What are your favorite things about America?

1. 60

   speaseposted 15 years ago

   What things make you proud to be an American?

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2. 0

   cosetteposted 15 years ago

   aside from the numerous fantastic national parks and monuments, it is the land of opportunity. anyone can make it with hard work. people die trying to come here for a better life.

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3. 82

   dohn121posted 15 years ago

   Having the freedom to hope for a better tomorrow.

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4. 0

   cosetteposted 15 years ago

   diversity

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5. 82

   dohn121posted 15 years ago

   To be the product of rebels who defied a King and beat the odds to create the perfect Republic.

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6. 0

   elliot.dunnposted 15 years ago

   taxes!

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7. 60

   mandybeau1posted 15 years ago

   I guess, because I am not American I am answering a question that doesn't really belong to me.
   But I have always admired you guys sense of patriotism.
   We have a Civil list and we pay towards the Royal family in the U.K. We are English,or Maori but we are not, we all come from other Countries, as you do. But the thing about Americans, doesn't matter what race you all have a sense of patriocity to the U.S.

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8. 0

   \Brenda Scullyposted 15 years ago

   I am not American i am E N G L I S H....  my son has married a girl from Buffalo, and we came over for the wedding..... I have to say i love the friendliness of the people.  We Brits are not great at showing people our feelings, but not so with the Americans we met.... they just say it as they feel it, it is refreshing.  When you see Americans on t.v. and you have never been because we are so reserved, it looks gushing and false.... when you actually get to the country you realise it is genuine.  My son recently moved to Florida, hope to visit one day.....

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      elisabethkcmoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      thats a very kind and genuine compliment

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   2. 82

      dohn121posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you do too, Brenda...Make sure you visit Mickey Mouse while your there!

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         \Brenda Scullyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         I MAY GET A TEMPORARY JOB AS MICKEY MOUSE, AND PUT ALL THE ENGLISH PEOPLE TO THE FRONT OF THE QUEUES....

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   3. 60

      mandybeau1posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I agree we are different from Americans I think the English culture is one of tough upper lip, and not too touchy feely, I used to think Americans, over mauled each other, whereas Europeans Hug each other all over the Place. But I find the Yanks are really rather genuine. Hey we wouldn't all wanna be the same eh. It is good to have the insight tho.
      No tsunamai but freezing horrible weather here at moment. Just pouring down. Americas weather has to be better, and we are one week into Summertime Hours.

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9. 60

   cally2posted 15 years ago

   I'm not american either but it has to be the movies

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10. 60

    Ronaldosposted 15 years ago

    The females !

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11. 60

    cally2posted 15 years ago

    Are there queues in the happiest place on earth?

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12. 67

    euro-penposted 15 years ago

    I am not a U.S. citizen nor have I ever been there (fear of long distance flying ...).
    
    So my feelings towards the U.S. are extremely influenced by weird mental maps and probably totally ridiculous prejudices and flawed perceptions.
    
    But there is one thing which did always capture my interest: the very names of some of the states and landscapes. Names like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Wyoming etc. stand in a strange manner for all the positive feelings (like openness, opportunity, vastness ...). And I love all these "weird" (Indian-based ?) names of landscapes: Allegheny mountains, Cheyenne river etc.
    
    Interestingly no European names (of regions, landscapes etc.) are able to capture these feelings in me.
    
    Probably this is due to all the Indian stories I read as a young kid [I remember reading about Tecumseh for instance when I was very young and my mental maps of some parts of the Eastern U.S. are still based on this reading ...]

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    1. 87

       rebekahELLEposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       it's so nice to read these comments from non-Americans. I also feared the flight over the Atlantic, but once in the air, the fear was gone. if you ever have the opportunity to travel here, you should do it!  you will love it.

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    2. 77

       livelongerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, most of those names which are unfamiliar to European ears have Native roots.
       http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U. … tymologies

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          Leta Sposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Yes.  And the landscapes that those names have captured are indeed vast and incredibly beautiful....from sea to shining sea.
          
          
          
          One of my favorite places on earth, Oak Creek Canyon.

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          1. 66

             Daniel Carterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             It seems you can find such pristine from east to west. Even the deserts can be quite spectacular.

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13. 60

    Helen Caterposted 15 years ago

    Las Vegas, and Las Vegas, and Las Vegas. Do you think I like Las Vegas?

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       dohn121posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       It's perfect there this time of year...I still haven't seen "O" yet!  I've seen all the other productions of Cirque du Soleil there!

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          Helen Caterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I was there in July and boy was it a scorcher and I did not venture too far as us Brits are not used to that intense heat. I saw the outside of "O" but got distracted and never went in. Will do it next time as I would imagine we are going back very soon. Would love to go for the New year as they say the firework display is out of this world. Have you been then?

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       2. 66

          Daniel Carterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I like Vegas too. Live up the street, so to speak, about 7 hrs away. Make a trip at least once a year, or pass through. I've seen a lot of shows there, and really like to go. The strip is a spectacle if you've never seen it. And as dohn pointed out. best not to go when it's 115º in summer...
          
          And yes, about America...
          So many good point. Certainly DOES have lots of flaws. We can't agree on anything. We want a better government and can't agree on that.
          
          Two things I think that stand out to me in favor of this place is our optimism and volunteer spirit. We couldn't hold hands, give hugs and draw enough blood from ourselves to make things right after 9/11. We saw our neighbors, immigrants from other lands, crying with us and in many, many cases, included them in our circles of healing and mourning.
          
          We are a messed up lot to be sure. But I think when push comes to shove, there are good souls here, whether newly transplanted or several generations of stock.

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14. 60

    stefferposted 15 years ago

    I am not an American either
    but i just happen to love the country
    the looks, the cars, the houses, the people and the language.
    
    The kindness of the people is incredible. My ultimate dream is to move to this wonderfull place.
    
    I used to work in an hotel here in Belgium, and whenever Americans where there and heard them talking to each other, i kind a had a sence of jealousy.
    
    I think i was born in the wrong country. Damn it.

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    1. 0

       cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       me too! they just make you want to go to those places...
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       what a nice post. thank you!

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15. 68

    jayjay40posted 15 years ago

    I love the American people. You guys are always open and honest, you say what you mean and mean what you say. You can always express yourselves without the hangup's we Brits have.

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    1. 58

       james hoyerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       AMERICA.

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16. 60

    patfulposted 15 years ago

    I love the way that Americans can feel the same way at the same time and band together. For example, on Sept. 11, 2001, even those of us who had resented New Yorkers' attitude of "We're better than everybody else" dropped that attitude and felt one with the New Yorkers (as well as those who died in Pennsylvania and DC). Those bombers hit all of us. We come from many countries but we have the ability to be and act like one people.

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17. 87

    rebekahELLEposted 15 years ago

    good ole USA, I love my country and have had the amazing privilege of traveling throughout the entire country except Hawaii and Alaska, it's so beautiful, so diverse, people are friendly and very willing to help others.  I feel fortunate to live here!   

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18. 0

    ralwusposted 15 years ago

    Wimmins

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19. 75

    Eaglekiwiposted 15 years ago

    Lightening Bugs-Fireflys!! honestly they were brand new to me,just magical.
    
    The people
    
    Friendly ,helpful , curious and complimentary love how if ya look at someone here (down South) they say How ya doin ? or wave , its nice.
    
    The food
    
    Oh dont get me started , its bad for my figure (what figure) , but honestly cakes are better!! , frosting ooh ooh ooh , and cheap to buy.
    I always swore I would stick to making everything from scratch ,but well no way when a pkt of cake mix is 99c...and taste like I made it ..
    
    $1 Stores, man I went crazy the first month, everything from panti-liners to refried beans ...oh that reminds me their shorts are down to $2-$3 bucks a pair now...
    
    CVS..I love those stores!! , and Ive figured Sundays ( least the one near me) always has bargains then ,sometimes down 75%, uhuh , ya feel me. Just wait til Halloween over ...cheap cheap chocolate out the door ..M&M's ...Mommas comin lol
    
    Squirrels  , we dont have them in New Zealand, wish the English had taken them over ,instead of the possum , oh well
    
    Variety, Variety and Inexpensive Electricity , Housing and Petrol.
    
    Friendly happy people  , I feel right at home

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20. 0

    ralwusposted 15 years ago

    Wow EK, you hit the lottery huh? LOL

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    1. 75

       Eaglekiwiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Psst Ralwua truth is , we walked our butts off for 6mths ,no car but do now
       
       And since our budget was so tight , I learned fast where all the bargins were at.
       
       Its not all roses ,trust me , but I avoid the pricks and smell the sweet perfume people that is

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       1. 0

          ralwusposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Well I certainly wish the best for you. We ain't perfect, but who is?

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          1. 75

             Eaglekiwiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Thankyou and yep, we all are really similar.

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21. 0

    molly0181posted 15 years ago

    dollars

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22. 0

    Sarra Garrettposted 15 years ago

    The flag of the United States and what it stands for.

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23. 64

    Dale Mazurekposted 15 years ago

    As a Canadian who goes to the US a couple times a year for work I love the way I am treated by the Americans.
    
    I love the way they can always figure out Im A Canadian eh
    
    I really love the fact that they are our neighbors and we have them watching our backs.

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    1. 66

       Daniel Carterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       There is one important thing I learned about Canadians: how to spell the name of the country. It's spelled this way:
       
       "You take a C eh, then you take an N eh, then you take a D eh."
       
       Okay that's a really bad joke, but it was a Canadian who told it to me.
       

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24. 59

    Buzzyposted 15 years ago

    I am not a U.S. citizen, but, I am a Canuck.
    
    I love our American neighbours.  I love they way they know right away that I'm Canadian, and how friendly they are, not just in their own country, but, when they come to visit our Great Land.
    
    I love the American patriotism.  I love that Americans are as proud of their Country as we are of ours.
    
    I feel badly often, that the Americans and their ways are always forefront on the International "hate list" so it seems, but, to semi quote one of Canada's foremost journalists - Gordon Sinclair "the Americans are always the first one to fight, the first ones to help out, and the American Red Cross is second to no one". 
    
    Yep, I like being part of North America, and can see where Canada as a people are starting to show their patriotism and their pride.  Maybe it's not just because of the way we feel, but, a result of the fine example set by our Good Neighbours to the South!
    
    I'm proud to be an American; a North American, and a Canadian.

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25. 67

    emievilposted 15 years ago

    I'm not American but I would definitely want to comment on this one .
    
    I stayed for 3 months in California and I have to say, definitely the people. Very friendly, accommodating, open and very much willing to help.
    
    Also, there's this freeway I really love going from San Jose to San Francisco (forget the name, I-something) were the road is so wide and the scenery is really, really beautiful. Couple of times I just want to stop my (rented) car and take pictures (not allowed though ).

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26. 0

    Sarra Garrettposted 15 years ago

    The Declaration of Independence

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27. 69

    Ivorwenposted 15 years ago

    *I love the principles this country was founded on.
    *What the flag stands for.
    *The Bill of Rights.
    *The Declaration of Independence.
    *The freedom to think for one's self.
    *Wide open spaces!
    *Independence. 
    *Diversity.
    *Freedom of (not from)religion.
    *Mountain men.
    *Farming and ranching.

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28. 68

    rsmalloryposted 15 years ago

    I love the freedoms and choices we have now. I love our patriotism and willingness to stand up and fight for those rights against those who would take them away. I love the land itself-the parks, rivers, lakes and mountains, valleys, desserts and beaches. I love the people and the history of our nation.

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29. 75

    Eaglekiwiposted 15 years ago

    Ive got two more favourites ,no, 3
    
    President Obama ( he does fill out a suit rather nicely)
    
    Key Lime Pie
    
    Babyback ribs ,its up there with a good hangi

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    1. 87

       rebekahELLEposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       totally agree on all 3
       
       plus living 8 miles from the Gulf of Mexico where the best sunsets take place every evening ~

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30. 0

    bloodnlatexposted 15 years ago

    I love the fact that I have the freedom to say anything I want to!

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31. 75

    livewithrichardposted 15 years ago

    I'd have to say the bset thing about America is opportunity.  Success and failure are in our own hands. We still have safeguards from falling too far and there is no ceiling on the level of success one can achieve.

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32. 76

    Uninvited Writerposted 15 years ago

    I agree with livewithrichard, it seems to me that the US is all about opportunity and the chance to become very successful. Also, every American I have met (well, with the exception of one who was the boss from hell) has been friendly and helpful.

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33. 67

    euro-penposted 15 years ago

    Wow. What a beautiful, almost "unreal" picture.

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       Leta Sposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       lol.  Yeah, the 'unreal' thing is that it is real.  I live nearby, and it IS this beautiful.  I'm writing a hub on it, and presenting it that way, actually.
       
       Near Sedona, Yavapai County, Arizona.  Sedona was named after one of the first settlers in the area, Yavapai is the name of the native Americans who live here, and Arizona:
       
       is possibly a Tohono O'odham/Pima Native American word which translated means "Place of Little Spring," OR it is derived from a Basque word meaning "The Good Oak Tree," originating from the Spanish explorers of the region.

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34. 0

    Lady_Eposted 15 years ago

    Their lovely Accents.... Corrrr!!

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35. 66

    Mishaposted 15 years ago

    Breathtaking nature and friendly people. Well, at least until you try to challenge what they were brainwashed into

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36. 0

    Leta Sposted 15 years ago

    The deserts are gorgeous, yes:
    
    

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37. 91

    Bibowenposted 15 years ago

    Early Americans took what were some sound constitutional principles from the British and adapted them here, notably the "charter of liberties" which has provided the most freedom for the most people. These freedoms were defined as constraints on the arbitrary exercise of power of rulers.
    
    This came about in spite of the sad start we had of it in denying those rights to others. We had the ideas; it took us a while to live up to them.

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38. 60

    Cranooposted 15 years ago

    Mother Europa pwns America!

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39. 60

    Pr0metheusposted 15 years ago

    Wow, I have to admit I didn't expect so many positive responses from non-Americans.  That's pretty cool.  I didn't really think people elsewhere had bad attitudes.  I've been to British Colombia and everyone was extremely nice to me (except the crackhead that tried to mug me).

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40. 56

    techguyposted 15 years ago

    Nothing

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       Eaglekiwiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       ?

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    Colebabieposted 15 years ago

    I love the diversity, the people, the fun, and the freedom. I can be who I am and find people who will accept me and love me. There is a great cultural diversity as well as diversity of the scenery. There are so many things to do that it is a lot of fun.

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42. 60

    ediggityposted 15 years ago

    Mexican food.  Thank you Mexico for bringing your delicious food to America.

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43. 60

    speaseposted 15 years ago

    This is very cool. When I started this I never dreamed there would be so many reply's from non Americans.  I'm glad you all did, I didn't know that there would be so many positive responses from you. The comments make me feel good.  It shows me that the media and the politicians that keep telling us that the rest of the world hates us is B.S.  Most Americans are nice, and when something bad happens to people, anywhere, the Americans want to help.  The freedom to be prosperous, is what makes us prosperous.  We can't allow that to be taken away.

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       Helen Caterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Whe you live in a country is it easy to believe that others hate you for whatever reason. I think this is a very limited view as I for one take people as I find them whatever their nationality. The great thing about America is it's diversity. You have so many cultures living and earning good money there the same as over here in England. How could those people then slate a nation they have prospered from. We Brits were led to think that Americans maybe did not like us, but I visit a good few times per year and have always been welcomed and treated in a fantastic way, unlike other countries in Europe who are happy to take our money for holidays but feel they can treat us like horses**t.

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