7 hours ago, Storkit said:

Guns are for p*ssies.

When I did the Camino de Santiago I carried a Bowie knife, for cutting through the undergrowth.

Indiana Jones proved otherwise.

21 minutes ago, papa al said:

Indiana Jones proved otherwise.

Movie and scene?

3 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Topic is about why Americans are getting crazier by the year.

It is my considered opinion that the humongous unwarranted consumption of Psychiatric Drugs, by Americans YOUNG AND OLD...is driving America around the bend.

You can choose to disagree.

If you choose to disagree, then I will provide evidence supporting my claim.

It's not just about Americans going crazy. The whole world is becoming increasingly crazy. Societies nearing certain "pivot points", once surpassed, "centryfugal forces" will come into effect with the final result: Global unrestricted CHAOS.

3 hours ago, Jack Hammer said:

I think you have read too many articles and envy the Scottish people in the Highlands who wear gum boots while tending to their sheep

555 Scottish folks don't know what gumboots are. Kiwis on the other hand have barbed wire fences.

2 hours ago, Storkit said:

Americans are crazy. Perhaps they are used to lies and exaggerations.

So now, you have finally sunk low enough to begin quoting Mark Twain?

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

It actually ranges from 16-25%, depending on where you look

First look to yourself, my friend.

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

20% to 25%

CORRECT....!!!!!

Finally, the Truth Outs.....!!!!!!!

51 minutes ago, papa al said:

zip i, you Constitution-hating punk

It is not that I hate it.

It is only that it was poorly written, and required so many amendments.

9 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I am informed wearing a baseball cap backwards drops IQ by 20 points.

And watching Fox by 30.

23 minutes ago, swissie said:

It's not just about Americans going crazy. The whole world is becoming increasingly crazy. Societies nearing certain "pivot points", once surpassed, "centryfugal forces" will come into effect with the final result: Global unrestricted CHAOS.

I agree.

I think most would agree if they voiced their real beliefs.

1 hour ago, Storkit said:

Another crazy funny statement. One prominent case being Jordan Peterson. Will you tell us that is because he is Canadian and not from the USA? Or that he isn't as smart as you?

Did Peterson ever study Psychology?

Peterson went through hell.

He knew what he was doing, or should have known.

Any fool that consumes tranquilizers, daily, for more than 8 or 10 days.....is asking for a world of hurt.

Most Psychiatric Drugs are totally worthless, and are also very harmful.

The world is just beginning to wake up to this fact.

Some, of course, especially the old geezers, are just still unwilling to face facts.

But, the young docs, .....they know.

And, there is no doubt that there will soon be a major backlash against the prescribing of these drugs, especially to children.

HOW CRAZY IS THAT?

Prescribing these powerful mind-altering drugs to children, some not even age ten.

That is CRAZY....FOLKS.....!!!!!

And, Crazy is as Crazy Does......as the old saying goes.....

2 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Ah....The Good Life.

Gum shoes are good shoes.

Did @Jack Hammer 's post go through to the wicketkeeper?

10 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

I will swim anywhere in the US but never would in Australia

Really? I thought you had alligators.

Crocs need warm water, anywhere south of Hervey Bay or Port Hedland is OK.

Edited Thursday at 12:58 PM5 days by Lacessit

Are there any non-Americans on this forum now. 😄

Hands up anyone who can spot the satire............

2 hours ago, Muhendis said:

Are there any non-Americans on this forum now. 😄

Hands up anyone who can spot the satire............

I see your point, though it is not satire.

All the sane members have left, leaving only us crazy Americans?

You actually think the forum was better when non-Americans were running the show....

Years ago....?

9 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Once again, you do not understand simple concepts.

Simple though they may be, the idea of using the Scientific Method in the support of enlightened governance is one obviously beyond someone who thinks Texas is the be-all and end-all.

Even an idiot Robot knows more.

I just typed in the following words, scientific method used in governance of a country to Google Search and here is what I got:

How the Scientific Method Works in Government

Governments apply the core steps of science to public administration:

• Identify a problem: Notice a specific issue, like high traffic congestion or low school attendance.

• Form a hypothesis: Guess a solution, such as "Building a bike lane will reduce car traffic."

• Run a test: Try the solution in a small area first, called a pilot program or trial.

• Collect data: Measure the real results, such as counting cars and tracking bike riders.

• Evaluate and change: Keep the policy if the data proves it works. Stop or change the policy if the data shows it fails.

Real-World Examples

• Behavioral Insights Teams: Also called "Nudge Units," governments in the UK and other nations test different ways to write letters for tax collection. They see which wording gets people to pay on time.

• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Nations use careful testing to see which job training programs actually help people find work before spending money nationwide.

• Smart City Dashboards: Cities like Singapore use live sensors and data to adjust traffic lights and public transport in real time.

Benefits of Scientific Governance

• Less Waste: Spending goes only to programs that prove their value.

• Better Results: Policies solve real problems accurately.

• Less Bias: Decisions rely on facts instead of political opinions.

Please tell me, SIR, that you are at least as intelligent as a robot.

OR, are you a True-Blue Texan?

Lord, help this man....!!!!

You are just another misguided Penn Grad; I have no doubt.

That’s all very nice, but it doesn’t comport with reality. And the reality is that the USA has a Constitution and that Constitution establishes three seats of power. Executive, legislative, and judicial. And long ago, the question of judicial review and the separation of powers was settled. That’s the system. So unless business as usual somehow comes to a stop and the Constitution is scrapped, the government will continue in its present form.

As for the USA being a litigious society? That would seem to be the case. Lawyers cost money, though, so there’s some limit to the craziness. Cases are often won, not by the side with the best case, but by the side that can afford the most paperwork. Money = Power.

13 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Once again, you do not understand simple concepts.

Simple though they may be, the idea of using the Scientific Method in the support of enlightened governance is one obviously beyond someone who thinks Texas is the be-all and end-all.

Even an idiot Robot knows more.

I just typed in the following words, scientific method used in governance of a country to Google Search and here is what I got:

How the Scientific Method Works in Government

Governments apply the core steps of science to public administration:

• Identify a problem: Notice a specific issue, like high traffic congestion or low school attendance.

• Form a hypothesis: Guess a solution, such as "Building a bike lane will reduce car traffic."

• Run a test: Try the solution in a small area first, called a pilot program or trial.

• Collect data: Measure the real results, such as counting cars and tracking bike riders.

• Evaluate and change: Keep the policy if the data proves it works. Stop or change the policy if the data shows it fails.

Real-World Examples

• Behavioral Insights Teams: Also called "Nudge Units," governments in the UK and other nations test different ways to write letters for tax collection. They see which wording gets people to pay on time.

• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Nations use careful testing to see which job training programs actually help people find work before spending money nationwide.

• Smart City Dashboards: Cities like Singapore use live sensors and data to adjust traffic lights and public transport in real time.

Benefits of Scientific Governance

• Less Waste: Spending goes only to programs that prove their value.

• Better Results: Policies solve real problems accurately.

• Less Bias: Decisions rely on facts instead of political opinions.

Please tell me, SIR, that you are at least as intelligent as a robot.

OR, are you a True-Blue Texan?

Lord, help this man....!!!!

You are just another misguided Penn Grad; I have no doubt.

22 hours ago, Alpha84 said:

Of course not. Nobody has ever thought that about any of your topics. They are all masterfully brilliant, at least from the perspective of someone with an IQ equal to that of a handball.

Except, of course, for the noisy motorcycles, the skinks, the heat, the light pollution, the humidity, the electricity bills, the lack of Western foods, the lack of quality products, and whatever happens to your existential whinge du jour.

First it was Montana, then New England, now seemingly Maine specifically. And where to next week? Apparently, “I will NEVER go back” means “I will never go back, except for the various places in America I plan to go back to.” Nah, you’re not conflicted, NEVER in the least.

It's OK to go back, but don't stay too long. The so-called food might kill you if somehting else doesn't. Thai food here is marvelous, but not particularly good in the US, even in LA. There is good Western food in Thailand, too, but more expensive than Thai food. However, such good Western food is more expensive in the US than here.

The biggest problem in the US is the internet that has empowered the crazies. Now they've found each other. Social media also makes people become socially detached.

10 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

CORRECT....!!!!!

Finally, the Truth Outs.....!!!!!!!

It's been the truth. Different sources, all within that parameter

10 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

First look to yourself, my friend.

I already have, and told you , but with your postings, it shows rather dramatically you have a condition that needs looking after.

10 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Really? I thought you had alligators.

Crocs need warm water, anywhere south of Hervey Bay or Port Hedland is OK.

Millions swim in America in all the southern states but there's rarely a problem. No one in their right minds would swim in Croc infested waters in Australia or anywhere else the Salties inhabit as they see us as food, and kill many yearly where they live.

On 9/24/2026 at 12:28 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

I will NEVER go back, except maybe to Maine, to live in the state of one million lakes, with FOXES and FISH, and with the relatively sane backwoodsmen and backwoods-women one can find there.

Edited Thursday at 11:25 PM5 days by KhunLA

10 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Really? I thought you had alligators.

Crocs need warm water, anywhere south of Hervey Bay or Port Hedland is OK.

In Darwin they had chain link fences that stretched along the beach. If the crocs don't get you maybe the great whites will.

7 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

I see your point, though it is not satire.

Satire from wikipedia.

"in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule,"

That definition fits the bill for me.

7 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

You actually think the forum was better when non-Americans were running the show....

Years ago....?

In reply to your statement "You actually think" Well yes, or at least I think I do.

The forum was, without a doubt, better when it was Thai Visa.

However, change happens and involves moving onwards and upwards, or so I'm lead to believe.

As a result this forum is now a mainly American populated gossip site rather akin to social media.

Is that a good thing?

That depends on your expectations.

Americans live in a bubble. They’re bought up to believe they’re exceptional. They seem to watch a Hollywood movie and if it’s based on real life, it becomes a history to them. The American is always the hero. American news has very little world news meaning you know little of the outside world.

Then theirs the politics. It seems in America you have to pick left or right and then almost violently protect your side no matter how bad they perform. You also have lower standards for politicians and leaders. Trump would never have found himself eligible for a political position anywhere else in the democratic world. Why you wanted a failed businessman as President confounds me. In Australia where I’m from we have those dedicated left and right apologists we call rusted on. They’re in the minority thankfully and with our compulsory Voting, it’s the swinging voter who changes government. Regardless of how I vote I can congratulate the otherside for good decisions and policies and express my disdain at my side if they act stupid or do something i don’t like. Our most popular party at the moment is a far right party who is taking votes from traditional left and right even though their Policies in total don’t agree with either sides in big ways but with neither traditional side listening their soaring in the polls.

In short Americans need to travel more and when they arrive in a different country should refrain from posting on instagram how they can’t believe it’s not like America. They should also open their eyes to the reality happening in front of them in Politics rather then getting their thoughts direct from their party!

15 minutes ago, Brettoj said:

Americans live in a bubble. They’re bought up to believe they’re exceptional. They seem to watch a Hollywood movie and if it’s based on real life, it becomes a history to them. The American is always the hero. American news has very little world news meaning you know little of the outside world.

Then theirs the politics. It seems in America you have to pick left or right and then almost violently protect your side no matter how bad they perform. You also have lower standards for politicians and leaders. Trump would never have found himself eligible for a political position anywhere else in the democratic world. Why you wanted a failed businessman as President confounds me. In Australia where I’m from we have those dedicated left and right apologists we call rusted on. They’re in the minority thankfully and with our compulsory Voting, it’s the swinging voter who changes government. Regardless of how I vote I can congratulate the otherside for good decisions and policies and express my disdain at my side if they act stupid or do something i don’t like. Our most popular party at the moment is a far right party who is taking votes from traditional left and right even though their Policies in total don’t agree with either sides in big ways but with neither traditional side listening their soaring in the polls.

In short Americans need to travel more and when they arrive in a different country should refrain from posting on instagram how they can’t believe it’s not like America. They should also open their eyes to the reality happening in front of them in Politics rather then getting their thoughts direct from their party!

It's also best not to judge Americans based on Trump's doings. You might know a few Americans in your life and base your replies on them but that doesn't take into consideration the other 342 plus millions you have no knowledge of. Even Americans living there all their lives don't know how other Americans are, think or live unless they actually know them, and even then don't know them that well.

You can say anyone from anywhere is brought up to believe they're exceptional but the only ones you can judge are those that actually say it.

In America there are many like myself who don't pick sides and just sit back and watch what goes on, hoping things are changed for the better,just the way all others in all countries who can vote in a leader do. After voted in we're at their mercy in what they actually do, as promises are made by all politicians and how many come to fruition?

Trump was never a good pick for a president but his ego gets some things done. That that same ego hurts other things has been obvious. He started out as a millionaire and is now a billionaire, much from other's help, but even though some of his ventures have failed, he's still a billionaire. Money gets most politicians voted in, along with hopeful supporters. this happens all over, and most don't do the jobs they're supposed to be doing.

Anyone moving anywhere has to try to fit in, as it's not their country and all countries have their own cultures, policies and how people act. Of course coming to Thailand from a more advanced country has some seeing things backwards. I've seen it all along here but there's nothing you can do but deal with it or move back home. Wanting changes isn't the problem. Trying to make changes yourself is. Thailand has adopted most of the thing here from the west. That more is needed for their own benefit is a no brainer. How long it takes for the old school thinking to stop and newer thinkers to take over is anyone's guess, but it'll take time.

Just the problem of the power going off all the time in many areas is enough for them to learn a better way. I've seen that alone for all the years I've lived here, in my village, and little has been done to change it. I talked to the PEA here and they said they were waiting on funding to come a year ago. The power still goes off every week for hours and every day for a few seconds, which isn't normal. Back in Texas if the power went off four times a year it was more than normal.This is incompetency and greed, with the money funded not going where it belongs, as it isn't happening in all PEA districts but a few. It all comes down to a government carting enough to make changes for the people, which is their job, and America's government is just one out of hundreds that has problems.

Edited Friday at 03:35 AM5 days by fredwiggy

On 9/24/2026 at 7:40 AM, Evil Penevil said:

Here's the background to the "fishing with guns" photo:

Group goes fishing with guns in Miami Beach to raise awareness about Florida open carry laws

A group of open carry gun enthusiasts had a well-armed visit to Miami Beach on Saturday.

The group calling itself "Florida Carry" caused a disturbance when they showed up on the South Pointe Park Pier in June.

...

Officers temporarily detained and disarmed the group, but determined that they were within their rights to carry weapons.

https://www.wptv.com/news/state/group-goes-fishing-with-guns-in-miami-beach-to-raise-awareness-about-florida-open-carry-laws

Basically, it was a publicity stunt, not an everyday occurrence.

Somebody once asked an American: Why do you carry a gun? His reply: Because I can. In the US we have civil rights, among them is the right to protect ourselves.

Blame Trump

5 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

In Darwin they had chain link fences that stretched along the beach. If the crocs don't get you maybe the great whites will.

Most of the great whites are in Spencer Gulf and the southern parts of WA, such as Albany and Margaret River. Bull sharks and hammerheads are what occur in northern waters.

Seals are the natural prey of great whites, neither hunter or prey gets that far north. They prefer the cold.

5 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

Millions swim in America in all the southern states but there's rarely a problem. No one in their right minds would swim in Croc infested waters in Australia or anywhere else the Salties inhabit as they see us as food, and kill many yearly where they live.

Bayou Oaks is a golf course near New Orleans. When I played it, there were signs with pictures of alligators on every water hole,warning golfers not to try retrieving golf balls, even in shallow water.

It's a recurring theme with you, isn't it ? When confronted by a fact which contradicts your opinion, you either double down, deflect, minimize or ignore.

Is your ego really so fragile you can't bring yourself to acknowledge when you are mistaken or wrong?

Bayou Oaks New Orleans.pdf

Edited Friday at 05:10 AM5 days by Lacessit

4 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Most of the great whites are in Spencer Gulf and the southern parts of WA, such as Albany and Margaret River. Bull sharks and hammerheads are what occur in northern waters.

Seals are the natural prey of great whites, neither hunter or prey gets that far north. They prefer the cold.

New South Wales, Queensland , and Byron Bay has had the most, Byron being closer to the mainstream current and it's popular surfing areas. Esperance on the western side also. Most attacks have been the Great Whites, but Bull and Tigers have quite a few also.