Is America the greatest country in the world?

1596062646580

Comments

  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    The thing is, I don't think he is looking at what is right in America, 
    Name a few things.
    Music...plenty of great music
    Hollywood...never short of great movies and TV shows.
    Cannabis...US states started legalizing it, which I'm sure made it easier for our government to legalize it
    Climate...there is pretty much any climate you could ask for in the US...so depending what your climate of choice is, I am sure you can find.
    30 minutes from my door is downtown Detroit, I can attend all 4 major sports, farther down the road UM has world class college sports, pretty much all bands hit up Detroit when touring.
    National Parks...
    Route 66
    The Pacific Coast HWY
    Lifestyle...you can live pretty much live any lifestyle you want
    Affordability

    just off the top of my head.


    You left off craft beer.  America is leading the way, though many, many countries have decreased that gap.
    That is true
    Wine as well, some pretty good wine I've had from California.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    mcgruff10 said:
    I've traveled throughout most of Western Europe, the caribbean, and central america  and have seen the same amount of nationalism as in the us. Everyone is proud of their country and think they are number 1 for different reasons.  The craziest amount of "we are number 1" I have ever witnessed was being in Europe for two EuroCups and a World Cup.  Holy shit that was intense.  I literally was almost killed in an English pub because I said David Beckham sucked after he missed a pk in the '04 Eurocup.  

    well football in europe is a whole different animal. i'll give you that. it could also be that I have lived in canada my entire life, and grew up watching a lot of canadian and american television, seeing the stark differences in nationalism, and also in my travels both in canada and the us. 
    I’ve lived in Canada almost all of my life, but I’ve also lived in the UK for four years and I spend a lot of time in the US, and I agree that the difference is striking. Citizens of other countries can definitely be patriotic and proud, but I don’t meet people in any other country who routinely and unquestioningly assert that their country is the best at almost every opportunity. It’s a national pastime. 
    I have literally not heard anyone say that the USA is the best in I don;t know how long.  Maybe you should interact with Americans more often than every 4th of July! ;)
    Actually, like I said, I’m in your country on average at least monthly, and I see and hear this stuff all the time. You just don’t notice it. It’s pervasive. 
    I was joking about 4th...hence the smiley.

    But in reality, I have honestly not heard it in a very long time...don't even remember last time.  It's not something that comes up at work, in my neighborhood or anywhere really.  Now if you considering playing the national anthem at a sporting event, then I have heard that a lot.
    it's not just in the dialogue, but that is a big part of it. it's the american flags on every doorstep and restaurant. the bumper stickers and t shirts and...it's just the general attitude. 

    we all have the national anthem at sporting events. (which I find equally stupid, no matter what country you're from, but I digress.....)
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Well, we invented the most important tool of them all, the Robertson Screwdriver.  Anything that I get that needs assembly, I always get Robertson screws.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    mcgruff10 said:
    I've traveled throughout most of Western Europe, the caribbean, and central america  and have seen the same amount of nationalism as in the us. Everyone is proud of their country and think they are number 1 for different reasons.  The craziest amount of "we are number 1" I have ever witnessed was being in Europe for two EuroCups and a World Cup.  Holy shit that was intense.  I literally was almost killed in an English pub because I said David Beckham sucked after he missed a pk in the '04 Eurocup.  

    The "other countries are much more nationalistic because I saw them cheer for their country in a pub during the BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD" would not held up in court. 

    It's actually quite an absurd thing to say. Instead of just admitting the US view of themselves i comparison to an objective breakdown of the country is quite absurd.
    Absurd?  How is that?
    like I said, the us has pluses and minuses like every other country but I have definitely seen the “We are number 1” in other countries first hand. 
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    mcgruff10 said:
    I've traveled throughout most of Western Europe, the caribbean, and central america  and have seen the same amount of nationalism as in the us. Everyone is proud of their country and think they are number 1 for different reasons.  The craziest amount of "we are number 1" I have ever witnessed was being in Europe for two EuroCups and a World Cup.  Holy shit that was intense.  I literally was almost killed in an English pub because I said David Beckham sucked after he missed a pk in the '04 Eurocup.  

    well football in europe is a whole different animal. i'll give you that. it could also be that I have lived in canada my entire life, and grew up watching a lot of canadian and american television, seeing the stark differences in nationalism, and also in my travels both in canada and the us. 
    I’ve lived in Canada almost all of my life, but I’ve also lived in the UK for four years and I spend a lot of time in the US, and I agree that the difference is striking. Citizens of other countries can definitely be patriotic and proud, but I don’t meet people in any other country who routinely and unquestioningly assert that their country is the best at almost every opportunity. It’s a national pastime. 
    I have literally not heard anyone say that the USA is the best in I don;t know how long.  Maybe you should interact with Americans more often than every 4th of July! ;)
    Actually, like I said, I’m in your country on average at least monthly, and I see and hear this stuff all the time. You just don’t notice it. It’s pervasive. 
    I was joking about 4th...hence the smiley.

    But in reality, I have honestly not heard it in a very long time...don't even remember last time.  It's not something that comes up at work, in my neighborhood or anywhere really.  Now if you considering playing the national anthem at a sporting event, then I have heard that a lot.
    it's not just in the dialogue, but that is a big part of it. it's the american flags on every doorstep and restaurant. the bumper stickers and t shirts and...it's just the general attitude. 

    we all have the national anthem at sporting events. (which I find equally stupid, no matter what country you're from, but I digress.....)
    Ah, yeah I understand what you are saying.  But then as someone said I think the Hispanic community in the US is even more patriotic than others! 
    hippiemom = goodness
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    mcgruff10 said:
    I've traveled throughout most of Western Europe, the caribbean, and central america  and have seen the same amount of nationalism as in the us. Everyone is proud of their country and think they are number 1 for different reasons.  The craziest amount of "we are number 1" I have ever witnessed was being in Europe for two EuroCups and a World Cup.  Holy shit that was intense.  I literally was almost killed in an English pub because I said David Beckham sucked after he missed a pk in the '04 Eurocup.  

    well football in europe is a whole different animal. i'll give you that. it could also be that I have lived in canada my entire life, and grew up watching a lot of canadian and american television, seeing the stark differences in nationalism, and also in my travels both in canada and the us. 
    I’ve lived in Canada almost all of my life, but I’ve also lived in the UK for four years and I spend a lot of time in the US, and I agree that the difference is striking. Citizens of other countries can definitely be patriotic and proud, but I don’t meet people in any other country who routinely and unquestioningly assert that their country is the best at almost every opportunity. It’s a national pastime. 
    I have literally not heard anyone say that the USA is the best in I don;t know how long.  Maybe you should interact with Americans more often than every 4th of July! ;)
    Actually, like I said, I’m in your country on average at least monthly, and I see and hear this stuff all the time. You just don’t notice it. It’s pervasive. 
    I was joking about 4th...hence the smiley.

    But in reality, I have honestly not heard it in a very long time...don't even remember last time.  It's not something that comes up at work, in my neighborhood or anywhere really.  Now if you considering playing the national anthem at a sporting event, then I have heard that a lot.
    it's not just in the dialogue, but that is a big part of it. it's the american flags on every doorstep and restaurant. the bumper stickers and t shirts and...it's just the general attitude. 

    we all have the national anthem at sporting events. (which I find equally stupid, no matter what country you're from, but I digress.....)
    I think i've visited close to 35 countries and every single country definitely has their share of flags. (maybe even more)
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,869
    edited March 2019
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    The thing is, I don't think he is looking at what is right in America, 
    Name a few things.
    Music...plenty of great music
    Hollywood...never short of great movies and TV shows.
    Cannabis...US states started legalizing it, which I'm sure made it easier for our government to legalize it
    Climate...there is pretty much any climate you could ask for in the US...so depending what your climate of choice is, I am sure you can find.
    30 minutes from my door is downtown Detroit, I can attend all 4 major sports, farther down the road UM has world class college sports, pretty much all bands hit up Detroit when touring.
    National Parks...
    Route 66
    The Pacific Coast HWY
    Lifestyle...you can live pretty much live any lifestyle you want
    Affordability

    just off the top of my head.


    Name some things that are important for peoples actual health, rights or lives.
    Post edited by Spiritual_Chaos on
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    The thing is, I don't think he is looking at what is right in America, 
    Name a few things.
    Music...plenty of great music
    Hollywood...never short of great movies and TV shows.
    Cannabis...US states started legalizing it, which I'm sure made it easier for our government to legalize it
    Climate...there is pretty much any climate you could ask for in the US...so depending what your climate of choice is, I am sure you can find.
    30 minutes from my door is downtown Detroit, I can attend all 4 major sports, farther down the road UM has world class college sports, pretty much all bands hit up Detroit when touring.
    National Parks...
    Route 66
    The Pacific Coast HWY
    Lifestyle...you can live pretty much live any lifestyle you want
    Affordability

    just off the top of my head.


    Name some things that are important for peoples actual health, rights or lives.
    Much of that list is. Music, cannabis, climate, parks, lifestyle, affordability. Those are all key for health, rights, or lives. 
    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    well, you can probably get it for free under your Swedish medical plan. so there's that. 
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    The thing is, I don't think he is looking at what is right in America, 
    Name a few things.
    Music...plenty of great music
    Hollywood...never short of great movies and TV shows.
    Cannabis...US states started legalizing it, which I'm sure made it easier for our government to legalize it
    Climate...there is pretty much any climate you could ask for in the US...so depending what your climate of choice is, I am sure you can find.
    30 minutes from my door is downtown Detroit, I can attend all 4 major sports, farther down the road UM has world class college sports, pretty much all bands hit up Detroit when touring.
    National Parks...
    Route 66
    The Pacific Coast HWY
    Lifestyle...you can live pretty much live any lifestyle you want
    Affordability

    just off the top of my head.


    Name some things that are important for peoples actual health, rights or lives.

    Most of the stuff you listed can be answered with "...most countries have (something similar to) that".
    So you do not like the answers, so now you change the question.

    What are you asking me to comment on should be commented on by Americans?  

    I am just listing what I like.

    I could never provide an appropriate answer to their health or rights...because I have never had to deal with those issues.

    I never had a bad experience in the US...I have been going to events for 35 years in Detroit, I'm still alive...and many of those years Detroit was a rough town.

    I am assuming the US Constitution protects Americans rights.  




    Give Peas A Chance…
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 49,474
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    The thing is, I don't think he is looking at what is right in America, 
    Name a few things.
    Music...plenty of great music
    Hollywood...never short of great movies and TV shows.
    Cannabis...US states started legalizing it, which I'm sure made it easier for our government to legalize it
    Climate...there is pretty much any climate you could ask for in the US...so depending what your climate of choice is, I am sure you can find.
    30 minutes from my door is downtown Detroit, I can attend all 4 major sports, farther down the road UM has world class college sports, pretty much all bands hit up Detroit when touring.
    National Parks...
    Route 66
    The Pacific Coast HWY
    Lifestyle...you can live pretty much live any lifestyle you want
    Affordability

    just off the top of my head.


    Name some things that are important for peoples actual health, rights or lives.
    Pearl Jam.
    National parks are great.
    State Parks.
    County Parks.
    National Scenic Rivers.
    Our coastline up and down the Atlantic and Pacific.
    Hawaii.  There is no place like Hawaii.
    Constitution.  Bill of Rights.
    We have some of the best doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners in the world.
    We have some of the best hospitals in the world.
    Our higher education is definitely the best.
    Our military protects us and many around the world.
    Music.
    Pearl Jam
    Craft beer.
    California wines.
    The Mississippi is one bad ass river.
    Alaska.
    Baseball.
    Football.
    Pearl Jam.
    The Grand Canyon.  Wow.
    Martin and Fender guitars.
    Fishing and hunting.


    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    well, you can probably get it for free under your Swedish medical plan. so there's that. 
    Hahahah nice!
    hippiemom = goodness
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    I hear you. A bit different with the scale of the countries. But yeah I wish we’d move towards something better
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    Well, first of all, most classic cars owners don't take their cars out of the garage very much and when they do it's usually to a car show.  I have no attention to changing.  I'm not walking or biking in -15 or colder weather.  And most of rural Canada does not have public transportation, including where I am at.  If you are disappointed, be disappointed at Canada's large cities.  They have plenty of public transit, but the highways in all major cities are crammed packed with cars...and they have other options.  
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    I hear you. A bit different with the scale of the countries. But yeah I wish we’d move towards something better
    I wish that too however America and Canada are just too big to have a comparable mass transit system like they have in Europe.  
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 49,474
    mcgruff10 said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    I hear you. A bit different with the scale of the countries. But yeah I wish we’d move towards something better
    I wish that too however America and Canada are just too big to have a comparable mass transit system like they have in Europe.  
    I agree that's the case in Canada (but in that case it should simply be focused on in a more regional way, and that isn't being done well either for the most part). But I think that America is populated enough for it to be possible there, if only there was a will to do it. The population isn't that spread out anymore.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • OnWis97OnWis97 St. Paul, MN Posts: 4,814
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    As do I.  When you think about it, it's kind of a crazy way to get around.  It's the most dangerous thing most of us do every day. 30,000 people in the US die in collisions every year.  It pollutes.  It enables very inefficient and environmentally-unfriendly development patterns (that make it almost impossible to use other modes).  We spend enormous amounts of time in traffic.  People that can't drive (kids, the elderly, people who cannot afford cars, disabled) are often isolated.  We'd have been way better off not going all-in on the personal automobile from day 1 and developing our land and transportation network more thoughtfully. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. 

    If I were ranking countries (something I have no interest in doing) transportation would hurt our rank here in the states.
    1995 Milwaukee     1998 Alpine, Alpine     2003 Albany, Boston, Boston, Boston     2004 Boston, Boston     2006 Hartford, St. Paul (Petty), St. Paul (Petty)     2011 Alpine, Alpine     
    2013 Wrigley     2014 St. Paul     2016 Fenway, Fenway, Wrigley, Wrigley     2018 Missoula, Wrigley, Wrigley     2021 Asbury Park     2022 St Louis     2023 Austin, Austin
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    PJ_Soul said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    I hear you. A bit different with the scale of the countries. But yeah I wish we’d move towards something better
    I wish that too however America and Canada are just too big to have a comparable mass transit system like they have in Europe.  
    I agree that's the case in Canada (but in that case it should simply be focused on in a more regional way, and that isn't being done well either for the most part). But I think that America is populated enough for it to be possible there, if only there was a will to do it. The population isn't that spread out anymore.
    The will and the money. 
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    rgambs said:
    I have no desire to defend America.
    That being said, SC is coming off like an insecure dude who's worried about the size of his "country" and can't get "country" size off his mind.
    You can be assured, that is not the case.
    I find it hard to believe that your negative obsession with America (you can't even admit to a single positive trait??) has nothing to do with your country being a tiny footnote in the history of the world and an even tinier footnote in the current world.
    Maybe if you were from Denmark, I might buy it ;) 
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    PJ_Soul said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Classic cars.  Classic cars.  Classic car...the big 3 muscle cars were the best in every way.
    I consider America's car obsession a negative myself (most cars are single occupancy on the roads too). I wish America (and Canada) could be more like Europe when it comes to changing that mindset about transportation on a national scale. There are some attempts here and there, but I don't see people's views about it changing, really, there nor here in my country. Almost everyone is absolutely 100% stubbornly addicted to their cars and they have no intention of changing.
    I hear you. A bit different with the scale of the countries. But yeah I wish we’d move towards something better
    I wish that too however America and Canada are just too big to have a comparable mass transit system like they have in Europe.  
    I agree that's the case in Canada (but in that case it should simply be focused on in a more regional way, and that isn't being done well either for the most part). But I think that America is populated enough for it to be possible there, if only there was a will to do it. The population isn't that spread out anymore.
    it's such a difficult issue. our local politicians have been trying to get in a better transit system and bike lanes, etc, for years, but there is so much opposition to it from, you guessed it, conservatives."it's a waste of money!' "no one will use it!" they all cry. all progressive and successful larger metro areas have a mass transit system of some kind. it's just so close minded to do anything else. 
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • AnnafalkAnnafalk Sweden Posts: 4,004
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I’d just like to add that I don’t do that, Sweden has a lot of problems and the suicide levels are high. People in Sweden has recently rated that their belief in democracy is decreasing in our country.  
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    What about KISS?
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    weak
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    weak
    Oh ok Mr. Bieber......and Ms NIckelback
    hippiemom = goodness
  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Winnipeg Posts: 35,808
    weak
    Oh ok Mr. Bieber......and Ms NIckelback
    huh?
    Darwinspeed, all. 

    Cheers,

    HFD




  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    It obviously went over Hugh's head.  I think SC will get it.
    Give Peas A Chance…
This discussion has been closed.