What exactly makes the US the "greatest country on Earth"?

[Chloe]

Just curious. This distinction gets used a lot by "patriotic" Americans and so I'm just kind of curious what exactly makes the US the "greatest" nation on the face of the Earth? This is not a jab at America or anything like that, but to me the country has a lot of great qualities to it but I don't think it's #1 or anything like that. I don't think there is a country on Earth that is the "greatest" actually. A lot of countries do a lot of different things very well, if not greatly, but how do you even gauge something like that when you make that sort of claim? Anyway that's just my opinion. I am mainly just curious what exactly makes us the "greatest" in your opinion, if you are one of those people that has that opinion.

[Captain Obvious]

Because we have the Steelers.

Nuff said.

[The Xl]

Nothing, really.

[Codename Section]

Scarlet Johanssen lives here.

[Mainecoons]

I think the Redskins are more representative of what the U.S. has become under Bush and Obama.

:grin:

[Libhater]

You will only know once if ever you become a Patriot like me. Just read all of my posts that outline the greatest aspects of America.
Rest assured any of America's greatness will never come from a liberal or a progressive person or policy. Just remember that your
fearless leader Obama despises American greatness, and in fact denounces our nation's exceptionalism.

[Codename Section]

Fried chicken. Our fried chicken is the best. Other countries didn't invent Popeyes.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YslTODDnqBY/TY-wG3eV8II/AAAAAAAAB0I/XKJcRCz08Mg/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG




When I think about Popeyes fried chicken with a Hurricane during a Mardi Gras parade on Canal I say: FUCK OTHER COUNTRIES. U-S-A, U-S-A!

[pragmatic]

Just curious. This distinction gets used a lot by "patriotic" Americans and so I'm just kind of curious what exactly makes the US the "greatest" nation on the face of the Earth? This is not a jab at America or anything like that, but to me the country has a lot of great qualities to it but I don't think it's #1 or anything like that. I don't think there is a country on Earth that is the "greatest" actually. A lot of countries do a lot of different things very well, if not greatly, but how do you even gauge something like that when you make that sort of claim? Anyway that's just my opinion. I am mainly just curious what exactly makes us the "greatest" in your opinion, if you are one of those people that has that opinion.

Genuinely believe that we are still a great country. But sadly it is in the decline. Probably the natural order of things. Countries rise and fall.

The good news is that i'm pretty old. So it's not going to have that much impact on me personally...

[Codename Section]

You know I actually have that weird saliva build up right now. I know exactly what Popeyes would taste like.

Popeyes I love you!

[Captain Obvious]

Porn, buffalo wings, beer, video games, football...

... I'm forgetting something, aren't I?

Oh yeah, metal bands.

[The Xl]

Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes, the NBA, pr0n, UFC, The Boondocks, Power Rangers, pizza, chicken wings, golf, ponies, the IRS, dolphins, and Hulk Hogan.

Come at us bros.

[texan]

Oh I don't know why we are great, head scratching!

Our economy and job machine over time is one main thing.
Our inventions given to the world.
Our medicine has been the best in research over years.
People come here for medical treatment.
Our universities are travelled from more foreign students than any other. So education after basics.
Our tax structure is pretty good in most places accept large cities run by democrats
Our military makes us the best defended
Our abundance of illegal aliens

You say its not a shot but you took one anyway. I will ignore it since I am a proud American and you think everyone should win a medal first to last.

[nathanbforrest45]

4 days ago I posted this question. I think it answers yours

Yesterday, in a thread about global warming I think, I was accused of being ethnocentric and by extension so were all Americans. Are we ethnocentric? I would say yes we are and we have every right to be. America has produced more wealth, more scientific discovery, afforded more people equal rights and opportunities than any other country on the planet. We have the most diverse population in the world with immigrants from almost every other country, all living in relative peace and harmony. We don't have Basque Separatist, or Shiites killing Sunni's or One tribe fighting another tribe. While we are not perfect we are certainly better than anywhere else considering the vastness of the country and the wide range of cultures that exist.

One reason we are better than anyone else is because quite simply every other country has sent us their best and brightest and we have taken those best and brightest and given them opportunities that did not exist in their birth countries.

So, in my opinion we have every right to be haughty and ethnocentric. When the rest of the world catches up to us we might change our tune.

[Captain Obvious]

I used to think that the US was "exceptional" - still do to a degree then I hear all the "jingo" shit from the America-hating left and I get that too.

So I don't bother trying to define any of it. I consider what I am and how I got where I'm at under the circumstances and leave everything else the fuck alone. Try to help the next guy as much as I can (as much as he/she deserves).

[The Xl]

I realized how unexceptional the country when I was a freshman high school, during the beginning of the Iraq war.

Corrupt politicians and an apathetic and stupid citizen population.

[texan]

This country will always be great. You want it to be great again? Kill of the anti capitalists and it will boom. Obama has been a wet blanket. People make excuses for his poor recovery, no accountability (loved it when Jillian posted no acct on the right, are you kidding me you can keep your doctor?) for him. Obamacare was the wrong policy at the wrong time.

[The Xl]

This country will always be great. You want it to be great again? Kill of the anti capitalists and it will boom. Obama has been a wet blanket. People make excuses for his poor recovery, no accountability (loved it when Jillian posted no acct on the right, are you kidding me you can keep your doctor?) for him. Obamacare was the wrong policy at the wrong time.

The majority of the country and both sides of the aisle are anti free market capitalists.

[jillian]

The majority of the country and both sides of the aisle are anti free market capitalists.

probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people?

[Codename Section]

I realized how unexceptional the country when I was a freshman high school, during the beginning of the Iraq war.

Corrupt politicians and an apathetic and stupid citizen population.

But we still invented Buffalo Wings. Can't take that away from us.

U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A

[Captain Obvious]

This country will always be great. You want it to be great again? Kill of the anti capitalists and it will boom. Obama has been a wet blanket. People make excuses for his poor recovery, no accountability (loved it when Jillian posted no acct on the right, are you kidding me you can keep your doctor?) for him. Obamacare was the wrong policy at the wrong time.

LOL! It's "capitalism" that's fucked most of this shit up.

It's great for the privileged and powerful, but for the rest of the 95% of us, it's kinda sucky.

Bucket carrying junkheads like you who believe all the rhetorical bullshit RushBeck pumps into your walnut-sized brain keep this shit steamboat sailing along by voting for the same schmucks every year. Thanks for your support, you fucking mindless zombie.

[Captain Obvious]

But we still invented Buffalo Wings. Can't take that away from us.

U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A

Now someone's going to come along (probably Germanicus ) and say nah, the Chinese invented them 10,000 years ago or something.

[The Xl]

LOL! It's "capitalism" that's fucked most of this shit up.

It's great for the privileged and powerful, but for the rest of the 95% of us, it's kinda sucky.

Bucket carrying junkheads like you who believe all the rhetorical bullshit RushBeck pumps into your walnut-sized brain keep this shit steamboat sailing along by voting for the same schmucks every year. Thanks for your support, you fucking mindless zombie.

When has free market capitalism happened in modern day America? It's all corporatism and redistribution, mixed in with a side of inflation.

[Codename Section]

When has free market capitalism happened in modern day America? It's all corporatism and redistribution, mixed in with a side of inflation.

Maybe if the government paid us in buffalo wings we'd all be soshalists.

[Captain Obvious]

When has free market capitalism happened in modern day America? It's all corporatism and redistribution, mixed in with a side of inflation.

There's probably a concept somewhere - I don't know the definition (but I'm sure Chris does) but at some point reality becomes the true definition above and beyond the written definition.

We are at this point with capitalism. By definition, capitalism is great. So is communism, socialism, democracy - all great on paper but in practice it's something really different.

On paper capitalism is great also but we don't have true capitalism here. Who does.

And at what point do we say "this is what capitalism really is" in spite of the written definition?

[The Xl]

probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people?

That couldn't have happened, because we never had a real free market.

But go ahead and tell me how taxing the fuck out of everything and inflating the currency, making the poor dependent, unable to save, and living paycheck to paycheck will help them and raise them out of poverty. By all means, humor me.

[The Xl]

There's probably a concept somewhere - I don't know the definition (but I'm sure @Chris (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=128) does) but at some point reality becomes the true definition above and beyond the written definition.

We are at this point with capitalism. By definition, capitalism is great. So is communism, socialism, democracy - all great on paper but in practice it's something really different.

On paper capitalism is great also but we don't have true capitalism here. Who does.

And at what point do we say "this is what capitalism really is" in spite of the written definition?

It's a perverted version of it, and not one that libertarians and some(some, a couple, maybe) conservatives want. You have an issue with the name, the definition, whereas we're talking about a concept, one that is not practiced.

[Codename Section]

We never had laissez faire capitalism before the "robber barons". The government still interfered to give them land grants. Not only that after we supposedly got rid of them we threw them the federal reserve system that THEY invented.

But back to chicken wings. My favorite are still Popeyes but I'll take a buffalo wing.

[nathanbforrest45]

Maybe if the government paid us in buffalo wings we'd all be soshalists.


I would rather be a sushist.

[Codename Section]

I would rather be a sushist.

That's just unAmerican.

[Chris]

There's probably a concept somewhere - I don't know the definition (but I'm sure Chris does) but at some point reality becomes the true definition above and beyond the written definition.

We are at this point with capitalism. By definition, capitalism is great. So is communism, socialism, democracy - all great on paper but in practice it's something really different.

On paper capitalism is great also but we don't have true capitalism here. Who does.

And at what point do we say "this is what capitalism really is" in spite of the written definition?



I don't know, offhand I'd call it delusion.

Except here's the real delusion. The free market some call capitalism doesn't exist on paper but in the voluntary exchange of things people subjectively value. That was described by political economists from Adam Smith to Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman and others. IOW, from reality to paper as description. The corporatism others call capitalism was invented on paper by Karl Marx, and by it, what never existed, has come to be.

[Chris]

It's a perverted version of it, and not one that libertarians and some(some, a couple, maybe) conservatives want. You have an issue with the name, the definition, whereas we're talking about a concept, one that is not practiced.

Delusional, perverted, toss a coin. :-)

[Mainecoons]

Capitalism worked great. Corporatist/government collusion a.k.a. ObamaCare doesn't work worth a damn.

What is funny is that it is turning out to not work worth a damn even for the corporatists who colluded in its creation and wrote much of this landmark piece of bad legislation.

[Captain Obvious]

We never had laissez faire capitalism before the "robber barons". The government still interfered to give them land grants. Not only that after we supposedly got rid of them we threw them the federal reserve system that THEY invented.

But back to chicken wings. My favorite are still Popeyes but I'll take a buffalo wing.

The first day of my honeymoon I took my new wife to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo NY.

We were solicited by a crack whore in the parking lot but that's another story.

[junie]

What makes America exceptional: It's a nation of laws
By Assad Meymandi
September 16, 2013




On Sept. 17, 1787 – 226 years ago tomorrow – the Founding Fathers of our beloved republic signed the sacred document we know and cherish as the U.S. Constitution, giving birth to our great nation.


No, America is not great because of its prosperity. It is not great because of the proverbial American Dream of a brick home with a two-car garage. It is not great because it gives us security, opportunity and order. It is not great because of its advanced technology and its number of Nobel Laureates in science, medicine, literature and humanities.


America is great because it is a nation of laws and because of its absolute commitment to uphold and maintain the supremacy of the rule of law. Today, Constitution Day, it is fitting to take a psychological scalpel and dissect what goes into the grandeur of America’s reverential devotion to upholding the rule of law.


These two cases, one national and one local, dramatically and eloquently tell us the story of America...

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/09/16/3201770/what-makes-america-exceptional.html



Psychiatrist Nidal Hasan went on a rampage Nov. 5, 2009, killing 13 and wounding 32 of his fellow soldiers at his Texas military base. Speaking on his own behalf in court, he said, “The evidence will clearly show that I am the shooter.” Hasan is paralyzed now below the chest and requires special medical attention at Brooke Army Medical Center. He is incontinent and in need of round-the-clock nursing care and rehabilitation. Also, there is a special security team assigned to protect his life day and night. He was tried in a specially fortified court room. Sources familiar with his care report that Hasan’s security detail rivals that of the president. The cost is in the millions.


Yes, the majesty of the supremacy of the rule of law in our beloved land of America is dramatically demonstrated by how we are treating an admitted killer. The American Dream is not vacation homes, technology and prosperity. It is laws, our sacred Constitution and the sacrifice of the Founding Fathers that are the muscles, bones and spirit of the American Dream. The supremacy of the rule of law and not the whims of a dictator, a king, a shah or an ayatollah is the foundation of the majesty of American democracy.

[jillian]

The first day of my honeymoon I took my new wife to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo NY.

We were solicited by a crack whore in the parking lot but that's another story.


i went to JP Bullfeathers in Buffalo once.

[nathanbforrest45]

We have never had true free market capitalism in this country but the closer we have been to it the better we have done economically and socially.

[nathanbforrest45]

It would be nice if the President and members of Congress actually believed in the Constitution and were willing to work within its framework.

[The Xl]

The first day of my honeymoon I took my new wife to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo NY.

We were solicited by a crack whore in the parking lot but that's another story.

Crack whore once offered me money to sleep with her. True story.

Nah, I'm just fucking around. I did get a prostitute offer me sex when I was like 12 tho, lmao. Like a 12 year old could even afford that shit, morality aside.

[iustitia]

I'm disturbed by the fact that nobody posted this before 4 pages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhnUgAaea4M

[The Xl]

I'm disturbed by the fact that nobody posted this before 4 pages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhnUgAaea4M

Lmfao

/thread

[zelmo1234]

probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people?
That could be something? Our people in poverty are among the wealthiest people in the world!

And it is not capitalism that left them in poverty, it is socialism gaining roots. The socialist countries of the world in large part have a lower standard of living!

[junie]

The same principles that define America also shape its understanding of the world. The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that the thirteen colonies were a separate and sovereign nation, like any other nation. But America is not simply another nation.


The United States is a nation founded on universal principles. It appeals to a higher standard that all governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. All nations are answerable to this principle, and it is this principle that makes the United States a truly legitimate nation.


Liberty does not belong only to the United States. The Declaration of Independence holds that all men everywhere are endowed with a right to liberty. That liberty is a permanent aspect of human nature everywhere is central to understanding America's first principles.


Nevertheless, the primary responsibility of the United States is to defend the freedom and well-being of the American people.To do this, the United States must apply America's universal principles to the challenges this nation faces in the world.



This is not easy. America has not always been successful. But because of the principles to which it is dedicated, the United States always strives to uphold its highest ideals.

More than any other nation, it has a special responsibility to defend the cause of liberty at home and abroad.


As George Washington put it in his First Inaugural Address: "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." America's role in the world is to preserve and to spread, by example and by action, the "sacred fire of liberty."


America is an exceptional nation, but not because of what it has achieved or accomplished. America is exceptional because, unlike any other nation, it is dedicated to the principles of human liberty, grounded on the truths that all men are created equal and endowed with equal rights. These permanent truths are "applicable to all men and all times," as Abraham Lincoln once said.


America's principles have created a prosperous and just nation unlike any other nation in history. They explain why Americans strongly defend their country, look fondly to their nation's origins, vigilantly assert their political rights and civic responsibilities, and remain convinced of the special meaning of their country and its role of the world. It is because of its principles, not despite them, that America has achieved greatness.


To this day, so many years after the American Revolution, these principles—proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and promulgated by the United States Constitution—still define America as a nation and a people. Which is why friends of freedom the world over look to the United States not only as an ally against tyrants and despots but also as a powerful beacon to all those who strive to be free.

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/why-is-america-exceptional





"let me tell you about the America that I know..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfop5TeDnZo

[zelmo1234]

America has been and will continue to be the greatest nation on earth if we can find the goal to still be a Good nation!

From the beginning of our first president George Washington, who could have been King and turned it down then retired after his second term.

To the battles that we have won, only to return the lands and the government to the people of that nation rather than have them live under the power and control of our nation.

The enormous generosity of the American people to come to the aid of those around the world that have developed a need that they can't fulfill

To the Respect for the beliefs of others and the respect of the rights and ideals that others may hold.

These are the things that made America Great, but sadly Chloe you are correct we are failing!

My Generation and the Generations before my have done away with the morals of the nations and ban religious ideals of compassion and caring, we have traded this for an all powerful government that seeks to establish more and more control over it's people

unfortunately we have turned against natures God that the people of Europe fled there nations and came to American so they would be free to worship in a way that they saw fit, absent of a state or a king telling them what was acceptable

The people that made America great were self reliant and needed little more than family and friends and a hoe to tame this land from sea to sea, But these great people of past generations are failing and being overtake by those that feel entitled to the luxuries of life without lifting a finger!

American is still a Great nations but as we turn from the values and morals that established this once Greatest nations we will continue in decline, Yet with the rising tide of our youth that are not buying what out corrupt politicians and leaders are trying to sell them? I still believe that American could have another shining hour, It will be up to those in your generation to begin the change and build the values of self reliance and independence in the hearts of your children. And then I your twilight years you may get a chance to see what the greatest nations in the world looked like, as I remember it from my youth!

[junie]

Fried chicken. Our fried chicken is the best. Other countries didn't invent Popeyes.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YslTODDnqBY/TY-wG3eV8II/AAAAAAAAB0I/XKJcRCz08Mg/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG




When I think about Popeyes fried chicken with a Hurricane during a Mardi Gras parade on Canal I say: FUCK OTHER COUNTRIES. U-S-A, U-S-A!


:thumbsup:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ujS1er1r0

[donttread]

The Constitution . So the more we ignore it guess what we are no longer?

[nic34]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/production.mediajoint.prx.org/public/piece_images/170213/gorgeous-sedona-arizona-sunset.jpg

[Codename Section]

Nic that's beauty right there.

[Green Arrow]

Nothing. It's just another illegitimate "nation" spreading fear and tyranny across the globe.

[Green Arrow]

The Constitution . So the more we ignore it guess what we are no longer?

You mean the constitution of no authority? The worthless piece of parchment treated as more sacred than all the world's holy books?

[Captain Obvious]

You mean the constitution of no authority? The worthless piece of parchment treated as more sacred than all the world's holy books?

Or as a tool for power and influence much like the worlds holy books?

[Green Arrow]

Or as a tool for power and influence much like the worlds holy books?

That, too.

[Peter1469]

Our concept that government is local and only moves up as needed. But don't worry. The left has rejected that and now the US is just another soul sucking parasite like the other nations.


Just curious. This distinction gets used a lot by "patriotic" Americans and so I'm just kind of curious what exactly makes the US the "greatest" nation on the face of the Earth? This is not a jab at America or anything like that, but to me the country has a lot of great qualities to it but I don't think it's #1 or anything like that. I don't think there is a country on Earth that is the "greatest" actually. A lot of countries do a lot of different things very well, if not greatly, but how do you even gauge something like that when you make that sort of claim? Anyway that's just my opinion. I am mainly just curious what exactly makes us the "greatest" in your opinion, if you are one of those people that has that opinion.

[pragmatic]

The first day of my honeymoon I took my new wife to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo NY.

We were solicited by a crack whore in the parking lot but that's another story.

Was she selling wings or pussy.....???

[pragmatic]

i went to JP Bullfeathers in Buffalo once.

I spent a month in Buffalo one weekend......

[Cthulhu]

Maybe if the government paid us in buffalo wings we'd all be soshalists.

If they used bacon they would have a more compelling point.

[darroll]

We live in a great nation being ruined by the me generation.
I lived in a country that paid the old workers thirty bucks a month and the young workers fifty bucks.
The young workers can work faster, then our people bitch their whole lives about always being screwed..
Then our lib government gives them freebees to shut them up and remember who to vote for.
I deserve to be rewarded for doing nothing.

[Captain Obvious]

Was she selling wings or pussy.....???

I didn't ask.

My wife was kind of horrified. I was like "what do you think, maybe we could get a threesome". She was like "get... in... the... fucking... car... NOW!"

[roadmaster]

Our History and the brave men and women who fought for the USA and our rights. Lets hope the ones who appreciate them continue to fight because we seem to be loosing the battle.

[patrickt]

The OP should be in the past tense. The land of freedom is no longer. The land of opportunity exists but it's being regulated and taxed into oblivion.

[countryboy]

Just curious. This distinction gets used a lot by "patriotic" Americans and so I'm just kind of curious what exactly makes the US the "greatest" nation on the face of the Earth? This is not a jab at America or anything like that, but to me the country has a lot of great qualities to it but I don't think it's #1 or anything like that. I don't think there is a country on Earth that is the "greatest" actually. A lot of countries do a lot of different things very well, if not greatly, but how do you even gauge something like that when you make that sort of claim? Anyway that's just my opinion. I am mainly just curious what exactly makes us the "greatest" in your opinion, if you are one of those people that has that opinion.
If you have to ask, there's very little point in explaining it to you. :wink:

[Cthulhu]

Our History and the brave men and women who fought for the USA and our rights. Lets hope the ones who appreciate them continue to fight because we seem to be loosing the battle.

Galtstrike. Don't fight it, starve it.

[Germanicus]

I do not think Americans need to be number 1 to be proud of being an American.

And I agree, no nation is the greatest.

[countryboy]

I do not think Americans need to be number 1 to be proud of being an American.

You're right, we don't. It's just icing on the cake. :wink:


And I agree, no nation is the greatest.

One outta two ain't bad. :wink: :wink:

[Chloe]

If you have to ask, there's very little point in explaining it to you. :wink:

My point was what makes us the greatest though. Greatest means that there are no countries that are better but what exactly are the criteria to be the greatest? We do a lot of things very well but there are certainly other countries that do other things better as well. It just seems like an arrogant and ignorant thing to proclaim that's all.

[Cigar]

Just curious. This distinction gets used a lot by "patriotic" Americans and so I'm just kind of curious what exactly makes the US the "greatest" nation on the face of the Earth? This is not a jab at America or anything like that, but to me the country has a lot of great qualities to it but I don't think it's #1 or anything like that. I don't think there is a country on Earth that is the "greatest" actually. A lot of countries do a lot of different things very well, if not greatly, but how do you even gauge something like that when you make that sort of claim? Anyway that's just my opinion. I am mainly just curious what exactly makes us the "greatest" in your opinion, if you are one of those people that has that opinion.

Diversity :grin:

[Captain Obvious]

Diversity :grin:

Divided we stand, united we fall.

[The Xl]

My point was what makes us the greatest though. Greatest means that there are no countries that are better but what exactly are the criteria to be the greatest? We do a lot of things very well but there are certainly other countries that do other things better as well. It just seems like an arrogant and ignorant thing to proclaim that's all.

I think, once upon a time, we could have made that claim, long, long ago. Today and in recent history? Nah, I can't see how America and it's citizens can make that case. We've shamed the country by allowing these wars to happen, buying into and accepting this braindead, evil foreign policy, and allowing our civil liberties to be taken away from us under the false pretense of "keeping us safe", among other things.

[The Xl]

Divided we stand, united we fall.

Tell ya what, all races, all age groups, and both genders have done one hell of a job fucking things up and overall just being clueless dolts.

I guess we are equal.

[Captain Obvious]

Tell ya what, all races, all age groups, and both genders have done one hell of a job fucking things up and overall just being clueless dolts.

I guess we are equal.

zactly

"freedom no longer frees you"

[The Xl]

zactly

"freedom no longer frees you"

In other words, America, Fuck Yeah?

[Captain Obvious]

In other words, America, Fuck Yeah?

http://cdn-usa.gagbay.com/2013/04/pew_pew_murica-266795.jpg

[iustitia]

Freedom fries fuck yeah?

[pragmatic]

The core of America's greatness was rooted in national pride and personal accountability.

Those values have been diminishing since the mid-1960's.

Just an observation. Just an opinion....

[Common]

Why wouldnt you feel the USA if its your country is the best in the world. If you live in a place that you dont believe or are made to believe is not the best in the world, it may be time to consider leaving if youre able.

No other country has accomplished with the USA has in little more than 230 yrs, that in itself shows its greatness.
No other country in modern history has run to the aid of others more than us and no one other country has spent more treasure helping others.

What makes us great is that we do not treat our people, like North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Iran, Saudi, and on and on and on.

What made us great was caring about our fellow citizens which now is on the decline with the teaparty running around wringing their hands that the have nots are taking everything.

I think the question should be what do you think makes us NOT the best country in the world, it would be a much shorter list than what makes us the greatest, at least thats what I think.

[zelmo1234]

Why wouldnt you feel the USA if its your country is the best in the world. If you live in a place that you dont believe or are made to believe is not the best in the world, it may be time to consider leaving if youre able.

No other country has accomplished with the USA has in little more than 230 yrs, that in itself shows its greatness.
No other country in modern history has run to the aid of others more than us and no one other country has spent more treasure helping others.

What makes us great is that we do not treat our people, like North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Iran, Saudi, and on and on and on.

What made us great was caring about our fellow citizens which now is on the decline with the teaparty running around wringing their hands that the have nots are taking everything.

I think the question should be what do you think makes us NOT the best country in the world, it would be a much shorter list than what makes us the greatest, at least thats what I think.

You had me until the class warfare, you want to see what is killing the poor, then look at the policies of the left!

[Mr Happy]

no such thing as the greatest country in the world. Well, there is no way to quantify it...

[zelmo1234]

no such thing as the greatest country in the world. Well, there is no way to quantify it...

I was watching the OPEN, you are in a bit of a heat wave right now, bottle some of it up and send it to us!

[Mr Happy]

That's in Melbourne, but apparently some of it is heading our way. Hot here today 29 Celsius...(84 F) but high humidity. Supposed to be hitting 39-41 (102-108) here soon...gak!

[Common]

You had me until the class warfare, you want to see what is killing the poor, then look at the policies of the left!

Not class warfare zelmo facts

[donttread]

Our design was to be a union of independent states with a BOR's for all that no government could take away. Now we are just another centrally controlled nation floating in seven seas full of them




The Constitution . So the more we ignore it guess what we are no longer?

[Adelaide]

I know it's from a television show, Chloe has shown it before, I know. But it kind of stuck in my mind and stayed there and when I saw this thread I dug it up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZFRmVFn7WM

And I think someone above had it right when they said that if you're happy where you're living, in whatever country you're living in (within reason), you likely believe it is, or is one of, the greatest countries on earth.

[Codename Section]

Adelaide

have you ever eaten Popeyes? Really, I'm not sure what else there is to be said to prove our superiority.

[Adelaide]

@Adelaide (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=473)

have you ever eaten Popeyes? Really, I'm not sure what else there is to be said to prove our superiority.

I don't think we have that here...

[Codename Section]

I don't think we have that here...

This spring it's going to be our reward for winning the adventure race.

[BB-35]

This spring it's going to be our reward for winning the adventure race.


popeye's has great bisquits and mashed potatoes

And that spicy chicken makes me sweat!

[Green Arrow]

Not class warfare zelmo facts

Not facts, misrepresentation.

[Peter1469]

nail on the head!


Our design was to be a union of independent states with a BOR's for all that no government could take away. Now we are just another centrally controlled nation floating in seven seas full of them

[jillian]

nail on the head!

Nonsense

[Peter1469]

I don't think we have that here...

You are lucky. Don't ever try it should you visit the States.

[Peter1469]

I agree with the guy. We used to be. Now we are really the same as all other first world nations.


I know it's from a television show, Chloe has shown it before, I know. But it kind of stuck in my mind and stayed there and when I saw this thread I dug it up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZFRmVFn7WM

And I think someone above had it right when they said that if you're happy where you're living, in whatever country you're living in (within reason), you likely believe it is, or is one of, the greatest countries on earth.

[Ransom]

probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people?

I'm sorry Jillian, what was the year and model again? Of your bmw of course.

[Ransom]

We call em limo Libs, I'm sure many have their own terms

[Guerilla]

You are lucky. Don't ever try it should you visit the States.

Someone had to say it. I was waiting to see who did. Peters the winner.

Popeyes is shit.

Burger King is where it's at.

[iustitia]

Burger King is rancid dogshit I wouldn't feed to a dog I wanted to die. In my humble opinion.

[Peter1469]

Someone had to say it. I was waiting to see who did. Peters the winner.

Popeyes is shit.

Burger King is where it's at.

One one of our European trips the Ex and I landed in Munich at 7am and one of the only places open for food was Burger King. I was unreasonably pissed off and started an argument over how disgusting it was. Thinking back on it- sure I was a complete asshole, but I was right. :smiley:

[BB-35]

I remember I used to finish running the paper and clock out aroud 2:30 am,and I'd stop and get a double whopper with cheese most nights..they used to be that good...

[GrassrootsConservative]

Nonsense

Because you say so? This is why people don't like talking to you. You have this air about you that we should just accept what you say because you say it. It's very arrogant.

Here's what was said:

Our design was to be a union of independent states with a BOR's for all that no government could take away. Now we are just another centrally controlled nation floating in seven seas full of them

Why don't you start by telling us what part of it you think is nonsense, and then you can tell us why you think that way.

[jillian]

[QUOTE=GrassrootsConservative;492033]Because you say so? This is why people don't like talking to you. You have this air about you that we should just accept what you say because you say it. It's very arrogant.[quote]

1. notice he thanked the post. that is because he and i had a very long discussion on the issue yesterday morning….
2. someone who has nothing to offer but rushbot rants about "liberal lies" and correcting others' spelling really has no basis for comment.

now run along.

[GrassrootsConservative]

What post did he thank?

And can you please answer the inquiries I made?

Ad hom is not discussion. Are you here to discuss or not?

[countryboy]

What post did he thank?

And can you please answer the inquiries I made?

Ad hom is not discussion. Are you here to discuss or not?

She's not.

[Ransom]

Jillian informed the forum she drove a very expensive BMW as well, I'd like to know how that meshes with her "probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people" statement.

[jillian]

Jillian informed the forum she drove a very expensive BMW as well, I'd like to know how that meshes with her "probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people" statement.

darling, we haven't had that system during my lifetime.

are you jealous of my car?

go to school. work hard. you can lease one too.

and i didn't "inform the forum". i answered a direct question honestly.

tighten up.

[Codename Section]

Jillian informed the forum she drove a very expensive BMW as well, I'd like to know how that meshes with her "probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people" statement.

Ransom,

is the reason why you were so pissed about my give a shit attitude about public schools because you're still in them? It's ok. High school makes a lot of people grumpy. Don't worry dude, it's only a few more years then you can go to college.

[Ivan88]

The God of mother nature intended for America to be a New Jerusalem to which the nations would come to learn the ways of peace.

The folks in the East India Company figured out that America had a vast wealth potential and went to work getting control of America. After they succeeded in the arranged American Revolution, they were ready to take the whole world via "Fortress America".
It was the genius of the East India Company that financed American industry and technological advances.

In a way, they own America, which is why the US bullycrats don't listen to the American people, but take their orders from the successors to the East India Company et. al.

As long as the American people act like Jacob, their elder brother will be over them.
In otherwords, until they confess their own wickedness and hatred for "nature's God", repent, and humbly accept the punishments of our inequity, the lords of the East India Company heritage will continue to rule over us.

And, they will continue to carry out God's Will by being those whom Moses warned us about: "Those who hate you rule over you." (Leviticus 26:17)
5393

[Toro]

America's boundless optimism.

Americans think there's nothing they can't do.

That's awesome.

[Mainecoons]

And that's past history.

[Dr. Who]

There's probably a concept somewhere - I don't know the definition (but I'm sure @Chris (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=128) does) but at some point reality becomes the true definition above and beyond the written definition. We are at this point with capitalism. By definition, capitalism is great. So is communism, socialism, democracy - all great on paper but in practice it's something really different. On paper capitalism is great also but we don't have true capitalism here. Who does. And at what point do we say "this is what capitalism really is" in spite of the written definition? The fly in the ointment is people. Every economic system that is good on paper has an Achilles heel - the ego monster. There are those among us for whom plenty is never enough. They can never have enough money or power. At some point they turn to manipulation, subterfuge and even crime to continue to amass more money and power - ultimately power. There is no economic system that is, or ever will be immune unless people change. Sure there are people who are unmotivated and even lazy. They are not the problem. Problems arise when the unmitigated greed and power quest of the few infringes on the livelihood of the rest. Most in the middle will work hard under any economic system and that system will survive until the balance tilts in favor of the few. When that happens all hell breaks loose. When the hardest working people cannot realize the fruit of their labors, or when the source of their income is summarily removed, you can bet there will be push back. Communism didn't fall apart because the idea was the worst - it fell apart because of internal corruption. Capitalism or even free market trade is as viable so long as the takers don't expropriate everyone else in the sandbox. Government only sucks because of the same personality types who are also found in the civil service - the empire builders whose egos require bloated departments, because the more people you control the more it fulfills their ego, or the elected reps who are on an equally egocentric power trip that requires massive financing from the private sector. No matter what form of government or society you choose to put in place or live within there will be one or two who will change the paradigm for the rest.

[donttread]

It has plenty of authority and worked quite well until 1913 when the Donkaphant over rode it



You mean the constitution of no authority? The worthless piece of parchment treated as more sacred than all the world's holy books?

[jillian]

It has plenty of authority and worked quite well until 1913 when the Donkaphant over rode it

no doubt your expertise on the constitution leads you to that conclusion.

do tell.

[jillian]

That could be something? Our people in poverty are among the wealthiest people in the world!

And it is not capitalism that left them in poverty, it is socialism gaining roots. The socialist countries of the world in large part have a lower standard of living!

the 1% are among the wealthiest in the world. rightwing politices are creating an income disparity to rival any banana republic.

that doesn't work out well.

there was no "socialism" during the time i'm discussing. there were children in workhouses who didn't go to school because they were working 16 hours a day... there were workers working in unsafe conditions, without vacations and for ridiculous numbers of hours at almost no wages.

your saying otherwise doesn't change it.

and then there was the FLSA and other reforms.

which the right is systematically trying to destroy in order to create and bolster a new robber baron class.

[zelmo1234]

The God of mother nature intended for America to be a New Jerusalem to which the nations would come to learn the ways of peace.

The folks in the East India Company figured out that America had a vast wealth potential and went to work getting control of America. After they succeeded in the arranged American Revolution, they were ready to take the whole world via "Fortress America".
It was the genius of the East India Company that financed American industry and technological advances.

In a way, they own America, which is why the US bullycrats don't listen to the American people, but take their orders from the successors to the East India Company et. al.

As long as the American people act like Jacob, their elder brother will be over them.
In otherwords, until they confess their own wickedness and hatred for "nature's God", repent, and humbly accept the punishments of our inequity, the lords of the East India Company heritage will continue to rule over us.

And, they will continue to carry out God's Will by being those whom Moses warned us about: "Those who hate you rule over you." (Leviticus 26:17)
5393

I have one of those in my collection they are beautiful!

And if you really want to see what caused America to become the nations that it is? goy to youtube and watch the men who built America.

And while the labor practices of the time were dreadful it will show you just what power that capitalism has to create massive wealth for the country,

[nic34]

darling, we haven't had that system during my lifetime.

are you jealous of my car?

go to school. work hard. you can lease one too.

and i didn't "inform the forum". i answered a direct question honestly.

tighten up.


^:laugh:^

[nic34]

the 1% are among the wealthiest in the world. rightwing politices are creating an income disparity to rival any banana republic.

that doesn't work out well.

there was no "socialism" during the time i'm discussing. there were children in workhouses who didn't go to school because they were working 16 hours a day... there were workers working in unsafe conditions, without vacations and for ridiculous numbers of hours at almost no wages.

your saying otherwise doesn't change it.

and then there was the FLSA and other reforms.

which the right is systematically trying to destroy in order to create and bolster a new robber baron class.

Just getting past the revisionist history around here can take forever.... :shocked:

[jillian]

Just getting past the revisionist history around here can take forever.... :shocked:

it does waste more time than it's worth.

but i'm always amazed at how basic things seem to bnot be accepted as reality.

there can be a lot of opinions. there can only be one set of facts.

[countryboy]

there can only be one set of facts.
Yours, of course. Right?

[Kabuki Joe]

Porn, buffalo wings, beer, video games, football...

... I'm forgetting something, aren't I?

Oh yeah, metal bands.


...and in that order no doubt!...

[Kabuki Joe]

LOL! It's "capitalism" that's fucked most of this shit up.

It's great for the privileged and powerful, but for the rest of the 95% of us, it's kinda sucky.

Bucket carrying junkheads like you who believe all the rhetorical bullshit RushBeck pumps into your walnut-sized brain keep this shit steamboat sailing along by voting for the same schmucks every year. Thanks for your support, you fucking mindless zombie.


...where would you be without cuss words?...

[Kabuki Joe]

There's probably a concept somewhere - I don't know the definition (but I'm sure @Chris (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=128) does) but at some point reality becomes the true definition above and beyond the written definition.

We are at this point with capitalism. By definition, capitalism is great. So is communism, socialism, democracy - all great on paper but in practice it's something really different.

On paper capitalism is great also but we don't have true capitalism here. Who does.

And at what point do we say "this is what capitalism really is" in spite of the written definition?


...capitalism; if you have a good product people will buy it unless they are forced by zoe's cohorts to buy something that's not better for you but better for her...that's the only problem with the US now are all the liberal groups (yes, liberal because cons wouldn't get away with it) forcing their ideals on your everyday needs with products that meet a certain criteria...

[Kabuki Joe]

Capitalism worked great. Corporatist/government collusion a.k.a. ObamaCare doesn't work worth a damn.

What is funny is that it is turning out to not work worth a damn even for the corporatists who colluded in its creation and wrote much of this landmark piece of bad legislation.


...it started before Obama...we've been forced into a criteria that other people deem fit since the 60's and 70's...I remember the big thing my Birkenstock wearing aunt was on about back in the late 70's, Nestles...nestles made a formula for babies that was pissing off women like my aunt and they were pushing a complete boycott of everything nestle made, not just the one product in question...hippies, no matter what biological sex, are just plain ignorant and controlling...

[Kabuki Joe]

We have never had true free market capitalism in this country but the closer we have been to it the better we have done economically and socially.


...well, it's working somewhat...I mean look at the US car market, if you don't make a good product it won't sell...

[Kabuki Joe]

:thumbsup:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ujS1er1r0


...I thought you guys hated the south?...

[Kabuki Joe]

Nothing. It's just another illegitimate "nation" spreading fear and tyranny across the globe.


...are you still here though?...

[Kabuki Joe]

We live in a great nation being ruined by the me generation.
I lived in a country that paid the old workers thirty bucks a month and the young workers fifty bucks.
The young workers can work faster, then our people bitch their whole lives about always being screwed..
Then our lib government gives them freebees to shut them up and remember who to vote for.
I deserve to be rewarded for doing nothing.


...and there's a lot of "me's" on this forum...

[Kabuki Joe]

I do not think Americans need to be number 1 to be proud of being an American.

And I agree, no nation is the greatest.


...but number 1 is a number based off of personal opinion...

[Kabuki Joe]

The core of America's greatness was rooted in national pride and personal accountability.

Those values have been diminishing since the mid-1960's.

Just an observation. Just an opinion....


...hmmmmm...bra burning also happened in the 60's...wild...

[Kabuki Joe]

You are lucky. Don't ever try it should you visit the States.


...popeyes is disgusting...3.....2.....1.....waiting for cigar to call me a racist...

[junie]

...I thought you guys hated the south?...



lol wrong again, kjoe...

[Kabuki Joe]

Ransom,

is the reason why you were so pissed about my give a shit attitude about public schools because you're still in them? It's ok. High school makes a lot of people grumpy. Don't worry dude, it's only a few more years then you can go to college.


...do you make it a point to defend all fair maidens?...

[Kabuki Joe]

The God of mother nature intended for America to be a New Jerusalem to which the nations would come to learn the ways of peace.

The folks in the East India Company figured out that America had a vast wealth potential and went to work getting control of America. After they succeeded in the arranged American Revolution, they were ready to take the whole world via "Fortress America".
It was the genius of the East India Company that financed American industry and technological advances.

In a way, they own America, which is why the US bullycrats don't listen to the American people, but take their orders from the successors to the East India Company et. al.

As long as the American people act like Jacob, their elder brother will be over them.
In otherwords, until they confess their own wickedness and hatred for "nature's God", repent, and humbly accept the punishments of our inequity, the lords of the East India Company heritage will continue to rule over us.

And, they will continue to carry out God's Will by being those whom Moses warned us about: "Those who hate you rule over you." (Leviticus 26:17)
5393


...interesting...

[Kabuki Joe]

I have one of those in my collection they are beautiful!

And if you really want to see what caused America to become the nations that it is? goy to youtube and watch the men who built America.

And while the labor practices of the time were dreadful it will show you just what power that capitalism has to create massive wealth for the country,


...in this day and time it's considered "dreadful" and so is cutting chicken on the veggie cutting board in my house...you'll notice we thrived under those conditions and we aren't anymore...

[Kabuki Joe]

lol wrong again, kjoe...


...but you and the other 2 of the "3 amigos" keep trashing the south...is this the new definition of love in the US, degrading something you love?...

[Max Rockatansky]

are you jealous of my car?

go to school. work hard. you can lease one too.

And that, my dear, is the Republican agenda in a nutshell. Thanks for supporting the Party!

[Ransom]

Ransom,

is the reason why you were so pissed about my give a shit attitude about public schools because you're still in them? It's ok. High school makes a lot of people grumpy. Don't worry dude, it's only a few more years then you can go to college.

Codename Section

A couple of corrections to your nonsense above. 1) I wasn't pissed, I think the more accurate term is taken aback. I didn't know mentalities like yours existed. Firstly, your tax money and alot of it goes to funding public schools whether you have children or not. Secondly, most children attend public schools thus their education's affect us all. From them being the generation that will pay your social security and medicare when you age, CS...but we're expecting many of them to become our next leaders, to continue on making the United States the beacon of freedom and opportunity that previous generations afforded us. We owe them that at least, I believe your opinion and "don't give a shit attitude selfish, naive, and the 2013 winner as far as I was concerned for the absolute most clueless statement I had read in here....and I do mean...we had some doozies.

2) I attended Catholic Private schools through 8th grade. Attended public high school. Graduated from College. I have earned a Master's Degree. I also took many courses(there were actual minors in my day) concerning military history and am certified to teach history in several states.

3) I continue to be saddened by opinions such as yours. Continue to try to educate people that our children are our most precious resource, and contiunue to believe your I don;t give a shit and it doesn't matter to me as I intend to send my children to private schools both naive and selfish. Not to mention championship clueless. Award winning.

You have a great day, Code.....I hope I cleared things up there for you.......although......I don't personally believe clarity is your strong suit.

[Ransom]

darling, we haven't had that system during my lifetime.

are you jealous of my car?

go to school. work hard. you can lease one too.

and i didn't "inform the forum". i answered a direct question honestly.

tighten up.

jillian

Dearest Jillian.......I think it's a nice car. Powerful. Nice ride. I little too tight for me though. The German suspensions all are...not that some don't like them, the Mercedes rides tight as well, in my opinion. Just attended our car show here, the new BMWs quite sweet, I drove the new Audi 8 on a track here as well...lightening fast. Not normally an Audi fan, but that car is sweet. I'm an American car fan though, I own 4 cars, both a horsepower freak and a love for larger vehicles(I own a Chevy Suburban and Dodge Ram). Also own a boat(Yamaha 225 4 stroke outboard on the School of Rock), many gas powered yard tools, my carbon footprint looks like the common Yeti's.

But I believe your car costs as much or more than the American annual median income, Jillian, thus find you entertaining when you thrust "probably because laissez faire capitalism failed and left us with robber barrons and impoverished people". To be using the term "us" there......now that's f'n entertainment for free...... as well, your often made comments on the "income gap" in America.....and here you are engaging in the very behavior driving that income gap.....I just think that's pure hypocrisy exampled and mighty entertaining where I'm concerned.

It...kinda makes your comments on income gap and capitalism causing impoverished peoples to fall on deaf ears when you admit a day before that you drive one of the most expensive cars on the road. I believe the model you mentioned(I cannot remember) retails for near $65,000. Putting you in the top 1%, but definitely excluding you from whining on about capitalism causing impovershiments. A German vehicle.......shipped to the US.......and sold to you......and you're whining.

You simply and matter of factly cannot make this shit up. Limo Liberals, Jillian...they're a dime a dozen.

Enjoy that ride, nice car. I live it when a driver and car connect, you're already calling it "your car", it's a match.

Now....back to your lecture about the impovershed and all of that you pretend to be such an expert on.......go ahead...entertain me.

[Kabuki Joe]

@Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866)

A couple of corrections to your nonsense above. 1) I wasn't pissed, I think the more accurate term is taken aback. I didn't know mentalities like yours existed. Firstly, your tax money and alot of it goes to funding public schools whether you have children or not. Secondly, most children attend public schools thus their education's affect us all. From them being the generation that will pay your social security and medicare when you age, CS...but we're expecting many of them to become our next leaders, to continue on making the United States the beacon of freedom and opportunity that previous generations afforded us. We owe them that at least, I believe your opinion and "don't give a shit attitude selfish, naive, and the 2013 winner as far as I was concerned for the absolute most clueless statement I had read in here....and I do mean...we had some doozies.

2) I attended Catholic Private schools through 8th grade. Attended public high school. Graduated from College. I have earned a Master's Degree. I also took many courses(there were actual minors in my day) concerning military history and am certified to teach history in several states.

3) I continue to be saddened by opinions such as yours. Continue to try to educate people that our children are our most precious resource, and contiunue to believe your I don;t give a shit and it doesn't matter to me as I intend to send my children to private schools both naive and selfish. Not to mention championship clueless. Award winning.

You have a great day, Code.....I hope I cleared things up there for you.......although......I don't personally believe clarity is your strong suit.


...I don't have a problem with public schools because they are important to kids being socialized with other kids...that's very important and I think home schooled kids might not get enough socialization...my problem is who decides what to teach our kids...there's a lot of realities that need to addressed in school so they don't cripple our children when they get out from under the public school protective umbrella...not everyone they will work with will be nice...or understanding...or even like them...that real life...and instead of teaching kids try and change that outside of themselves, they should be taught how to deal with it within themselves...too many people grow up sheltered and never learn how to toughen up...life sucks and then you die, it's just the way it is so learn to make the best of it!...

[Ransom]

it does waste more time than it's worth.

but i'm always amazed at how basic things seem to bnot be accepted as reality.

there can be a lot of opinions. there can only be one set of facts.

But....but....you consider "basic things" to be that Obama has decreased our national debt, that Dr. Gosnell's house of horrors was but one man's crimes, or that Osama Bin Laden attacked America because we place female troops at the Bin Sultan base in Saudi Arabia.

Asked several times for links, asked who told you this, asked where you get your information, I still await those answers/links to this very day

Jillian, your "basic things" aren't. You've been misled, puppeted, and herded into believeing things are "basic", you're just flat out wrong.

And I get entertainment out of not only proving you wrong, but informing the remainder of the forum. Have a nice day and please tighten up.

[Ransom]

...I don't have a problem with public schools because they are important to kids being socialized with other kids...that's very important and I think home schooled kids might not get enough socialization...my problem is who decides what to teach our kids...there's a lot of realities that need to addressed in school so they don't cripple our children when they get out from under the public school protective umbrella...not everyone they will work with will be nice...or understanding...or even like them...that real life...and instead of teaching kids try and change that outside of themselves, they should be taught how to deal with it within themselves...too many people grow up sheltered and never learn how to toughen up...life sucks and then you die, it's just the way it is so learn to make the best of it!...

Couldn't agree more, Joe, there are many realities that need to be addressed regarding our public school system. And maybe you have...and Jillian has.....but I have simply and matter of factly NEVER run into anyone who believes that our school systems are irrelevant to them as they intend on sending their children to private schools. Call me naive, I simply didn't know some people held that exact opinion. Now I do. I disagreed vehemently, responded appropriately, handed out the first place award for 2013(Codename Section won the award), and have been trying to inform the forum that the anti-thesis of Section's opinion is actually the truth and "reality." This is an issue for ALL Americans to take not of....it's a national security issue as well....big time. Please don't take Codename's opinions on these matters, I would be further disappointed if anyone did. They're just wrong headed...in my opinion.

[Ransom]

the 1% are among the wealthiest in the world. rightwing politices are creating an income disparity to rival any banana republic.

Like purchasing a BMW?


that doesn't work out well.

On the contrary, it's worked out so wel for you, you asked me if I was jealous of your car. Oops.

[Kabuki Joe]

Couldn't agree more, Joe, there are many realities that need to be addressed regarding our public school system. And maybe you have...and Jillian has.....but I have simply and matter of factly NEVER run into anyone who believes that our school systems are irrelevant to them as they intend on sending their children to private schools. Call me naive, I simply didn't know some people held that exact opinion. Now I do. I disagreed vehemently, responded appropriately, handed out the first place award for 2013(Codename Section won the award), and have been trying to inform the forum that the anti-thesis of Section's opinion is actually the truth and "reality." This is an issue for ALL Americans to take not of....it's a national security issue as well....big time. Please don't take Codename's opinions on these matters, I would be further disappointed if anyone did. They're just wrong headed...in my opinion.


...I think he's ok (codename) but he doesn't understand that you can't go around saving everyone...it's not possible...for 2 reasons; #1 you never get to focus on your immediate "world" and #2 no one learns how to take care of themselves WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE TO PROTECT THEM...life it tough and not everyone can make it...

[Ransom]

...I think he's ok (codename) but he doesn't understand that you can't go around saving everyone...it's not possible...for 2 reasons; #1 you never get to focus on your immediate "world" and #2 no one learns how to take care of themselves WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE TO PROTECT THEM...life it tough and not everyone can make it...

Oh, I think he's ok as well. A tad naive, enough so to make that statement...but not beyond salvage. He's made other statements that do make sense and I have clicked the thanks button for them or agreed in a response. This issue...he's wrong headed. The state of American Public schools is his business, does have affects both direct and indirect on him, is a national security issue thus again...his business, do require tax monies that are withheld from codename thus again his business.....it isn't an irrelevant topic, nor an issue that can be brushed aside, I was saddened by his opinion that you in fact could brush it aside, that is wasn't an issue for him considering his children would go to private schools.

I didn't make that up either, he's proud of the statement.

[Kabuki Joe]

Oh, I think he's ok as well. A tad naive, enough so to make that statement...but not beyond salvage. He's made other statements that do make sense and I have clicked the thanks button for them or agreed in a response. This issue...he's wrong headed. The state of American Public schools is his business, does have affects both direct and indirect on him, is a national security issue thus again...his business, do require tax monies that are withheld from codename thus again his business.....it isn't an irrelevant topic, nor an issue that can be brushed aside, I was saddened by his opinion that you in fact could brush it aside, that is wasn't an issue for him considering his children would go to private schools.

I didn't make that up either, he's proud of the statement.


...I was thinking about this yesterday as I was considering my own situation...I was laid off and I'm looking for work and the going rate for most positions in my field is 12ish an hour...that's what I was making in the late 90's and it's still what people are making now...and what does this have to do with the subject you ask?...well, I listen to a local guy here, Lars Larson, and he said a few months ago that he found it odd that the only people that do well no matter what the economy dictates is government workers, they always move forward and not backwards...it dawned on me when I started getting responses to my salary requirements...and mind you I'm not even asking for as much as I made in my last position...but Lars is right, the people that serve us do better then we do, you know the ones they work for...

[Peter1469]

@Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866)

A couple of corrections to your nonsense above. 1) I wasn't pissed, I think the more accurate term is taken aback. I didn't know mentalities like yours existed. Firstly, your tax money and alot of it goes to funding public schools whether you have children or not. Secondly, most children attend public schools thus their education's affect us all. From them being the generation that will pay your social security and medicare when you age, CS...but we're expecting many of them to become our next leaders, to continue on making the United States the beacon of freedom and opportunity that previous generations afforded us. We owe them that at least, I believe your opinion and "don't give a shit attitude selfish, naive, and the 2013 winner as far as I was concerned for the absolute most clueless statement I had read in here....and I do mean...we had some doozies.

2) I attended Catholic Private schools through 8th grade. Attended public high school. Graduated from College. I have earned a Master's Degree. I also took many courses(there were actual minors in my day) concerning military history and am certified to teach history in several states.

3) I continue to be saddened by opinions such as yours. Continue to try to educate people that our children are our most precious resource, and contiunue to believe your I don;t give a shit and it doesn't matter to me as I intend to send my children to private schools both naive and selfish. Not to mention championship clueless. Award winning.

You have a great day, Code.....I hope I cleared things up there for you.......although......I don't personally believe clarity is your strong suit.

Get yourself on the pointy tip of the spear and report back Ransom.

[Ransom]

Get yourself on the pointy tip of the spear and report back @Ransom (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=724).

At least Codename understood the report was already back, Pete, I even linked to it. Our national student gpa is at best abysmal, and we actually have Constituents who don't care considering that sad fact irrelevant. When both you and I understand it's in fact a national security crisis. I mean.....even you Pete who disagrees with me on nearly every endeavor and whether it rises to a level of national security interests would agree that our failing school systems are...at least a long range national security, yes? Or no?

[Peter1469]

At least Codename understood the report was already back, Pete, I even linked to it. Our national student gpa is at best abysmal, and we actually have Constituents who don't care considering that sad fact irrelevant. When both you and I understand it's in fact a national security crisis. I mean.....even you Pete who disagrees with me on nearly every endeavor and whether it rises to a level of national security interests would agree that our failing school systems are...at least a long range national security, yes? Or no?

I can agree without smearing people with other opinions. Especially people who bled for this country in real war, not just got a paper cut from the safety of his armchair.

[Ransom]

I can agree without smearing people with other opinions. Especially people who bled for this country in real war, not just got a paper cut from the safety of his armchair.

You enjoy the banter as much as the next, Pete, you just don't like being proven wrong. Not uncommon. Those on the front lines often cannot see the forest through the trees, our 2013 winner certainly guilty of that....at the very least.

[sachem]

The ideas behind our revolution.

And the Red Sox.

[Blackrook]

To answer the original question, I took a trip to Mexico when I was 12-years-old and I learned why I should be grateful I was born in America.

I saw families living in 5' x 5' tin and plywood shacks. These shacks were piled up against the border fence in huge neighborhoods where there were no toilets, no running water, no electricity, not even the basic level of sanitation and good health was provided for.

I was with a group of Catholic kids and we all had a present for an orphan. We drove down south a bit, and arrived at the orphanage. This orphanage was clean, had running water, toilets, and good sanitation. Every boy had his own bed with clean sheets and a pillow. And we gave our gifts to these children, who as orphans were living like kings compared to other kids their age who lived with their parents.

This orphanage was supported by American money, given freely by generous Americans. It was a tiny sanctuary of safety and comfort in a cesspool of a country where people live worse than pigs do in the United States. Pigs in the United States at least know they will be fed, but kids in Mexico do not have that guarantee. They beg on the street for quarters, and sell trinkets when they should be in school.

My understanding from talking to my immigration clients, is that the vast majority of people in the world live this way. A Guatamalan told me that in his country, it would take a month to save up enough money to buy a pair of shoes. A lawyer I met from Bermuda told me she grew up in a shack, with only one school uniform to wear. She had no running water, no toilet, no electricity. She went to a Catholic school, got a good education, and was able to escape.