by Simon 152 Replies latest social current
Some of the responces remind me of 1812. The canadians of the time enlisted the help of the indians in fighting the americans. The americans of the time were afriad of indians, saw them as enemies. The canadian coalition of native and canadian won out over the americans. The canadians won because of the allies that they made at home. The point is that taking a more engaging position can bring benefits.
S
I don't think showing some graphs amount to hating a country. I certainly don't hate the US. If I believed in god I'd want him to bless humanity rather than just one country.
Scotland has one of the worst rates of heart disease in Europe, not idea really but I don't think those who point that out hate Scotland.
Is it even possible to hate 'a country' - does that even make sense outside of the world of cold-war propaganda? Maybe that's what the rest of us dont have ...
I can understand hating some specific action of an administration, or some specific citizens of a country ... but a whole country? It makes no sense ... its just designed to be something to blurt out to avoid a discussion.
LOSTGEN: Funny how everyone in the world keeps on banging on how horrible the ole USA is......and yet they keep busting down the door to get in here!
Well, they are building those fences to our south to keep US citizens from running away to Mexico for the better Tequila and warmer climate, although we've managed to make it there 17 times in the last 10 years (not really for vacation, since us American citizens do not get vacations, more just for long weekend jaunts or maybe 7-10 day getaways (but not for vacation).
And, of course, there is the huge line of Americans at the Canadian medical clinics willing to pay out of pocket for the exceptional medical care. Actually, we did have to commute about 50 miles to get to one of the top 10 hospitals in the country. My deductable was $250. I wish Canada was closer, since I hear medical care is FREE there.
And I continue to wonder why all the advertizing is spent in the US for cruises, all inclusive vacations, international airline tickets, skiing holidays, beach holidays, Disney World holidays, etc when poor ole US citizens don't get no vacation?? Have you tried recently to get a flight to Jamaica, Cancun, Cabo, Costa Rica? All damn near full if not sold out. How come all those Eureopeans and Canadians (who get all the vacation time) can't fly non-stop without having to use up all those seats on American flights?
And when my wife & I visited "friends" from England that we met on a vacation (that we do not get), their lovely home (he's a retired plumber) was less than 1,000 SF (no basement). One of our homes is almost that small, but it's our cabin in the country for weekends off (which we do not get). Since we still have kids at home, we'd feel really cramped in that if it was our full time home. Fortunately we have the 3-story 4,000 SF home that seems adequate for all of us (and our friends who visit who stay in the guest suite when they are traveling on vacation -- which they do not get since they are US citizens). There would be way too much maintenance for me to handle if it wasn't for the Mexican laborers who come to the US every year on H-2B visas (no doubt because they don't like the climate or the Tequila at home). I've been meaning to practice up on my High School Spanish, but the laborers are all pretty good with English. They say it's the universal language. However the 3-car garage really isn't adquate anymore since all the kids have their own vehicles. (You probably can relate to inadequate garage space, James Woods.)
And then there's that maternity leave my wife didn't get when she had the 4 children. Actually, she did get some relief from all of her regular work because I took a paid week off (vacation that we do not get, vs. "maternity leave') so I could help her out with her regular "work" of caring for our homes and children. Someone else had to take up the slack of her shopping at the mall for several weeks. Hopefully Macy's didn't close. I'm not sure where those statistics would get the idea that I wouldn't let her have some special time off with the babies??? Actually, since I am the only "bread winner" I guess she did get an adequate maternity leave with the babies.
Of course, the $3.50 gasoline/petro is making it tough on many US citizens. We've had to limit ourselves to just 5 vehicles, but we still all manage to get to wherever we need to go most of the time. (Of course, that doesn't count the restored classic car I inherited from my father when he passed away, because it mostly just sits in a garage).
But mostly (and I don't think it's really anything to do with America) I'm totally pissed off that being raised as a JW kept be from pursing higher education and having the full oportunity to pursue the American Dream. Being a born-in kept my wife from pursuing a career as well. Otherwise, I think we would be living more than just the average middle-class Americana lifestyle. We might be rich. But then you know what they say about materialism. Like many JWs, we've tried to "keep our eye simple".
You're right -- America is over-rated.
And then on the world scene, America is really declining:
I think the US is down to only 10 aircraft carrier fleets.
And at the cost of over $2BILLION each, I think the B-2 fleet has been limited to just 20 planes.
It's a sad time in America.
Doc
The issue of maternity leave and vacation is that there are no statutory guarantees - if you have a good job, great you do well. But others are not so fortunate and dont get a break. Should they just be taken advantage of?
Military superiority comes at a huge price and has to be paid for. If you feel it's worth paying so much to have such a gap then I'm happy for you. It may not bring the feeling of security and protection promised though 'cause that isn't where todays threats come from.
Good reputation and intelligence is more value than an aircraft carrier or two ... or twenty.
LMAO @ DOC great post
Just to clear things up a little bit, there are many unemployed Americans on a very long vacation who eat for free with EBT in California and many men and women who get free milk, eggs, cheese and cereal with WIC checks. The government taxes the rich and gives this money to the less fortunate. Sadly these programs are grossly abused, but there is no lack of effort for trying. Yes there are lots of lazy dopes who stand at freeway exits but they could get jobs if they tried. (McDonalds is always hiring talent)
I agree with several of those graphs, notably the one on our government spying on us. I think the salient fact about the assualt graph is that the problem peaked 30+ years ago and has been getting better ever since.
Simon you just need to change the title of this thread to "7 graphs that prove Canada Kicks A**"
Er... I was a bit surprised to see Afghanistan has more women in govt. than Canada - but Canada is tied with Iraq on that one - yikes - just sayin' (and I'm a Canuck).
