I’d say you’re comparing Apples to Oranges, but in this case I think a better analogy would be that you’re comparing Apples to Condoms.

MiserDD you hit it on the head, those friggin enviro nuts are going to kill this country and possibly the world, We must open up drilling in this country and look for alternative fuel at the same time. In my state which has plenty of rivers they are not making dams they are taking them out to protect a few salmon. If these liberals had any brains they would read some world history and not listen to the left wing media, they would see that if this world goes into a severe economic downturn like it may be headed right know their will be wars and I not talking little ****ing matches like we have grown accustomed too since Vietnam. I am talking WW2 style, Look at how Germany was squeezed after WW1. this led to the rise of Hitler, Japan was looking for natural resources they did not have and they gave us a run for our money. What I am trying to say is we must keep a strong world economy and especially a strong one here since we influence the world, more then some want to admit. And if this means we must use oil till we find a better way so be it. So what if a few views are ruined and a few fish die, now if we could just get some politicians with some balls.

We as human beings are going to be extinct sooner or later too, either when the sun craps out or when China, Iran, North Korea, and muslim extremist work together to start WW III.

When that time comes, are we really going to care if some jumping mouse or flying frog has preceded us by x number of years?

Enough of the environmental silliness. We're not going to be able to enjoy the "environment" anyway if we're all out of work, or destitute from buying insanely priced gasoline. Drill in ANWR and the Gulf now. If we don't, Russia and China will.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CE750 (Post 402221)

... As it is, we are hated around the world by ALL nations. I found myself (imagine this) in an argument with an Ausie while at the hotel in Shanghai last year over US invovement..

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Interesting how different our perspectives are despite having a similar type of schedule. I fly all over the world just like you do and get to experience how others view America. Additionally I am born and raised in Europe so I have seen this world from two different angles. Therefore one would think our observations should be very similar if not identical yet they aren’t.

I simply don’t see this “everyone hates America” world that you write so much about. Sure, there might be some occasional grumblings but majority of my observations boil down to respect for America and also an expectation of leadership from us.

Not too long ago I saw a TV program on how our personalities and our self esteem affect our lives. For example, in a study they found out that we seemingly choose friends that reinforce our self being. For example, fat people, I’m sorry I meant ‘weight challenged’ people tend to have many friends who are oversized too because they feel more ‘normal’ that way. Skinny girls usually hang around other skinny girls. Whites hang out with mainly whites and blacks tend to stick to their own race when they choose their best friends. Of course there are many other factors too but I found that idea interesting.

So why am I bringing it up? I think you know already, because I think their theory applies to our personal preferences too.

My theory, which obviously is not a theory but a fact since I’m posting it on APC ;), holds that since you are a strong leftie and would like to radically change our society, you’ll always be attracted to people around the world who dislike America simply because so do you. Well, at least the America of today which many on the left view as a war mongering, environmentally disastrous tyrant who oppresses the poor people of the world. So even though you attempt to ‘defend’ the honor of your country in those discussions with Aussies and others, deep inside you’re grateful that they hate it because you dislike what you see as well.

In my case, I’ve seen my share of socialist ideas, universal health care wonders, etc so I know their bluff and when I hear a stupid argument that I know isn’t true I’ll quickly bring it up and the discussion is over. They can’t fool me because I’ve lived on the other side of the pond and know it’s not as great as they portray it.

Note, I’m not saying America is perfect, far from it. However I can’t think of another country that comes even close to this ‘imperfection.’

The world we see is based on our personal experiences. I mentioned my mom’s situation earlier in this thread (I think?) but I’ll do it again because maybe you’ll realize why others think differently than you do…

My mom got diagnosed with a brain tumor 159 days ago yet she’s still waiting for her brain surgery. She’s waiting in line, which is what you do in universal health care countries, and they tell us that hopefully she’ll be operated on around October sometimes, unless someone who’s in line ahead of her dies first. :eek:

Ted Kennedy, who in my view is one of the most left leaning politicians in this country is suffering from the very same tumor my mom has. However, he had his surgery within a week of his diagnosis! This is the very same person who’s so vocal about the US switching to a universal health care system. Yet my mom who’s living in a country with universal health care is still waiting on that surgery…

Note, I’m not looking for sympathy from you or anyone else. I’m looking for your understanding as to why others might not share your enthusiasm for socialism, liberalism, and other forms of equality’isms that usually mean less personal choice and more government abuse…

PS.If I misunderstood your post and you aren’t a liberal then I apologize…

Amen brother.

So now, a pro-life, pro-traditional family values, anti-gun control, anti-feminism and other social engineering programs guy makes one a strong lefty??

I'm more conservative than probably 90% of the members here in the truly "Conservative" issues. Being xenophobic and pro-wars of aggression aren't "Conservative" views. That's called "neo-con"

You might want to re-consider your theory, it's premise is weak.

Eloquently said!!!

btw, my prayers are with your mother.. it's hard to have a parent ill, I know too.

No. Just retired military guy who has travelled the world (and still does) and who is tired of all the America bashing from the Leftists!

It's not America bashing to say our foreign policy is too aggressive, and unilateral. As a former soldier myself, I understand what war is. I fought in it from the ground level, where I saw the results close up.. not from a remote location on a ship or in a jet 41000' in the sky..

The day will come (fast if the big business interests in this country get their way) when China or India is a world superpower, both economically and militarily. Remember, both are Nuclear powers and both have populations far larger than ours.. both have strong education systems.

We're not going to be top dog in this world for ever, and when we're relegated to the status of a Great Briton, I'd like to be able to think we'll have a part to play in the world, assuming we're not despised by it due to the actions of people who think like you "Righties"..