No need to tell me - Russia should definitely be above USA in the asshole league imo.ATG wrote:
I guess this isn't thread worthy, but the Russians are being real assholes right now;
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2007/03/0 … 2sfab.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/06/news/poison.php
http://english.people.com.cn/200703/06/ … 54763.html
Agreed. Thank god cause I'm sick of this thread already.Bertster7 wrote:
No one is disputing that the US has done a lot of good for the world. There are numerous countries that can and should be very grateful to the US. There are other countries for whom the opposite holds true. The US has probably done the most good in Europe, through NATO ventures as part of the cold war (as well as WWII of course, where American supplies and lives in Normandy played in important role in victory) and in Eastern Asia where, again combating the spread of communism, the US has done a lot of important stuff.
There are other regions of the globe where Americas influence has not been so well received. Often down to sudden policy switches or incompatibilities in each others agendas, much like with Al Qaeda. In many other areas US interference has caused nothing but perpetual trouble, without any real periods of success, such as in South America.
It is whether these well and ill perceived actions balance each other out that is what matters and peoples perceptions of America will vary drastically depending on the good or bad side of America they have experienced. This poll does probably not demonstrate that very well.
Our plan to have #2 Iran take out #1 Israel may be working, and we already have plans to take out Iran...but this Russian threat to the Asshole crown concerns me greatly.CameronPoe wrote:
No need to tell me - Russia should definitely be above USA in the asshole league imo.ATG wrote:
I guess this isn't thread worthy, but the Russians are being real assholes right now;
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2007/03/0 … 2sfab.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/06/news/poison.php
http://english.people.com.cn/200703/06/ … 54763.html
Perhaps we need to run some campaigns promoting the international aid and other good stuff the Russians have been doing.
PS. (Irony alert - CCCP shirted guy commenting negatively on Russia)
Irony-collapsing-on-itself alert: a true USSRphile would comment negatively on today's Russia.Pug wrote:
(Irony alert - CCCP shirted guy commenting negatively on Russia)CameronPoe wrote:
Russia should definitely be above USA in the asshole league imo.
Please note that the above statement does not mean I believe CP to be a true USSRphile.
So wait a second.. Your now claiming because you may have experienced some kind or repression if the Americans hadnt come along that everyone else who doesnt follow American values must be being repressed. Sorry but wtf. Just because you have experienced a bad culture and a good culture doesnt make you mr expert on it. You have NO right to tell other people how to live.superfly_cox wrote:
because i was born in a communist country and without US efforts during the cold war my country and half of europe would still be living under communism. you may want to read about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 to understand how the citizens of Central and Eastern Europe were imprisoned by communism for 45 years. so it seems that you have "one of the most badly thought out posts on this thread" since i'd already mentioned this before.Vilham wrote:
One of the most badly thought out posts in this thread yet... "the US does want to impose their ideology of liberal democracy and trans-atlantic values on others." "And exactly how do you know what the inhabitants of other countries want?" Um ok... wtf surely thats either a. a major contradiction, or b. an admission that the Americans are attempting to have their own colony's of sort.superfly_cox wrote:
You know what, you're absolutely right, the US does want to impose their ideology of liberal democracy and trans-atlantic values on others. And exactly how do you know what the inhabitants of other countries want? Have you ever lived in a communist country or a country ruled by a dictator to know what the inhabitants of those countries want? There are 12 new countries in the European Union who would disagree with you about America's desire to shape the world according to their ideology.
Maybe you should think about your own comment "And exactly how do you know what the inhabitants of other countries want?". Please explain how YOU know what they want and thus can choose to "impose their ideology of liberal democracy and trans-atlantic values on others."
Btw, trans-atlantic values include democracy, of respect for basic human rights, the rule of law, tolerance, and an appreciation of diversity. These are the values that, whether we argue or not, bind Europe and the United States. Are you saying that the majority of citizen of any country on this planet would not want to live in countries where this set of values are not respected? I believe immigration occurs away from countries without these values and towards countries with them.
its sad that this thread has eroded into anti-americanism. i'm pretty balanced in my views and i've admitted that the US has made plenty of mistakes along the way. i am far from the staunch pro-american that cameronpoe and co. would make me out to be cause there's plenty of things that i dislike about america and its policies, but to put them in the company of Iran and North Korea is to ignore all the positive things they have done over the last 100 years. if you can't appreciate that then fine, but know that as much as i disagree with French policy over the last 60 years i would never put them in the same company as Iran and North Korea.
The good things someone or some country does, does NOT cancel out bad things they do, thats not how it works.
I know its taken out of context, but i was just pointing out that fact.DesertFox423 wrote:
First of all, it is a cartoon taken out of context. Also, World War II was somewhat important and somehow an issue largely of common knowledge. However, Irish? Wtf?Vilham wrote:
lol. My flat mate is from Munich and all his German friends talk about WWII as much as anyone else, they dont associate their generation with something done by a different one. Something it seems the Irish and Americans cant seem to get over.
As to the "get over" bit, i was talking about the fact that some people in Ireland want NI to be part of their country even though technically it has been British territory for nearly 800 years and that the population of NI currently wants to remain part of the UK.
Yes WWII was important, we should learn from it so something similar doesnt happen again (yet some how the US is invading other countries with its allies (like the UK) just like the Germans did at the start of WWII) however nothing that was done can be claimed by anyone who didnt live through it, im not saying dont be proud of your contribution im saying stop using it as an excuse, if im correct you didnt fight it yourself did you.
No, actually he's saying his country was being repressed and US helped out with his country. And that he was happy it happened. That is all. The rest is you trying to twist it into anti-American garbage.Vilham wrote:
So wait a second.. Your now claiming because you may have experienced some kind or repression if the Americans hadnt come along that everyone else who doesnt follow American values must be being repressed. Sorry but wtf. Just because you have experienced a bad culture and a good culture doesnt make you mr expert on it. You have NO right to tell other people how to live.superfly_cox wrote:
because i was born in a communist country and without US efforts during the cold war my country and half of europe would still be living under communism. you may want to read about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 to understand how the citizens of Central and Eastern Europe were imprisoned by communism for 45 years. so it seems that you have "one of the most badly thought out posts on this thread" since i'd already mentioned this before.Vilham wrote:
One of the most badly thought out posts in this thread yet... "the US does want to impose their ideology of liberal democracy and trans-atlantic values on others." "And exactly how do you know what the inhabitants of other countries want?" Um ok... wtf surely thats either a. a major contradiction, or b. an admission that the Americans are attempting to have their own colony's of sort.
Maybe you should think about your own comment "And exactly how do you know what the inhabitants of other countries want?". Please explain how YOU know what they want and thus can choose to "impose their ideology of liberal democracy and trans-atlantic values on others."
Btw, trans-atlantic values include democracy, of respect for basic human rights, the rule of law, tolerance, and an appreciation of diversity. These are the values that, whether we argue or not, bind Europe and the United States. Are you saying that the majority of citizen of any country on this planet would not want to live in countries where this set of values are not respected? I believe immigration occurs away from countries without these values and towards countries with them.
its sad that this thread has eroded into anti-americanism. i'm pretty balanced in my views and i've admitted that the US has made plenty of mistakes along the way. i am far from the staunch pro-american that cameronpoe and co. would make me out to be cause there's plenty of things that i dislike about america and its policies, but to put them in the company of Iran and North Korea is to ignore all the positive things they have done over the last 100 years. if you can't appreciate that then fine, but know that as much as i disagree with French policy over the last 60 years i would never put them in the same company as Iran and North Korea.
The good things someone or some country does, does NOT cancel out bad things they do, thats not how it works.
Seconded. And China aswell, IMO.CameronPoe wrote:
No need to tell me - Russia should definitely be above USA in the asshole league imo.ATG wrote:
I guess this isn't thread worthy, but the Russians are being real assholes right now;
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2007/03/0 … 2sfab.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/06/news/poison.php
http://english.people.com.cn/200703/06/ … 54763.html
Actually my original point was that he says "how do we know what others want" but that is completely ridiculous because neither does he.Pug wrote:
No, actually he's saying his country was being repressed and US helped out with his country. And that he was happy it happened. That is all. The rest is you trying to twist it into anti-American garbage.
And the results in his case are positive right?Vilham wrote:
Actually my original point was that he says "how do we know what others want" but that is completely ridiculous because neither does he.Pug wrote:
No, actually he's saying his country was being repressed and US helped out with his country. And that he was happy it happened. That is all. The rest is you trying to twist it into anti-American garbage.
I would think that elimination of oppression would be a common goal around the world. And yes, it doesn't work everytime - but it was worth the risk in his case right?
Notice that the countries with the best reputations are also the ones that back up their allies the least or have a dinky military. France opposes every military action the U.S. tries to take, Canada never donates the efforts of more than a couple thousand of its troops to a campaign, and Japan hasn't even had a full fledged military since their defeat in WWII! The reason Israel is looked down upon is because they have to impliment the use of military force every day to defend themselves from their neiboring countries who would snuff out her citizens in a heart beat if given the chance. Iran pretty much deserves its rating, maybe even #1 because of its obstinant leader. Lastly, I think the U.S. gets its rating because of two reasons: 1.) Military presense outside of its borders, 2.) and bad representation from things such as Hollywood, making people such as those in the middle east think that our morals are based on people such as Paris Hilton. I think we get a bad wrap for as much as we donate to world hunger relief, AIDS research, and the liberation of the oppressed (I'm talking to you France: ex. WWI, WWII).
I look down on it for human rights violations, stealth of land and personal property, extra-judicial killings, internment without trial, the bulldozing of homes and general acts of collective punishment myself. But maybe that's just me....Velker wrote:
The reason Israel is looked down upon is because they have to impliment the use of military force every day to defend themselves from their neiboring countries who would snuff out her citizens in a heart beat if given the chance.
So you're saying that each terrorist they come into capturing red handed deserves a fair trial that could take months or years by the American judicial standards? I'm sorry, but when you are suffering daily casualties from bus bombings, attacks on cafes/strip malls, and even schools then due process should take about as much time as it takes a firing squad to take those terrorist cowards down. Do you have any idea the amount of man power it would take to detain, house, and sustain the people they have found clearly guilty of acts of terrorism? Israel is aggressive in places such as the Gaza strip because they have to be. They want to send the PLO and others that would attack their people a message: We are not messing around and will strike you first to protect ourselves. Palestine brings their punishments upon themselves. Their government condones terrorism and trains its citizens how to carry it out effectively. Its like a bully at recess, prompting another kid to fight. The bully keeps pushing the other kid until he finally acts out in self-defense. Unfortunately, Palestine has been able to somehow make world media believe that the Israeli's self-defense was really a first strike, unprovoked, and spawned out of sheer hatred. This brings them sympathy and rallies other Muslim countries to their side, making them believe that Israel is a war-mongering nation. Palestine made the first attacks on Israel right after its re-established statehood in 1948. They evidently thought that they were dealing with a group of people that would sit back and not defend themselves. If Palestine and its neighbors would stop prompting Israel to make acts of aggression guess what.......they would have no reason to tell their military to bulldoze houses and push their border back or trap Arab leaders in their houses (like they did to Yasser Arafat) in the hopes of eliminating a threat to national security. The Israeli government even gave up the Gaza strip a couple years ago just so they could have a hope for peace between themselves and Palestine. The problem is....Palestine will never be content no matter how many times Israel or the U.S. tries to appease them. Judging by their patterns of continued violence and the anti-Israeli sentiment that is prevalent amongst the Palestinian citizens, I would say that they will never be happy until the nation of Israel is completely wiped off the face of the earth.CameronPoe wrote:
I look down on it for human rights violations, stealth of land and personal property, extra-judicial killings, internment without trial, the bulldozing of homes and general acts of collective punishment myself. But maybe that's just me....Velker wrote:
The reason Israel is looked down upon is because they have to implement the use of military force every day to defend themselves from their neighboring countries who would snuff out her citizens in a heart beat if given the chance.
Last edited by Velker (2007-03-07 13:41:25)
Did I say that. Perhaps you could point out where I said that. Because I certainly can't recall where I said that. Perhaps you have been reading between the lines. I was referring to atrocities Israel have carried out against civilians and violations of international law. I've been there - I've seen how they treat the Palestinians like an untermensch - quite despicable given that Jews themselves suffered so horrifically at the hands of Hitler.Velker wrote:
So you're saying that each terrorist they come into capturing red handed deserves a fair trial that could take months or years by the American judicial standards?
The rest of your post is the typical run of the mill Zionist tripe. Two wrongs don't make a right. And the rest of the world knows how abhorrently the Zionists conduct their business, expanding their settlements day-by-day and heaping more and more misery onto the desparate Palestinian people by maintaining a vast open air concentration camp. Try putting yourself in Palestinian shoes for a day - it's no picnic.
But hey - the rest of the world has woken up to what Israel is really like, everyone, that is, except the US. Israel's uncompromising and unprincipled stance, embracing state terrorism, will eventually be their undoing.
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT and have read at length on the conflict. It's the US media that warps people's views.
PPS You're BF2 stats say you're American and yet you refer to Israel as 'we'. I think I see a divided loyalty sunny jim. If the US ever fell out with Israel who would you fight for? LOL.
Last edited by CameronPoe (2007-03-07 14:47:37)
Unbridled support of Israel by the US is a real sore spot for me. 90% of americans could care less about what happens to Israel. But the jewish community in the US is very rich and very influential. They spend huge amounts lobbying and financing campaign. I've got nothing against Israel but when its so blatantly against US interests to support EVERYTHING Israel says and does, then its a problem.
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
Would you like one? I bought a spare for you. It's quite fetching. Quite dismissive of the old 'first hand' experience aren't you? You can't criticise me for being an armchair media-reliant muppet on this issue - at least I've seen the situation on the ground with my own eyes.usmarine2007 wrote:
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
Last edited by CameronPoe (2007-03-07 15:44:55)
I am not dismissing anything.CameronPoe wrote:
Would you like one? I bought a spare for you. It's quite fetching. Quite dismissive of the old 'first hand' experience aren't you? You can't criticise me for being an armchair media-reliant muppet on this issue - at least I've seen the situation on the ground with my own eyes.usmarine2007 wrote:
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
And yes, I would love a shirt.
Last edited by usmarine2007 (2007-03-07 15:46:23)
Have you been there? Or are you one of these people who denies someone the right to believe first hand evidence that they've seen for themselves because it doesn't fit in with your perception of what the place is supposed to be like?usmarine2007 wrote:
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
I AM NOT dismissing anything.Braddock wrote:
Have you been there? Or are you one of these people who denies someone the right to believe first hand evidence that they've seen for themselves because it doesn't fit in with your perception of what the place is supposed to be like?usmarine2007 wrote:
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
I have only been to the airport for about 2 hours or so, so I know nothing about it.
As ive already said as im sure you read... just because it worked for him doesnt mean he knows jack shit as to what the rest of the world wants.Pug wrote:
And the results in his case are positive right?Vilham wrote:
Actually my original point was that he says "how do we know what others want" but that is completely ridiculous because neither does he.Pug wrote:
No, actually he's saying his country was being repressed and US helped out with his country. And that he was happy it happened. That is all. The rest is you trying to twist it into anti-American garbage.
I would think that elimination of oppression would be a common goal around the world. And yes, it doesn't work everytime - but it was worth the risk in his case right?
This is why it is important for people to discern the difference between "Media" and "News". Remember you can watch porn with Windows "Media" player..lolCameronPoe wrote:
Would you like one? I bought a spare for you. It's quite fetching. Quite dismissive of the old 'first hand' experience aren't you? You can't criticize me for being an armchair media-reliant muppet on this issue - at least I've seen the situation on the ground with my own eyes.usmarine2007 wrote:
Oh. Well then all is safe.CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT
Xbone Stormsurgezz
Wow, there's a lot of crap on the ground there and is that a Good Humor shop with a Volvo in front of it?CameronPoe wrote:
PS Media schmedia - I'VE BEEN THERE AND BOUGHT THE FUCKING T-SHIRT and have read at length on the conflict. It's the US media that warps people's views.
Are you making a point or an observation?DesertFox423 wrote:
Wow, there's a lot of crap on the ground there and is that a Good Humor shop with a Volvo in front of it?
I'm just jealous of all the tourists not coming here. Plus, it's required that we hate Toronto and make fun of the rest of Canada. Although, I am enjoying 18 degree Celsius weather.CaptainMike wrote:
Have you left Vancouver at all lately? I would have to completely disagree and turn your quote around. Though, Vancouver is nice.Drakef wrote:
Sure, Vancouver is great, but the rest of Canada doesn't deserve such a favourable opinion.