PATRIOT noun
a person who loves their country and, if necessary, will fight for it.

These are Dictionary defininitions of the word Patriot.

This is what a true Patriot is.
I will put it plainly, no offense to anyone  :)

America is the #1 country in the world.

(Yes I said America, because even though, We live in North America, The U.S.A. is usually called America. That is why when people talk about Americans or America The Land of The Free, they mean U.S.A.)

America is the most powerful country. America is the nicest country as well. America is the most beautiful country in the world. Anytime America has a Draft, I will join. Because that is what patriotism is. Defending all that is America. Now, some other countries hate or dislike America because we went to war with Iraq. And the British want Tony Blair out of Office just because he helped America. I can't believe half of what other countries say about America. Just so you know we were originally a peaceful pacifist country. And if it wasn't for America all Europeans would of been under a Nazi Regime.
So, You European countries: Why do you hate America?? Why do you dislike us so, we have only ever helped you. France is horrible, But I never wanted to say this but, What is Your Problem Britain? What did we ever do to You?
I may have English blood in me, but when it comes to countries, my FULL alliegence goes to America. I would never be a Draft Dodger, that is cowardly and completely unpatriotic. I don't see how anyone could of protested the War in Iraq.

Also resinchaser said:

"Sorry but America is not a country, it is a continent. And I don't know how you can say that Christmas is a holiday of the United States, Christmas is celebrated by millions world wide.

I'm not too sure whether or not Rock & Roll was invented in the States but I definately think that the British are the best when it comes to Rock & Roll."

I have no Idea where you are from but your statements are way off. I never claimed those Holidays were only American. Although, Thanksgiving, The Fourth of July, and Superbowl Sunday ARE SOLEY AMERICAN! Plus who came up with all the Christmas music?? AMERICANS. Even though other countries share the same holiday, we have original and wonderful traditions of our own. And the British invented Rock and Roll? HAAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA! That is the craziest thing I have ever heard of. They had nothing to do with its creation.

One final thought. America is better than every country in the world. ( Remember I am an AMERICAN PATRIOT, so don't get mad, because we are better ;D)

Quoting:
Superbowl Sunday
End Quote

There is no real holiday for football.

Quoting:
DizzleJ

You need to get out more.  Stop watching CNN.  The world is a much bigger place that USA!
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Amen to that.

Quoting:
DizzleJ

You need to get out more.  Stop watching CNN.  The world is a much bigger place that USA!
End Quote

Hee hee...CNN sucks ;D

I get most of my news from the net nowadays, and talk radio.  I don't like the alphabet channels and especially not MSNBC or CNN.  I don't watch FOX either.

There's something to be said for learning and appreciating world history and contemporary history in high school and college.  

Quoting:
The only american thing I can think of at the moment are handshakes.

P.S. Basketball was first played in the USA, but was invented by a Canadian, so I don't know if its really an all-American thing.
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See?  Something from everyone :)

I believe Naismith WAS Canadian but he was at a Massachusetts YMCA when he invented basketball.

Other sports like baseball and American football were derived from cricket and rugby, respectively.

Lots to learn from each other :)

Although I do think baseball is a vastly superior sport than cricket...which isn't really saying much ;D

Quoting:
3. Bison (Buffaloes)
End Quote

...didn't you recently have your bisontennial?

;-)

Phil

Quoting:

Other sports like baseball and American football were derived from cricket and rugby, respectively.
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Baseball looks more like rounders to me ;D ;)

And basketball is a lot like netball.

Quoting:
the joy of america,-  we are the world ruler, the strongest land on the planet, nothing comes close. what we say goes!
End Quote

It's smug gung-ho attitudes like this (whether true or not) that makes the USA almost more hated than the French.

Quoting:


One who loves his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests. --Bp. Hall.

PATRIOT noun
a person who loves their country and, if necessary, will fight for it.

These are Dictionary defininitions of the word Patriot.

This is what a true Patriot is.
I will put it plainly, no offense to anyone  :)

America is the #1 country in the world.

(Yes I said America, because even though, We live in North America, The U.S.A. is usually called America. That is why when people talk about Americans or America The Land of The Free, they mean U.S.A.)

America is the most powerful country. America is the nicest country as well. America is the most beautiful country in the world. Anytime America has a Draft, I will join. Because that is what patriotism is. Defending all that is America. Now, some other countries hate or dislike America because we went to war with Iraq. And the British want Tony Blair out of Office just because he helped America. I can't believe half of what other countries say about America. Just so you know we were originally a peaceful pacifist country. And if it wasn't for America all Europeans would of been under a Nazi Regime.
So, You European countries: Why do you hate America?? Why do you dislike us so, we have only ever helped you. France is horrible, But I never wanted to say this but, What is Your Problem Britain? What did we ever do to You?
I may have English blood in me, but when it comes to countries, my FULL alliegence goes to America. I would never be a Draft Dodger, that is cowardly and completely unpatriotic. I don't see how anyone could of protested the War in Iraq.

Also resinchaser said:

"Sorry but America is not a country, it is a continent. And I don't know how you can say that Christmas is a holiday of the United States, Christmas is celebrated by millions world wide.

I'm not too sure whether or not Rock & Roll was invented in the States but I definately think that the British are the best when it comes to Rock & Roll."

I have no Idea where you are from but your statements are way off. I never claimed those Holidays were only American. Although, Thanksgiving, The Fourth of July, and Superbowl Sunday ARE SOLEY AMERICAN! Plus who came up with all the Christmas music?? AMERICANS. Even though other countries share the same holiday, we have original and wonderful traditions of our own. And the British invented Rock and Roll? HAAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA! That is the craziest thing I have ever heard of. They had nothing to do with its creation.

One final thought. America is better than every country in the world. ( Remember I am an AMERICAN PATRIOT, so don't get mad, because we are better ;D)
End Quote

Somehow I don't think you'll ever be offered a job in the Diplomatic service !

Quoting:
Rice Cube, I'm sorry if I affended you, but america is the world ruler and what we say goes, I was not trying to be "gung ho" or "smug" I leave that to the bush in da house, I was merely stating my feeling or perception of the phrase " joys of america" I personally think america has a very ugly outlook towards the rest of the world, and americans seem to hate themselves as it is.  Americans seem like  they will never be happy and that will someday surely lead to destruction. I am not american but i live in america and I see the hatered that americans display for their fellow american each and everyday and i makes me sick, but that's neither here nor there. America is a country full of "gung ho" & "smug" people, are you denying that ?, can you be serious?, wake up. Like someone said earlier that is a prime example, "america is the only country where the poor people are fat" that is so true.
End Quote

Oh, Mama!
Obviously you are not American. It sound like you almost hate Americans. There are plenty of wonderful American. Americans are not neccesarily smug either. They are just patriotic and proud of thier country. Now please stick to topic.

P.S.
By the way, some may hate the french, due to the fact that they hate us. Those hairy smelly frogs!! Just kidding..

Quoting:


Uhhh, are you sure they're not kangaroos?
http://home.neo.rr.com/gamblefish/spidy.gif
End Quote

Quoting:
the joy of america,-  we are the world ruler, the strongest land on the planet, nothing comes close. what we say goes!
End Quote

Don't get me wrong MAMA I love America, but smug attitudes like this make people hate it.

...Like Rice stated ealier.