Sigh* Ignore my post below. Are Americans hated in other countries?

[8circles]

Actually I've been quite accosted during US election cycles by folks from other countries with long and vehement diatribes on why I, as an American voter, should ignore voting for the candidate I feel is best for my country and instead should actually think of who the world or the folks in their particular country would most like to see as President and vote accordingly. Or vote due to a candidates demographic rather than his/her qualities or qualifications. All this from total strangers who don't know me, know who I might vote for, or even bother to ask which candidate I am supporting-and at the end of the "conversation" walk away without ever trying to find out. I just can't imagine having the audacity to demand the citizen of another country vote according to my needs.

 

Yes. I've never understood this mentality.

 

If this is what it takes to get the world to love me feel free to hate me. :lol: I'd rather be free and keep the money my husband works so hard to earn.

:iagree:

 

It's funny though because I think that some of the things they do here that is different than us is better (like healthcare) but they think American-style anything = better.

From your further explanations, that would be health insurance, not healthcare.

[Heather in Neverland]

From your further explanations, that would be health insurance, not healthcare.

 

I don't think I follow you.???

[8circles]

I don't think I follow you.???

 

The differences in care that you were describing seemed to be differences stemming from the system of health insurance, not healthcare. You said yourself that the care you received wasn't superior, but seemed on-par. But that you received appts sooner & the fees were smaller. Both of these things are heavily affected by the climate of health insurance & don't speak to the healthcare.

[Guest Virginia Dawn]

I think it is more complex.

 

When we lived in Sicily, everyone said they wanted to go to America. However, apartments that Americans lived in were often marked with a grafitti "A." Americans were considered wealthy and were targets for break-ins and robbery, but it wasn't personal, if that makes any sense.

 

It was also very easy to make friends with individual Sicilians. When you did, you would be like one of the family.

 

I only came across active animosity in a market place, when I was given rotten apples on purpose. When I returned to the stall and handed back the bag of apples, the owner of the stall returned my money without a word. He didn't want my business.

 

Dh said in Naval ports the people were often disgusted with the behavior of American sailors and bilked them for all they were worth. But, if you traveled in the opposite direction of the crowds, you would find much more congeniality, especially if you were respectful and attempted to use the local language.

[lionfamily1999]

Hang on mate, I'll just dismount from my kangaroo and finish croc wrestling, then I can respond to your post. That reminds me, the first time I went to the UK, somebody there was surprised because I had white skin and blonde hair: she actually thought all Australians were black.

 

But now I wanna know, why Florida?

 

Germany or Florida?

First mentioned on October 19, 2003 and first played on October 26th, 2003, Germany or Florida is a game that originated at Jimmy Kimmel Live with the staff of writers who discovered a correlation in the news stories they would read for joke material. Adam observed that "All weird stories emanate from either Germany or Florida." Originally intended as a game to be used on Kimmel's show, it was rejected and Adam decided to bring it to Loveline. The object of the game is to have a listener read off a strange, macabre, or just plain weird news story and have the hosts (and guests) choose Germany or Florida. According to some listeners' best guesses, Adam is about 55% correct, and Dr. Drew is about 40%. Theme songs introducing the game have been created by guests and callers, most notably David Alan Grier's opera and beat-box renditions. [1] Carolla even brought the game with him when he guest hosted The Late Late Show in 2004 and on his short-lived Comedy Central show Too Late with Adam Carolla. Additionally, the game has been played on Carolla's morning show, The Adam Carolla Show. [1]

 

I did not hear it on love line the first time, it was a different show, but there's a nice little synopsis, with links (not my links, wiki links).

LOL And down here right now with it being our tourist season it's a bit like Germany. ;)

 

 

 

We have a lot of very colorful people down here. ;)

:iagree:

[wbtx]

It was very interesting to hear everyone's thoughts. I have a much better understanding now.:001_smile:

[Meriwether]

I studied in Spain for a semester when I was in college. One of the classes I had to take was a film class. It was awful with scenes in every single film that would be considered pornographic here. The prevailing opinion seemed to be that American films were inferior because they were "lightweight." That was the only negative stereotype that I encountered, and as I pointed out, I was equally unimpressed with their movies. So, to each his own.

 

My sister and her husband have been living in Spain for the past 3 1/2 years. They have some Spanish friends, but their circle is mostly comprised of various expats from other English speaking countries. A few of the more outspoken ones have criticized America in general. One of the big things is energy usage. Energy is VERY expensive there and most people don't use a drier much even if they have one. They don't think it is fair of Americans to dry their clothes in a drier. I think at least some of this is due to jealousy at our cheaper energy, because some of them in particular would love the convenience of a drier. A lot of the Europeans (but definately not all) that she knows did not like Bush. But when I was in Spain, most didn't like Clinton. They probably won't like Obama either.

[Slartibartfast]

I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is.

[pqr]

I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is.

 

 

Just out of interest.....examples.

[Rosie_0801]

Please tell me this was an opinion about the 'regulars'? Because the 'special forces' have an extremely high opinion of the Aussies.

 

 

I believe it was the regulars. The ex-cousin I was talking to is an army mechanic.

 

Rosie

[Slartibartfast]

Just out of interest.....examples.

 

How many laws deny equal rights to homosexuals?

Edited January 7, 2010 by Sis

[Rosie_0801]

Actually I've been quite accosted during US election cycles by folks from other countries with long and vehement diatribes on why I, as an American voter, should ignore voting for the candidate I feel is best for my country and instead should actually think of who the world or the folks in their particular country would most like to see as President and vote accordingly. Or vote due to a candidates demographic rather than his/her qualities or qualifications. All this from total strangers who don't know me, know who I might vote for, or even bother to ask which candidate I am supporting-and at the end of the "conversation" walk away without ever trying to find out. I just can't imagine having the audacity to demand the citizen of another country vote according to my needs.

 

In some places, like here, it's incredibly rude to ask who someone has or intends to vote for. So, apart from the ranting aspect, an Aussie in this situation would probably just think he was making conversation :) As to the rest, plenty of us Aussies get irritated that so few Americans vote. If Aussies had the right to vote in American politics, you can bet a lot of us would. Your president affects our country a great deal and we don't get to vote on who that is.

 

Rosie

[pqr]

If Aussies had the right to vote in American politics, you can bet a lot of us would. Your president affects our country a great deal and we don't get to vote on who that is.

 

Rosie

 

No you don't.

[Peek a Boo]

How many laws deny equal rights to homosexuals?

 

and killing developing humans on demand for convenience without due process or legal consequences.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

In some places, like here, it's incredibly rude to ask who someone has or intends to vote for. So, apart from the ranting aspect, an Aussie in this situation would probably just think he was making conversation :) As to the rest, plenty of us Aussies get irritated that so few Americans vote. If Aussies had the right to vote in American politics, you can bet a lot of us would. Your president affects our country a great deal and we don't get to vote on who that is.

 

Rosie

 

Unfortunately the folks in one of these episodes accosted a total stranger (me) in a restaurant to express their opinion and displeasure with the voting habits of Americans. That is rude yet they saw it as their duty. I'm not sure that as the citizen of one country I should have any expectation of effecting the voting habits of the citizens of any other country. Nor do I have such a right. Yet, it seems that Americans have (in the opinion of citizens of other countries) a greater duty to the rest of the world than we do to our own internal affairs. I would argue that each country is responsible to itself for whom it elects.

[pqr]

How many laws deny equal rights to homosexuals?

 

 

If you are speaking of laws prohibiting recognition of their "marriages" you are throwing out a red herring. They are not denied equal rights they are denied special rights in their request to redefine marriage. There is an extensive thread on this very topic.

 

I would ask which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others?

[Slartibartfast]

If you are speaking of laws prohibiting recognition of their "marriages" you are throwing out a red herring. They are not denied equal rights they are denied special rights in their request to redefine marriage. There is an extensive thread on this very topic.

 

I would ask which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others?

 

So someone being able to serve in the military is a "special right?"

 

How about adoption? Some states deny adoption to homosexuals...how is that being denied a "special right?"

 

I think the "special rights" aspect is the red herring in this discussion. They are denied more than just marriage.

[TXMomof4]

 

I think Europeans don't understand why average Americans don't demand more justice from their government, such as decent healthcare for everyone, and subsidized higher education.

 

I guess it all depends on your definition of justice.

[pqr]

So someone being able to serve in the military is a "special right?"

 

How about adoption? Some states deny adoption to homosexuals...how is that being denied a "special right?"

 

I think the "special rights" aspect is the red herring in this discussion. They are denied more than just marriage.

 

 

The military has the right to refuse to allow all manner of people to serve. Too many tattoos, too fat, too stupid, too unreliable, homosexual, too uneducated and many other categories.

 

Service in the military is not a right, it is a priviledge!

 

 

Children are adopted by families who are seen as being best able to provide a loving and nuturing environment....it is the opinion of many and the law that homosexual "partners" can not do this.

 

I am still waiting for you to answer which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others? From what nation may someone claim a superiority to the US in these areas?

[Slartibartfast]

The military has the right to refuse to allow all manner of people to serve. Too many tattoos, too fat, too stupid, too unreliable, homosexual, too uneducated and many other categories.

 

Service in the military is not a right, it is a priviledge!

 

 

 

Children are adopted by families who are seen as being best able to provide a loving and nuturing environment....it is the opinion of many and the law that homosexual "partners" can not do this.

 

No one is arguing about fat stupid homosexuals serving, just ones that would otherwise be fit to serve. :) We did lose some military interpreters due to DADT.

 

 

I think placement and tattoo meanings are the actual concern rather than number, like racist tattoos would bar someone from serving.

 

 

I am still waiting for you to answer which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others? From what nation may someone claim a superiority to the US in these areas?

I don't think any country is perfect. I am just saying that it is hypocritical to discuss freedom while denying others freedoms. Edited January 7, 2010 by Sis

[TXMomof4]

So someone being able to serve in the military is a "special right?"

 

How about adoption? Some states deny adoption to homosexuals...how is that being denied a "special right?"

 

I think the "special rights" aspect is the red herring in this discussion. They are denied more than just marriage.

 

I just glanced over an overview of adoption laws and none of the states prohibit a gay person adopting a child. The only state that clearly prohibits a joint adoption prohibits any unmarried people - m/f or homosexual to adopt - no discrimination (within the wording of the law) between them. There may be a preference within adoption for children to go to traditional families, but it's not illegal for homosexuals to adopt(from what I read).

[Slartibartfast]

I just glanced over an overview of adoption laws and none of the states prohibit a gay person adopting a child. The only state that clearly prohibits a joint adoption prohibits any unmarried people - m/f or homosexual to adopt - no discrimination (within the wording of the law) between them. There may be a preference within adoption for children to go to traditional families, but it's not illegal for homosexuals to adopt(from what I read).

 

You are correct! It appears that was ruled unconstitutional. :)

[TXMomof4]

You are correct! It appears that was ruled unconstitutional. :)

 

It's amazing what this backward, awful country will do sometimes, isn't it! ;)

[Slartibartfast]

It's amazing what this backward, awful country will do sometimes, isn't it! ;)

 

Oh, I don't think it is backwards or awful, I just believe strongly in the constitution and civil rights. :)

[pqr]

No one is arguing about fat stupid homosexuals serving, just ones that would otherwise be fit to serve. :) We did lose some military interpreters due to DADT.

 

 

I don't think any country is perfect. I am just saying that it is hypocritical to discuss freedom while denying others freedoms.

 

 

How many years of service in the military do you have? Even if you have time, it seems that those actually IN the military overwhelmingly oppose homosexuals serving. It is seen as being bad for unit cohesion and I am willing to let those who are serving make the call on that one. I further do not think that this "example" you gave holds much water if this is the best you can cite in regards to your comment:

 

"I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is".

 

you are not making much of a case.

 

Still waiting for actual answers to which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others? From what nation may someone claim a superiority to the US in these areas?

 

Saying that no nation is perfect and therefore it is "hypocritical to discuss freedom" means that no nation should discuss the topic. Dosen't make a lot of sense does it?

[Slartibartfast]

How many years of service in the military do you have? Even if you have time, it seems that those actually IN the military overwhelmingly oppose homosexuals serving. It is seen as being bad for unit cohesion and I am willing to let those who are serving make the call on that one. I further do not think that this "example" you gave holds much water if this is the best you can cite in regards to your comment:

 

I was not eligible due to asthma. I did sign up though.

 

 

How many years in the military have you served?

 

"I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is".

 

you are not making much of a case.

 

Still waiting for actual answers to which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others? From what nation may someone claim a superiority to the US in these areas?

 

Saying that no nation is perfect and therefore it is "hypocritical to discuss freedom" means that no nation should discuss the topic. Dosen't make a lot of sense does it?

Because your question is up to the individual values isn't it??

 

One argument that people have is that some countries are "less free" is because they have to pay for socialized medicine.

 

Do I feel that financial freedom is more important than civil rights? No, I do not feel that financial freedom is more important than civil rights.

 

Do I feel religious rights are more important than civil rights? (which some countries do not guarantee) Yes, I do feel religious rights are important.

 

The question is ambiguous, so no I did not answer directly. I don't think any country is really any MORE free. I don't think we are either.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Sis

[pqr]

I don't think any country is really any MORE free. I don't think we are either.

 

If you have visited a few of the "garden spots" that I have been in you wouldn't make a comment like that.

 

Are you seriously arguing that we are not more free than: Zimbabwe, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Burma, China, Sudan...... I can go on and on.

 

Yes I also feel that we are far more free than many of the developed countries but if I list them that will derail this thread. I will say that in some first world democracies one can be charged with xenophobia for telling a joke, one has to report to the police station every time one changes houses, one can be charged for defending one's self, one can not wear a cross at work, one can not HS their children.....I can go on and on.

[Slartibartfast]

If you have visited a few of the "garden spots" that I have been in you wouldn't make a comment like that.

 

Are you seriously arguing that we are not more free than: Zimbabwe, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Burma, China, Sudan...... I can go on and on.

 

Why would I say that?

 

Yes I also feel that we are far more free than many of the developed countries but if I list them that will derail this thread. I will say that in some first world democracies one can be charged with xenophobia for telling a joke, one has to report to the police station every time one changes houses, one can be charged for defending one's self, one can not wear a cross at work, one can not HS their children.....I can go on and on.

Yes, and I addressed a lack of religious freedom in some countries.

 

France does not have religious freedom and yet I see it often cited as having the best healthcare in the world.

 

Would one rather have religious freedom or the best healthcare?? I think most of us would make the same choice in those circumstances.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Sis

[pqr]

Would one rather have religious freedom or healthcare??

 

Freedom. After all that is the topic you brought up isn't it when you made the highly offensive comment about the US and said:

 

"I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is".

 

I am glad to see that we now agree that there are many nations with less freedom than the US and that you were incorrect when you said:

 

I don't think any country is really any MORE free. I don't think we are either.

 

It is late in Europe. Good Night.

[Slartibartfast]

Freedom. After all that is the topic you brought up isn't it when you made the highly offensive comment about the US and said:

 

"I suppose there is something embarrassing about a country that talks about freedom all the time but doesn't put its laws where its mouth is".

 

I am glad to see that we now agree that there are many nations with less freedom than the US and that you were incorrect when you said:

 

I don't think any country is really any MORE free. I don't think we are either.

 

It is late in Europe. Good Night.

 

Yeah ITA I don't think healthcare would be a good trade. I was appalled when I saw they were preventing women from wearing head coverings or people from wearing crosses (that story was France wasn't it?? I seem to recall it as France)

 

It was a mistype. I had meant to say "any ONE country" which is different. :)

[Spy Car]

... it seems that those actually IN the military overwhelmingly oppose homosexuals serving. It is seen as being bad for unit cohesion and I am willing to let those who are serving make the call on that one.

 

The same exact argument was made against integrating the armed forces.

 

Human rights can't be denied because bigots are "in a majority." If a soldier can't protect and defend the Constitution they have not business being in the military.

 

Bill

[lovemyboys]

Yet, it seems that Americans have (in the opinion of citizens of other countries) a greater duty to the rest of the world than we do to our own internal affairs. I would argue that each country is responsible to itself for whom it elects.

 

This probably reflects the foreign aid, security assistance and emergency aid the US supplies when any country sends out a call. That doesn't even count the charitable aid that American citizens provide via private agencies. There's an attention to what we're up to, what's going on. Foreign citizens have an interest, you might say a vested interest, in our country doing well --if only in relation to their particular interest/country.

 

The downside of course is that everyone's got an opinion and the US is so visible and powerful that it does effect people. What I found interesting recently is that our State Dept. has a number of diversity visas open to all countries -- even Somalia, Cuba, Yemen. Despite what their government's stance is wrt the US.

 

Another thing is that our political process is so well known, well covered and generally open (except for recently :tongue_smilie:). It's fairly easy for people in other countries to keep up with our news.

[TXMomof4]

The same exact argument was made against integrating the armed forces.

 

Human rights can't be denied because bigots are "in a majority." If a soldier can't protect and defend the Constitution they have not business being in the military.

 

Bill

 

Let me state up front that is a homosexual wants to serve, I absolutely support that. But there is a logistical nightmare there. Talk about sexual harrassment waiting to happen. Dh and I were talking about that just the other day. Gay showers, straight showers - male and female showers - separate lodging - I don't know. I obviously am not ignorant enough to believe there are no gay soldiers right now, but if you open that door there is a lot of planning to be done beforehand.

[Laura Corin]

Let me state up front that is a homosexual wants to serve, I absolutely support that. But there is a logistical nightmare there. Talk about sexual harrassment waiting to happen. Dh and I were talking about that just the other day. Gay showers, straight showers - male and female showers - separate lodging - I don't know. I obviously am not ignorant enough to believe there are no gay soldiers right now, but if you open that door there is a lot of planning to be done beforehand.

 

I don't know much about the issue, but The Independent is a reliable paper. The following quote from army advice seems to cover your concerns:

 

It would be wrong to assume homosexuals were predatory

 

Laura

[Peela]

Actually I've been quite accosted during US election cycles by folks from other countries with long and vehement diatribes on why I, as an American voter, should ignore voting for the candidate I feel is best for my country and instead should actually think of who the world or the folks in their particular country would most like to see as President and vote accordingly. Or vote due to a candidates demographic rather than his/her qualities or qualifications. All this from total strangers who don't know me, know who I might vote for, or even bother to ask which candidate I am supporting-and at the end of the "conversation" walk away without ever trying to find out. I just can't imagine having the audacity to demand the citizen of another country vote according to my needs.

 

I suspect that it would behoove us to stop exporting only the worst parts of our culture.

 

 

While obviously these people who accost you are being clumsy in their attempt to communicate....I do feel its important that Americans realise that they are voting not just for themselves, and that their votes impact teh whole world. America happens to be top of the heap right now....it will pass, but for now they are the most powerful world power and that does affect the whole world. They cant afford to think only of their own needs if they want to maintain so much power over everyone else's.

We can be patriotic about our own country at the same time as realising all people everywhere are very similar in our emotions, our passions, our love for our children, our care for our families etc...we are all the same. I personally feel everyone should have a mind for the whole world nowadays, not just their own country, when they vote or do anything that has impact on other countries.

One of the reasons Americans are disliked at times is because of a perceived attitude that Americans feel they are somehow more special than any other country, and more righteous. I suspect that is changing though.

[Mrs Mungo]

Let me state up front that is a homosexual wants to serve, I absolutely support that. But there is a logistical nightmare there. Talk about sexual harrassment waiting to happen. Dh and I were talking about that just the other day. Gay showers, straight showers - male and female showers - separate lodging - I don't know. I obviously am not ignorant enough to believe there are no gay soldiers right now, but if you open that door there is a lot of planning to be done beforehand.

 

You should hear certain segments of our local population complaining about the new rule allowing women on submarines. But guess what? Not enough men can qualify to be submariners, needs of the military trumps those sentiments. There are *always* logistical issues. There are no insurmountable logistical issues with this issue. Right now, the military is hurting for volunteer soldiers. It seems unreasonable to deny those who wish to serve.

 

I would say that the majority of people we know 30-35 and under who are in the military (not short-termers) have known someone in their unit who was a homosexual and it wasn't actually a big deal. It's discussed often in our circles. I would say the career soldiers who are truly anti-gays-in-the-military are the same ones who are anti-women-in-the-military.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Mrs Mungo

[lovemyboys]

I think it is more complex.

........

Americans were considered wealthy and were targets for break-ins and robbery, but it wasn't personal, if that makes any sense.

........

But, if you traveled in the opposite direction of the crowds, you would find much more congeniality, especially if you were respectful and attempted to use the local language.

 

Both of your comments here are brilliant. They go to the heart of much of how people are perceived and received in other countries.

 

From an impersonal, macro perspective, the US is this huge monolithic world power. And they make assumptions about that.

 

Once people get to know individuals, they see that Americans in general are open, friendly and generous. And if individual Americans go to the trouble of informing themselves wrt other countries and languages, it's truly invaluable.

 

For me, it always goes back to the fact that so many people from all countries work so hard to come here to work and live. It's been said that the US "is the envy of the world." Well that can have a downside too.

[nd293]

There is a lot of negativity about American healthcare, but when the wealthy of the world gets sick, they don't go to Malaysia (just pickin' on you since that's where you are, but insert any other place in the world if you'd rather....)

 

Is this true? Heather disagreed in her response - saying she does use Malaysian hospitals. When we were in Oman, the US embassy sent their staff home to give birth. There was no basis for this. Hospitals in Oman were excellent (complete placenta previa, emergency C-section birth here, so I have had experience). And the US was the only country I knew of who did this.

 

Wealthy Omanis who needed specialised care often went to Malaysia or Thailand (due to cost and treatment options). These countries have excellent reputations for medical care (as does Singapore).

[IsabelC]

I am still waiting for you to answer which nation offers more freedoms? Which nation has done more to preserve freedom on this planet? Which nation has donated more to helping others? From what nation may someone claim a superiority to the US in these areas?

 

It's very difficult to agree on a definition of freedom, because it is not absolute, and freedoms have to be balanced, so my freedom to sing Wagner very loudly is curtailed by your freedom to have a peaceful evening. Eg I have heard that many citizens in the US value the right to bear arms. However many other people would consider this not a 'freedom' worth having, in light of the number of shooting deaths, including the tragic school shootings. (Just an example that springs to mind, because as a Tasmanian who remembers Martin Bryant's shooting spree well, I would find it hard to feel safe in a country where people have guns everywhere.) African Americans also appear to have less freedom, looking at the stats for executions (and as for capital punishment, I won't even go there) and long term imprisonment. (I am well aware that this is a complex multifaceted issue, but it would certainly be worth considering. We have a 'similar but different' issue regarding indigenous Australians dying in police custody, so please don't think I'm throwing stones here!)

 

But on foreign aid, the US has a demonstrably poor record. It does donate large amounts (and is the largest contributor in raw $ terms), that is true, however these amounts are not so good in proportion to the size of its economy (aid as a percentage of GNP is usually lower than all OECD countries), and it has repeatedly failed to meet agreed targets (as has my own country, I should add, I'm not just Yank-bashing). In addition, much of its foreign aid is tied to its own interests, eg trade protectionism, supplying arms to selected nations, and is therefore useless or even harmful.

 

The most generous countries are also the ones that do not tend to tie aid to their own products and services. The stingiest countries also ... force countries to buy their own services and products with the aid they give; which reduces free trade and commerce and harms the countries economy, as well as being simply selfish and conceited. Thankfully, many countries do not tie their aid. Countries that tie less than 10% of aid include Ireland, Norway and the UK, then Belgium, Finland, Switzerland and Sweden. The USA is the worst, and ties nearly 90% of its aid to developing countries. Italy is the second worst with 70%.

NGO charitable work is not accounted for in the above, only official aid programs. Unsurprisingly, the poorer people are consistently more generous donors across developed nations, including the US. There is also as large amount of foreign work carried out by churches, although the effectiveness varies, and some continue to undertake missionary type activities as well as humanitarian work. Edited January 8, 2010 by Hotdrink

[Mrs Mungo]

Wealthy Omanis who needed specialised care often went to Malaysia or Thailand (due to cost and treatment options). These countries have excellent reputations for medical care (as does Singapore).

 

I know military wives who have done "medical trips" to Singapore and Thailand for plastic surgery because they do so much of it and it's so cheap. There is a very high standard of care. So, I agree.

[Mabelen]

...France does not have religious freedom and yet I see it often cited as having the best healthcare in the world.

 

Would one rather have religious freedom or the best healthcare?? I think most of us would make the same choice in those circumstances.

 

I am not French, but since when did France lose their freedom of religion?

If you are referring to the rules about displaying/wearing any and all religious symbols in public schools, although restrictive, I don't think it can be equated to lack of freedom of religion.

[Melissa in Australia]

One of the reasons Americans are disliked at times is because of a perceived attitude that Americans feel they are somehow more special than any other country, and more righteous..

 

 

 

:iagree:. And I particularly get sick of Americans claiming they are free-er than everyone else.

this whole thread was asking what non American people in other countries think of Americans in general. Us non Americans responded about what the attitude is in the communities where we live. . we responded politely.:001_smile:

 

we all feel we are now under attack by Americans trying to down us, and trying to make themselves feel superior than the rest of the world. Sorry, you guys attacking us non Americans are just proving some of the stereotypes that the rest of the world has about Americans.

[keptwoman]

:iagree:. And I particularly get sick of Americans claiming they are free-er than everyone else.

this whole thread was asking what non American people in other countries think of Americans in general. Us non Americans responded about what the attitude is in the communities where we live. . we responded politely.:001_smile:

 

we all feel we are now under attack by Americans trying to down us, and trying to make themselves feel superior than the rest of the world. Sorry, you guys attacking us non Americans are just proving some of the stereotypes that the rest of the world has about Americans.

 

Yes. One persons freedom is anothers tyranny. Just because our freedom looks different to your freedom that doesn't mean it's any less free. I'm just grateful that we don't have to live under your freedom and you don't have to live under ours.

[Peek a Boo]

I am not French, but since when did France lose their freedom of religion?

If you are referring to the rules about displaying/wearing any and all religious symbols in public schools, although restrictive, I don't think it can be equated to lack of freedom of religion.

 

restrictive --and being OK w/ restrictive-- is where it starts.

 

Historically, anyway.

[Peek a Boo]

Yes. One persons freedom is anothers tyranny. Just because our freedom looks different to your freedom that doesn't mean it's any less free. I'm just grateful that we don't have to live under your freedom and you don't have to live under ours.

 

yes. I don't consider a well-furnished cage "free."

 

eta: there's a difference between free and safe. The two are not necessarily interchangeable.

[8circles]

While obviously these people who accost you are being clumsy in their attempt to communicate....I do feel its important that Americans realise that they are voting not just for themselves, and that their votes impact teh whole world. America happens to be top of the heap right now....it will pass, but for now they are the most powerful world power and that does affect the whole world. They cant afford to think only of their own needs if they want to maintain so much power over everyone else's.

We can be patriotic about our own country at the same time as realising all people everywhere are very similar in our emotions, our passions, our love for our children, our care for our families etc...we are all the same. I personally feel everyone should have a mind for the whole world nowadays, not just their own country, when they vote or do anything that has impact on other countries.

One of the reasons Americans are disliked at times is because of a perceived attitude that Americans feel they are somehow more special than any other country, and more righteous. I suspect that is changing though.

 

I hear what you are saying, but I think you are making a lot of assumptions here. I'm sure that I don't vote the way that many people in the rest of the world would want me to, but I don't only think of myself. I happen to have a different idea of what is good for the rest of the world & it is my vote. Why should I change it because someone else thinks differently?

 

As for your last comment, I have heard this many times & yet I don't know one American who believes that they are more special or more righteous. You are right that it is all about perception.

[IsabelC]

As for your last comment, I have heard this many times & yet I don't know one American who believes that they are more special or more righteous.

Maybe it's only a minority of very jingoistic people?

There is a man in Tasmania who claims to be God. If you read his stuff you might conclude that we are all insane down here.

[Slartibartfast]

I am not French, but since when did France lose their freedom of religion?

If you are referring to the rules about displaying/wearing any and all religious symbols in public schools, although restrictive, I don't think it can be equated to lack of freedom of religion.

 

I believe when you are not permitted to practice your religion that would entail to me that you do not have religious freedom.

 

Wearing head covering is a religious practice to some.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Sis

[TXMomof4]

Oh, I don't think it is backwards or awful, I just believe strongly in the constitution and civil rights. :)

 

I believe strongly in the constitution and civil rights also. The constitution does not give the federal government the right to make all of these decisions though. Most social issues are left to the states. If New York,Massachusets, or Vermont want gay marriage, go for it. If other states don't, they have that right too. The states are individual entities. If the fed. gov. was actually following the constitution I'd be jumping up and down for joy.

[TXMomof4]

I don't know much about the issue, but The Independent is a reliable paper. The following quote from army advice seems to cover your concerns:

 

It would be wrong to assume homosexuals were predatory

 

Laura

 

I don't assume they are predatory. But I do know a whole lot of individuals who would refuse to shower with someone who they knew looked upon them in a sexual manner rather than just another guy/girl. Can you imagine asking a woman to shower with a group of men? My husband isn't a predator, but if he was showering with women I know he would be terribly uncomfortable, I would be uncomfortable and there would be a whole world of harrassment that could be avoided.

 

Like I said, I'm not sure there is an answer to that situation.