What's your Stance on America?

[Pekka]

I like.

Reasons I like:
Big land. Lots of variety in nature, and all that.. you have mountains, desert, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, forests, snow and hot, atlantic and pacific. Lots to see.

I like most people in the US. In general they're hospitable and friendly. They are nice and ever optimistic. Can Do-attitude

Land of opportunities. It's a big country with lots of people in it, and big economy. That equals lots of opportunities. I like that.

I'm neutral about the current administration. While I think it has taken the terrorists to a tough road to walk on, I also think there have been some mistakes made, so I have to make it as neutral.

Also I like being entertained, and in the US there are lots of opportunities and ways to be entertained.

The not so good parts:
Lots of crime and also poverty. Also some people get on my nerves, the ones who are super flag waivers. You can be proud and a patriot, but don't throw it to my face if I don't ask for it. I'm proud of who I am and where I'm from also. It's not a question of whose country is bigger or better, everyone should be respectful towards other people. So while these people think they're the best and from bestr country and proud of it, fine it's all good, but if you come to my face with it, you're talking down my country be default and I'm proud of it, so mutual respect PLEASE!

I also don't like (usually hte same people) who fall into 100% jingoist hegemony. Everyone can be wrong, everyone can fail, little more humble attitude is more respected, and it all comes down to respecting others, and if you don't respect anyone else, then you're just a punk. Furthermore if you don't know anything about me or my country, then you should ask or listen, and not bash it before you know or just go 'who cares about it'. Because I do care. So if you don't have the respect to respect what I think is important, then it's hard for me to respect you in turn.

That's basically it.

So overall I give 9. THe 1 point is deducted because of crime and poverty.

[mrmitchell]

10 to the land. Land! Land here! Land there! Ocean all over the place! But forget about that! Have some more land! Take a prarie! A couple mountains! Here's some forests! Easily the most landologically diverse nation on the planet.

9 to the people. Although we've strayed some, Americans are still generally the bestest people in the world--though we're tied with everyone except Greeks at 2

6 for government. When people give government a "zero" they forget that it's more complex than Bush and Cheney. There's the Constitution, there's all kinds of levels of governing, there's the Senate and House which are roughly half good guys . That said, the "President" subdivision of the government rating does get a Zilch, for now.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Hueij
Which America do you mean? The America that gave us Billie Holiday and Dolly Parton or the America of inner-city ghetto's? The America that liberated us or the America of Somoza, Battista and Stroessner? The America that made me feel welcome (well, after I cleared customs that is) or the America that uses up 60% of the world's energy? The America of baseball or the America of Jerry Springer?

I probably am somewhere between 1 and 10...

Yes -- I'm more ambivalent too, in that I can objectively look at the history of our country and in that I don't buy in the patriotically correct, whitewashed version that is called "history."

[Imran Siddiqui]

USA! USA!

(btw, I voted 10 )

[yellow_peril]

the america of vincent chin and guantanamo, the america of the robert taylor projects... all the ills and all the troubles, america still gets an 8. the best country in the world, but that doesn't mean it's perfect.

why an 8? because even with the fools in office, the institutions have proven themselves strong; because the ideals of the nation are unshakeable; because there is still hope.

[St Leo]

10

Edit: I voted based on your contribution to democracy as a symbol back in the 18th and 19th centuries. You sheltered Garibaldi and other dissidents. You inspired socialism.

[Nubclear]

I voted based on the current administration only.

3.

[Ben Kenobi]

You're the "nicest" superpower the world has ever known,

I don't suppose someone from France would have fond memories of the British Empire.

I'd give the US a 6 because there is plenty more that needs to be done.

I'd give them higher marks than Canada though, I can't see anything higher than a 3-4 here.

[St Leo]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi I'd give them higher marks than Canada though, I can't see anything higher than a 3-4 here.

[Ben Kenobi]

Lets see,

I live close to a campus in the most solidly liberal riding west of Nipissing.

I'd be happier up north or in the Valley, but you go where the work is.

[Beta]

Originally posted by mrmitchell
10 to the land. Land! Land here! Land there! Ocean all over the place! But forget about that! Have some more land! Take a prarie! A couple mountains! Here's some forests! Easily the most landologically diverse nation on the planet.

Um - Canada is larger, equally diverse, and one-tenth the poulation.

I voted 6.

I agree with Spiffor on the dismal social framework in the states. The range between the rich and the poor domestically is abysmal, and should give the foreign diplomats some sort of clue about international affairs.

The infant mortality rate is the highest in the western world - a function of the poverty and the health care system.

The crime rate - well - more Americans are killed by Americans in a two year period than the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese could over a 9 year period. Gotta wonder.

On the other hand ....some great people. And wonderful ideals upon which to base a nation - other than that stupid 'right to arm bears' part. Economic powerhouse, without a doubt. And a great friend in need.

I would still rather have America as my neighbour (note the proper spelling), than say Russia, or China, or North Korea, .

Then again - if the choices were the Netherlands, and Sweden , and Norway ......

[Kuciwalker]

Um - Canada is larger, equally diverse, and one-tenth the poulation.

Canada isn't as "landologically" (to use his term) diverse - you don't have any deserts, for instance.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker

Um - Canada is larger, equally diverse, and one-tenth the poulation.

Canada isn't as "landologically" (to use his term) diverse - you don't have any deserts, for instance.

Yes we do.

[Kuciwalker]

Hot deserts. With sand and stuff. And cacti.

[KrazyHorse]

And you don't have any high arctic.