Why I'm glad I'm not American

[Trichome_Dense]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OI0GUCI_A

[geoffk]

That list was funny, but could be better.

Missing the F-111, one of the most potent military aircraft ever employed.

Well it was only 100. I can think of probably close to 1,000. God Bless America!

[Adamster]

10 reasons why the world hate america!! (not by me)

10 Center of the Universe
America presumes much for a country generously dated at 300 years old. China has latrines ten times older than that. A quick example: many countries play baseball, but only we have the “World Series”. We’re getting better about our egocentrism, but it’s been a loooong time coming. And don’t get me started about our tourists. Just smile and take the money- they’re loud, but they’ll be gone in a week.

9 We Win Everything
Okay, I’ll concede Vietnam, tennis (but we don’t care) and Kenyan marathon runners. But we win damn near everything else, eventually. The Space Race. The Cold War. Tour de France. The list goes on and on. Even we hate the Olympics now that our professionals are allowed to participate straight up with the underaged/doping communist nations. It’s boring for us, but as a Red Sox/Bolton Wanderers fan, I know the angst that chronic losing against bigger and better funded opponents generates. And if we don’t have the best athletes/scientists/entertainers, we’ll make sure they get a chance to immigrate while others wait in line. That’s gotta sting. Oh, Yao Ming and Ichiro say “Hi”.

8 Eat Everything
Americans are the second fattest industrialized nation per capita (sorry, Australia). But as always, we make up for it in volume. We can afford automobiles so we don’t ride bikes or walk anywhere except for fun, and thanks to abundant agricultural surpluses, ANYTHING we want to eat is readily available from takeaway restaurants and convenience stores. Some of our refrigerators could hide an entire human body. And we like the fatty stuff, because fat tastes good. This is NOT a good thing, and our global franchises (KFC, McDonald’s) are already infecting nations that traditionally had healthier diets (are you listening, Japan?)


7 Made and Have Nukes
The United States is the inventor and only wartime practitioner of nuclear weapons (never mind that using them prevented an invasion that would make the Iraqi insurgency look like a blowjob. “Operation Downfall”, the now-declassified US plan to invade Japan, estimated 1 Million American casualties alone). Lax security protocols (and clever spying) spread the secret to the USSR and after that the genie got out of the bottle. Many countries now have atomic weapons, and with no clear Cold War counterpart to US supremacy, the balance has shifted, and the peace dividend has not been kind post 9/11.

6 Natural Resources
Though accounting for only 5 percent of the world’s population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world’s energy. (American Almanac), and we are the world’s largest single emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 23 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. (U.S. Department of Energy). This, while worldwide, some 2 billion people are currently without electricity. (U.S. Department of Energy). The good news is that among industrialized and developing countries, Canada consumes per capita the most energy in the world, and the United Sates is only second. Italy consumes the least among industrialized countries (that’s because they still drive Fiats, which “conserve” energy by breaking every other day).

5 International Meddling
The United States has the most advanced army in the world. We station our military in other countries at their “request”, which is a source of much seething and hurt national pride. From Banana Republics, to the Cold War, to the War on Terror, we routinely interfere in the business of other countries to make the world safe for our interests, whether anybody asked for it or not. Even if the intentions are both right and good, many countries resent our involvement in their affairs on sheer principle: they’d rather f*** it up themselves. Are you listening, North Korea?

4 We Export Trash Culture
A thriving market economy and near total freedom of expression liberate Americans to pursue almost every endeavor imaginable, resulting in some of the greatest discoveries and inventions in the history of man, from the first practical light bulb to powered flight, polio vaccines, radio and TV, space exploration, the Internet, and unfortunately, everything in between. So that means ubercrap like Jerry Springer and Britney Spears gets exported worldwide. No, I’m being too kind there– “force fed” worldwide. Other cultures despise this with a mix of dread, envy, and loathing. They can’t figure out how to cull the good from the bad out of this torrent (neither can we, btw)—but once it takes hold, it won’t let go. This what the Islamic world fears most. Tanks, they understand. An educated, employed woman horny and clubbing on Friday night they simply can’t fathom. And it scares the crap out of them.

3 It’s Fashionable
Despite the hyperbole bandied online, strong political opinions won’t get your door kicked in at 3 AM like in the Gulag Archipelago. There are no Stalinist purges or killing fields here. And the FBI/CIA/ATF/DEA/PTA will not shoot you on sight simply because you speak against The Surge or march against the Economic Stimulus Plan. But it’s certainly fun to claim a fear of it! You become an instant radical and feel intellectually enlightened to boot– patriotism is an uncritical, reflexive act, right?– only a deep thinker would hate his country (yet stay on to enjoy its privileges). And don’t worry about proof, because all that matters is the accusation. Volume and conviction win the day, so toss that bibliography—grab half the story and make the rest up. If you get caught in a logic box, claim satire. Other countries see this lack of consequences and pile on.

2 Don’t Finish the Job
From Vietnam to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski to “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq to finding Osama Bin Laden, we seem to do most of the work, but keep a lot of things hanging on, never quite finished. Eventually the answer makes itself known, but it usually takes time, and involves help from others after a lot of (necessary) heated discussions. Maybe we should try this as as a first course of action more often…

Act Unilaterally
We are a nation of doers, and our errors (when they occur) will be from acts of commission, not omission (Hypocrisy Alert: Darfur). Sometimes that’s a great thing, like sending Kruschev’s missiles back home, breaking Gaddafi’s/Qaddafi’s/Kaddafi’s nuclear ambitions (his nukes are now safely tucked away in Oak Ridge, Tennessee), or winning the Cold War. Other times, it blows up in our (and often, YOUR) face. Our attempts to spread democracy worldwide, intended to let others enjoy the same freedoms and advantages that we have, sometimes result in innocent people dying. We must stop to remember the Somalia embassy, Madrid and Fiji and Lockerbie 101 bombings, along with the millions of nameless others who suffered and died in countries that are not free. The US is the biggest face opposing these things that actually does anything (not just talk, FRANCE. You railed about Guantanamo but when it came time to release prisoners you took ONE.), but our allies often bear the brunt of our “foreign” wars, because the enemy cannot reach us. That has changed recently, and while it has altered our perspective, it has not altered our resolve.

[Nimrod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OI0GUCI_A

If you have something to say, well then, FUCKING SAY IT. I don't follow idiot YT links.

[Adamster]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OI0GUCI_A

what can i say!he the next big thing!!..best video/song/artist since the beatles

[cattales1960]

wow this thread makes me want to leave this forum all together. I cant stand people who are haters of anything. No wonder alot of good people left this forum or are rarely posting anymore. There sick of stupid lying threads like this one.

[Nimrod]

wow this thread makes me want to leave this forum all together. I cant stand people who are haters of anything. No wonder alot of good people left this forum or are rarely posting anymore. There sick of stupid lying threads like this one.

w
Wow, I can't believe you haven't condemned the spyplane thread yet. Just as bad or worse than this shit.

Seriously, do you think a little spirited discussion (that no one is made to read, btw) is the cause of so many people choosing not to post? Mmm...I don't buy it. Many comment about how the forum has sucked the past year. Well, that must mean me, by virtue of my join date. Right?

Maybe it kind of snowballs, where very slowly, people don't post, get used to it, and once quality forum content gets diluted to what we see now. I think everyone is responsible for adding quality content, and it's just so easy not to, when you visit and don't see much worth commenting on. Just my thought.

Then, you have moderators retiring, new moderators who flake and disappear, etc. Not the best examples set for noobs or anyone else, is it?

Yes, I've noticed how the forum content has dwindled, and it's sad. A little online argument, of which I've witnessed a lot worse, shouldn't be to blame. However, politics and religion can be volatile, and when the attacks begin, people will react.

I believe the people that are not posting are allowing the void to remain, and in some instances be populated with some pretty dodgy shit (see stoner haiku), which just makes them turn away in disgust and complain about it later. Or worse yet, not at all. I've heard rumors about some 'other site', and that can't be doing this one any good.

I've wanted to post a thread addressing just this, and it's finally boiled over to this.

This forum is kind of like a neighborhood, and those don't always stay the same. For better or worse.

So catt, why are you still posting here, albeit not as much as before? Is it because of your duties as a moderator? Sounds like you're next to disappear.

Admittedly, I've become a bit of a post-whore, but that only because it's SO FUCKING DEAD 'round here and I'm bored. If I'm part of the problem, maybe it's time for me to go, after the whole 4-20 thing.

I think we're all responsible for quality content. It's contagious...watch. You might even see a trip report from me, but don't count on it.

Fuck, I've said enough.

[cattales1960]

this had nothing to do with you nimrod. It had to do with the haters. I dont know why you want to go off on me. I think adamster the one you need to direct it to. Also it has nothing to do with the join date. I have met some people that have joined in the last few years I really like. It has to do with the way people are posting crap. I could do a why people hate adamster, but I wont because its just rude.

EDIT:
Oh and the new moderator thing is a joke. Its not over any of the amsterdam threads, its just the off topic. I wish I was the moderator of this thread because it would not be here anymore.

[Adamster]

this had nothing to do with you nimrod. It had to do with the haters. I dont know why you want to go off on me. I think adamster the one you need to direct it to. Also it has nothing to do with the join date. I have met some people that have joined in the last few years I really like. It has to do with the way people are posting crap. I could do a why people hate adamster, but I wont because its just rude.

EDIT:
Oh and the new moderator thing is a joke. Its not over any of the amsterdam threads, its just the off topic. I wish I was the moderator of this thread because it would not be here anymore.
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:03 pm

Ppl hate me

If they do it's cause I have a different opionion then them
Dont I have that rIght? Don't I have the right of speech also Didn't your country come up whit that or is been killed by your government?no I don't believe in the MericAn dream it died that day Of sePt....

[Nimrod]

Sorry catt, not trying to go off on you. Apologies. Just think that a little online dust-up isn't really a big deal, providing you take it for what it's worth. Everyone obviously sees it differently. You have to expect that in this kind of thread.

Adamster is a wind-up fool who, if he says shit to my face, will go swimming in Amsterdam. Thanks for the idea, Marco. Online...fuck him. If he gets to you online, you've lost the game. He's flooding his pants right now, reading that he's the topic of discussion. He won't even come out and say his real name. Plays a guessing game. Fuck that. When he posts the paragraphs, I don't even read that shit. As our UK mates like to say, I think...utter bollox. He's the loony family member, suffering from Tourettes syndrome(no offense to anyone except Adamster), that you learn to basically ignore because they talk so much shit. I still like Adamster, think he's another forum spice that makes this place unique. Just because he has some twisted political views doesn't mean he's evil. Don't you admire his trip reports? I do. I take him with a grain of salt because we're online. He behaves that way in person, and things will likely be different. I want to meet him, but as you see in the Queens day 2012 thread, he proves elusive and non-committal. If Adamster really gets out of line, he should be moderated.

Sorry to read that you would censor a little online spice. Censor it off the board, I mean.

People are yin and yang, good and bad. That's what makes some of us so damn special.

[cattales1960]

this had nothing to do with you nimrod. It had to do with the haters. I dont know why you want to go off on me. I think adamster the one you need to direct it to. Also it has nothing to do with the join date. I have met some people that have joined in the last few years I really like. It has to do with the way people are posting crap. I could do a why people hate adamster, but I wont because its just rude.

EDIT:
Oh and the new moderator thing is a joke. Its not over any of the amsterdam threads, its just the off topic. I wish I was the moderator of this thread because it would not be here anymore.
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:03 pm

Ppl hate me

If they do it's cause I have a different opionion then them
Dont I have that rIght? Don't I have the right of speech also Didn't your country come up whit that or is been killed by your government?no I don't believe in the MericAn dream it died that day Of sePt....

Adamster, Yes people talk about you because of your opinions. I am not one that does. I dont believe in condemning a person for their beliefs. A hating american thread is taking it a bit far since half the poster on here are from america. Once again i will state its not us, its our government and it sucks just like your government sucks, so dont hate on the americans ok? you and I have always got along and for some reason this thread really gets to me. Sorry if I went off.

[gromit]

cant we all just get along ,..you will all meet your maker ,.or feed worms ,.... im from mars so you earthlings are a funny breed,.......

[gromit]

and i suggest we keep skeletons in closets,..........america has its faults but its young and growing ,..not old and trickless,....,.but if you cant leave sleeping dogs lie,........we can start with lets seee,......the french had napolian,.the germans had hitler ,.the brits have ruled or tried to rule everyone,.the dutch made slavery,.....if it comes down to it you earthlings are crap im leavin this rock,..........just a visitors point view,........

[Nimrod]

..not old and trickless,.

[cattales1960]

Sorry catt, not trying to go off on you. Apologies. Just think that a little online dust-up isn't really a big deal, providing you take it for what it's worth. Everyone obviously sees it differently. You have to expect that in this kind of thread.

Adamster is a wind-up fool who, if he says shit to my face, will go swimming in Amsterdam. Thanks for the idea, Marco. Online...fuck him. If he gets to you online, you've lost the game. He's flooding his pants right now, reading that he's the topic of discussion. He won't even come out and say his real name. Plays a guessing game. Fuck that. When he posts the paragraphs, I don't even read that shit. As our UK mates like to say, I think...utter bollox. He's the loony family member, suffering from Tourettes syndrome(no offense to anyone except Adamster), that you learn to basically ignore because they talk so much shit. I still like Adamster, think he's another forum spice that makes this place unique. Just because he has some twisted political views doesn't mean he's evil. Don't you admire his trip reports? I do. I take him with a grain of salt because we're online. He behaves that way in person, and things will likely be different. I want to meet him, but as you see in the Queens day 2012 thread, he proves elusive and non-committal. If Adamster really gets out of line, he should be moderated.

Sorry to read that you would censor a little online spice. Censor it off the board, I mean.

People are yin and yang, good and bad. That's what makes some of us so damn special.

NO problem Nimrod. I should have chose my words better as far as who is leaving. I love when New people join. They add their points of view on amsterdam while learning things themselves. There are people who have left in the last year because of threads like this though. They just dont want it in their lives. I dont blame them.. I am glutton for punishment. LOL. As far as the spy plane one, I have not seen it but then again there are so many threads on here, I dont always see a thread or if the title doesnt appeal to me I do not read it until I am caught up on others which is never. lol. Peace to all.