Why are Americans so different from the rest of us Westerners

[Ned]

Originally posted by Arrian
Occasionally, however, a couple of people who DO wish to discuss a worthy topic can manage to rescue a troll thread. Just a thought...

-Arrian

Agreed. The contrast with the rest of the West is striking. It is worthy of discussion per se.

As I said in my first post, the average American is extremely proud of his country. This does not seem to be the case elsewhere in the West.

Why?

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
We won the lumber fight over lumber before the WTO. Let it go.

No you didn't.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
I think we differ on which is the minor of the two cases.

Doesn't seem to matter how high you set your duties, either. We ratcheted up production, lowered costs and are now exporting more lumber to the US than we did prior to duties being imposed. 48 US sawmills have gone under since duties went into effect.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by GP
I initially thought that AH actually wanted to discuss the nature of the American spirit. But I see that the thread is just a typical anti-US ***** session.

No I am genuinely interested.

Oh well, go read de Toqueville if you want some more serious stuff to think about Horsie.

Are you saying US consciousness hasn't developed since the mid 19th century Maybe that is the problem.

I will read De Tocqueville. Once I finish this great book I have on the rise and fall of the British empire.

[Vesayen]

"Crime and punishment - The US has a prison population about 10 times larger than the Western average."

The U.S. is also the most populas Western nation.....this is a schewed statistic which is basing it off just the # of people in prison, not # of people per total population.

"Support for Israel - only the United States is 100% behind Israel."

Then the U.S. is the only nation who has the right idea.

"War on Iraq - only Americans claim this is somehow anything but a cynical exercise in power and oil politics."

I think it would be a good idea to go and take out all dictators(though I know there are feasability issues there.....)-I also hate oil.

"Guantanamo Bay - The US is the only Western country that thinks its okay to hold prisoners without legal process."

Bull****...........blatant and complete bull****. I might not agree with whats going on there, but other countries do this kind of thing.

"Abortion - the only country where the right to an abortion is under serious threat."

A 100% proven effective method to not get pregnant-keep your legs shut! Abortion is only acceptable if a rape, or the mothers life is in jeopardy, all other cases-close your legs.

[Ned]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse
Once I finish this great book I have on the rise and fall of the British empire.

Was written by a Roman touring the ruins of London?

[Main_Brain]

I wonder wheter it is related to the Fact that nearly every European country (i.e. except England&Switzerland etc.) has been conquered in last century. That kinda hurts the 'our Nation is superior' Feeling which I see as a Big Part of this kind of Pride?

[TCO]

Originally posted by Alexander's Horse


No I am genuinely interested.



Are you saying US consciousness hasn't developed since the mid 19th century Maybe that is the problem.

If you see it as a problem... (but leaving that aside). Yes, as I posted before the fundamental roots of the American spirit come from the frontier, the Revolutionary War, the MayFlower etc. If you want to understand how Americans think and why they are the way they are, go back to the earlier roots.

Our break with monarchy and with the old ways was a very different type of thing than the changes that happened in Europe.

[TCO]

Originally posted by Frogger


Doesn't seem to matter how high you set your duties, either. We ratcheted up production, lowered costs and are now exporting more lumber to the US than we did prior to duties being imposed. 48 US sawmills have gone under since duties went into effect.

I disagree with US lumber tarrifs and hope that we can eventually get them rolled back.

[KrazyHorse]

By all means, keep them on. At this rate there won't be a US lumber industry inside a decade...

[Alexander's Horse]

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

I would have thought Vietnam and 9/11 would have punctured the invincibility myth.

[KrazyHorse]

If they really need to get taken down a notch or two then they can try invading us for the 4th time...

Isn't this fun?

[TCO]

Originally posted by Frogger
By all means, keep them on. At this rate there won't be a US lumber industry inside a decade...

1. I still want them off as it helps us as an economy to have access to cheaper stuff.

2. I think the tarrifs have a sheltering impact on at least forestry. I would rather see that removed and have the negative impact faster and harder (like my GF likes it.)

[Dis]

I'm ignoring the rest of this thread, too many pages.

But Americans differ because they had to settle wild unsettled areas. There was a huge element of danger settling the american west. And same with the east coast for that matter hundreds of years earlier. this required a different type of person to travel thousands of miles to live in a harsh environment and try to make a life. Even recent immigrants to our country have to have a sense of adventure. They are risking all they own to make it to our fair country. That takes guts. Even if it is just a mexican hoping a fence and walking accross the desert.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by GP


1. I still want them off as it helps us as an economy to have access to cheaper stuff.

Lumber prices have gone down in the US since tariffs put on because of increased production.

2. I think the tarrifs have a sheltering impact on at least forestry. I would rather see that removed and have the negative impact faster and harder (like my GF likes it.)

See above.