America is the most prosperous the most exciting, the most energetic, the most technologically advanced, the most beautiful, the most safe, the most democratic, and to some degree the most spoiled.

I am a European who is an American citizen, my parents moved here from Italy after the war. I have been back to Italy and am amazed at what length the left-wing propaganda machine has went to misinform the Italians about America. Most of my relatives as well as many Italians believe that Americans are selfish, hateful, scary people who live in caves. They believe that most Americans are out of work that people are starving in the streets and that only the rich have healthcare.

Pure nonsense! Finally one of my cousin came and visited America and could not believe how advanced we are. Our cities magnificent, our technology unmatched, out health care is the envy of the world (many of the elite in the world come here for it), and despite all the clamor of uninsured, every American has access regardless of ability to pay for it. If anything Americans are overly medicated.

After the two week visit they didn’t want to leave---they told me it was like going to a land of the future.

They wanted to move here especially his grown daughter and son.

They are not hicks, they live very well in Italy and they have traveled to other countries---but none as fantastic as America, I was told.

The Communist, Socialist and Hollywood spend billions of dollars every year on propaganda to make America look bad in the eyes of the world. They know that most people will never be able to travel to America and see for themselves.

The Left-wing is terrified that if the word got out on how well Capitalism and democracy works that their barbaric Socialistic ideas would never fly.


[Edited on 1-12-2004 by sleeper]

*waves the flag* oh say can you see.....

tell me, oh enlightened one, what is it about capitalism that you don't like? Because obviously sweatshops, worker exploitation and environmental destruction doesn't bother you. How about visiting some of those countries where the products bound for consumption in the US are made? Do you think the people there are just as happy?

[edit on 30-11-2004 by General Zapata]

No wonder when they came from Italy..
I went to italy on a holiday. I'd rather go on holiday to afghanistan now.

Every german who visited the USA actually told me that some things are worse, some things are better but overall it is pretty much the same.

I think its great for people to have a love for the country they reside in. As for America being more beautiful and more safe etc...well, this New Zealander would take issue with that...I can experience the beauty of a bustling metropolis, take a half hour drive to dense native bush to do some hunting or camping, or relax on pristine beaches...or another short drive to ski on some of the most picturesque slopes in the world. Gun-related crimes are still not that common, drive-bys are such a rarity they're maybe one of two a year across the whole country and I doubt we have ever once experienced a school-yard shooting or similar. We have suffered one act of terrorism, some 10 years ago, and that was perpetrated by our supposed 'allies' *cheers France*...

...but again, good to see love for ones home...

[edit on 30-11-2004 by alien]

Originally posted by General Zapata
*waves the flag* oh say can you see.....

tell me, oh enlightened one, what is it about capitalism that you don't like? Because obviously sweatshops, worker exploitation and environmental destruction doesn't bother you. How about visiting some of those countries where the products bound for consumption in the US are made? Do you think the people there are just as happy?

[edit on 30-11-2004 by General Zapata]

All that stuff you mention in your post is brought to you by the left---perhaps you should consider changing ideologies.

Originally posted by tsuribito
No wonder when they came from Italy..
I went to italy on a holiday. I'd rather go on holiday to afghanistan now.

Every german who visited the USA actually told me that some things are worse, some things are better but overall it is pretty much the same.

Italy is infested with Communist and Socialist---Afghanistan may be a better place to live.

Originally posted by alien

...but again, good to see love for ones home...

[edit on 30-11-2004 by alien]

Thanks, my home country is Italy---I was born there---but I love the USA.

I would encourage American people (and anyone) to visit 30-40 countries in order to establish what they really like and dislike. That also lends credibility to comparative statements, otherwise it all come across as nationalism and jingoism.

alien, you mean "Once Were Warriors" is not an everyday suburban occurence?

Believe me, it does get better than America. I'm an American citizen who has lived in a few other countires so I think I'm in a safe position to comment here without any hesitation whatsoever. I think American pride is a wonderful thing when used liberally(no pun intended) and not abused. But truthfully, after being fortunate enough to have resided in places where it's not all made up with bells and whistles to distract a person from what's really going on, I believe that I've seen far better places outside of the US of A.

It is though only a personal perspective that leads any one of us to have a personal opinion such as yours and mine. But once you are able to see America (the place, not the people) for what it truly is and what it truly stands for, it begins to lose that marvellous appeal and glory it once had on you. America is in jeopardy and so many people like myself- some time ago- are so wrapped up in the flag that we can't see through the stars and the stripes to see this reality.

If you use the process of elimination for a moment(not illumination) you might catch a fleeting glimpse of the real America that hides behind all the fantastic things you mentioned in the beginning of and throughout your post.

Where are these places that are far better outside of the U.S of A., magestica? And please, your definition of "far better"?

sleeper

Welcome to America, and I hope that the other members of your family will be able to come here soon also. You are correct; America is by far and away the best place in the world.

The Left-wing is terrified that if the word got out on how well Capitalism and democracy works that their barbaric Socialistic ideas would never fly.

Unfortunately this is true; you only have to pity such hollow souls that must live on a steady diet of hate.


EDIT Typo

[edit on 30-11-2004 by jsobecky]

I'm an American citizen who has lived in other countries as well (no not on an American Base - though I have that's not what I'm talking about) . While I believe the US is definetely one of the best places to live on this planet, every place I've been has it's own good & bad points. I happen to love Italy & not the tourist places. The little towns in the hills where you take a walk down to the local bakery in the morning and almost everyone you pass on the way says hello. No not most modern, but it has a simple charm that you just don't get here. That said my point of view might be different if I had no choice but to live there.

I guess that's the great thing about being an American is you have the ability to choose where and how you live. The U.S. is still the land of opportunity where you can go from a truck driver to a CEO like CARLOS GUTIERREZ.

Are there better places outside the U.S. that's just a matter of perspective and of course if you have tons of money lots of places a great places to live as long as you bring your money, but if you grow up poor in those places they might not be such a nice place to live.


[edit on 30-11-2004 by outsider]

Originally posted by sleeper
Italy is infested with Communist and Socialist

infested? as in, cockroaches? gee, your just the epitome of objectivity, aren't you?

brought to you by the left? are you denying the existence of sweatshops in third world countries? Watch The Corporation, sleeper. Might take some of that doe-eyed wonder off your face.

[edit on 30-11-2004 by General Zapata]

Magestica,

I have traveled to other countries also, but living and traveling “as an American” is very different than being indigenous. Americans, although hated and disliked in many places are still treated with the respect that comes with being an American citizen. I don’t have to look for the negative in American society; there are plenty of people in the press and Hollywood that have grossly exaggerated our problems for all to see, but they do so for personal agendas that have little to do with the real problems.

The opportunities in America are real---the freedom to see the glass half full or half empty is a choice we all have to make---those who chose to see only the negatives are eventually consumed by them, and they have to strain to see all that is good.

Jsobecky,

Thanks, if America was dominated by Americans with your attitude---the world would be a much better place!


Outsider,

The world is full of beautiful places---but those beautiful places are not under constant assault as is America. American is held to a higher standard because of its position in the world, and it should be. However, most of those pointing fingers or holding up the index finger at us need to look into the mirror of integrity, chances are they have plenty of blemishes. America deserves better.

this is way too funny! You guys THINK that the USof A os the best place to live, but us Aussies know better. Of all the places I've been & lived, I have to say honestly that nothing compares to the Land Down-under....Australia!! We're not called the Lucky Country for nothing. AND we are as advanced as any western society on this planet......even more so in some cases. But don't let me shatter your illusions, you keep on thinking USA is the best place to be & we'll keep our little piece of heaven to ourselves!

haha! go australia! where are you from, figjam? I live in canberra. Its a bit of a hole.

Originally posted by sleeper
America is the most prosperous the most exciting, the most energetic, the most technologically advanced, the most beautiful, the most safe, the most democratic, and to some degree the most spoiled.

Sleeper,

I'd take a dozen of your kind of immigrant over every malcontented native-born American that we could ship off to any place that would take them.

[edit on 04/11/30 by GradyPhilpott]

Originally posted by MaskedAvatar
alien, you mean "Once Were Warriors" is not an everyday suburban occurence?

...oh, I'm pretty sure that domestic violence is an everyday occurance in NZ...just as it's likely to be so in any other community in any other town, city and country...

...that said...Uncle Bully won't be in the picture any more...he's too busy driving his 4wd through the front of old ladies houses while texting... *bit of an 'in joke' for us Kiwis*

Originally posted by alien
Gun-related crimes are still not that common, drive-bys are such a rarity they're maybe one of two a year across the whole country and I doubt we have ever once experienced a school-yard shooting or similar. We have suffered one act of terrorism, some 10 years ago,

Give it a few more decades for "civilization" to improve those crime rates, alein

Seriously, though guys, America has it and , but I don't plan on moving elsewhere. At the end of the day, I can't imagine where I'd move.

Well, maybe New Zeeland or Australia...

Originally posted by General Zapata
haha! go australia! where are you from, figjam? I live in canberra. Its a bit of a hole.

Hi General, I'm in Vic, not too far away. Only problem I have with this state is the Bracks Govt.......once they're gone, it'll be even better!!!

Originally posted by General Zapata

brought to you by the left? are you denying the existence of sweatshops in third world countries? Watch The Corporation, sleeper. Might take some of that doe-eyed wonder off your face.

[edit on 30-11-2004 by General Zapata]

I know all about poverty I lived in it---and I know who the enemy of freedom and prosperity is---and my doe-eyes are wide open to the shenanigans of the left--they are the wolves in sheep clothing--- who devour the souls of those in the sweatshops all the while pretending to be their friends. The left has been so good and persistent with their deception in many poor countries that extracting people from its folly will not be easy---it will take people like you to have a change of heart (and ideology) to make it happen. If not there is little hope for all those people you claim to care about.