What is an American

[Gorpet]

Yes , What is an American ? We do not know who is in control of our nuclear weapons. So if all the other families that run their countries. You might want tob get in touch with Kerry the ketchup man.

[Dowly]

Would you like to try again?

[d@rk51d3]

Would you like to try again?

Let’s hope not.

[Jimbuna]

I'm looking at three edits and I certainly can't fathom it out :doh:

[Subnuts]

I am America, and so can you!

[mapuc]

To understand what an American is and what the different is between an American and an another citizens from example Germany
You have to study their inner child

It's only there you may find the different-It is also this inner child that make what an American is.

Markus

[ET2SN]

$4 a pound. :yeah:

[Subnuts]

$4 a pound. :yeah:

No it isn't. :doh:

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=USD

[mapuc]

No it isn't. :doh:

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=USD

And I who thought he wants to tell us outsiders how much they were worth in pound per dollar.

Markus

[Skybird]

An American is somebody who does not think of himself as just an American, but as the American.

:O:






:woot:

[les green01]

i need to go back to drinking or the doctor took too much blood from me really only part i figure out something to do with john kerry

[Rockstar]

:yeah::up::salute::D


https://pics.me.me/thumb_why-do-you-need-an-ar-15-anywayp-because-the-31648903.png


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dumpaday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2Fmerica-meme-dumpaday-24.jpg&f=1&nofb=1


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F77%2Fab%2Fa 2%2F77aba2b7b3ce8ef81cb1b74b56f84ca8--ronald-reagan-american-flag.jpg&f=1&nofb=1


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fb9%2F3 0%2F51%2Fb93051d4853e1d6b3568ce4e1e1ae7da.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[vienna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-xB3ij-5xM




<O>

[Platapus]

:yeah::up::salute::D


https://pics.me.me/thumb_why-do-you-need-an-ar-15-anywayp-because-the-31648903.png





That's a good one. :up:

[Commander Wallace]

Well, I'm an American so maybe this defines the average man

I'm a modern man, a man for the new millineum. Digital and smoke free
A diversified, multi cultural post modern deconstructionist.
Politically and ecologically incorrect.

I have been up-linked and downloaded imputed and outsourced
I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading.
I'm a high tech low life
A cutting edge, state of the art, bi coastal multi tasker and I can give you gigabytes in a nano second

I'm new wave but I'm old school and my inner child is outward bound.
I'm a hot wired, heat seeking, warm hearted cool customer, voice activated and biodegradable.
I interface with my database and my database is in cyber space so I'm interactive, hyperactive and from time to time, radioactive.

I'm behind the eight ball but ahead of the curve.
Riding the wave, dodging the bullet, pushing the envelope.

I'm on point, on task and on messenger and off drugs.
I have no need for coke and speed I have no urge to binge and purge.
I'm in the moment, on the edge over the top but underneath the radar.

I'm a high concept, low profile medium range ballistic missionary.
I'm a street wise smart bomb, a top gun bottom feeder.

I wear power ties and I take power naps and I run victory laps.
I'm a totally ongoing big foot slam dunk rain maker with a proactive outreach.
I'm a raging workaholic, and a working rage-aholic, out of rehab and in denial.
I have a personal trainer, a personal shopper, a personal assistant and a personal agenda.

You can't shut me up nor can you dumb me down because I'm tireless and I'm wireless.
I'm an alpha male on beta blockers laid back but fashion forward.
I'm upfront but down home, low rent but high maintenance.
I'm supersized and long lasting, high definition and fast acting, oven ready and built to last.

I'm a hands on, foot loose, knee jerk head case , prematurely post traumatic and I have a love child who sends me hate mail.

But, I'm feeling, I'm caring, I'm healing and sharing, a supportive warm hearted bonding nurturing caregiver. My output is down but my income is up. I take a short position on long bonds and my revenue stream has it's own cash flow.

I read junk mail and eat junk food I buy junk bonds and watch trash sports.
I'm gender specific, capital intensive, user friendly and lactose intolerant.

I bought a microwave at a mini mall, I bought a mini van at a mega store.
I eat fast food in the slow lane
I'm toll free, bite size ready to wear and I come in all shapes and sizes, sure to please all.
I'm fully equipped, factory authorized, hospital tested, clinically proven, scientifically formulated
medical miracle.

I have been precooked, prewashed, pre approved, pre heated, pre screened, pre packaged, post dated. freeze dried, double wrapped , vacume packed and I have am unlimited broad band capacity.

I'm a rude dude but I'm the real deal. Lean and mean, cocked, locked and ready to rock. Rough, tough and hard to bluff. However, I take it slow, I go with the flow, I ride with the tide, I have glide in my stride. Driving and moving, sailing and spinning, jiving and grooving, wailing and winning.

I don't snooze so I don't lose. I keep the pedal to the metal and the rubber on the road, I party hearty and lunch time is crunch time.

I'm hanging in, there is no doubt.
I'm hanging tough, over and out.

[August]

He's a rebel and a runner
He's a signal turning green
He's a restless young romantic
Wants to run the big machine
He's got a problem with his poisons
But you know he'll find a cure
He's cleaning up the systems
To keep his nature pure
Learning to match the beat of the old-world man
Learning to catch the heat of the third-world man
He's got to make his own mistakes
And learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right
And young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world
But weak enough to lose it
He's a new-world man
He's a radio receiver
Tuned to factories and farms
He's a writer and ranger and a young boy bearing arms
He's got a problem with his powers
His weapons on patrol
He's got to walk a fine line
And keep his self-control
Trying to save the day for the old-world man
Trying to pave the way for the third-world man
He's not concerned with yesterday
He knows constant change is here today
He's noble enough to know what's right
But weak enough not to choose it
He's wise enough to win the world
But fool enough to lose it
He's a new-world man
Learning to match the beat of the old-world man
He's learning to catch the heat of the third-world man
He's a new world man
He's a new world man

[Sean C]

To me, an American is someone who values freedom and equality.


In my life here, I have met many, many people from all over the world who are Americans. Figuratively and literally. They are rich, poor, young, old and from every imaginable background.


But we all have one thing in common: we believe that the government derives its power from us ... the people, not the other way around. And that is, IMHO, the core of what really makes this country great. The idea, and the [somewhat imperfect] realization that literally anyone can achieve anything and reap the rewards.


I have also met a few people who, although technically able to claim to be "American", bear no resemblance.


YMMV

[Commander Wallace]

To me, an American is someone who values freedom and equality.


In my life here, I have met many, many people from all over the world who are Americans. Figuratively and literally. They are rich, poor, young, old and from every imaginable background.


But we all have one thing in common: we believe that the government derives its power from us ... the people, not the other way around. And that is, IMHO, the core of what really makes this country great. The idea, and the [somewhat imperfect] realization that literally anyone can achieve anything and reap the rewards.


I have also met a few people who, although technically able to claim to be "American", bear no resemblance.


YMMV
This is about as good as it gets with regards to an explanation of what an American is. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up: With that being said, I think most people the world over have much the same core values as you have mentioned. Family is important to them as is trying to do the right thing. They do their best in their respective countries to embody many virtues and we are more alike that not. I have met people from around the world and it has never ceased to amaze me that they have reminded me in a good way of someone I grew up with or know.

I made light of being American in post # 15 as I tend to view things with humor. In all seriousness, your post goes a long way toward defining a true American and what we believe in. :yep:

[AVGWarhawk]

Boots and buckles, red clay and sand
My point ain't subtle here,
I'm a Southern man
Where the beer seems cooler and the women seem hotter
Where the world don't seem so damn modern
And a good ole boy like me still has a chance
This is where I was
Born this is where I'll die
Yeah, this is where I was born and this is where I'll die
It's all about the South Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina,
Don't you wanna get down and dirty
Cause, Florida I'm thirsty,
Hit me with your Tennessee whiskey and crank it up loud
Laid back, you crazy old timer, sweet magnolia, dive bars and diners, oh yeah
Oh, and even if you're up North, c'mon down, c'mon down...
Oh, it's all about the South.

Cadillac Three.

MERICA!

[Reece]

https://images.baklol.com/American--I-m-Murican-0511620411499518393.jpeg

[Buddahaid]

But that's Hamm"s the beer refreshest....:Kaleun_Cheers:

[Aktungbby]

Hamm's! From the "land of sky blue waters"... that's not 'Merican, that's Minnesota Nice!:arrgh!:

[Gorpet]

[QUOTE=Commander Wallace;2741309]Well, I'm an American so maybe this defines the average man

I'm a modern man, a man for the new millineum. Digital and smoke free
A diversified, multi cultural post modern deconstructionist.
Politically and ecologically incorrect.

I have been up-linked and downloaded imputed and outsourced
I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading.
I'm a high tech low life
A cutting edge, state of the art, bi coastal multi tasker and I can give you gigabytes in a nano second

I'm new wave but I'm old school and my inner child is outward bound.
I'm a hot wired, heat seeking, warm hearted cool customer, voice activated and biodegradable.
I interface with my database and my database is in cyber space so I'm interactive, hyperactive and from time to time, radioactive.

I'm behind the eight ball but ahead of the curve.
Riding the wave, dodging the bullet, pushing the envelope.

I'm on point, on task and on messenger and off drugs.
I have no need for coke and speed I have no urge to binge and purge.
I'm in the moment, on the edge over the top but underneath the radar.

I'm a high concept, low profile medium range ballistic missionary.
I'm a street wise smart bomb, a top gun bottom feeder.

I wear power ties and I take power naps and I run victory laps.
I'm a totally ongoing big foot slam dunk rain maker with a proactive outreach.
I'm a raging workaholic, and a working rage-aholic, out of rehab and in denial.
I have a personal trainer, a personal shopper, a personal assistant and a personal agenda.

You can't shut me up nor can you dumb me down because I'm tireless and I'm wireless.
I'm an alpha male on beta blockers laid back but fashion forward.
I'm upfront but down home, low rent but high maintenance.
I'm supersized and long lasting, high definition and fast acting, oven ready and built to last.

I'm a hands on, foot loose, knee jerk head case , prematurely post traumatic and I have a love child who sends me hate mail.

But, I'm feeling, I'm caring, I'm healing and sharing, a supportive warm hearted bonding nurturing caregiver. My output is down but my income is up. I take a short position on long bonds and my revenue stream has it's own cash flow.

I read junk mail and eat junk food I buy junk bonds and watch trash sports.
I'm gender specific, capital intensive, user friendly and lactose intolerant.

I bought a microwave at a mini mall, I bought a mini van at a mega store.
I eat fast food in the slow lane
I'm toll free, bite size ready to wear and I come in all shapes and sizes, sure to please all.
I'm fully equipped, factory authorized, hospital tested, clinically proven, scientifically formulated
medical miracle.

I have been precooked, prewashed, pre approved, pre heated, pre screened, pre packaged, post dated. freeze dried, double wrapped , vacume packed and I have am unlimited broad band capacity.

I'm a rude dude but I'm the real deal. Lean and mean, cocked, locked and ready to rock. Rough, tough and hard to bluff. However, I take it slow, I go with the flow, I ride with the tide, I have glide in my stride. Driving and moving, sailing and spinning, jiving and grooving, wailing and winning.

I don't snooze so I don't lose. I keep the pedal to the metal and the rubber on the road, I party hearty and lunch time is crunch time.

I'm hanging in, there is no doubt.
I'm hanging tough, over and out.

An American

[Gorpet]

Would you like to try again?

We don't know, If you know Let us know. Thanks

[Gorpet]

I'm looking at three edits and I certainly can't fathom it out :doh:

Thanks Jim, We have to remember as Members of this forum there is somebody who has access to what you post and what you think you deleted and or edited will never be known.But that's not true right ? Jim.

[Gorpet]

Would you like to try again?

No, i don't have to Dowly the world will see and laugh at our new President and our Vice President and say the Americans have lost their minds.

[Gorpet]

Would you like to try again?

A few beers but i'm coming back .

[Gorpet]

An American is somebody who does not think of himself as just an American, but as the American.

:O:






:woot:

Come to America, Before the Demorats turn it into a third world country. I'll sponsor you.Come an see Skybird for yourself the new Progressive America. If your lucky you might become an intern here. but you that will be what sex you are willing to transition to. The new thing in this country is we do not know if we are men or women. Since gays and lesbones cant reproudice . To keep their culture and their lifestyle they need our kids one way or another. Now we have transgender it covers all.So that has to burn your ass. It burns mine and were a continent away.

[Gorpet]

i need to go back to drinking or the doctor took too much blood from me really only part i figure out something to do with john kerry

You know all the medals he threw over the white house fence were not his medals . But those who earned them and gave them to him.To throw away. That son of a bitch still has his he bought medals. That's why no more Politicians send their kids to the wars they send your kids to. They can't hide their kids cowardice anymore.But they will sure brainwash your kids all in the name of The Collective of The Western Hemisphere.

[Gorpet]

[QUOTE=AVGWarhawk;2741439]Boots and buckles, red clay and sand
My point ain't subtle here,
I'm a Southern man
Where the beer seems cooler and the women seem hotter
Where the world don't seem so damn modern
And a good ole boy like me still has a chance
This is where I was
Born this is where I'll die
Yeah, this is where I was born and this is where I'll die
It's all about the South Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina,
Don't you wanna get down and dirty
Cause, Florida I'm thirsty,
Hit me with your Tennessee whiskey and crank it up loud
Laid back, you crazy old timer, sweet magnolia, dive bars and diners, oh yeah
Oh, and even if you're up North, c'mon down, c'mon down...
Oh, it's all about the South.

Cadillac Three.

MERICA![/QUOTE

Give me the name of that county and state, And a camp ground where i can throw a tent. I've got my 2 shots i'm ready to c'mon and have a shot of that Tennessee whiskey.

[Gorpet]

He's a rebel and a runner
He's a signal turning green
He's a restless young romantic
Wants to run the big machine
He's got a problem with his poisons
But you know he'll find a cure
He's cleaning up the systems
To keep his nature pure
Learning to match the beat of the old-world man
Learning to catch the heat of the third-world man
He's got to make his own mistakes
And learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right
And young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world
But weak enough to lose it
He's a new-world man
He's a radio receiver
Tuned to factories and farms
He's a writer and ranger and a young boy bearing arms
He's got a problem with his powers
His weapons on patrol
He's got to walk a fine line
And keep his self-control
Trying to save the day for the old-world man
Trying to pave the way for the third-world man
He's not concerned with yesterday
He knows constant change is here today
He's noble enough to know what's right
But weak enough not to choose it
He's wise enough to win the world
But fool enough to lose it
He's a new-world man
Learning to match the beat of the old-world man
He's learning to catch the heat of the third-world man
He's a new world man
He's a new world man

Yankee, You gave yourself away on the 9th line. You should change out old-world man for old -world politicians and work to the end.... so their sons will be a new world man. But then again all Yankees above the mason dixon line think they are so smart and since they won the war....the South must pay for ever. How is it the winners pay the most in blood and still lose in the end . I don't know lets ask the current politician. If it wasn't for them i could set down have a beer and talk about and learn about how other people on planet live.Why cant everyday americans travel to other countries ? Why is it only the rich can afford to leave this country?

[Catfish]

^ You sure are an unforgiving lot :O:

https://i.imgur.com/cKcgXZ4l.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Thanks Jim, We have to remember as Members of this forum there is somebody who has access to what you post and what you think you deleted and or edited will never be known.But that's not true right ? Jim.

Anything edited or deleted is usually left that way, that is correct.

[Gorpet]

Anything edited or deleted is usually left that way, that is correct.

Yes you are correct, But There will always be a Shepherd over the sheep. And the Shepherd see's all. Tks.

[August]

^ You sure are an unforgiving lot :O:

https://i.imgur.com/cKcgXZ4l.jpg


Bring the good old bugle, boys, we'll sing another song
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong
While we were marching through Georgia.

Hurrah! Hurrah! we bring the jubilee!
Hurrah! Hurrah! the flag that makes you free!
So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea
While we were marching through Georgia.

[les green01]

I wish I was in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten,
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land.
In Dixie Land where I was born in, early on a frosty mornin',
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land.
Then I wish I was in Dixie, hooray! hooray!
In Dixie Land I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie,
Away, away, away down South in Dixie,
Away, away, away down South in Dixie.

[August]

"Sherman's dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast!"
So the saucy rebels said and 'twas a handsome boast
Had they not forgot, alas! to reckon with the Host
While we were marching through Georgia.
So we made a thoroughfare for freedom and her train,
Sixty miles in latitude, three hundred to the main;
Treason fled before us, for resistance was in vain
While we were marching through Georgia.

[les green01]

Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom! Beneath it oft we've conquered, and we'll conquer oft again! Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!Our Dixie forever! She's never at a loss! Down with the eagle and up with the cross. We'll rally 'round the bonny flag, we'll rally once again, Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!

[vienna]

Anything edited or deleted is usually left that way, that is correct.


Then why are the serial recipes I put in each of my posts for Pot Noodle entrees always missing from my final posts...?...




<O>

[Jimbuna]

Then why are the serial recipes I put in each of my posts for Pot Noodle entrees always missing from my final posts...?...




<O>

Cos I'm eating em :03:

[AVGWarhawk]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.creativefabrica.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2F%25E2%2580%2598Mer ica-580x386.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[AVGWarhawk]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpiximus.net%2Fmedia2%2F50679%2Fme rica-2-14.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[em2nought]

"What was an American?" is probably more apt.

[AVGWarhawk]

"What was an American?" is probably more apt.

Probably English, German, Polish, African, Spanish, Mexican...and so on. Now just the Heinz 57 Variety Ketchup.

[August]

Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom! Beneath it oft we've conquered, and we'll conquer oft again! Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!Our Dixie forever! She's never at a loss! Down with the eagle and up with the cross. We'll rally 'round the bonny flag, we'll rally once again, Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!

Izzat a burning cross? :)

But those are the wrong lyrics. The right lyrics to that song are:

Oh we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom,
And we'll rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.


The Union forever, hurrah! boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitors, up with the stars;
While we rally round the flag, boys, we rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And although he may be poor, he shall never be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!


It sounds so much better don't you think? To me lyrics like "Although he may be poor, he shall never be a slave" is powerful stuff.

[les green01]

Izzat a burning cross? :)

But those are the wrong lyrics. The right lyrics to that song are:

Oh we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom,
And we'll rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom.


The Union forever, hurrah! boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitors, up with the stars;
While we rally round the flag, boys, we rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And although he may be poor, he shall never be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!


It sounds so much better don't you think? To me lyrics like "Although he may be poor, he shall never be a slave" is powerful stuff.

i like the southern version better now i'm going have to listen to johnny horton johnny reb :D

[August]

i like the southern version better now i'm going have to listen to johnny horton johnny reb :D


Well you might like this then although some of the lyrics may be disconcerting!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdg1NcV4HXo

[August]

Probably English, German, Polish, African, Spanish, Mexican...and so on. Now just the Heinz 57 Variety Ketchup.


Unfortunately it seems that our melting pot has become pressurized and is getting ready to blow up.

[les green01]

ill check the video out the music on both sides was good i had family that fought on both sides including a great great grandpappy that was killed for the union:Kaleun_Wink:i'm a Heinz 57 with the native american in me and the irish

[vienna]

I think someone from the US has got to go and visit a country or area where the freedoms and perks of being a US citizen are unknown in order to fully appreciate what a great country this is; in 1965, I spent the summer in a Central American country run by an iron-handed dictatorship and the experience made a life-long impression on me and also gave me a life-long appreciation for my homeland of the US, flaws and all; the dictatorship mas propped up by the US government (the CIA was using that country as the base for its Caribbean/Latin America base of operations after they were booted out of Cuba by Castro); there was a lot of antipathy towards the US as a result, particularly in the capitol city; the only real advantage we Americanos had was that the government ordered the military, who also functioned as the police force, to keep hands off Americans; there was one time I was walking through the capitol with a guy from the house where we were staying; we were approached by a trio of Guardias (who, by the way, were always in full battle dress and heavily armed); since I was only 14 years old at the time, they turned their attention to the adult with me and demanded his ID papers; the guy gave the Guardias his papers, and then one of the Guardias demanded my papers; I responded, in English, that I did not have any papers; the look of shock on the Gaurdias face was priceless; one, who spoke some English, asked "Are you an American?", and I responded "Yes."; there was a rapid terse whispering among the Guardias and they gave the ID papers back to the adult I was with, turned and left in a bit of a foul mood; the guy I was with explained the Guardias had a habit of demanding ID papers, getting them , and then claiming the person had no papers, but for a fee/ransom, they would sell the ID papers back, otherwise they would jail the person, and, if you did not have the money, or what they considered enough money, to buy back your own ID, they would very most likely beat you before they arrested you; the guy I was walking with said, if I had not been with him when the Guardia showed up, and the fact I was an American, a taboo for them, he would have probably been at the mercy of those thugs...


While I was there, there were also a couple of other incidents I witnessed...

There was one nationwide newspaper in the country and its editor was highly critical of the Dictator and would often draw down the wrath of the Dictator or his cronies; one day as I was walking through the central plaza, I saw a large crowd moving towards the newspaper building; it seemed the Dictator did not like the newspaper's latest editorial and had dispatched troops in APCs to bring in the editor for a "discussion"; as soon as the citizens got wind of the troops approaching the building, they massed and formed a human barrier around the building and defied the troops to try and seize the editor; after a short standoff, the troops pulled back and retreated...

The second was something that occurred just around the corner from the home we were staying in; there was a hotel around the corner of the block and an opposition candidate for President was holding a meeting there; Guardia troops, in APCs, one with a small cannon mounted, showed up outside the hotel, and, with the cannon aimed at the room where the candidate was holed up, 'requested' him to come out and join them on a trip to meet with the Dictator...

The newspaper its citizen defenders wasn't clobbered by the Guardia troops mainly because the Dictator knew the US government would only tolerate so much and he needed their power to prop him up against his adversaries; the same applied to the Presidential candidate 'invited' to the meeting; the US liked the idea of a token 'opposition' so the image and false-front of some sort of democracy was maintained for the US taxpayers back home, so every time the candidate was arrested, he was eventually released, more or less unharmed, because the Dictator knew it was in his best interests not to rile up up his main support; the rather vexing thing was no one was ever going to oust the Dictator via an election, since he had rigged each and every election raised against him; even when there was US pressure for him to allow 'free' elections, he merely had a puppet run in his in his stead, again rigging the election so his guy handily won and the Dictator continued to hold the reins, behind the scenes; the US was fully aware of the blatant charades, but as long as the US Cia maintained its foothold in that region of the world, with little to no interference, they turned a blind eye...


Its like that old saw: sometimes you don't know what you've got til its gone, or til you see what not have something, like freedom, is really like...




<O>

[3catcircus]

I think someone from the US has got to go and visit a country or area where the freedoms and perks of being a US citizen are unknown in order to fully appreciate what a great country this is; in 1965, I spent the summer in a Central American country run by an iron-handed dictatorship and the experience made a life-long impression on me and also gave me a life-long appreciation for my homeland of the US, flaws and all; the dictatorship mas propped up by the US government (the CIA was using that country as the base for its Caribbean/Latin America base of operations after they were booted out of Cuba by Castro); there was a lot of antipathy towards the US as a result, particularly in the capitol city; the only real advantage we Americanos had was that the government ordered the military, who also functioned as the police force, to keep hands off Americans; there was one time I was walking through the capitol with a guy from the house where we were staying; we were approached by a trio of Guardias (who, by the way, were always in full battle dress and heavily armed); since I was only 14 years old at the time, they turned their attention to the adult with me and demanded his ID papers; the guy gave the Guardias his papers, and then one of the Guardias demanded my papers; I responded, in English, that I did not have any papers; the look of shock on the Gaurdias face was priceless; one, who spoke some English, asked "Are you an American?", and I responded "Yes."; there was a rapid terse whispering among the Guardias and they gave the ID papers back to the adult I was with, turned and left in a bit of a foul mood; the guy I was with explained the Guardias had a habit of demanding ID papers, getting them , and then claiming the person had no papers, but for a fee/ransom, they would sell the ID papers back, otherwise they would jail the person, and, if you did not have the money, or what they considered enough money, to buy back your own ID, they would very most likely beat you before they arrested you; the guy I was walking with said, if I had not been with him when the Guardia showed up, and the fact I was an American, a taboo for them, he would have probably been at the mercy of those thugs...


While I was there, there were also a couple of other incidents I witnessed...

There was one nationwide newspaper in the country and its editor was highly critical of the Dictator and would often draw down the wrath of the Dictator or his cronies; one day as I was walking through the central plaza, I saw a large crowd moving towards the newspaper building; it seemed the Dictator did not like the newspaper's latest editorial and had dispatched troops in APCs to bring in the editor for a "discussion"; as soon as the citizens got wind of the troops approaching the building, they massed and formed a human barrier around the building and defied the troops to try and seize the editor; after a short standoff, the troops pulled back and retreated...

The second was something that occurred just around the corner from the home we were staying in; there was a hotel around the corner of the block and an opposition candidate for President was holding a meeting there; Guardia troops, in APCs, one with a small cannon mounted, showed up outside the hotel, and, with the cannon aimed at the room where the candidate was holed up, 'requested' him to come out and join them on a trip to meet with the Dictator...

The newspaper its citizen defenders wasn't clobbered by the Guardia troops mainly because the Dictator knew the US government would only tolerate so much and he needed their power to prop him up against his adversaries; the same applied to the Presidential candidate 'invited' to the meeting; the US liked the idea of a token 'opposition' so the image and false-front of some sort of democracy was maintained for the US taxpayers back home, so every time the candidate was arrested, he was eventually released, more or less unharmed, because the Dictator knew it was in his best interests not to rile up up his main support; the rather vexing thing was no one was ever going to oust the Dictator via an election, since he had rigged each and every election raised against him; even when there was US pressure for him to allow 'free' elections, he merely had a puppet run in his in his stead, again rigging the election so his guy handily won and the Dictator continued to hold the reins, behind the scenes; the US was fully aware of the blatant charades, but as long as the US Cia maintained its foothold in that region of the world, with little to no interference, they turned a blind eye...


Its like that old saw: sometimes you don't know what you've got til its gone, or til you see what not have something, like freedom, is really like...




<O>

This is certainly the case. I've been to many different nations and have lived outside the US. *Many* of the people decrying America as a systematically racist country fail to see that it just isn't so.

For example, when a college student-turned-activist decries the US as racist, it's done from the point of privilege of sometime afforded the opportunity to attend a college or university in the first place. If they are a minority, they're ignoring that they possibly had a leg up due to affirmative action or diversity quotas allowing them to attend while having a lower standardized test score or a lower grade point average that would prevent white or asian students from gaining admittance in the first place. And as they are attending that college getting their heads filled with Marxist theory, they go out and claim that Marxist dictatorships treat their people better without ever having set foot in a Marxist dictatorship *as an anonymous tourist rather than a coddled activist receiving the red carpet treatment* to live in such a country.

They want equality of opportunity to be equality is outcome instead of actually gaining based upon their own merits.

[August]

Yeah traveling overseas, especially living there, is an eye opening experience for most Americans. Most of us have no clue how good we really have it here. This is why I have so little patience with calls to tear it all down because our country is somehow intrinsically and fatally flawed.

If our country is flawed then it's flawed less than anywhere else i've been. We talk about "fundamentally transforming" it at our peril.

[3catcircus]

Yeah traveling overseas, especially living there, is an eye opening experience for most Americans. Most of us have no clue how good we really have it here. This is why I have so little patience with calls to tear it all down because our country is somehow intrinsically and fatally flawed.

If our country is flawed then it's flawed less than anywhere else i've been. We talk about "fundamentally transforming" it at our peril.

What we really need is to go backwards into an idealization of 1950s public decency. I'm not taking about the false morality espoused by the political class, crony capitalism, and pre-MLK segregation; rather, teaching that the US is the greatest free nation on earth, that *you* control how successful you will be, and that believing in religious freedom, two-parent traditional marriage-based families, and moral behavior is inherently good.

You want to smoke dope? Fine. Just don't do it while driving. You want to engage in alternate lifestyles or deviant sexual behavior with another consenting adult(s)? Go right ahead as long as you do it in your own home. You want to be offended by something someone else says? You have that right.

What you don't have the right to do is demand that people engaged in traditional behaviors stop doing them because they offend you, nor do you have the right to demand that they accept (rather than tolerate) alternative behaviors and lifestyles; you don't have the right to demand that your criminal behavior be excused because of some -ism; you don't have the right to take advantage of naive people to build your personal wealth under the guise of activism. You don't have the right to influence government at the expense of the citizenry to continue your crony capitalist military-insustrial complex (eminent domain under shady pretenses, having lobbying firms actually writing new laws, etc.)

[vienna]

This is certainly the case. I've been to many different nations and have lived outside the US. *Many* of the people decrying America as a systematically racist country fail to see that it just isn't so.

For example, when a college student-turned-activist decries the US as racist, it's done from the point of privilege of sometime afforded the opportunity to attend a college or university in the first place. If they are a minority, they're ignoring that they possibly had a leg up due to affirmative action or diversity quotas allowing them to attend while having a lower standardized test score or a lower grade point average that would prevent white or asian students from gaining admittance in the first place. And as they are attending that college getting their heads filled with Marxist theory, they go out and claim that Marxist dictatorships treat their people better without ever having set foot in a Marxist dictatorship *as an anonymous tourist rather than a coddled activist receiving the red carpet treatment* to live in such a country.

They want equality of opportunity to be equality is outcome instead of actually gaining based upon their own merits.


Then there's the other side of the coin: privileged white students who get into colleges and universities for reasons that are not academically based, like: they are 'legacy' admissions because they have a prominent parent or other family member who was a prior alumnus; they have social connections that allow them to go to the head of the line (the old boy/old money/country club network); they have parents who donate heavily to the particular college of choice; they have parents who will willingly pay bribes to get their kid admitted; there is even the 'white heavy' network of prep schools and the like whose graduates get preferential admissions treatment over equally academically qualified applicants who didn't come from the 'right type' of prep/high school, etc. ...

Remember, Affirmative Action in college admissions didn't really become an issue until the Vietnam War when it became obvious minorities, due to the very nature of college admissions at that time, were being edged out of admission by the increased influx of white males who suddenly became 'academically incentivized' when their draft eligibility came up on turning 18 yo.; even blue collar guys, who might have otherwise foregone college in favor of working in jobs not needing degrees, but who otherwise had the grades to get into a college, began to apply for admission when the specter of "!A" loomed in their future; and parents, particularly fathers who had served through the hardships of WW2, were inclined to spend the money to defer their sons from possibly going to Vietnam...

Then there are the other, broader inequities in college admissions, like athletic admissions that completely ignore academic requirements and norms solely based on the physical abilities of the players of their particular sports; it is galling that an academically gifted student, who does actually meet academic admission standards, with no athletic prowess, often has to get themself in deep student loan debt while a 'dumbed down' jock can get admitted with no academic qualifications, can a full ride scholarship and then get 'snowflake' classes to attend and 'pass' once in college, simply because they can run fast, throw a ball, or some other such nonsense; I'm not saying athletes shouldn't get scholarships or admissions, just that the standard, in any any academic institution of higher learning, should be applied equitably for all students who apply...


At the time I graduated from high school, in 1969, Affirmative Action was a new concept in regards to education, as were readily available student loans; regardless of how one feels about Affirmative Action, it is still a highly visible example of the greatness of the US in that this nation is prepared to address inequities in a proactive manner rather than settle for a stagnant, deleterious 'status quo'; it might take us a while or it might be a bit painful for the 'haves' to share with the 'have-nots', but, owning up to failings and/or inequities and then having the guts and resolve to fix them is a major part of the US ideal...







<O>

[3catcircus]

Then there's the other side of the coin: privileged white students who get into colleges and universities for reasons that are not academically based, like: they are 'legacy' admissions because they have a prominent parent or other family member who was a prior alumnus; they have social connections that allow them to go to the head of the line (the old boy/old money/country club network); they have parents who donate heavily to the particular college of choice; they have parents who will willingly pay bribes to get their kid admitted; there is even the 'white heavy' network of prep schools and the like whose graduates get preferential admissions treatment over equally academically qualified applicants who didn't come from the 'right type' of prep/high school, etc. ...

Remember, Affirmative Action in college admissions didn't really become an issue until the Vietnam War when it became obvious minorities, due to the very nature of college admissions at that time, were being edged out of admission by the increased influx of white males who suddenly became 'academically incentivized' when their draft eligibility came up on turning 18 yo.; even blue collar guys, who might have otherwise foregone college in favor of working in jobs not needing degrees, but who otherwise had the grades to get into a college, began to apply for admission when the specter of "!A" loomed in their future; and parents, particularly fathers who had served through the hardships of WW2, were inclined to spend the money to defer their sons from possibly going to Vietnam...

Then there are the other, broader inequities in college admissions, like athletic admissions that completely ignore academic requirements and norms solely based on the physical abilities of the players of their particular sports; it is galling that an academically gifted student, who does actually meet academic admission standards, with no athletic prowess, often has to get themself in deep student loan debt while a 'dumbed down' jock can get admitted with no academic qualifications, can a full ride scholarship and then get 'snowflake' classes to attend and 'pass' once in college, simply because they can run fast, throw a ball, or some other such nonsense; I'm not saying athletes shouldn't get scholarships or admissions, just that the standard, in any any academic institution of higher learning, should be applied equitably for all students who apply...


At the time I graduated from high school, in 1969, Affirmative Action was a new concept in regards to education, as were readily available student loans; regardless of how one feels about Affirmative Action, it is still a highly visible example of the greatness of the US in that this nation is prepared to address inequities in a proactive manner rather than settle for a stagnant, deleterious 'status quo'; it might take us a while or it might be a bit painful for the 'haves' to share with the 'have-nots', but, owning up to failings and/or inequities and then having the guts and resolve to fix them is a major part of the US ideal...







<O>

No doubt. As the son of working class parents who themselves didn't go to college, having to "settle" for a large state university instead of an ivyleague because my scores were good enough that, had I been a minority candidate, I'd have gotten a full ride scholarship. But because I was white but not privileged, I wasn't accepted.

Of course there is an unlevel field - a completely level field is a lowered set of expectations. That the field allows everyone to apply is the important part. Did I mention that I later was offered the opportunity to get my graduate degrees at multiple ivy leagues because of my own hard work and application of my skills in industry?

Another anecdote. One of the smartest guys I know started out as (his description) a dope smoking white trash redneck. Navy enlistment filled by applying himself, promotion to CPO very early in his career, followed by getting his degree, being commissioned as an officer, and then being invited to study at MIT before retiring as a LCDR and starting a 2nd career as a highly-compensated consultant to the USG. Did he go to USNA and behind an admiral? No. He went a different route that best fit his initial starting conditions. Guess what? Those admirals and government senior executive service - he commands their attention.

Is there a problem with generational wealth/privilege? Not as the initial starting point. The problem is in not dealing with those who got where they are because of that privilege who are incompetent or dangerous. You fire those people instead of promoting them. That's there only way to deal with it.

The problem is that in today's business world, there is no social strata like there was in the 50s/60s where you had guys who served under guys in WW2 now all working together with similar approaches to business, loyalty, and values. You wouldn't have a former PFC or SGT who would continue to willingly work for a manager who was a former officer who they sh!canned during the war for incompetence. Since the generation after the WW2 generation, you have management who covers right out of business school expecting a corner office and 6 figures who knows *nothing* about how to lead or understands any aspect of the business and a workforce so poorly educated they won't effectively take their concerns up the chain. As a result, we have businesses continually focused on next quarter instead of 10 years ahead. And don't get me started on government employees - nowadays, sh!t floats to the top...

[Gorpet]

I would have responded sooner, But i have these plaques in my arteries that break loose and go thru my system sometimes to my brain . They cause strokes , so it takes awhile for me to recover but never fear as long as i can control my fingers i will respond.If not my son Joshua will let you know when i've pulled my last oar. Over the years all of you have contributed to my growth as a man each every one of you from all the countries you may come from. You see im am a introvert. Professionally you would not know it, this forum has allowed me to experience peoples thoughts on times and things happening around the world Tks.

[Sean C]

All the best to you, my friend Gorpet. :Kaleun_Cheers:

[Commander Wallace]

I would have responded sooner, But i have these plaques in my arteries that break loose and go thru my system sometimes to my brain . They cause strokes , so it takes awhile for me to recover but never fear as long as i can control my fingers i will respond.If not my son Joshua will let you know when i've pulled my last oar. Over the years all of you have contributed to my growth as a man each every one of you from all the countries you may come from. You see im am a introvert. Professionally you would not know it, this forum has allowed me to experience peoples thoughts



on times and things happening around the world Tks.


I'm very sorry to hear of your troubles, Gorpet. You have things you like to do like riding your motorcycle. Let those things help pull you forward and give yourself thing to look forward to in your recovery. With regards to growth, you touched on one of the greatest strengths of Subsim.



It's a world wide community and we have all learned from one another.



I wish you all the best on your health. Stay safe on your motorcycle. :)

[les green01]

I would have responded sooner, But i have these plaques in my arteries that break loose and go thru my system sometimes to my brain . They cause strokes , so it takes awhile for me to recover but never fear as long as i can control my fingers i will respond.If not my son Joshua will let you know when i've pulled my last oar. Over the years all of you have contributed to my growth as a man each every one of you from all the countries you may come from. You see im am a introvert. Professionally you would not know it, this forum has allowed me to experience peoples thoughts on times and things happening around the world Tks.
sorry to hear about your health problems had mine last summer i was so tired,throwing up then one day eye sight got so blurry couldn't see hand in front of your face dad had to lead me around like a little puppy dog for six months finaly they gave me blood test when it came in the 98 year old family doc told me to come in then told me your blood sugar the highest i have ever seen now i dont even need to wear glasses i been on many web sites and this one is the best

[Gorpet]

March 1st 2019 I had a stroke in my sleep, didn't know it till the alarm went off for work and found my left arm was paralyzed. Off to the hospital i went and 3 days later they cut my neck open and cleared a blocked artery on the right side 85% blocked. Mowing the yard that evening increased my blood pressure which started blowing off microscopic pieces of plaque that went to my brain.And stopped the blood flow.Fast forward 6mos to September i regained the use of my arm but the company i was working for informed me their ins. would not cover me driving any co. Vehicle. And the state of Florida suspended my Commercial Driver license. My employment with this company was over and any future driving for employment sank into the abyss. Well i will hang. these Love providers Are making life on this planet

[Armistead]

"Fired our guns and the British kept a-comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

Yeah they ran through the briers and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico"

or as Toby Keith says..

"We'll put a boot in your arse, it's the American way"

[Catfish]

@Gorpet Very sorry to hear this. At least good you got control of your arm back, i take it you get some blood-thinning medication for some time?
Hope you recover, and soon. Wish you all the best, and keep us informed :yep:

[les green01]

"Fired our guns and the British kept a-comin'
There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin'
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico

Yeah they ran through the briers and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico"

or as Toby Keith says..

"We'll put a boot in your arse, it's the American way"

battle of new orleans johnny horton @Gorpet i lost my class a when i lost side vision one one side so became a bus monitor but with high bp i tell you to avoid that cause some kids likes to push it with you

[Gorpet]

Would you like to try again?
Ok Dowly, I'm back and i have found out there are no real Americans just like there are no real real Finnish people in your country. We all came from Africa.You and I existe on a geographical map,Slapped on a globe spinning around in a Politicians Office. Herds of people to be used in the new World Order by the ruling Elites, That goes back to the Pharaohs. So the Finns have only 8 decades and then their land and people just become Africans again but in the northern hemisphere.Maybe the saving grace of our Planet will be the Chinese. And maybe they will have mercy, I doubt it but you can always scream im Finnish.:salute:

My apologies to you Dowly, I Have no idea what the hell i was thinking when i made that 1st post.I cant take away my last post in response. So is there a BLM movement in Finland yet? If not we will get one on the way to your country ASAP . We would not want your country to miss out on all the wonderful things that come with the Black culture. After all scientist have said we must believe in a world that now spins on science. And Science says we ALL originated from 1 Black women from Africa.These are new revelations and i'm sure the women in Finland will be just as excited as our American women where to wrap their legs around Science.

[Gorpet]

@Gorpet Very sorry to hear this. At least good you got control of your arm back, i take it you get some blood-thinning medication for some time?
Hope you recover, and soon. Wish you all the best, and keep us informed :yep:

Catfish, Here's an update - So i am now on higher levels of all these medications. But nothing good no pain killers or anything like that. If u need something for pain in the USA you need lots of money for legal scripts. Or take your machet go 2 blocks down the street and take your chances .But for those of you who spend your life working in any of the trades, plumbing,electrical,carpentry, hvac,roofing,truck driving and all the warehouse back breaking **** that goes with pallets .All for the benefit your fellow citizens... The Democrat's will tell you utopia is within reach. So you wear your body out over years believing that it's just another 4 years away. And here in the USA that lying **** can cost you 8 yrs or more of your life. If you keep electing them , they get they best of life on your Dime.

And so it is, after years of working and listening to bull**** from both political parties this is how my life turned out from a 18 yr old in 1976 to a stroker in 2019 ----Listen to the Politician and you can follow me. My body is worn out and turning on me and i cant stop the affect's its now having on my brain . So bear with me brother for a little while longer. After all these years will i find Etopia the rats promised,or Hell maybe Heaven either way i'm not gonna be able to tell ya. Live long and Prosper Catfish.

[Gorpet]

battle of new orleans johnny horton @Gorpet i lost my class a when i lost side vision one one side so became a bus monitor but with high bp i tell you to avoid that cause some kids likes to push it with you

Thank you for your reply, My son has a school bus driver 17 yrs now and he has tried to get me to sign up. i told him tks. But i couldn't fit in the new future and it wouldn't have anything to do so much with the kids. As it would be with the Parents. Yea buss driving would not work for me. And I'll see if i can get The Battle of new Orleans downloaded before they scrub it . And Les, we know how to give those Brits a Missouri Boat Ride should they not pay the ferry toll Tks. You old dog