World according to America

[Joel]

Hey Wombat,

You're arguing with the wrong person. Beef up your knowledge first.

Thanks Doc. Between you and Rags I have learned alot about how some of our systems work.

Joel

[Pace]

RichL: I presume you were kidding (and I hope you were ), but "our" anthem is 'Flower of Scotland'. I don't know if it's all that official, hence the "-" around it, but they play it at the Rugby games

Which non-Britons have heard of "Flower of Scotland"?

[Gurm]

Again, I'd like to point out the difference between our countries.

I hear people from Australia talking about being "tortured" by the police and the SS.

There are horror stories about hick redneck towns, but the truth of the matter is that if I'm a reasonable guy stating my extremist views, the WORST that I can expect is some unfriendly questioning and then they'll LET ME GO.

It would be different if I were a big scary looking guy with tattoos and a record. But as a nonviolent citizen without a lengthy conviction record, I am treated fairly and PROTECTED by our system, regardless of my views.

You don't have to believe it, but again - that's the difference between our countries. You just don't understand the level of freedom we exercise over here.

- Gurm

[RichL]

Originally posted by Pace
RichL: I presume you were kidding (and I hope you were ), but "our" anthem is 'Flower of Scotland'. I don't know if it's all that official, hence the "-" around it, but they play it at the Rugby games

Ahh yes, consider my memory jogged. Its just been so long since I saw Scotland playing an international football match I'd forgotten. Last match I saw I think they had Colin Hendry as captain. Now I think they've asked Stephen Hendry.

[rugger]

Originally posted by Gurm
Again, I'd like to point out the difference between our countries.

I hear people from Australia talking about being "tortured" by the police and the SS.

There are horror stories about hick redneck towns, but the truth of the matter is that if I'm a reasonable guy stating my extremist views, the WORST that I can expect is some unfriendly questioning and then they'll LET ME GO.

It would be different if I were a big scary looking guy with tattoos and a record. But as a nonviolent citizen without a lengthy conviction record, I am treated fairly and PROTECTED by our system, regardless of my views.

You don't have to believe it, but again - that's the difference between our countries. You just don't understand the level of freedom we exercise over here.

- Gurm

Well, if you state you views by jumping up and down on TV screaming *kill the president* in a non-satirical setting I don't think America's justice system is really going to help you, as many safechecks and balances there are.

I know there are rules, and what you state is what should happen, I am just not confident that people would have the self control required to carry it out without killing or severally disabling you in the processes. They *will* use loopholes, be violently biased and may simply disregard the rules in an attempt to lay charges upon you.

But of course, this is a very extreme situation, and no-one can really know what will happen in corner cases. I just wouldn't try my luck, even in the USA.

My message in this post: The system is good, but it is still run by humans. Corruptable, manipulatable and occasionally even irrational humans.

[Dogbert]

Hehe Gurm,

Calling for people to kill the president is easy man. I want to see you parking in a forbidden area

edit: http://forums.murc.ws/showthread.php...ing#post258443

[Jammrock]

Wow...I'm surprised this hasn't been closed yet. A lot of US freedoms have been comprimised during time of 'national crisis.' During World War II, Japanese decendants were detained in the US, just for being Japanese. Many of them were loyal and would have made excellent spies and allies for the US, but the 'Jap scare' caused a loss of freedom.

Almost the same is happening to Islamic people right now. It hasn't gotten as bad as the Japanese during WWII, but the US gov can legally detain anyone they suspect of terrorism for as long as they want.

And if you want to talk loss of freedom, look no farther than the Native Americans.

Am I proud about how some American's react to people that are 'different'? No. Does that mean the US is bad and evil? No. Anyone would be hard pressed to find a government throughout all of history that has never done something bad to a group of people because they are different.

As for the National Geographic survey...it just proves that Swedes are the most widely educated of those who took the survey. Go Scandinavia!

Jammrock

[3dfx]

In my opinion it's a lot of BULL when they say that American's are ahead of us when it comes to tech it’s just that it is CHeaper in the US OF A ..hehe and therefore more widely available Though the Uk is the 3rd biggest gaming market and rising. In fact some companies like Namco make so much money from sales in the Uk they are improving their game for the Uk market I like America but I feel that you are quite an egotistical Nation
E.g. Scottish all wear kilts ...lol

[Jammrock]

You mean not all Scotts wear kilts?

Jammrock

[3dfx]

oi LEAVE IT ...lol I sorry to RUIN this for you but it's the simple truth ...

[Greebe]

I like America but I feel that you are quite an egotistical Nation

and this comes out of the mouth of a worldy 16 year old

[goldstein]

"Greebe:and this comes out of the mouth of a worldy 16 year old"

Greebe. do you think it is mature to counter his argument by making fun of his age; or would it be more effective if you attacked his argument?

[3dfx]

I apologise for generalising, though a majority of American's I have had the pleasure of having met did so correct me if I'am wrong but did I not also point that I like American's also, so I did not make this comment in an attempt to start some kind of flame war. I was merely pointing out the thruth in ImO Prove me wrong
Oh and 16(almost 17) years is a long time m8, and I have seen a lot of the world in my life time

[Greebe]

I have seen youths spout the same type of anti something here.. just depends on your local and upbringing (read: prejudice)

Specifically those who are pro KKK, skinheads, or black militants

[goldstein]

Yeah, the arguments unfortunately are symptomatic of built-in prejudices. My opinion has been that the US would have less problems with "youth" if like in many European countries there was mandatory military service for at least 12 months. They would at least learn how to get of bed on time (how's that for a stereotype).