[Changleen]

This guy is an extremist by my standards but this is still a good read when you have 5 minutes. Basically why I moved out of the UK in the end.

http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest/library/confessions.html

I have to say though he is close to the line of denial of progress which I find intellectually lazy.

 

[BurlyShirley]

blah blah blah.

You can do better than that changleen. Jesus.

Just because this douchebag lead and unfulfilling life doesnt mean the world or "america" is a bad place. Because he finds no meaning in his life is no ones fault but his own.

Why am I proud to be an American? Because the U.S. is pretty damn great. We got tons of land, tons of beer and tons of money. Plenty of places to ride, cool sports, bikes, friends. Great schools, great quality of life. WTF is not to be proud of? That the govt. is ****ed up? Whose govt. isnt? Every country in the world just about has the same complaints and there is nothing you can do to negate the natural affects of power on human beings.
If the bitch who wrote that article werent so consumed with materialism in the first place, he'd've had alot less to whine about. So what? Americans are fat, Americans are lazy, Americans are stupid...
Yeah, so the **** what? This fag has done nothing but changed his focus from materialism to personal image. Which is just as worthless. I wish people would get off their damned high horses, STFU and vote or just STFU! I get so tired of this same **** every day. Granola good, Mcdonalds bad. Tofu good, meat bad. Hybrid good, h2 bad. WHO GIVES A FVCK? Go live you goddam life you loser.

 

[RenegadeRick]

That the govt. is ****ed up? Whose govt. isnt?

I believe we can do better. You wouldn't accept fraud and incompetence from an employee. Why should we accept it from our elected employees?

blah blah blah.

You can do better than that changleen. Jesus.

Just because this douchebag lead and unfulfilling life doesnt mean the world or "america" is a bad place. Because he finds no meaning in his life is no ones fault but his own.

Why am I proud to be an American? Because the U.S. is pretty damn great. We got tons of land, tons of beer and tons of money. Plenty of places to ride, cool sports, bikes, friends. Great schools, great quality of life. WTF is not to be proud of? That the govt. is ****ed up? Whose govt. isnt? Every country in the world just about has the same complaints and there is nothing you can do to negate the natural affects of power on human beings.
If the bitch who wrote that article werent so consumed with materialism in the first place, he'd've had alot less to whine about. So what? Americans are fat, Americans are lazy, Americans are stupid...
Yeah, so the **** what? This fag has done nothing but changed his focus from materialism to personal image. Which is just as worthless. I wish people would get off their damned high horses, STFU and vote or just STFU! I get so tired of this same **** every day. Granola good, Mcdonalds bad. Tofu good, meat bad. Hybrid good, h2 bad. WHO GIVES A FVCK? Go live you goddam life you loser.

Oh, and with your response, you basically confirmed everything he said.
Yay America! USA! USA! USA!

 

[BurlyShirley]

I believe we can do better. You wouldn't accept fraud and incompetence from an employee. Why should we accept it from our elected employees?




Oh, and with your response, you basically confirmed everything he said.
Yay America! USA! USA! USA!

Put away the Phish cd's and open your freaking eyes for once. This **** isnt new and original thinking, its the same stupid crap over and over again.

And i find it funny that somehow being patriotic is now bad thing. Its a little disgusting, actually. Why is it that if I have reasons for being proud of where Im from its now considered a bad thing?

 

[Old Man G Funk]

Put away the Phish cd's and open your freaking eyes for once. This **** isnt new and original thinking, its the same stupid crap over and over again.

And i find it funny that somehow being patriotic is now bad thing. Its a little disgusting, actually. Why is it that if I have reasons for being proud of where Im from its now considered a bad thing?

I would say it's a bad thing if those reasons are not reality based or well thought out. I'm not making a judgment call on your reasons, just simply pointing out that sometimes it can be a bad thing.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I would say it's a bad thing if those reasons are not reality based or well thought out. I'm not making a judgment call on your reasons, just simply pointing out that sometimes it can be a bad thing.

If I said I like America because of "freedom" or becuase "we're badass with lots of guns" or "land of the free home of the brave" then whatever. But the US in reality has a very high quality of life when compared to much of the rest of the world. We still have lots of natural resources to enjoy and a pretty free society. Could things be better? Sure. Absolutely. But dont jump down my throat for actually liking it. That it's "unhip" to be happy with the country these days doesnt really concern me as much as it seems to some others here. I just get tired of the slams sometimes. It aint all that bad.

 

[Old Man G Funk]

If I said I like America because of "freedom" or becuase "we're badass with lots of guns" or "land of the free home of the brave" then whatever. But the US in reality has a very high quality of life when compared to much of the rest of the world. We still have lots of natural resources to enjoy and a pretty free society. Could things be better? Sure. Absolutely. But dont jump down my throat for actually liking it. That it's "unhip" to be happy with the country these days doesnt really concern me as much as it seems to some others here. I just get tired of the slams sometimes. It aint all that bad.

Did you forget how to read? I explicitly said, "I'm not making a judgment call on your reasons..."

 

[RenegadeRick]

Put away the Phish cd's and open your freaking eyes for once.

I don't know any Phish songs, and I only have one eye that works...

This **** isnt new and original thinking, its the same stupid crap over and over again.

Yes it is the same thing, and we still haven't learned. America's obsession with shiny new objects and meaningless fluff is embarrassing.

And i find it funny that somehow being patriotic is now bad thing.

Being patriotic is a good thing. But being accepting of a bad government is not patriotisim, it is jingoism. A patriot believes in good government.

Its a little disgusting, actually.

What, America's behavior and policy of empire?

Why is it that if I have reasons for being proud of where Im from its now considered a bad thing?

If your reasons were more than beer, sports and money you would indeed have reason to be proud. Every country has beer and sports and money is nothing to be proud about.

I think we should be proud because we are responsible citizens of the world. I wish that could be the truth.

 

[RenegadeRick]

I just get tired of the slams sometimes. It aint all that bad.

As much as I disagree with your reasons, I respect your right to your beliefs.

I agree that in the context of the world, living in America is pretty good. It just isn't as good as it should be.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I don't know any Phish songs, and I only have one eye that works...

Yeah right, hippie

Yes it is the same thing, and we still haven't learned. America's obsession with shiny new objects and meaningless fluff is embarrassing.

Who hasnt learned? You? I own about 5 things. It's not that Americans want more than everyone else in the world, its just that they can afford it. You're attacking a culture, not a country. The country is a sectioned off peice of land. I happen to like the land.

Being patriotic is a good thing. But being accepting of a bad government is not patriotisim, it is jingoism. A patriot believes in good government.

Who is accepting? Like I said, we've got issues that Im not happy with, but Im still proud of where I come from. Having problems w/ the govt. doesnt mean you have to leave teh country, renounce it, etc. like the folks in this forum seem to do on a whim. Administrations change, times change. I still like the country.

What, America's behavior and policy of empire?

Again, did I say I was a fan of this. Pay attention if you want to have an actual debate of some kind.

If your reasons were more than beer, sports and money you would indeed have reason to be proud. Every country has beer and sports and money is nothing to be proud about.

And every country has people who are proud of where they come from and the culture in which they're raised. I point out a few of my favorite things, and you attempt to trivialize as is the usual tactic of robotic liberals such as yourself. GET AN OPINION OF YOUR OWN.

I think we should be proud because we are responsible citizens of the world. I wish that could be the truth.

I believe I am a responsible citizen of the world. I beleive more Americans are than you would give credit to, and I think that not being proud of where you come from because of the actions of a temporary figurehead is pretty shallow.

 

[BurlyShirley]

As much as I disagree with your reasons, I respect your right to your beliefs.

I agree that in the context of the world, living in America is pretty good. It just isn't as good as it should be.

I wonder what's wrong with my reasons? I enjoy some very simple things.

Nice cold beer.
A good day fishing.
A long MTB ride early in the morning.
Eating burgers with my freinds.
Hiking with my girlfreind and dog
Watching a ball game.

I think it's safe to say I live for these things. Is my life meaningless? Maybe. But I have fun. WTF else is there?

 

[RenegadeRick]

BS:

I apologize for the "policy of empire" comment. I indeed took your comment out of context and was kind of making a joke. I should have included the smiley to make this more clear.

In summary, it sounds like you love our land, but disagree with some of our policies that enable our lifestyle. You mention that our current Administration is only temporary and that times change. This seems truly wise.

I have a confession to make. I have an American Flag sticker on the back of my car. Underneath it reads, "God Bless America." I see no conflict in my values and this sticker, because it is truly what I wish for.

If our actions could be the same as our words wouldn't that be something!

 

[RenegadeRick]

I wonder what's wrong with my reasons? I enjoy some very simple things.

Nice cold beer.
A good day fishing.
A long MTB ride early in the morning.
Eating burgers with my freinds.
Hiking with my girlfreind and dog
Watching a ball game.

I think it's safe to say I live for these things. Is my life meaningless? Maybe. But I have fun. WTF else is there?

 

[BurlyShirley]

Agreed.

Ive said before that I wish the US would take more of a backseat role in world politics, and instead of spending massive $$$ in Iraq, you know, put it to use for good here. My opinions on this stuff continue to evolve, but I dont think I'll get to a point where seeing a "Proud to be an American" bumper sticker pisses me off.

 

[Old Man G Funk]

Agreed.

Ive said before that I wish the US would take more of a backseat role in world politics, and instead of spending massive $$$ in Iraq, you know, put it to use for good here. My opinions on this stuff continue to evolve, but I dont think I'll get to a point where seeing a "Proud to be an American" bumper sticker pisses me off.

I don't think the point was that the sticker pissed the guy off, but that the empty rhetoric posing as reason is what pissed him off.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I don't think the point was that the sticker pissed the guy off, but that the empty rhetoric posing as reason is what pissed him off.

I know. What Im saying is that maybe its not all empty rhetoric and that there are things to be happy about and proud of. I dont see that changing.

 

[Old Man G Funk]

I know. What Im saying is that maybe its not all empty rhetoric and that there are things to be happy about and proud of. I dont see that changing.

I'm sure that it's not all empty rhetoric. I'm worried, however, that for a lot of people it is. I think a lot of people out there don't have the time to think about things, or simply don't care to.

A little while back, MudGrrl started a thread about a college kid who works here wishing her a happy Nagasaki Day. This kid is smart. Real smart. He's a junior in a good school (I think he's a junior this year) and he comes here and does research that is well beyond what he's learned in school. He's also very gung ho for America, yet he's probably unable to give you a reality-based reason for being that way.

Edit: Didn't mean to post that yet. I was going to add this:
The fact that such a smart kid can be so unable to answer a simple question knowledgably, and would rather spout jingoistic carp doesn't make me hopeful that many other people in this country that aren't as smart as him have done so. Of course, he's also still a kid, so maybe there's hope after all.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I'm sure that it's not all empty rhetoric. I'm worried, however, that for a lot of people it is. I think a lot of people out there don't have the time to think about things, or simply don't care to.

A little while back, MudGrrl started a thread about a college kid who works here wishing her a happy Nagasaki Day. This kid is smart. Real smart. He's a junior in a good school (I think he's a junior this year) and he comes here and does research that is well beyond what he's learned in school. He's also very gung ho for America, yet he's probably unable to give you a reality-based reason for being that way.

Well, some people, like myself, have a sick sense of humor. I prolly would say something like "Happy Nagasaki Day" if I'd thought about it. Not because Im actually that cruel, but because being as wrong as possible is somehow funny to me. Whatever. Point is, people are always going to root for the home team. Human nature. You know how retarded the average person is every time you come to a 4-way stop. You cant possible ever expect them to understand global politics.

 

[Old Man G Funk]

Well, some people, like myself, have a sick sense of humor. I prolly would say something like "Happy Nagasaki Day" if I'd thought about it. Not because Im actually that cruel, but because being as wrong as possible is somehow funny to me. Whatever. Point is, people are always going to root for the home team. Human nature. You know how retarded the average person is every time you come to a 4-way stop. You cant possible ever expect them to understand global politics.

The "Happy Nagasaki Day" part was just to identify who it was with a previous post, not part of the content. It's not just global politics, but pretty much any issue. He's a cheerleader (or maybe cheerfollower?) The point is that I think a lot of people don't think about these things. Like you said, they root for the home team without ever thinking about why. It's OK to root for the home team if you have reasons for doing so, but I don't think most people have ever formulated actual reasons.

Don't get me started on stops at intersections. We have a 3-way stop here on post that drives me nuts some days.

 

[BurlyShirley]

But man, just like there are people who will follow without question, there are people who will oppose for no other reason than that they are pessimists or wish to be different. I would say that a very small portion of the population actually looks at facts completely objectively before forming an opinion. Most people take their gut reaction and then look for facts to support it.

 

[blue]

America, **** YEAH!

*sigh*

 

[Changleen]

Holy crap!

 

[sanjuro]

I noticed the "concept" writer mentioned he owned a sporty new car in the first paragraph and nowhere did he mention that he sold it for a better world.

The "concept" writer is a socialist handing out pamphlets downtown. Why doesn't he write about how America sucks from his perspective? Because it probably would not be that convincing...

 

[Changleen]

Yeah I doubt that story is in any way true, except a similar thought process probably happens to some people. As I said it kinda happened to me (IN THE UK SHIRLEY, OK? IT'S NOT ALLL ABOUT YOU) which is a good part of why I moved overseas.

 

[Changleen]

Well, some people, like myself, have a sick sense of humor. I prolly would say something like "Happy Nagasaki Day" if I'd thought about it. Not because Im actually that cruel, but because being as wrong as possible is somehow funny to me. Whatever. Point is, people are always going to root for the home team. Human nature. You know how retarded the average person is every time you come to a 4-way stop. You cant possible ever expect them to understand global politics.

 

[BuddhaRoadkill]

But the US in reality has a very high quality of life when compared to much of the rest of the world.

Your supposed to feel guilty about this, silly man.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Your supposed to feel guilty about this, silly man.

Actually I just eat food until I forget about it.

 

[Changleen]

That the govt. is ****ed up? Whose govt. isnt?

Actually the NZ government is pretty good

 

[BurlyShirley]

Actually the NZ government is pretty good

I was talking about real countries.

 

[Changleen]

I was talking about real countries.

You mean like Iran?

 

[blue]

You mean like Iran?

I'm invading Luxembourg with my Honda, a sheep dog, and a BB gun.

Wanna come?!?!?!?!?!

 

[Old Man G Funk]

You mean like Iran?

I think he means Iraq. That government is all effed up.