[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Lups

I will, don't worry. It sickens me how alone you leave your used and abused.

That's ok, it sickens me how blatantly the "used and abused" abuse the welfare system to keep actual productive members of society paying for their habits and lifestyle. And yet nobody seems to care. I cannot understand why. These people need to be heaved off the system posthaste and left to fend for themselves.

I believe in helping the truly poor and needy, those who actually try to better themselves and would contribute to society. But these types are far less in population than the welfare stats would have you believe.

btw, I'm Canadian....but I'm sure we treat them the same up here if you were to look at it objectively.

[Lups]

I know you're a Canadian. We need to agree to disagree in this matter also and move on.

[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Lups

I know you're a Canadian. We need to agree to disagree in this matter also and move on.

In the interests of maintaining civility, I can certainly agree to disagree with you.

However, I just want to make sure I'm perfectly clear on what I'm agreeing to disagree with.

I mentioned I believe in helping the truly poor and needy, the ones who actually would be productive members of society and are trying. It is unlikely you disagree with this statement (but correct me if so).

Therefore, the statement that you must disagree with I suppose is that you feel those who abuse the welfare system and live off the backs of others should continue to do so (and perhaps even get more benefits since you seem to think they are left alone). While I feel they should be kicked off the system and left to fend for themselves.

If that is your position, then yes, we must agree to disagree. And if I ever had a chance to influence how this class of people are treated, I would love to see them be forced to volunteer time to clean up parks or do something productive in order to stay on welfare. As opposed to sitting on the couch and collecting money...and getting the occasional drugs from their dealer.

[Jaymax85]

the issue with america is we live in a bubble except when we are ramming missiles down peoples throats. I find people in europe to be way more worldly and far less ignorant. We as americans think we do everything right... which is far from the truth. If you criticize its "unamerican"... which is clearly shown in the harsh tone of several people in this thread. Our education system is horrible. Our healthcare system sucks too... as a physician i deal with insurance issues all day...

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by jawwadh

the issue with america is we live in a bubble except when we are ramming missiles down peoples throats. I find people in europe to be way more worldly and far less ignorant. We as americans think we do everything right... which is far from the truth. If you criticize its "unamerican"... which is clearly shown in the harsh tone of several people in this thread. Our education system is horrible. Our healthcare system sucks too... as a physician i deal with insurance issues all day...

Oh boy, healthcare again!

Anyway, to your other points, I think that's because many Americans don't even hold passports (I want to say about 30% of Americans even have a passport).

I think a large reason for that is because it's difficult for a lot of people to justify paying the pricey round trip airfare when America itself has lots to do, from mountains, deserts, beaches, etc. Don't get much on the culture side of things like the Europeans do since neighboring countries can be quite different from one another, but scenery wise, there's not much reason for many people to bother leaving the country.

Because of that, I think you see much of the pro America attitude since most people have never experienced anything else before.

[Jaymax85]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

Oh boy, healthcare again!

Anyway, to your other points, I think that's because many Americans don't even hold passports (I want to say about 30% of Americans even have a passport).

I think a large reason for that is because it's difficult for a lot of people to justify paying the pricey round trip airfare when America itself has lots to do, from mountains, deserts, beaches, etc. Don't get much on the culture side of things like the Europeans do since neighboring countries can be quite different from one another, but scenery wise, there's not much reason for many people to bother leaving the country.

Because of that, I think you see much of the pro America attitude since most people have never experienced anything else before.

I recently paid 500 bucks round trip to go to europe? I doubt that is pricey.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

Oh boy, healthcare again!

Anyway, to your other points, I think that's because many Americans don't even hold passports (I want to say about 30% of Americans even have a passport).

I think a large reason for that is because it's difficult for a lot of people to justify paying the pricey round trip airfare when America itself has lots to do, from mountains, deserts, beaches, etc. Don't get much on the culture side of things like the Europeans do since neighboring countries can be quite different from one another, but scenery wise, there's not much reason for many people to bother leaving the country.

Because of that, I think you see much of the pro America attitude since most people have never experienced anything else before.

Adding nothing other than an amusing story.

A bunch of friends and I used to rent a place on the Outer Banks every year. It is a 16 hour drive from here in Ottawa, Canada. Not too far, nice roadtrip. We stopped in a small town about 45 mins from the coast to refuel, pitstop, the usual. While we were standing in the parking lot, a gentleman came over asking if we were waiting for the furniture store he was working at in the same parking lot to reopen. Um, no?!?

So we start up a conversation with him. We tell him where we are from, and where we are going. He asks why we would do such a thing. One time several years ago, he left his little town (maybe 5000 people?!?) to visit the coast for the weekend to see "why everyone is always going there". He lasted one night, could not take the sound of the ocean. He had never left his town before that night, and has not left his town since. So, a gentleman in his late 50's had only travelled more than 20 miles from his house ONCE in his life!

You really have no idea how the world works if you never see any of it, and all your information comes from CNN. How can you say you have the best country in the world, when you have nothing to compare it to? If I was born on a secluded island infested with rats, and disease, unbearable heat or cold, and had never seen anywhere else, I would still think it was the greatest spot in the world.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by jawwadh

... which is clearly shown in the harsh tone of several people in this thread.

Guilty as charged, but only because I can't find the sarcasm button on here.

I've been to Europe and Japan, as well as north and south of the border. My son got his passport when he was about 5, IIRC. We've kept all of them current.

I only play the ugly American on the internet. . .

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by jawwadh

I recently paid 500 bucks round trip to go to europe? I doubt that is pricey.

$500? Jesus, round trip tickets to Key West cost me that much.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Adding nothing other than an amusing story.

A bunch of friends and I used to rent a place on the Outer Banks every year. It is a 16 hour drive from here in Ottawa, Canada. Not too far, nice roadtrip. We stopped in a small town about 45 mins from the coast to refuel, pitstop, the usual. While we were standing in the parking lot, a gentleman came over asking if we were waiting for the furniture store he was working at in the same parking lot to reopen. Um, no?!?

So we start up a conversation with him. We tell him where we are from, and where we are going. He asks why we would do such a thing. One time several years ago, he left his little town (maybe 5000 people?!?) to visit the coast for the weekend to see "why everyone is always going there". He lasted one night, could not take the sound of the ocean. He had never left his town before that night, and has not left his town since. So, a gentleman in his late 50's had only travelled more than 20 miles from his house ONCE in his life!

You really have no idea how the world works if you never see any of it, and all your information comes from CNN. How can you say you have the best country in the world, when you have nothing to compare it to? If I was born on a secluded island infested with rats, and disease, unbearable heat or cold, and had never seen anywhere else, I would still think it was the greatest spot in the world.

God OBX...the stories I have of drunken debaucheries from that place...

Where in OBX did you guys stay? I typically stayed in Duck. I miss that place.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

God OBX...the stories I have of drunken debaucheries from that place...

Where in OBX did you guys stay? I typically stayed in Duck. I miss that place.

We usually stayed in Avon. Were some good times. 14 of us all renting a monster house together, cleaned the Food Lion out of $2 bottles of Boons Sangria, perfect breakfast drink in the hot tub. Learned how to surf and kite board. Although, once, we did get evicted by a hurricane. No prob, drove to DC and spent the rest of our vacation there.

[Whostheboss]

What's going on in the OT lately?

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by jawwadh

the issue with america is we live in a bubble except when we are ramming missiles down peoples throats. I find people in europe to be way more worldly and far less ignorant. We as americans think we do everything right... which is far from the truth. If you criticize its "unamerican"... which is clearly shown in the harsh tone of several people in this thread. Our education system is horrible. Our healthcare system sucks too... as a physician i deal with insurance issues all day...

But somehow we managed to be one of the most creative countries in the world.You don't go to school just for the sake of acing tests.

Look at the new technologies in the last 50 years that helped improve people's lives, the majority came from the states by either dropouts or grads from the horrible education system.

Nobody said you're unamerican, this thread is about what makes you happy to live in Merica. I gues our education system failed you, yeah maybe it's horrible.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

Oh boy, healthcare again!

Anyway, to your other points, I think that's because many Americans don't even hold passports (I want to say about 30% of Americans even have a passport).

I think a large reason for that is because it's difficult for a lot of people to justify paying the pricey round trip airfare when America itself has lots to do, from mountains, deserts, beaches, etc. Don't get much on the culture side of things like the Europeans do since neighboring countries can be quite different from one another, but scenery wise, there's not much reason for many people to bother leaving the country.

Because of that, I think you see much of the pro America attitude since most people have never experienced anything else before.

I've been to Canada, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Gabon...Mr worldly.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

$500? Jesus, round trip tickets to Key West cost me that much.

Ok Genius, fares are most expensive when purchased at the last moment, flying to a major airline hub like Frankfurt on a 747 8i or A380 is more economical (fuel burn per seat) than on a Canadair CRJ to Key West. It's not complicated.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by V1.47fan

I've been to Canada, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Gabon...Mr worldly.

Yes hence why I said many Americans, not "all" or "you".

And I was wrong. According to the State Department about 46% of Americans have passports but that still means the majority of us don't have them.

I'd imagine most of us on here have traveled out the country.

Always wanted to check out South Africa though.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by V1.47fan

Ok Genius, fares are most expensive when purchased at the last moment, flying to a major airline hub like Frankfurt on a 747 8i or A380 is more economical (fuel burn per seat) than on a Canadair CRJ to Key West. It's not complicated.

Yes I'm well aware. Thank you.

And for the second time I am not Canadian nor have I ever lived in Canada.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

Yes I'm well aware. Thank you.

And for the second time I am not Canadian nor have I ever lived in Canada.

Nothing in that post suggests that you're Canadian. Are you slow or something?

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by V1.47fan

Nothing in that post suggests that you're Canadian. Are you slow or something?

You mentioned Canadair but to answer your question, yes.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

You mentioned Canadair but to answer your question, yes.

The Canadair CRJ is the most used regional jet in the US/Europe, they're built in Canada by Bombardier.

The same way flying on a Boeing doesnt make you an American, flying on a Canadair CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) doesn't make you a Canadian.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by V1.47fan

The Canadair CRJ is the most used regional jet in the US/Europe, they're built in Canada by Bombardier.

The same way flying on a Boeing doesnt make you an American, flying on a Canadair CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) doesn't make you a Canadian.

Gotcha. Learned something new today.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Adding nothing other than an amusing story.

A bunch of friends and I used to rent a place on the Outer Banks every year. It is a 16 hour drive from here in Ottawa, Canada. Not too far, nice roadtrip. We stopped in a small town about 45 mins from the coast to refuel, pitstop, the usual. While we were standing in the parking lot, a gentleman came over asking if we were waiting for the furniture store he was working at in the same parking lot to reopen. Um, no?!?

So we start up a conversation with him. We tell him where we are from, and where we are going. He asks why we would do such a thing. One time several years ago, he left his little town (maybe 5000 people?!?) to visit the coast for the weekend to see "why everyone is always going there". He lasted one night, could not take the sound of the ocean. He had never left his town before that night, and has not left his town since. So, a gentleman in his late 50's had only travelled more than 20 miles from his house ONCE in his life!

You really have no idea how the world works if you never see any of it, and all your information comes from CNN. How can you say you have the best country in the world, when you have nothing to compare it to? If I was born on a secluded island infested with rats, and disease, unbearable heat or cold, and had never seen anywhere else, I would still think it was the greatest spot in the world.

Well they say ignorance is bliss,and for this guy that may work....to each there own I guess.
My take is most people are regionalized unless they have travelled much and interact with many other cultures and truly try and understand the world around them and for most average citizens that is not economically viable so ignorant they remain.