Hey, I lost interest in politics a large sum in the past year, but I've decided to get back on track. Of course, my friends are knee deep into it, on different sides. This doesn't get into our friendship at all, we just let it whiz past, but I am seeing influence on one of my friends from HIS specific friends. If that didn't make sense, I'll explain it this way: My friend's friends are trying to make him more anti-American than he already is, which is near impossible for me to think about, but it's happening.

I'd like some help on the situation by explaining to him why America is so great. See, he was a kid born here but his parents put him in a Baptist church for a school for ten years. (He says it was Catholic, but I don't think that's true, seeing as the church is still Baptist and I know Catholics arent that way) Regardless, this obviously made him go a little crazy when he was suddenly exposed to public school, and he became a punk kid.

Constantly, he tells me how he wants America to go down, because we're a dictatorship, we "take over" countries, Iraq, etc. So, he believes in pretty much what 80% of the teenagers believe today. (I'm 18, out of high school, and if you don't believe me, take a second look; EVERY TEENAGER HATES AMERICA TODAY)

I try to explain the freedoms we have but he damands comparisons between us and other countries that are supposedly much better than we are, and I have to stop it there because I honestly dont know much about other country's policies, even though I've been in 6 total.

Anyway, long story short, please remind me why this country is so great, and it's really sad that I have to actually ask this. No, I'm not looking for a sarcastic remark from someone saying "Her her, well George W and the rest of those crazy republican/christian radicals are just trying to make you think that--"

No, no, no. I dont want any answers like that. That means if possible, I'd like to get answers from people that arent complete idiots with sarcastic George Bush avatars to start this into an argument, thats exactly what I dont want it to be. I want information to tell my friend so that he can see the truth amidst all the crap he's fed today through TV, CNN, EVERYTHING, and in all honesty it's beginning to change him drastically.

So, please help me out. :)

Hey, I lost interest in politics a large sum in the past year, but I've decided to get back on track. Of course, my friends are knee deep into it, on different sides. This doesn't get into our friendship at all, we just let it whiz past, but I am seeing influence on one of my friends from HIS specific friends. If that didn't make sense, I'll explain it this way: My friend's friends are trying to make him more anti-American than he already is, which is near impossible for me to think about, but it's happening.

I'd like some help on the situation by explaining to him why America is so great. See, he was a kid born here but his parents put him in a Baptist church for a school for ten years. (He says it was Catholic, but I don't think that's true, seeing as the church is still Baptist and I know Catholics arent that way) Regardless, this obviously made him go a little crazy when he was suddenly exposed to public school, and he became a punk kid.

Constantly, he tells me how he wants America to go down, because we're a dictatorship, we "take over" countries, Iraq, etc. So, he believes in pretty much what 80% of the teenagers believe today. (I'm 18, out of high school, and if you don't believe me, take a second look; EVERY TEENAGER HATES AMERICA TODAY)

I try to explain the freedoms we have but he damands comparisons between us and other countries that are supposedly much better than we are, and I have to stop it there because I honestly dont know much about other country's policies, even though I've been in 6 total.

Anyway, long story short, please remind me why this country is so great, and it's really sad that I have to actually ask this. No, I'm not looking for a sarcastic remark from someone saying "Her her, well George W and the rest of those crazy republican/christian radicals are just trying to make you think that--"

No, no, no. I dont want any answers like that. That means if possible, I'd like to get answers from people that arent complete idiots with sarcastic George Bush avatars to start this into an argument, thats exactly what I dont want it to be. I want information to tell my friend so that he can see the truth amidst all the crap he's fed today through TV, CNN, EVERYTHING, and in all honesty it's beginning to change him drastically.

So, please help me out. :)

I feel for you, friend. It's easy to get that impression if all you expose yourself to are hype stories and talking heads from the media and whiner-libs on the internet. I get pretty sick of hearing all that anti-American crap myself.

You might try reminding your friend that even though this country has problems, we're still have the highest standard of living of anyplace on this planet... well, with the exception of temporary Edens like Dubai where life is good thanks to oil... but if you don't play along with the program, you could still get stoned to death in the streets.

The more they learn about life in other countries, the more they should appreciate how good we have it... warts and all.

Actually, there's probably nothing you can do to change his mind. Like most liberals, he enjoys hearing himself complain and would feel like he was selling out if he didn't cry along with those he turns to for info. You might try telling him that liberals make up only 19% of the population. So while it may seem like EVERYONE is complaining, it's actually only a lunatic fringe of society who cries so loud and so often, it just seems like they're speaking for all of us.

If nothing else, MOST people outgrow that selfish stage where they think the world revolves around them and no one knows as much as they do. I say MOST because there's alot of people around this joint who are old enough to know better... but still haven't got a clue how lucky they are to be Americans. They truly believe that it's their DUTY to bitch and moan and complain about every little thing they don't like. Little do they realize what a bad influence they are on the youth in this country... including your friend. Or maybe they do, but they just don't care.

God Bless America. And God bless you for trying to help your friend.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/flag7.gif

I am 17 years old, a college student, and almost everyone I know either doesn't care about politics at all or has a very rational view. I don't know anyone who hates America at all.

I am 17 years old, a college student, and almost everyone I know either doesn't care about politics at all or has a very rational view. I don't know anyone who hates America at all.

You've also got more common sense than many people here who are more than twice your age, DF.

But thanks for that positive news. Judging from the young people I know, I believe that... but it's always nice to hear confirmation from someone else.

;)
SMW

we're still have the highest standard of living of anyplace on this planet... well, with the exception of temporary Edens like Dubai where life is good thanks to oil... but if you don't play along with the program, you could still get stoned to death in the streets.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/flag7.gif

I agree with you that America has one of the highest standard of living - EVEN more than Dubai. Dubai has the glitz but not the ease of life as we do here in the US. As you know I just returned to Florida after living in Dubai for 2 years.

However, I don't agree with you on many others. Oil is now only 35% of Dubai's GDP (don't confuse it with Abu Dhabi). Also, you DON'T get stoned to death on the streets. Stop spreading this crap.

Also stop with the "God Bless America" bullshit!! We are not chosen people that only get blessed by God or whatever!! When you say such things you are no different that than the mullahs in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, etc. (and you are NOT!)

SupremeSultan,

Part of America's greatness lies in how many freedoms we have. Yes, there are other countries that have a higher percentage of infants living, have more cradle to the grave social care, etc. but there are no countries that have as many freedoms as we do. There are also very, very few other countries that have never in their history had a violent overthrow of the government.

Perhaps the greatest thing about America is the way power changes from one party to the next peacefully and always has. There are three reasons for this.
Reason one, all our major political parties are clustered near the center of the political spectrum. Our conservatives are less conservative than those in other countries and our liberals are less liberal than those in other countries. Our Republicans and Democrats would be almost indistinguishable in other countries and both parties, in fact all four major parties would be considered centrist.

Reason two, our politicians are committed to peaceful coexistence. We hear talk from members of one party or another and think, how can they talk like that about members of the opposition. But that's all it is, a bit of talk. There are no fist fights on the floor of the House or Senate like in some other contries. There are no politicians assassinating members of the opposition. When one party takes over from another there are no rushes to punish the other party members. Our politicians work together more than those in most other countries.

Reason three, the people. Our country is the most diverse in the entire world. We have more Jews in NYC than there are in Jerusalem, more Italians, Germans, Poles, Mexicans, Irish, and on and on than any other country. Despite the friction that sometimes exists between different people there are no ETA Basque seperatists, there are no IRA members, no Provos, no military death squads. The diverse people are united more closely than in any other country. They are Americans.

Those are three things that make this the greatest country in the world.

Just so I know whats what.

Maybe someone can define 'anti-American' or 'unAmerican'.

Is it not supporting the present Government,it cannot be not supporting such a diverse country,what is it?

I have seen/heard people claim that "America is evil." And these people are Americans.

I think calling America evil is absurd.
Especially by Americans.

Maybe someone can define 'anti-American' or 'unAmerican'.

Judging from your posts over the past few weeks I would think you would have no trouble knowing what someone who was anti-American looked like. You do have mirrors in your home don't you?

Anti American to you Frogger is anyone who dosent agree with your views of the world,you label them.

No, Paul, anti-American is anyone who constantly denigrates the American people as you do. Just look at your comments in the thread about the illegal aliens who were burned and are receiving free health care.

Lately your comments have become more and more anti-American. I guess you now feel comfortable enough to let your true feelings about the United States show.

No, Paul, anti-American is anyone who constantly denigrates the American people as you do. Just look at your comments in the thread about the illegal aliens who were burned and are receiving free health care.As I just said on that other thread,I havent denigrated anyone.

They did/are recieving free healthcare,its a pity that fact was politicised.

Lately your comments have become more and more anti-American. I guess you now feel comfortable enough to let your true feelings about the United States show.My true feelings about the United States are no secret,just as what I think is wrong with some aspects of it,especially it the Foreign Policy field.

Just because you say Im anti American dosent make it so.

As has happened many times before,when you say something around here other posters dont like,your automatically labelled 'anti American'.

Just because you say Im anti American dosent make it so.

You're right Paul, what I say doesn't make you anti-American. It is what you say that does that.

You're right Paul, what I say doesn't make you anti-American. It is what you say that does that.
Thats your opinion,your entitled to it.

:bombout:

"A recent study by the Veterans Affairs Department showed that since 2001, 430 combat veterans have committed suicide either while serving in Afghanistan or Iraq or after leaving the service. Others died after returning from combat but while still in uniform (http://rawstory.com/news/2007/U.S._Government_sued_for_causing_Iraq_1101.html)."

:bombout:

"CNN's Jack Cafferty says it's a "national embarrassment" that US military veterans are among the 47 million Americans that do not have health insurance.

Cafferty cited new research conducted at Harvard Medical School indicating that 1.8 million veterans were uninsured in 2004, a number that's climbed by 290,000 since 2000 estimates. The same study found an additional 3.8 million people, all members of veteran households (http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Cafferty_1.8_million_veterans_without_healthcare_1 102.html), also lacked coverage."

"They threatened us with severe punishments if we talk to each other," according to the complaint signed by musicians Ninni Poijärvi and Mika Kuokkanen, "Through the walls, I can hear officers yelling, screaming. They ask about the purpose of our trip -- except we are only allowed to give yes-or-no answers. I try to talk about our plans to meet with Finnish-American folk musicians. Nobody listens. They interrupt me constantly and they yell, 'You are a liar (http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2007/11/america-the-u-2.html)!"'

Shaman... Do you really think it was appropriate to post those in this thread? Perhaps you should make another thread. :)

EVERY TEENAGER HATES AMERICA TODAY
I stopped reading right here. Wrong. Next!

Paul,

While I consider you anti-American you are not the most vehemently anti-American poster in AllForums. That title belongs to Shaman.

Also, even while being anti-American you remain likable, something that Shaman finds it impossible to do.

Paul,

While I consider you anti-American you are not the most vehemently anti-American poster in AllForums. That title belongs to Shaman.

Also, even while being anti-American you remain likable, something that Shaman finds it impossible to do.Well thanks Frogger,at least your half right.

I stopped reading right here. Wrong. Next!

is it just my school where no one stands for the pledge of allegiance anymore? Is it just my school where if anyone brings up Iraq, every student says we need to pull out and impeach bush? Not that they'd need a reason to thinking that way, but atleast at the school I was, without exaggerating here, I'd say 70% of the kids are anti-bush, anti-iraq war, and speak about how cool britain or japan is compared to us. Maybe it's just me. Of course it wasnt EVERY student in the school, but dont take it so literally

But yeah, this thread is already getting Shaman on here posting stuff I didnt want. Amazing how he found a way to shit on America when I make a thread asking to show why we're awesome.

Not bad responses, though

P.S. Edit P.S. Thank you whoever that was for the anti-God post there. That was totally unnecessary
We all know why "God" was put in the American phrases, pledge, etc. It's not literal. America is not a Christian nation. It was founded by Puritans and they're the ones that put all that in, but that doesnt mean that we are Christian-centered. We're not. We're not anything centered. Not even aetheists, everyone has their right to choose the religion.

If anything, America is Agnostic... there.

Paul,

While I consider you anti-American you are not the most vehemently anti-American poster in AllForums. That title belongs to Shaman.

Also, even while being anti-American you remain likable, something that Shaman finds it impossible to do.

How is Paul Anti-American? I did not get that from all his posts. Just because some makes a negative comment once in awhile about America does not make then Anti-American. I hate this direction that people like you are taking America!

but at least at the school I was, without exaggerating here, I'd say 70% of the kids are anti-bush, anti-iraq war, and speak about how cool britain or japan is compared to us.

Is that what you consider to be an example of those teenager's "hatred of America".......?!?!

Also, could you please examine the three posts by Mr Shaman and explain to me where the substance of those posts "shits on America"..........?

Granted, he did not follow your dictate of "reminding you" how America is great, but I really can't see how you can call his posts "shitting on America".

Finally, you state you'd "like to get answers from people that arent complete idiots""......

........yet your own post that began this thread contains the assertion -- ""EVERY TEENAGER HATES AMERICA TODAY"".

Maybe you should consult a dictionary for the term *irony*.

Well thanks Frogger,at least your half right.

No.He's Half-right,
Maybe Half the time,
with only half of his audience paying half-assed
attention to half-hearted segments of alternating
Spiel on Tuesday's which he gladly won't pay for
Today.

Supreme, hating Bush is not hating America. Thinking that other cultures are better than ours comes from being exposed to other cultures and being able to research other cultures on one's own for the first time - generally when one is a young person.

And a minor point.... The Puritans did not found America. They weren't even the first British colonists here. Jamestown was founded 13 years before they landed at Plymouth Rock (the Puritans were actually aiming for Virginia), and the colonists at Jamestown were definitely not there to found a religiously tolerant paradise. Also, the words "under god" weren't in the pledge until 50 years ago. :thumbs:

Paul,

While I consider you anti-American you are not the most vehemently anti-American poster in AllForums. That title belongs to Shaman.

Also, even while being anti-American you remain likable, something that Shaman finds it impossible to do.


The right wing did a good job on your brain: "If you question the administration, you are Anti-American"

Cambridge Dictionarie:

unAmerican.

guilty of activities,behaviour or beliefs that show opposition or a lack of loyalty to the US and its political system.

Hmm,maybe im guilty afterall.

I have no loyalty to the US.
I think the two party system is becoming stale,and probally needs a third party.

I think the two party system is becoming stale,and probably needs a third party.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Not to nitpick, but the Plymouth Colony was not made up of Puritans.
They were Seperatists. Just a minor point. :)

I try to explain the freedoms we have but he damands comparisons between us and other countries that are supposedly much better than we are, and I have to stop it there because I honestly dont know much about other country's policies, even though I've been in 6 total.
Gee.....ya' wanna talk about how great America is....without any troublesome points-of-reference. :rolleyes:

Not to nitpick, but the Plymouth Colony was not made up of Puritans.
They were Seperatists. Just a minor point. :)
Well, some of my teachers have categorize Separatists as a sort of "subclass" of Puritans. It's a matter of perspective maybe.

Shaman... Do you really think it was appropriate to post those in this thread? Perhaps you should make another thread. :)
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....so this is a "wart-free" thread, huh....what ReRon Reagan used to refer-to as "happy news".....instead of all that gloom & doom REALITY (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/05/btsc.labott.pakistan/index.html)! :rolleyes:

The US offers better opportunity and greater freedom than anywhere else in the world. And the proof is in the immigration statistics. There are more people trying to get into the US (by any means possible) than any other country in the world.

There are more people trying to get into the US (by any means possible) than any other country in the world.

LOL.

That seems to make you feel masterful and exalted.

I have no feeling about it one way or another. It merely is.

What's your explanation for said fact?

Pick one out of the air.

I think the two party system is becoming stale,and probally needs a third party.

we need a third,fourth,and Fifth party...

What's your explanation for said fact?

Same as yours.

It merely "is".

Same as yours.

It merely "is".

I would say that is check mate... Damn I wish I could hold my composure as long as FT does to get his point across.

Same as yours.

It merely "is".

Perhaps it's not your day. my explanation was that people come for the freedom and opportunity.
But if that's the best you can offer ...... so be it.

Just a question, a deeply principled person like you, sucking at the tit of the world's worst terrorist, exploitator, capitalist, blah, blah blah. How do you live with yourself? What do you say to yourself each morning?

Perhaps it's not your day. my explanation was that people come for the freedom and opportunity.

And then your laughable fucking lie that followed it was ---"But I don't have any feeling one way or another about that fact".


But if that's the best you can offer ...... so be it.

LOLOL.

YOU are the one who used the pathetic cop out --"It just is"-- to get out of the argument.

I was merely poking fun at your dishonesty by throwing it back in your face.

And then your laughable fucking lie that followed it was ---"But I don't have any feeling one way or another about that fact".




LOLOL.

YOU are the one who used the pathetic cop out --"It just is"-- to get out of the argument.

I was merely poking fun at your dishonesty by throwing it back in your face.

Off your meds again. The doctor is going to be very upset.

You asked me if i felt exalted. i responded that i'm non-plussed one way or the other. Facts are facts, they don't come with any emotion. If you'd like to take that as an explanation of why people come to America knock yourself out. It doesn't fit any logical progression but then what we've seen lately that's not one of your strong points.

As for you, we're still waiting for your explanation as to why people are literally killing themselves to come to America.