Reasons to like America

1. 68

   innersmiffposted 11 years ago

   This forum seems to be perpetually ragging on the US, myself included, and for good reason - but in the interest of balance and perspective, let's think of some things Americans should be proud of. It can be political, social or even their appearance (ha).
   
   I'll get the ball rolling:
   The US is the most charitable nation on Earth!
   http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/201 … ble-nation
   
   Their film industry has produced some of the best film-makers and pictures ever produced, including the works of Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, Billy Wilder, Terrence Malick . . . and even the Brits Alfred Hitchcock and Charles Chaplin came into their own in the Hollywood system (albeit, it's all going steadily downhill).
   
   We've seen some of the greatest musicians come from the US, including Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Elvis and Michael Jackson.
   
   The US is the home of FREE REFILLS, that the UK needs to adopt immediately.
   
   Carry on

   replyreport
   1. 64

      maxoxam41posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Besides their caritative work that I admire I don't see much there. They invade, pilfer in the name of "freedom". As individuals they are better people than as a collective group.
      Most of the movies glorify the US and christianity. Most of the time the jewish lobby is referenced and is ALWAYS associated to the good guy! The black man used to die first not anymore since the Obama election.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, even to the extent of making them saviours in theatres of war that they weren't actually present in, not to mention the number of Americans around at the time of Jesus!

         replyreport
         1. 60

            Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            John...what in the wide wide world of sports are you talking about?

            replyreport
      2. 68

         innersmiffposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I agree completely, but I felt like doing some praising for a change.
         
         The Transformers movies, in particular, are horrible pieces of military-glorifying, government-secrecy promoting, racially and sexually offensive pap.  But this is the government and the military-industrial-complex's fault for funding the darn things. But every once and a while a movie comes along that restores your faith, not only in the industry, but in life. The Tree of Life is like that. And shamefully, I've only just seen Good Will Hunting, but I have to say it comes under that latter category. Brilliant film! And both of those could only have come from those American minds from extremely specific parts of America. That's when it redeems itself.

         replyreport
   2. 60

      John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      But not to other nations!  They rank about 20th below the likes of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait!

      replyreport
      1. 84

         gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Mr. Holden, America has freedoms and opportunities that many nations, even first world nations, do not have.   People can be what they want to be in America even if they come from impoverished beginnings.  Americans have a CAN, not CAN'T attitude.   
         
         Mr. Holden, you seem to have a strong animus against America.   Why?   America helped Britain win World War Ii when she was alone, being consistently bombed by Nazi Germany.   America has helped more nations than any other country in the world.   America is also the most charitable nation in the world.   Mr. Holden, if you have NOTHING GOOD to say about this great and wondrous nation, please keep silent and do not embarass yourself.   Say good night Mr. Holden. 
         

         replyreport
         1. 60

            John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            If America is so great why can she not take a little criticism?

            replyreport
            1. 84

               gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Mr. Holden, America is critiqued; however, despite its problematic areas, it is still the greatest and freest nation on this planet.  Please do not get this misconstrued Mr. Holden.   All you are doing is presenting aimless platitudes.  Do not waste my and other posters' time.    Please present an intelligent consensus regarding the United States if you are able to do so.   If not, kindly exit this forum thread.

               replyreport
               1. 60

                  John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  There is a response to that, but as it would get me barred I'll keep  it to myself.
                  
                  By consensus I take it you mean something you can agree  with!
                  
                  Typical.

                  replyreport
                  1. 95

                     wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     "take a little criticism"
                     
                     Little?  You've made hundreds, if not thousands, of posts concerning America and/or Americans.  I may have missed it, but I have yet to see a post from you that was positive about either.

                     replyreport
                     1. 60

                        John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        But would that be hundreds or even thousands of different topics, or the same few?
                        
                        I have made the occasional positive post but you don't really need me to tell you how great you are do you? You never really miss a chance.

                        replyreport
                        1. 95

                           wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           Well, here's your big chance, John.  This whole thread is about good or likable things about America or Americans.  Rather than more negativity can you find anything about either that you admire or like?

                           replyreport
                           1. 60

                              John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              Dylan, the Eagles, Chuck Berry, BB King etc etc, some of your food, love most of the Americans I've met, some humour, like the Simpsons, some writers, you have some beautiful country side (almost as good as the UK ) Some American motor cycles  - though I can't think off hand of any cars!
                              
                              You'll notice though that none of these subjects come up on the forums regularly whereas US foreign policy and how you are responsible for every meaningful invention ever, comes up quite regularly.

                              replyreport
         2. 80

            Uninvited Writerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Britain was not fighting the Nazi's alone. In addition to Americans, there were Canadians, Australians, other Europeans. Yes, the American's helped, but they didn't come in until the war was almost over. Maybe they hastened it, maybe they didn't.

            replyreport
            1. 60

               BuckyGoldsteinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Maybe they hastened it?

               replyreport
            2. 60

               Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Almost over?
               1941-1945...........4 years is almost over?
               Whatever.

               replyreport
            3. 90

               GA Andersonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               And Brits too. Don't forget the generational treasure they lost too. But you really should look into some factual WWII history if you don't think the U.S. was a MAJOR contributor to the salvation of Britain. (this does not demean the effort of any other nation)
               
               Your comment demeans the U.S. contribution in both physical resources, our warriors blood, and our commitment to an ally - our political leaders did the right thing even in a public atmosphere of isolationism.
               
               Do some research. Who contributed the most bodies? Who contributed the most war materials? Who contributed the most humanitarian aid?
               
               And if any of you Brits out there think this is a "Look how great the U.S. is" response - you are spitting in the wind. I am one American that is awed by the stoicism and endurance of your country during WWII.
               
               Geesh, guess I got carried away. But "almost over," "don't forget the Canadians," "maybe they hastened the end???????"    take another look UW
               
               GA

               replyreport
               1. 95

                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  We could very well have lengthened the war rather than hasten the end.
                  
                  Would Britain have lasted another 4 years if we had not joined in?  Heroic or not, enduring or not, a nation can only take so much destruction before it ceases to fight on.

                  replyreport
               2. 60

                  John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you GA, I really appreciate that.
                  
                  Would that a few more of your fellow countrymen would see it that way, rather then jeer at our perceived incapability.

                  replyreport
                  1. 0

                     HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Like many Americans, you're looking at the issues through your own set of national bias. You jeer at the US. Americans jeer at your country.
                     
                     Two peas in the same pod really.

                     replyreport
                     1. 60

                        John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Nope, sorry, telling it like it is is not jeering.

                        replyreport
                        1. 0

                           HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           When "telling it like it is" is biased and not factual, it might not be "jeering" per se, but it doesn't carry any more weight than a jeer.
                           
                           Granted, I've not read everything you've posted, but from what I have read - it appears you have a problem with the US of your own making; a problem not based in fact.
                           
                           If it makes you feel good to judge without reason - by all means - do so. But in the long run, you're only damaging your own credibility when you post derogatory statements not based in truth.

                           replyreport
                           1. 60

                              John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              Go on then, tell me what derogatory comments not based on truth have I made?

                              replyreport
               3. 79

                  Credence2posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  GA,
                  "I am one American that is awed by the stoicism and endurance of your country during WWII."
                  
                  Me too!

                  replyreport
   3. 60

      Josakposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The constitution was a truly amazing document in it's time and the early American experiment was a huge leap forward from the majority of the first world at the time. Unfortunately then we got got stuck in golden age thinking and failed to adapt, change and evolve.

      replyreport
   4. 56

      poetvixposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What’s good about America?  The ideals that glowed within the framing of our governing document, the Constitution, are what made us great.  They are what is great within the hearts of Americans.  America was and is the great experiment.  Like with most experiments, it’s blown up in our faces many times, but our experiment has yielded great rewards too.  America provided hope and a chance.  Granted, the pool afforded said hope and chance was small, but through the ideals of equality set forth in the Constitution, the pool of access expanded over generations. 
      The American people are great.  They built a shining beacon of freedom for the world.  They made a million mistakes along the way and our nation has become infested with the same corruption that we were founded in opposition to.  But, the spirit and the ideals remain within her people.  That is great.  As long as they remain, though dwindling daily, America can regain former glory and rise to new heights.  If there were nothing great remaining in America, immigration would not be an issue.  If there were nothing great remaining in America’s people, we would no longer be America. 
      We stand on a precipice.  Our founding ideals are based on Christian principles regardless of how unpopular that concept is with some among us.  The further we stray from our foundations, the further from greatness we go.  When we remember America is about freedom for all, about a nation where everyone can come together, about doing what is right and leaving no one behind, America remains great.

      replyreport
   5. 0

      HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There are still a LOT of reasons to like the United States. First, when the biggest problem facing the lowest earners in a nation is OBESITY, what does that tell us about an ample food supply? Compare that to a place like North Korea where rumors of citizens killing and cannibalizing their children are whispered in dark corridors.
      
      In the US, unlike many nations, citizens still have the right to pursue their dreams and goals. Anyone in the US can get an education, although they might have to take some loans to do it.
      
      This is the nation where people come (sometimes risking their lives to do so) to live free and in a place where they can thrive.
      
      We are still the best nation on Earth - and as long as we fight the pressure of well-meaning, but intellectually bankrupt folks to slide to the Left of the political scale - we always will be.
      
      Despite recent thread condemning Capitalism, it's still alive and well in the good old USA. Nobody said it had to be TOTAL capitalism - we do want and need some infrastructure goals, but Capitalism is still our saving grace. Other nations that adopt Capitalism as they slide out of the angry clutches of Socialism and Nationalism, are much happier as a result.
      
      Granted, we have challenges, but as long as we focus on preserving the rights given us by our Constitution - we'll be fine.
      
      I've traveled extensively and there is no place in the world I'd rather live.
      
      There it is.

      replyreport
      1. 84

         gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         + a multillion percent, couldn't have agreed with you more.

         replyreport
      2. 60

         John Holdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         It tells us that junk food is cheaper than healthy food, no more than that.

         replyreport
         1. 0

            HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            It actually says a lot more than that. Some junk foods are cheap, some are not. The least expensive way to eat is still good old-fashioned cooking at home. Flour, milk, eggs - still very reasonable. Community gardens, rooftop gardens, even container gardens, help any citizen raise inexpensive healthy foods. Deal is - we just have a LOT of it. We might overeat - but gimmee a break...tell someone starving in a third world country that the US is BAD because folks eat too much. They'll laugh you out of the room - and steal your Snickers.
            
            We consume more because we HAVE more. Take it for granted if you choose. I'm not even sure you're an American. If you're not - well, that explains your belittling of the greatest nation on the face of the earth right there. I love traveling. I love seeing other cultures. But I'm not going to make the mistake of thinking that nations where people have less are better in any way. They're not.
            
            It's time folks started being honest about what is valuable.
            
            We are.
            
            'Nuff said.

            replyreport
            1. 84

               gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               A thousand applauses.

               replyreport
   6. 72

      galleryofgraceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So which "America" are you all referring to? The United States of America, North America, South America, Central America? Hey- it's all America -right?

      replyreport
2. 69

   pinto2011posted 11 years ago

   I think because US has earned its freedom through struggle and not begged it or got it free. Secondly, its constitution is laid on a rock-solid foundation which realistic clauses and constant amendments for changing scenario of the world. Thirdly, it is open to views which is good for its national interest without a pinch of rigidity. Fourth, it has open its door for the world's best talent and provided them facility, position, remuneration and recognition and made them their own and now the best brains from the world are working unitedly for its national goal. These reasons are enough for it to be valued enough and to be loved by the most part of the world.

   replyreport
   1. 64

      maxoxam41posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Which country did not struggle for its freedom? Without the French help during our independence what would have become of us?
      The US constitution is SO rock solid that since Bush it infringed upon our freedom!
      It is the reason why the US has been braining for years internation grey cells!
      The reasons that you evoked are based upon a myth of our supremacy.

      replyreport
3. 75

   Shanna11posted 11 years ago

   Children readily accept candy from strangers after dark in the US while dressed in odd clothing one night out of the year.
   
   That's positive, right?

   replyreport
4. 0

   ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

   No thats halloween ! ?

   replyreport
   1. 75

      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I know...but it's kind of a bizarre holiday when you think about it...
      When I say bizarre, I mean awesome, because who doesn't love candy?

      replyreport
5. 59

   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   If I wasn't pro US, I'd leave. I'm not leaving.

   replyreport
   1. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Neither am I!

      replyreport
6. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 11 years ago

   I believe in the hope that I was always thought existed in America. People really do have the opportunity to better their lives, however they sometimes need help to do it. They may not always succeed , but they can try.
   
   They have had some of the greatest writers and musicians of all time and have contributed much to the history of art. And, as innersmiff said, have often made great films. And, they have produced some great historic political figures.

   replyreport
   1. 87

      Zelkiiroposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great musicians, great films, great political figures...right, that's all well and good, but do remember that this is also the same country that gave us the Black Eyed Peas, Son of the Mask, and Rick Santorum.

      replyreport
      1. 80

         Uninvited Writerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         True, but it also gave us Bob Dylan, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, John Steinbeck, Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart and Janis Joplin

         replyreport
         1. 68

            innersmiffposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Katherine Hepburn! . . . and then Fred
            Bill Hicks!   . . . and then Honey Boo Boo Child
            
            We could go on forever. I think the best thing we can conclude is that it gives the best and the worst

            replyreport
            1. 57

               squeeknomoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               - you can't beat freedom for the individual. No expectations.
               Self Sufficiency
               Self Independence.

               replyreport
7. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   Great inventions of musical genre such as ragtime, jazz, country, rock and roll, and soul music.  We have almost every conceivable nationality and race here.   You name it, we have it- Anglo-Saxons, Irish, Scots, Norwegians, Colombians, Mexicans, American Blacks, Jamaicans, Sengalese, Tartars, Chinese, Cambodians, Native Americans, etc.   Great and exciting cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, and Boston.     
   
   Inventive cuisine-southern fried chicken, potato salad, grilled cheese sandwich, the good old hamburger, oysters Rockefeller, chow mein, pizza.   All those who came to America individually and ethnically contributed to our wondrous cuisine.   America is forever a growing and evolving nation due to the constant influx of immigration.    America is one of the most affluent nations in the world with one of the highest per capita income.   
   

   replyreport
8. 0

   ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

   The greatest nation in the world , because no one is more generous to the poor , the hungry , the down trodden ! Always first to step up to the plate and swing at the bad guys !  I ain't going anywhere in this new world order , gonna stay here and fight it!

   replyreport
   1. 57

      squeeknomoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Looks like we're still fighting the British. LOL

      replyreport
9. 60

   Barefootfaeposted 11 years ago

   

   replyreport
   1. 95

      wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My father, two sons, one daughter-in-law, 3 nephews and several uncles all served.  Thank you on their behalf.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Barefootfaeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for their service. Good to talk to someone on HP that actually doesn't scorn it.

         replyreport
10. 0

    Sooner28posted 11 years ago

    There aren't free refills in the UK?  That actually kinda sucks.

    replyreport
    1. 95

       wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       And they can't talk or spell right, either.  "Humour", or "colour", yet!
       
       Obviously a second rate country...

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Sooner28posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You know how those Brits are .

          replyreport
    2. 68

       innersmiffposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I feel as if this secret knowledge were effectively disseminated here, the peoples would rise up and demand justice.

       replyreport
11. 79

    Credence2posted 11 years ago

    I adore the sheer physical vastness of the United States. The diversity of regions and its people. I could spend a lifetime in a RV doing the diner/dive thing. People that are different but share fundamental values that unites one American with another. Ever get on those interstates and fall under the hypnosis of the white line while you cruise from one state to the other?

    replyreport
    1. 95

       wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I've driven this wide country shore to shore (or very nearly) 6 times now.  It is a big, big place - you don't realize how big by flying over it in a few hours.

       replyreport
       1. 79

          Credence2posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Well, Wildey, all politics aside, I think that we can agree that America is a great place to live. Traveling from coast to coast by auto is an awesome experience.
          
          I fancy being part Alex de Toqueville, Charles Kuralt and Jack Kerouac. A road trip across the country will give one that appreciation to see the big picture.  Try going through miles and miles of endless wheat and corn (Kansas and Iowa) and not wonder about the quiet patience and strong hands of those who put it there.
          When traveling I like to seek out an IHop, Villiage Inn, or Denny's, standard anywhere from Maine to California. A steaming plate of flapjacks and pot of coffee can bring the, otherwise, most disparate of people together if just for a while. On such occasions, I ask the pointed question 'so what is your story?'
          
          My missus remains the obstacle to that kind of life, otherwise, no longer needing to be concerned about gainful employment and its associated rooting, I could be free to indulge myself.
          
          You seem quite interested in American real-estate, please check out my take at your convenience
          
          http://credence2.hubpages.com/hub/Looki … sweet-spot
          Thanks!

          replyreport
    2. 87

       Zelkiiroposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Diversity? In my United States?! DIRTY ILLEGALS TAKING OUR JOBS AMERICA IS FOR THE WHITE WORKIN' MAN AND HIS TROPHY WIFE AND PUNCHING-BAG KIDS ONLY RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE
       
       (But seriously, I can't agree with you more.)

       replyreport
       1. 79

          Credence2posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Hi Z, thanks for weighin in. It is always good to find something that we can agree on, for a change...

          replyreport
12. 59

    copyrightenforceposted 11 years ago

    There is no doubt That USA is The king of World - copyright enforcement group

    replyreport
13. 74

    Reality Bytesposted 11 years ago

    The sovereign status of its citizens makes the U.S.A a unique entity, one the world has never seen!

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Josakposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That is not the case. Several states do the same, unless you can demonstrate otherwise.

       replyreport
14. 0

    Beth37posted 11 years ago

    However we did just do away with Twinkies so we have that against us.

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Josakposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Actually I think that is something for us.

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          lol... it is. But when they're gone, they're gone. No going back. I guess pop tarts are next on the list.

          replyreport