The problem is cherry picking individual policies that are part of of MUCH larger ecosystem and trying to implement 1 or 2 that are really out of place without the rest of the supporting policies. The culture here is not conducive to implementing all of the underlying stuff that makes the big stuff go, but the politicians here want to implement the big stuff regardless. It's a recipe for failure. Round peg into a square hole if you will.
An intelligent person would probably consider the ones that work. But are you saying that there are no successful policies on anything anywhere outside the US?
I'm not saying there are absolutely no successful policies elsewhere. But what I've heard some people suggest are policies that failed elsewhere be tried here because they "might work here if the right people are implementing them". Why? How?
Also, what 2.5 said:
quote
Originally posted by 2.5:
Thats another aspect, people arent the same. It may work for someone but not for me. It may be tolerable for me, but cramped, unhappy, smothered, limited. But that same environment may be thoroughly enjoyed by someone else. I'm speaking figuratively, not just about land area.
That's a great point 2.5 raises. I have a very good friend who served in the US Military and was stationed for a time in Germany back in the 70's. It is his opinion that "the German people, as a whole, are "sheep" and need to be told what to do, how to think, etc." (His words, not mine). But I can understand it because we are talking about a country who put Hitler in power, after all. Being brought up in a society like that, I guess I can see how you form some of the opinions you do (I'm not bashing you - it's not your fault you were raised to think that way).
I'm sure you could go back to 1700's England and find similar thinking. Perhaps there are some that still live there today who are like that, I honestly don't know (never been there). What I can tell you is the founders of this nation left the old world behind because they got sick of over-bearing governments telling them how to think, what to do, and trampling on their freedoms; and they wanted freedom from all that. So they did their level best to start a new country here that was supposed to make the people a higher authority than the government. Sadly, we have a ruling class in Washington, D.C. who is trying to morph this country's government into how things are run in Old Europe. I see nothing good going on across the pond and I sure as heck don't want that here.
I have two great programs I suggest you watch: 1) John Adams (HBO miniseries). 2) America: Imagine a World Without Her (by Dinesh D'Souza). If you haven't seen them, they might give you a great insight as to why many Americans feel the way we do.
I have a very good friend who served in the US Military and was stationed for a time in Germany back in the 70's. It is his opinion that "the German people, as a whole, are "sheep" and need to be told what to do, how to think, etc." (His words, not mine). But I can understand it because we are talking about a country who put Hitler in power, after all. Being brought up in a society like that, I guess I can see how you form some of the opinions you do (I'm not bashing you - it's not your fault you were raised to think that way).
If you have some great ideas how to distribute water or electricity or a method of teaching that just rocks that is just great. Collaboration is a wonderful thing.
If you want to **** with the Bill Of Rights or the Constitution I would like to shoot you in the face.
Other than that I could not conceivably care less about other countries ways lest they threaten mine.
[This message has been edited by pokeyfiero (edited 09-04-2015).]
What? Are you denying the people who voted to put Hitler in power were sheep? How do you suppose they got that way? I doubt they were born that way.
I'm not a historian, but the sanctions imposed on Germany after the First World War were crippling. Hitler gave the German people some hope.
I am in no way defending the horrors that Hitler perpetrated on the Jews etc, but he built Germany up from nothing to a powerhouse in a very short time. He was able to return some pride to the German people. Don't kid yourself that under certain circumstances, it couldn't happen a whole lot closer to home.
I'm not a historian, but the sanctions imposed on Germany after the First World War were crippling. Hitler gave the German people some hope.
I am in no way defending the horrors that Hitler perpetrated on the Jews etc, but he built Germany up from nothing to a powerhouse in a very short time. He was able to return some pride to the German people. Don't kid yourself that under certain circumstances, it couldn't happen a whole lot closer to home.
Hitler built Germany up on the backs of slave labor. The bill of goods he sold to the German people bought them death and destruction in the end. I guess they got what they paid for.
Hitler built Germany up on the backs of slave labor.
That's quite a set up... but no, I won't go there.
Yellowstone will have a better perspective on German history than me. It would also be interesting to hear his parents' take on German history. However, considering the abuse he already receives here, I don't expect Yellowstone to open up too much. I can't say I blame him.
Yellowstone will have a better perspective on German history than me. It would also be interesting to hear his parents' take on German history. However, considering the abuse he already receives here, I don't expect Yellowstone to open up too much. I can't say I blame him.
How about the abuse he dishes out to others on here? He comes into my country and tells me he thinks my rights should be taken away based on some screwed up european view that isn't even working out too well for europeans, last time I checked.
We all know the USA isn't perfect. But if it wasn't because of THIS country, you'd all be speaking German or you'd be lampshades. And that's the long and short of it.
[This message has been edited by Darth Fiero (edited 09-04-2015).]
How about the abuse he dishes out to others on here? He comes into my country and tells me he thinks my rights should be taken away based on some screwed up european view that isn't even working out too well for europeans, last time I checked.
Don't you have "freedom of speech" or some such thing down there, or does that only apply to certain people with specific opinions?
Besides, it's not as if Yellowstone is in any position to implement his views.
quote
Originally posted by Darth Fiero:
But without this country, you'd all be speaking German or you'd be a Lampshade.
So, does saying that make you feel like the c0ck of the walk? Geez...
So, does saying that make you feel like the c0ck of the walk? Geez...
I'm just tired of the world (and outsiders with "enlightened world views") bashing the USA. And I'm pointing out a fact in history: If it wasn't for us, you'd all be subjects of something much worse than you have now. I don't care if you don't like this fact or not. But not liking it doesn't make it any less true.
I saw a t-shirt on a veteran that I think applies to this discussion. It reads:
"I fought to save your ass, not to kiss it"
I come from a family of veterans and I would be one too if it wasn't for being diagnosed with cancer right out of high school. Some of my family emigrated from Germany and other european countries before WW1. They didn't come to the USA to bash it or bash the Constitutionally guaranteed rights it grants its citizens. They came here in search of a better life and made it for themselves. I'm tired of people bashing this great nation, abusing it, and ridiculing the people who work hard every day defending it and supporting it. If you don't like something about our country - kindly leave and go back to the one you left behind for whatever reason.
If you want to stay, then I think you should take your own advice in having an open mind and learn about what this country has done for the world.
I'm just tired of the world (and outsiders with "enlightened world views") bashing the USA. And I'm pointing out a fact in history: If it wasn't for us, you'd all be subjects of something much worse than you have now. I don't care if you don't like this fact or not. But not liking it doesn't make it any less true.
I saw a t-shirt on a veteran that I think applies to this discussion. It reads:
"I fought to save your ass, not to kiss it"
I come from a family of veterans and I would be one too if it wasn't for being diagnosed with cancer right out of high school. Some of my family emigrated from Germany and other european countries before WW1. They didn't come to the USA to bash it or bash the Constitutionally guaranteed rights it grants its citizens. They came here in search of a better life and made it for themselves. I'm tired of people bashing this great nation, abusing it, and ridiculing the people who work hard every day defending it and supporting it. If you don't like something about our country - kindly leave and go back to the one you left behind for whatever reason.
If you want to stay, then I think you should take your own advice in having an open mind and learn about what this country has done for the world.
Everyone from everywhere thinks the way it's done in their homeland always thinks the way it was done there is the best way. Even if it isn't working all that well for them. Look at all the Somalis who have come to the US and decided we must do everything their way. and they fled their own country filled with war, racism, genocide and worse. WTF why did they move here to begin with?
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
I think you're confused... and terribly insecure.
