Full Version: Comparing the US to other Countries
QUOTE(Danya @ Jan 25 2003, 09:04 PM)
The diversity we enjoy was hard earned and not always painless. It is one of the things I am most proud of my country for. But it is a constant battle to keep the majority that have already benefited from trying to take the same opportunity away from the next generation of immigrants. There is a vocal and powerful portion of America that work to stop diversity and will never embrace the differences that make us the country we are. This can be seen in our arguments on things like affirmative action and immigration laws.
Basheva, Your point was not ignored. I addressed it with my post above.
We could make a seperate thread about all of the good things about America if that's what you are looking for. No one is saying it's all bad but it isn't necessarily as superior as some pretend either. Those who feel the U.S. is all evil and those who feel it is the best thing that ever happened to the world are both wrong. If we can look at ourselves realistically maybe it wouldn't be so easy to split us up between party lines and bring us all back to the center a bit.
Thank you Danya for your reply - sorry I missed it in your earlier post.
I am picking up on the words you used "bad," and "superior," because they are comparative words. I would like to add a couple more "good," and "could be better."
In my opinion, no country as large as this one, and as diverse could honestly be labeled as "bad" or for that matter "superior." Certainly not the people. Anyone who sees this country - which is a work in progress - at either end of the spectrum, might need to rethink.
The thing that has always held my attention, and I mean this with all due respect, is that those for whom this country is not as they wish - are free to leave. And, again I state, I mean that positively. There are many countries that do not allow their citizens to leave. Countries like that are suspect in my opinion.
In that way we compare well - we allow our citizens to leave should they wish to do so.
(I hope this meets the criteria of staying on topic
)
I am picking up on the words you used "bad," and "superior," because they are comparative words. I would like to add a couple more "good," and "could be better."
In my opinion, no country as large as this one, and as diverse could honestly be labeled as "bad" or for that matter "superior." Certainly not the people. Anyone who sees this country - which is a work in progress - at either end of the spectrum, might need to rethink.
The thing that has always held my attention, and I mean this with all due respect, is that those for whom this country is not as they wish - are free to leave. And, again I state, I mean that positively. There are many countries that do not allow their citizens to leave. Countries like that are suspect in my opinion.
In that way we compare well - we allow our citizens to leave should they wish to do so.
(I hope this meets the criteria of staying on topic
)
While it's nice to know there are other perfectly lovely places to live (like Canada for example) this is my home and I won't be so quick to let my own country go to waste without a fight.
I always wonder what prompts people to use the old 'love it or leave it' line as if the same people weren't complaining bitterly about this country during the last administration.
I think it's an irresponsible thing to say because it discourages people from becoming involved or speaking up when they know something is wrong with their government. It's difficult enough to get people to excersice their right to vote without implying they should shut up or get out.
I always wonder what prompts people to use the old 'love it or leave it' line as if the same people weren't complaining bitterly about this country during the last administration.
I think it's an irresponsible thing to say because it discourages people from becoming involved or speaking up when they know something is wrong with their government. It's difficult enough to get people to excersice their right to vote without implying they should shut up or get out.
Danya - I hope I made it as clear as I possibly could - my last post did not say "love it or leave it."
What it said was - the country has no law which prevents a citizen from leaving. That's quite different from saying "Love it or leave it."
I take the ability to leave as a positive statement about the country, compared to some others.
What it said was - the country has no law which prevents a citizen from leaving. That's quite different from saying "Love it or leave it."
I take the ability to leave as a positive statement about the country, compared to some others.
QUOTE(Basheva @ Jan 26 2003, 11:21 AM)
Danya - I hope I made it as clear as I possibly could - my last post did not say "love it or leave it."
What it said was - the country has no law which prevents a citizen from leaving. That's quite different from saying "Love it or leave it."
I take the ability to leave as a positive statement about the country, compared to some others.
What it said was - the country has no law which prevents a citizen from leaving. That's quite different from saying "Love it or leave it."
I take the ability to leave as a positive statement about the country, compared to some others.
I understand but it is still insulting to hear. Especially when it's repeated so often and by so many that really are saying love it or leave it. I'm glad that the U.S. is one of the many countries that does not limit it's citizens abilities to travel or live elsewhere and am greatful for it.
QUOTE
It was a hypothetical. The point being that if a people are well taken care of and generally happy you do them no favors by forcing your way of life on them. You may, in fact, cause more chaos. What is this driving need that some American's have to dictate the American way of life on people that may be totally unsuited for it and often to force it against their will?
Speaking of Venezuala what role did we play in it's current problems?
Speaking of Venezuala what role did we play in it's current problems?
When was Venezuala even mentioned? Are we off topic once again? It has to be the blonde hair....
Darcaine
QUOTE(goamerica @ Jan 25 2003, 08:58 PM)
QUOTE(Danya @ Jan 25 2003, 11:48 PM)
Even our system has problems. Let people decide for themselves what best suits their needs.
Yes Democracy has problems: Even communists & fascists can win the elections
Just look at Venezuala...democratic election & the result is a guy who is drunk in power & is talking about calling North Korea "A model to follow"
V E N E Z U A L A.
QUOTE(Basheva @ Jan 26 2003, 12:05 PM)
Is there anything with which the United States could be credited as being a positive force?
The answer to this is most certainly YES many things.
Just a couple to start with.
America gave the World it's products and the World lapped them up.
America introduced its cultural vibrancy into a stale and static World.
Regards....Alan
QUOTE(Alan Wood @ Jan 27 2003, 01:31 AM)
QUOTE(Basheva @ Jan 26 2003, 12:05 PM)
Is there anything with which the United States could be credited as being a positive force?
The answer to this is most certainly YES many things.
Just a couple to start with.
America gave the World it's products and the World lapped them up.
America introduced its cultural vibrancy into a stale and static World.
Regards....Alan
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - that feels good.
I will give you a couple of others - these are ideas not necessarily fully accomplished and perfected or even originated here - but made popular because of being here....
an independent judiciary
separation of church and state (the head of state is not head of the church)
constantly increasing the enfranchising of the electorate.
that the government is derived from the people - not the other way around (It's no accident that the constitution starts out with "We the People."
that all rights not specifically given to the government are retained by the people
a stated/written bill of rights
a written Constitution
a secret balloting process
a military that is subject to civil authority
free and easy ingress and egress of people and things
elected officials subject to recall
the initiative process, so that legislation can come directly from the people (California is one of those states that has such an avenue - and it is used in every election.)
elected officials subject to frequent election, especially those representative bodies than enable taxation legislation. It's not enough to have no taxation without representation - it's just as important to have those representatives coming before the electorate at frequent intervals.
Have we completed these tasks? No. Have we accomplished them perfectly? No. Have we been the first in every case to have these ideas? No. But have we spread the ideas around the world? - Yes.
This is a simplified version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.