61 replies to this topic

[JennRose]

To all you U.S. citizens... does this not majorly bother you?

Well, it bothers me.  I hate that we're perceived this way.  Some of what America is doing is a good thing, but we are seriously screwing up in other ways.  I hate that my country (which I love) is portraying itself so uncaring, brutal and ...well..thick-headed.  Sad that such a few in power can affect the entire planet.  

[Fluffybunny]

^ What she said...

That is the basic opinion that I have, as do many of the people that I know. Unfortunately the folks that make decisions lately don't seem to be of the same mindset...

On a slightly related note; I remember reading on CNN that approximately 40% of the worlds financial aid comes from the US. does anyone recall this or know a link to the fact of how much the US donates to other countries?

[stillcrazy]

Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 2000 to 2003 heading to change sort order
ODA in U.S. Dollars (Millions) ODA as GNP Percentage
Country  ....               2000/    2001/       2002/     2003
1.  United States....    9,581 /  10,884/   12,900/    15,791 
2.  Japan....             13,062/     9,678/     9,220/     8,911 
3.  France....              4,221/     4,293/    5,182/     7,337   
4.  Germany....          5,034/     4,879/    5,359/     6,694 
5.  United Kingdom... 4,458/    4,659/     4,749/     6,166   
6.  Netherlands....      3,075/     3,155/     3,377/     4,059   
7.  Italy....                1,368/      1,493/     2,313/    2,393 
8.  Canada....            1,722/     1,572/     2,013/     2,209
9.  Sweden....            1,813/    1,576/      1,754/     2,100 
10.  Norway....           1,264/    1,346/      1,746/     2,043 
11.  Spain....              1,321/    1,748/      1,608/     2,030 
12.  Belgium....             812/      866/        1,061/    1,887 
13.  Denmark....        1,664/     1,599/      1,632/    1,747 
14.  Switzerland.....       888/        908/          933/     1,297 
15.  Australia.....           995/         852/         962/     1,237 
16.  Finland.....             371/         389/         466/       556   
17.  Ireland....              239/       285/          397/      510   
18.  Austria .....             461/       457/         475/        503   
19.  Greece....              216/        194/        295/        356   
20.  Portugal.....            261/        267/        282/        298   
21.  Luxembourg.....      116/        142/        143/        189 
22.  New Zealand....      116/        111/       124/         169 
Source: OECD Web site

Sorry for the formatting, but it was a quick cut and paste jobber.

[Babs]

A few in power .. where do you all get this?
(I just heard on Fox news the other day that they call liberals, democrats in this country_ pinheads. )   

[Homer]

One thing to note, the poll was carried out by the BBC. Of course you can read into that how you will. I would have liked to have seen exactly what the questions were though.

Good point. Not exactly an unbiased network with regards to it's views of the U.S.

[warden]

Thank god for AMERICA, i can say that because of AMERICA.

Two wars come to mind or have people forgot

People find it easy to judge america without looking deeper into the back ground of the country that has made it the envy of the world.

And this from a SCOTS MAN.

[Homer]

Thank god for AMERICA, i can say that because of AMERICA.

Two wars come to mind or have people forgot

People find it easy to judge america without looking deeper into the back ground of the country that has made it the envy of the world.

And this from a SCOTS MAN.

Warden, that statement is very much appreciated
There is without a doubt that America's involvement in both world wars have made this world a better place, and I don't think anyone denies that.

However, people argue that times change, and America's past greatness doesn't make it immune to criticism of our leaders and the decisions they have made

[Thanato]

I dont hate Americans, i hate there Government. Sure the US Helped out alot in WW2, but before that did vary little.

I have many friends who are American, even Family members BUT America really needs to get its head out of its ass. They say there making the world a better place, but middle eastern Terrorists and Militant groups have more support now then ever.

Also, if the World called in its Money, that it has loaned to the US, well the US wouldnt be able to afford all thoughs fancy little gagets for a few years.

~Thanato

Edited by Thanato, 20 January 2005 - 01:50 PM.

[warden]

Thank god for AMERICA, i can say that because of AMERICA.

Two wars come to mind or have people forgot

People find it easy to judge america without looking deeper into the back ground of the country that has made it the envy of the world.

And this from a SCOTS MAN.

Warden, that statement is very much appreciated
There is without a doubt that America's involvement in both world wars have made this world a better place, and I don't think anyone denies that.

However, people argue that times change, and America's past greatness doesn't make it immune to criticism of our leaders and the decisions they have made

Times have changed ,you will always have some one in power who you like or dislike that is the way it is.

Criticism ? i have heard a lot lately getting directed at america,most european countries presidents are spineless money grabbing fuckers.

They are trying to steam roll the UK into there way of thinking ...no way

Sit back and do nothing when a serious matter arises...thats there way and always has been there way.

I would move to the states with my family the day i become european

[Babs]

In total agreement warden.   

Our country has a president that is a very 'important' president. I think he will be one of our 'greats'.

And how about that Condi Rice?...wish she was up for the presidency next time...

[Babs]

Let those countries that criticise us, walk in our shoes.    

[jenk]

There is a saying I find very true to life.  "To understand is to forgive".  I do not entirely understand Americas actions (I don't think many do), thus I do not entirely forgive them.  Even if I did forgive America for it's recent actions, I would still most likly wish for them to change their future actions.

[warden]

In total agreement warden.  

Our country has a president that is a very 'important' president. I think he will be one of our 'greats'.

And how about that Condi Rice?...wish she was up for the presidency next time...

She looks like she might have what it takes to be president one day,and why not,this is not ment to offend any one....a black female......that i would love to see

What about your self?

[Babs]

Yeah, I'd love to run.   

Seriously, though, Condi Rice is a good move; she is a fantastic gal. I mean it will be a good day in America when a woman can become president.

The war on terror will still be here and I worry about the democrats getting in, even if it is a woman (Hillary Clinton).

[warden]

As long as she has her own ideas...something new she might even get the chance to wipe tony blaires bloody smile of his cheesey face...every time i see his face i want to give it a smack