Bashing Upon Countries

In another topic* I wrote the following message:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Historical-A...71#entry3253871

I would appreciate your comments as more-and-more, certain members are considering it as Bashing Upon America if someone complains about the Mega-Fart of a guy in New York's Subway....

It looks like joke but underneath the skin lies a very serious problem.

I have been attacked as being anti-American at times which is the greatest Bull of course but it's hard to overcome the PREJUDICE of the overly sensitive fellow members from the US.

Comments? (but please read the answer I posted, first, before you do)

Note: please refrain from attacks on America and/or any other Nation for that matter; it wouldn't help in a civilized discussion.

LaoPo

Hey LaoPo, it's good to see you are doing alright.

Anyway, I have not really been visiting TV lately and I am not sure the mood or temperment of the other Americans here on TV, but as for myself boxing an entire nation into one trait is the same as describing all of one race with the same traits, so kind like racism, yeah? It's just plain stupid.

In the case of Americans than I say attack something that is not so general, decisions our government has made, or who we voted for, or a prevailing trend in American society and politics. I have always enjoyed the view of people from outside my country. I think it can help us, but only if it is constructive.

Also, Americans lately have been way too touchy on so many subjects. I feel that this is linked directly to the increase of right wing influence. So, many have taken on the high and mighty Christian warrior protecting the homeland attitude. This means that anyone who disagrees or has something to say that doesn't tow the line they are a traitor and unChristian. They act more like the old style communists they love to hate so much.

So, LaoPo I am sorry about my fellow countrymen, they are acting more often than not from emotions then taking the time to think these issues through. Our news doesn't encourge such thinking for they always have a slant they want you to side with drawing up borders rather than solutions.

Cheers and best wishes to ya!

LaoPo,

I am a little more free with my opinions here vice the open forum, and I really think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a lot of criticism of the US here in ThaiVisa.  But for the most part, I only see accusations of bashing when the criticism goes beyond honest debate or stating of opinions.  Very few posters seem to jump up and take offense at any US criticism, and I have seen quite a few Americans agree with critical remarks.

It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable.

And to be complete fair, I have seen bashing of many other countries, and I have seen people take issue with that as well.

Of course, as an American, maybe I have my red, white, and blue glasses on, so I don't see a issue when one exists (notice I didn't write "problem." I don't see this as a "serious problem" as you labeled it.)

We also have a number of people who jump to the offense when women, gays, Thais, or other demographics are bashed.  The only difference that I see is that not all of the people rushing to the offense are actually part of that bashed demographic.

Also, Americans lately have been way too touchy on so many subjects. I feel that this is linked directly to the increase of right wing influence.

Sigh.

You don't think left wingers are touchy? Try saying something negative about Obama and see what they do.

Sadly, for Americans, people such as McCain are a representative of their country and as such they become prime targets for ridicule. He was a presidential candidate after all.

It is no wonder that some yanks can get 'bitey' after being represented by people such as the chap in the clip above. What's worse is that it doesn't say a great deal about the American population in general with regards to worldwide issues and what is even more worse than that is that some don't even seem to be able to identify what is so very wrong with McCain's reaction above.

Consider yourselves lucky. We have Phil the Greek as a representative, he can be entertaining though.

Sadly, for Americans, people such as McCain are a representative of their country and as such they become prime targets for ridicule. He was a presidential candidate after all.

It is no wonder that some yanks can get 'bitey' after being represented by people such as the chap in the clip above. What's worse is that it doesn't say a great deal about the American population in general with regards to worldwide issues and what is even more worse than that is that some don't even seem to be able to identify what is so very wrong with McCain's reaction above.

Consider yourselves lucky. We have Phil the Greek as a representative, he can be entertaining though.

Is it possible that you embedded the wrong clip?

I'm going to go out on a limb and face possible ridicule here..... I am one of those that can't see what was so very wrong with what he was saying or how he conducted himself. Perhaps he could have been a bit more chiding to the woman who called Obama an Arab.

I am definitely not pro-McCain.....but I also did not see why that clip showed him to be a candidate for ridicule.

Any clips of Bush, on the other hand.......

Hey LaoPo, it's good to see you are doing alright.

Anyway, I have not really been visiting TV lately and I am not sure the mood or temperment of the other Americans here on TV, but as for myself boxing an entire nation into one trait is the same as describing all of one race with the same traits, so kind like racism, yeah? It's just plain stupid.

In the case of Americans than I say attack something that is not so general, decisions our government has made, or who we voted for, or a prevailing trend in American society and politics. I have always enjoyed the view of people from outside my country. I think it can help us, but only if it is constructive.

Also, Americans lately have been way too touchy on so many subjects. I feel that this is linked directly to the increase of right wing influence. So, many have taken on the high and mighty Christian warrior protecting the homeland attitude. This means that anyone who disagrees or has something to say that doesn't tow the line they are a traitor and unChristian. They act more like the old style communists they love to hate so much.

So, LaoPo I am sorry about my fellow countrymen, they are acting more often than not from emotions then taking the time to think these issues through. Our news doesn't encourge such thinking for they always have a slant they want you to side with drawing up borders rather than solutions.

Cheers and best wishes to ya!

Thank you for your thoughts about me but above all:

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and intelligent answer!

LaoPo

I have sent Harcourt a PM so that others who "don't get it" are still left to work it out for themselves.

But Harcourt, we will get around to the bush clips as there is no end of fun to be had there.

LaoPo,

I am a little more free with my opinions here vice the open forum, and I really think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a lot of criticism of the US here in ThaiVisa.  But for the most part, I only see accusations of bashing when the criticism goes beyond honest debate or stating of opinions.  Very few posters seem to jump up and take offense at any US criticism, and I have seen quite a few Americans agree with critical remarks.

It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable.

And to be complete fair, I have seen bashing of many other countries, and I have seen people take issue with that as well.

Of course, as an American, maybe I have my red, white, and blue glasses on, so I don't see a issue when one exists (notice I didn't write "problem." I don't see this as a "serious problem" as you labeled it.)

We also have a number of people who jump to the offense when women, gays, Thais, or other demographics are bashed.  The only difference that I see is that not all of the people rushing to the offense are actually part of that bashed demographic.

I think you're right Bonobo.

But, it's not me creating the mountain out of a small molehill. On the contrary.

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

Are they tired of the criticism towards the Administration in Washington, past and present, the crisis, originated on "Wall Street" by greedy Bankers and mortgage market, the ongoing wars elsewhere on the planet where America and their allies are involved in that make them so sensitive for criticism ?

You as Americans should answer those questions since I don't know; all the other non-Americans just see the answers: Hey, you're bashing America...the USA...

Oh, and.............. I am the last one who is "rather lumping all Americans into the same pile" since you wouldn't write that if you would know more about me and have read more of my posts, since 5 years.

I have created my own business with my own money and hands in San Francisco/Cal many years ago and I know a little of what's going on in the US and I am NOT piling all Americans into the same pile.

In fact, I am not talking "Americans" or criticizing them AT ALL !

If you say something like that, you don't know me and that's sad you bring me, personally, into the discussion since I am not the one criticizing the Americans or the USA.

LaoPo

Sadly, for Americans, people such as McCain are a representative of their country and as such they become prime targets for ridicule. He was a presidential candidate after all.

It is no wonder that some yanks can get 'bitey' after being represented by people such as the chap in the clip above. What's worse is that it doesn't say a great deal about the American population in general with regards to worldwide issues and what is even more worse than that is that some don't even seem to be able to identify what is so very wrong with McCain's reaction above.

Consider yourselves lucky. We have Phil the Greek as a representative, he can be entertaining though.

Sorry, but being a non-American I don't see anything wrong what McCain just said there; it's just politics and politicians will say anything to win just one vote. Their speeches are written by others and most of it is repeated and repeated thousands of times and I can't really blame him for saying that although I wasn't really a great supporter of McCain.

BUT.....that doesn't mean I do not have GREAT RESPECT for that man...I DO. Not many of us have been in such dramatic circumstances as he was in during the Vietnam war.

Your remark -in bold- is of more importance and I fully agree.

Cheers,

LaoPo

I have sent Harcourt a PM so that others who "don't get it" are still left to work it out for themselves.

But Harcourt, we will get around to the bush clips as there is no end of fun to be had there.

Thanks for the PM...yeah, I get it.

To be fair though....anyone could have unthinkingly done the same.

It's almost like, "Do you still beat your wife?". A quick unthinking reaction would be an adamant, "NO!"

Also, Americans lately have been way too touchy on so many subjects. I feel that this is linked directly to the increase of right wing influence.

Sigh.

You don't think left wingers are touchy? Try saying something negative about Obama and see what they do.

Oh, of course they are! With them however, as you pointed out, you have to pick the topic they care about, like Obama. Otherwise most will not defend America just to defend America. In their view America needs attacking and massive change, why do you think they voted for Obama and his change? The ones on the right however will defend America just on principle.

I have not been around TV lately but it used to have more Americans who were more on the right and quicker just to defend anything American from any one who was non-American. Like Boon Mee, whatever happened to Boon? Anyway, that is why I focused more on right wing ideals in that post. You are very correct in your post.

LaoPo,

I am a little more free with my opinions here vice the open forum, and I really think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a lot of criticism of the US here in ThaiVisa.  But for the most part, I only see accusations of bashing when the criticism goes beyond honest debate or stating of opinions.  Very few posters seem to jump up and take offense at any US criticism, and I have seen quite a few Americans agree with critical remarks.

It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable.

And to be complete fair, I have seen bashing of many other countries, and I have seen people take issue with that as well.

Of course, as an American, maybe I have my red, white, and blue glasses on, so I don't see a issue when one exists (notice I didn't write "problem." I don't see this as a "serious problem" as you labeled it.)

We also have a number of people who jump to the offense when women, gays, Thais, or other demographics are bashed.  The only difference that I see is that not all of the people rushing to the offense are actually part of that bashed demographic.

I think you're right Bonobo.

But, it's not me creating the mountain out of a small molehill. On the contrary.

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

Are they tired of the criticism towards the Administration in Washington, past and present, the crisis, originated on "Wall Street" by greedy Bankers and mortgage market, the ongoing wars elsewhere on the planet where America and their allies are involved in that make them so sensitive for criticism ?

You as Americans should answer those questions since I don't know; all the other non-Americans just see the answers: Hey, you're bashing America...the USA...

Oh, and.............. I am the last one who is "rather lumping all Americans into the same pile" since you wouldn't write that if you would know more about me and have read more of my posts, since 5 years.

I have created my own business with my own money and hands in San Francisco/Cal many years ago and I know a little of what's going on in the US and I am NOT piling all Americans into the same pile.

In fact, I am not talking "Americans" or criticizing them AT ALL !

If you say something like that, you don't know me and that's sad you bring me, personally, into the discussion since I am not the one criticizing the Americans or the USA.

LaoPo

I see what you are getting at. this is reminding me of an issue that is taking place right now on Youtube. There is a liberal news channel there called The Young Turks (TYT) that ran a piece on a KFC ad that was aired in Australia. The ad, by American standards is racist. Even KFC admitted that Americans were never supposed to see this ad as they knew we would not like it. So, TYT called the ad racist but there was some confusion and now many Australians feel that TYT called Australians racist. The reponse that the youtube channel is having to deal with is just unreasonable because so many people want to defend their homeland against what they see and bad mouthing. The reality is that TYT is attacking KFC, an Amercian company, for allow an ad that could not be aired here to be aired somewhere else.

Anyway, it seems too me that people allow themselves more often than not to be led by their emotions instead of rational thought, which is why they lash out instead of speak up.

Here is the youtube link to the TYT video, sorry not sure how to embed.

Cheers!

LaoPo,

I see what you are getting at. this is reminding me of an issue that is taking place right now on Youtube. There is a liberal news channel there called The Young Turks (TYT) that ran a piece on a KFC ad that was aired in Australia. The ad, by American standards is racist. Even KFC admitted that Americans were never supposed to see this ad as they knew we would not like it. So, TYT called the ad racist but there was some confusion and now many Australians feel that TYT called Australians racist. The reponse that the youtube channel is having to deal with is just unreasonable because so many people want to defend their homeland against what they see and bad mouthing. The reality is that TYT is attacking KFC, an Amercian company, for allow an ad that could not be aired here to be aired somewhere else.

Anyway, it seems too me that people allow themselves more often than not to be led by their emotions instead of rational thought, which is why they lash out instead of speak up.

Here is the youtube link to the TYT video, sorry not sure how to embed.

Cheers!

:D Is it me....?

The soundtrack in that Youtube wasn't so good (for me) but what the heck is the problem ?

What I see is a guy (white) standing in the middle of a large group of dancing other people (black) who are having great fun and take/grab a few of his chips (?)

So ??????????????

<deleted> ?

LaoPo....I better get my coat in this freezing weather and go out, looking for some snowy fresh Bamboo...

PS: Have a look at those poor Brits...... ....and mainlanders as well; It's WINTER!!!

I know...off topic but still....

I noted Bonobo

LaoPo,

I am a little more free with my opinions here vice the open forum, and I really think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a lot of criticism of the US here in ThaiVisa.  But for the most part, I only see accusations of bashing when the criticism goes beyond honest debate or stating of opinions.  Very few posters seem to jump up and take offense at any US criticism, and I have seen quite a few Americans agree with critical remarks.

It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable.

And to be complete fair, I have seen bashing of many other countries, and I have seen people take issue with that as well.

Of course, as an American, maybe I have my red, white, and blue glasses on, so I don't see a issue when one exists (notice I didn't write "problem." I don't see this as a "serious problem" as you labeled it.)

We also have a number of people who jump to the offense when women, gays, Thais, or other demographics are bashed.  The only difference that I see is that not all of the people rushing to the offense are actually part of that bashed demographic.

I think you're right Bonobo.

But, it's not me creating the mountain out of a small molehill. On the contrary.

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

Are they tired of the criticism towards the Administration in Washington, past and present, the crisis, originated on "Wall Street" by greedy Bankers and mortgage market, the ongoing wars elsewhere on the planet where America and their allies are involved in that make them so sensitive for criticism ?

You as Americans should answer those questions since I don't know; all the other non-Americans just see the answers: Hey, you're bashing America...the USA...

Oh, and.............. I am the last one who is "rather lumping all Americans into the same pile" since you wouldn't write that if you would know more about me and have read more of my posts, since 5 years.

I have created my own business with my own money and hands in San Francisco/Cal many years ago and I know a little of what's going on in the US and I am NOT piling all Americans into the same pile.

In fact, I am not talking "Americans" or criticizing them AT ALL !

If you say something like that, you don't know me and that's sad you bring me, personally, into the discussion since I am not the one criticizing the Americans or the USA.

LaoPo

 And you are not reading my post.

I have read many of your posts, and I know your history, such as you have related here.  I am not writing that you always bash the US, it is only in this one topic, both here and in the thread in the open forum, in which you are lumping Americans together.

And you write:

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

but then go on to write exclusively about the US in your post.

LaoPo,

I am a little more free with my opinions here vice the open forum, and I really think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

There is a lot of criticism of the US here in ThaiVisa.  But for the most part, I only see accusations of bashing when the criticism goes beyond honest debate or stating of opinions.  Very few posters seem to jump up and take offense at any US criticism, and I have seen quite a few Americans agree with critical remarks.

It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable.

And to be complete fair, I have seen bashing of many other countries, and I have seen people take issue with that as well.

Of course, as an American, maybe I have my red, white, and blue glasses on, so I don't see a issue when one exists (notice I didn't write "problem." I don't see this as a "serious problem" as you labeled it.)

We also have a number of people who jump to the offense when women, gays, Thais, or other demographics are bashed.  The only difference that I see is that not all of the people rushing to the offense are actually part of that bashed demographic.

I think you're right Bonobo.

But, it's not me creating the mountain out of a small molehill. On the contrary.

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

Are they tired of the criticism towards the Administration in Washington, past and present, the crisis, originated on "Wall Street" by greedy Bankers and mortgage market, the ongoing wars elsewhere on the planet where America and their allies are involved in that make them so sensitive for criticism ?

You as Americans should answer those questions since I don't know; all the other non-Americans just see the answers: Hey, you're bashing America...the USA...

Oh, and.............. I am the last one who is "rather lumping all Americans into the same pile" since you wouldn't write that if you would know more about me and have read more of my posts, since 5 years.

I have created my own business with my own money and hands in San Francisco/Cal many years ago and I know a little of what's going on in the US and I am NOT piling all Americans into the same pile.

In fact, I am not talking "Americans" or criticizing them AT ALL !

If you say something like that, you don't know me and that's sad you bring me, personally, into the discussion since I am not the one criticizing the Americans or the USA.

LaoPo

 And you are not reading my post.

I have read many of your posts, and I know your history, such as you have related here.  I am not writing that you always bash the US, it is only in this one topic, both here and in the thread in the open forum, in which you are lumping Americans together.

And you write:

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

but then go on to write exclusively about the US in your post.

I did read your post, several times in fact, to see what you meant....and I can't make anything else out of it that you wrote:

"It seems to me that you are rather lumping all Americans into the same pile, and I think that is regrettable." Did you miss my post where I wrote to have much respect for several great Americans and posted new topics about them ?

And, if you insist about other countries.....

I have been tempted quite a few times -in the past- to copy messages from members bashing on other countries and change the name of certain countries into "America".

It doesn't matter here and now which countries I'm talking about but it's amazing to see that NOBODY steps in if the names of those countries are bashed upon in a scandalous way.

In other words: bashing upon America (by some members) is much faster not allowed and warned upon; other countries much less so. As far as I can see of course since it's quite possible that bashings have been deleted; I can't possibly know about that.

But, Bonobo, knowing (since shortly) now that you're American you show your sensitiveness yourself now also

I will let you know next time when I see such messages and PM you personally, OK ?

On the other hand, maybe I better shouldn't have started this thread as it's going the wrong way and I'm now almost starting to feel guilty; I wonder about WHAT?

My goodness...that sensitivity; UNBELIEVABLE.

LaoPo

There's a sad shortage of right wing Australians here. I think soundman used to skirt around the fringes but he seems to avoid political threads which proves he's not as silly as some of his fellows.

Do we have any American lefties here? The Yanks don't really do left stuff well. Apart from Woody Guthrie I can't think of any worth consideration.

If annoys me when I hear the wishy washy US liberals referred to as "left". You should have met my grandfather, he'd show you what left wing meant.

LaoPo,

I see what you are getting at. this is reminding me of an issue that is taking place right now on Youtube. There is a liberal news channel there called The Young Turks (TYT) that ran a piece on a KFC ad that was aired in Australia. The ad, by American standards is racist. Even KFC admitted that Americans were never supposed to see this ad as they knew we would not like it. So, TYT called the ad racist but there was some confusion and now many Australians feel that TYT called Australians racist. The reponse that the youtube channel is having to deal with is just unreasonable because so many people want to defend their homeland against what they see and bad mouthing. The reality is that TYT is attacking KFC, an Amercian company, for allow an ad that could not be aired here to be aired somewhere else.

Anyway, it seems too me that people allow themselves more often than not to be led by their emotions instead of rational thought, which is why they lash out instead of speak up.

Here is the youtube link to the TYT video, sorry not sure how to embed.

Cheers!

:D Is it me....?

The soundtrack in that Youtube wasn't so good (for me) but what the heck is the problem ?

What I see is a guy (white) standing in the middle of a large group of dancing other people (black) who are having great fun and take/grab a few of his chips (?)

So ??????????????

<deleted> ?

LaoPo....I better get my coat in this freezing weather and go out, looking for some snowy fresh Bamboo...

PS: Have a look at those poor Brits...... ....and mainlanders as well; It's WINTER!!!

I know...off topic but still....

No, not chips, fried chicken. In the United States there is a negative stereotype about black folks and fried chicken. It's the idea that black folks are so simple, stupid, that like a dumb animal they will be happy if someone gives them fried chicken. Fried chicken is also a luxury for blacks because blacks are always so poor. Making some reference to black folks and fried chicken is a very common thing for racists in America and has been for about 100 years or more.

So, the ad shows a white man who is, as the ad states in a difficult situation. That situation is him being surrounded by rowdy black folks. So, he calms them down by giving them fired chicken, thus it is a direct link to the American stereotype of keeping the black animals in their place by throwing them fried chicken. In the video they talk about the statement made by KFC who said something along the line of the video was never meant to be seen in America and made steps to make sure that didn't happen, but somebody leaked it online.

Now, I understand that this may not be racist in Australia and it would be understandable if in Australian company did this ad with Aussies for Aussies. However, this was an American company who was well aware of the negative view that Americans would have of the ad. So, it's a really shame on KFC, by American society. The Australians are not really apart of the agruement I think. Why would KFC take such a negative aspect of our culture and use it to sell their product in another? That is just wrong.

Okay, back on topic, sorry!

That's exactly my point of debating Bashing Upon Countries as the topic title is called, and we shouldn't merely talk America here, although the Americans, who feel attacked all the time, are indeed the cause of this topic.

My question was originally: why is that ?

***RANT ALERT!! RANT ALERT!!!***RANT ALERT!! RANT ALERT!!!***

You start a thread about bashing other countries and all people talk about is America. My question is: WHY IS THAT?

On just about any issue there are other countries deserving of bashing.

Iraq! If the subject is the Iraq War, there are plenty of countries to "bash. No one ever bashes Germany, France, Russia or the UN for their involvement in the Oil-For-Food bribery scandal. Perhaps without that Saddam wouldn't have felt he bought protection and there never would have been a war in the first place. Greedy, corrupt bastards hiding behind the banner of "peace" when they were just worried about their cash cow getting slaughtered.

Israel! If the subject is Israel, again, only America is singled out. What about the UK? Didn't they start the whole mess my partitioning it up in the first place? Same can be said about Iraq, or India. Why were they even there in the first place? They - like most other European powers - were the TRUE imperialists hel_l bent on robbing weaker countries of their resources. The US actually pays for those resources and don't make colonies out of anyone but still get all the bashing.

America hates Muslims! What country has done more for them? Muslims immigrate to America and are very successful (above average levels of education and income) whereas their European cousins live in slums. When the Bosnians were being subject to REAL genocide, Europe stood by and did nothing. America came in and saved their asses. When that earthquake hit Pakistan a few years ago, our military helicopters were delivering mountains of aid to places no one else could get to. And the bastards still hate us. Hate us for wanting to get the Taliban & al Qaeda who are now blowing up Pakistanis at an alarming rate. We back Israel, true. But we also hold them back whenever possible. Without the US waiting in the wings, perhaps Israel would have felt they had to use some of their nuclear arsenal already.

America is the world's biggest polluter and George Bush didn't pass Kyoto! As of two years ago, China is the number one polluter ad growing. Clinton/Gore had Kyoto for 3 years and didn't do anything with it. It's not for the US President to make into law, it is Congress. Back in the 1990's, the US Congress voted 95-0 against it but it was Bush's fault! European countries jumped on board with Kyoto but where is all the talk about how practically all of them have increased emissions? Europeans love to bash others but do little themselves to help anyone else out unless the US leads the way.

So why single out America when so many other countries are deserving of plenty of bashing?

Celebrity. That's the issue of whether countries matter enough to be bashed in the first place. It's headline news if a celebrity known world-wide gets drunk in public. NO ONE cares if some lounge singer from the Holiday Inn in Topeka, Kansas gets drunk and falls off stage. The same is true with countries. The world cares about the big boys. We have a Kiwi here bashing America. It's hard to bash back because other than Xena the Warrior Princess and being the Hollywood location for Middle Earth, no one gives a shit about New Zealand. hel_l, even the Maori didn't mind given up their land. There are Regional Celebrities though and this is where countries like New Zealand take some heat - from their R.C. the Aussies.

Envy. The New York Yankees. Manchester United. The Dallas Cowboys. The United States of America. All four have been very successful and all four are either loved or hated. When I lived in Russia, they used to ask, "how can a country with people as stupid as Americans be so successful?". Yes, stupid (thank you Jerry Springer). Also the most dominant military, economic & cultural power ever in the history of the planet. America can project military power to the extent other countries can't only dream about. Our economy is in shambles and still influences all others. Culture - ugh. (That one I'd like to apologize for). Even the majority of Nobel Prizes in Economics, Physics and Chemistry go to the USA. Critics might argue that some aren't American citizens. Well, why don't they do the work in their own countries? While the USA landed a Mars probe back in the 1970's, Europe of 30 years later bounces them off the surface. But, hey, at least they got there (and in fairness, one did eventually work).

History. This is for the Brits who do more bashing than anyone I've met. I don't know if they care too much about that little revolution ~230 years ago. They shouldn't feel all that bad about needing their "little cousins'" help in WWI & WWII (although among individuals that can strain relations). However, I think our soldiers probably knocked up a lot of their mothers & grandmothers then f*cked off home to the USA and left them to grow up bastards in a sometimes war-torn country instead of the land of milk & honey. For that, they hate us. We should love each other though (and not so deep down really do). Almost anywhere in the world we go life is easier for us because English is spoken. That never would have happened in the first place if the English weren't so fond of colonizes & stripping the wealth from so many countries worldwide. It also wouldn't be that way today if the USA had ended up speaking German instead - many more Americans are of German heritage (58 million) than of English (33 million) according to 1990 data. The UK is not a superpower. Not close. Belgium has a navy just as big. But the UK gets pretty much everything they want in the world all the same. It's nice to have big cousins who like you so much. So lay off the bashing you Brits and join us bashing everyone else.

Also, Americans lately have been way too touchy on so many subjects. I feel that this is linked directly to the increase of right wing influence.

Sigh.

You don't think left wingers are touchy? Try saying something negative about Obama and see what they do.

Oh, of course they are! With them however, as you pointed out, you have to pick the topic they care about, like Obama. Otherwise most will not defend America just to defend America. In their view America needs attacking and massive change, why do you think they voted for Obama and his change? The ones on the right however will defend America just on principle.

You mean the flag-burning, socialist left wouldn't defend America? Hold the presses.

I'm not a "love it or leave it" kind of guy, but I don't really understand why the left-wingers in America don't leave when Europe is a beautiful place that offers them pretty much everything they want.

You know guys I think LaoPo just happened to use an example that included American because it was close at hand, so to speak. I don't think he is trying to create a bash America thread. If you have other examples please use them but to jump him for the example he used seems to poison this thread before it really gets off the ground.

There's a sad shortage of right wing Australians here. I think soundman used to skirt around the fringes but he seems to avoid political threads which proves he's not as silly as some of his fellows.

Do we have any American lefties here? The Yanks don't really do left stuff well. Apart from Woody Guthrie I can't think of any worth consideration.

If annoys me when I hear the wishy washy US liberals referred to as "left". You should have met my grandfather, he'd show you what left wing meant.

And that's the problem with the American "Left". It isn't really left at all. If anything it's a bit right of center these days. I'd be a leftist if they didn't pussy foot around about it.

Anyway about country bashing. Lao Po bashes America in almost every thread he participates in. The when someone calls him on it , he does the Wha??. me??. Pussy. Not that America doesn't deserve bashing sometimes.

You know guys I think LaoPo just happened to use an example that included American because it was close at hand, so to speak. I don't think he is trying to create a bash America thread. If you have other examples please use them but to jump him for the example he used seems to poison this thread before it really gets off the ground.

Get off your knees, man.

You know guys I think LaoPo just happened to use an example that included American because it was close at hand, so to speak. I don't think he is trying to create a bash America thread. If you have other examples please use them but to jump him for the example he used seems to poison this thread before it really gets off the ground.

Get off your knees, man.

Get off your horse, dude.

I am just calling it as I see it based on this thread alone, not the personal beef between you and LaoPo, or any other thread LaoPo may have said something on. I have not been that active lately on TV but I have no memory of LaoPo being a person who picked fights or was ever unreasonable, so maybe my previous interactions with him influenced my last post but I am still speaking on this thread alone.

You know guys I think LaoPo just happened to use an example that included American because it was close at hand, so to speak. I don't think he is trying to create a bash America thread. If you have other examples please use them but to jump him for the example he used seems to poison this thread before it really gets off the ground.

Get off your knees, man.

Get off your horse, dude.

I am just calling it as I see it based on this thread alone, not the personal beef between you and LaoPo, or any other thread LaoPo may have said something on. I have not been that active lately on TV but I have no memory of LaoPo being a person who picked fights or was ever unreasonable, so maybe my previous interactions with him influenced my last post but I am still speaking on this thread alone.

I have no personal beef with Lao Po. I just don't understand why he says all this crap and then doesn't own it. I don't care if he bashes the US, but for crissakes, have some integrity. You see on these other threads guys playing grabass with each other, but at least they don't run away and say "it wasn't me".

You know guys I think LaoPo just happened to use an example that included American because it was close at hand, so to speak. I don't think he is trying to create a bash America thread. If you have other examples please use them but to jump him for the example he used seems to poison this thread before it really gets off the ground.

Get off your knees, man.

Get off your horse, dude.

I am just calling it as I see it based on this thread alone, not the personal beef between you and LaoPo, or any other thread LaoPo may have said something on. I have not been that active lately on TV but I have no memory of LaoPo being a person who picked fights or was ever unreasonable, so maybe my previous interactions with him influenced my last post but I am still speaking on this thread alone.

I have no personal beef with Lao Po. I just don't understand why he says all this crap and then doesn't own it. I don't care if he bashes the US, but for crissakes, have some integrity. You see on these other threads guys playing grabass with each other, but at least they don't run away and say "it wasn't me".

I've had my run-ins with Lao Po, but in this case I agree with Thaibebop. I think it is harder to see other sides and other interpretations of written words once your hackles are raised, or once you have made your initial interpretation.

Step back and read his words again with an open mind.

I've had my run-ins with Lao Po, but in this case I agree with Thaibebop. I think it is harder to see other sides and other interpretations of written words once your hackles are raised, or once you have made your initial interpretation.

Step back and read his words again with an open mind.

I didn't read the original thread or click the link. I don't need to. I've read 100's of bashing posts from Lao Po. That's cool and fair enough though he mays himself look petty rather than thoughtful. hel_l, I don't like the British, but I'm not gonna take a poke at one and then pretend I didn't.

I didn't read the original thread or click the link. I don't need to. I've read 100's of bashing posts from Lao Po. That's cool and fair enough though he mays himself look petty rather than thoughtful. hel_l, I don't like the British, but I'm not gonna take a poke at one and then pretend I didn't.

I see your point and if such is the case I understand your frustration as well. One thing I have learned about TV over the years is that unlike a lot of other forums are members are vastly different and are from all walks of life. Most forums everyone agrees with each other because everyone is there for the same reason. So, at TV I personally say focused on the thread itself and try not to cross over so many other threads. You never know what kind of mood the person was in one day on one thread and another day on another thread, or if their views changed.

I remember Boon Mee and Butterfly. These two guys were sometimes so hard to get along with. I think every member had at least one run in with them at some point. To cross referrence things that they said in other threads was a task that destroyed any thread that it was tried on, so many just gave up, and they both went away. Well, Boon Mee did, I think Butterfly was kicked off.

So, it's unfortunate that you have this kind of relationship LaoPo, but just disagree and debate instead of destroying the thread. Because I think you have already brought up a valid point, are we in danger of subconscious nationality bashing?

I know many here in middle America who spit on anything French or Chinese and really do know nothing about either. Their views come from American news sources which perfer emotional reponses instead of thoughtful stances, thus the Chinese are evil and out to sell every cheap dangerous goods and the French are weak illmoral, and resentful of American intervention in WWII. Both ideas of both countries are bullsh1t but that is the conditioned emotional reponse of many Americans until they meet some one from either country or take a moment to really think about. In other words allow a rational thought process to occur.

What do you think?

I have no personal beef with Lao Po. I just don't understand why he says all this crap and then doesn't own it. I don't care if he bashes the US, but for crissakes, have some integrity. You see on these other threads guys playing grabass with each other, but at least they don't run away and say "it wasn't me".

Thanks for the honesty. The bashing is one thing, but denying it is just plain silly. Anyone with eyes can

see.