The World Votes

[Earthborn]

"In November 2004, U.S. citizens will elect their new President. The outcome of these elections directly influences the lives of citizens around the world.

Theworldvotes.org gives people all around the world a voice in the forthcoming U.S. Presidential Election. Ensure that your voice is heard by casting your vote electronically and add momentum to a worldwide drive to establish global democracy."

The World Votes (http://www.theworldvotes.org/)

[a_unique_person]

Yay, New World Order, here I come. Just watch out for those Yankees, though, some of them are armed.

[Flo]

;) ;) ;) ;) :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

We know a place where the guzzlers roam,
Chugging down fuel, fat and foam,
Where everything is biggest and best,
And the motto is: "F*ck All The Rest."
Where guns have people, and Disney rules,
And the jails are full, but not the schools.
A vicious, pig-eyed, red-necked place,
An oily blot on the human face,

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

The oceans rise and millions sweat,
But boys you ain't seen nothing yet,
Ten billion barrels should last a while,
Even at a litre to the mile,
They'll burn their oil and take yours too,
Man, there ain't nothin' they won't do,
'Cause they know that's how God planned it,
Before he handed them the planet.

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

A thousand space-ships grandly gleaming,
A billion banners brightly streaming,
With a mighty roar they start to rise,
Urged heavenwards by anxious eyes,
And beaming from each TV screen,
Something the world has never seen:
The complete agreement of the human race,
That the Earth became a better place,

The day we shipped the Yankees into space.

[Flo]

Sorry, couldn't resist ... :D

[Denise]

Originally posted by Flo
;) ;) ;) ;) :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

We know a place where the guzzlers roam,
Chugging down fuel, fat and foam,
Where everything is biggest and best,
And the motto is: "F*ck All The Rest."
Where guns have people, and Disney rules,
And the jails are full, but not the schools.
A vicious, pig-eyed, red-necked place,
An oily blot on the human face,

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

The oceans rise and millions sweat,
But boys you ain't seen nothing yet,
Ten billion barrels should last a while,
Even at a litre to the mile,
They'll burn their oil and take yours too,
Man, there ain't nothin' they won't do,
'Cause they know that's how God planned it,
Before he handed them the planet.

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

A thousand space-ships grandly gleaming,
A billion banners brightly streaming,
With a mighty roar they start to rise,
Urged heavenwards by anxious eyes,
And beaming from each TV screen,
Something the world has never seen:
The complete agreement of the human race,
That the Earth became a better place,

The day we shipped the Yankees into space.

Sorry, this Yankee had to add an asterisk to your post!

[Denise]

Originally posted by Earthborn
"In November 2004, U.S. citizens will elect their new President. The outcome of these elections directly influences the lives of citizens around the world.

Theworldvotes.org gives people all around the world a voice in the forthcoming U.S. Presidential Election. Ensure that your voice is heard by casting your vote electronically and add momentum to a worldwide drive to establish global democracy."

The World Votes (http://www.theworldvotes.org/)

I'm thinking along the whole taxation representation avenue. I think if they cast a vote we should be able to tax them. Yeah!

[Flo]

Originally posted by Denise


Sorry, this Yankee had to add an asterisk to your post!


Apologies, and thanks for defending decency (I'm voting myself 20 lashes for the * and 20 more for failing to resist to offend Yankees) :D

[Flo]

Originally posted by Denise


I'm thinking along the whole taxation representation avenue. I think if they cast a vote we should be able to tax them. Yeah!

But doesn't the US already tax the rest of the World's patience ? :D

[Denise]

Originally posted by Flo



Apologies, and thanks for defending decency (I'm voting myself 20 lashes for the * and 20 more for failing to resist to offend Yankees) :D

No problem, you are easy to defend! You are definitely not a habitual offender of the language rule!

[Denise]

Originally posted by Flo


But doesn't the US already tax the rest of the World's patience ? :D

And France doesn't? Well, maybe not the entire world but quite a lot of it. I saw on CNN's website that Paris made a cop killer in the USA an honorary citizen. Truly bizarre!:D

[Flo]

Originally posted by Denise
And France doesn't? Well, maybe not the entire world but quite a lot of it.

Well, yes, but we're smaller. We're trying hard, though ! :D


I saw on CNN's website that Paris made a cop killer in the USA an honorary citizen. Truly bizarre!:D [/B]

Given the fact that our government was ready to give autonomy to Corsica, I'm not all that surprised ...

[Jon_in_london]

Originally posted by Denise


I'm thinking along the whole taxation representation avenue. I think if they cast a vote we should be able to tax them. Yeah!

Actually it was "no taxation without representation" representation without taxation is just fine thanks! :)

[Zep]

I'm just thinking of all the money sailing OUT of Mcdonalds and Burger Kings across the world and INTO the coffers of US companies...

Better go get myself a Coke(tm) to cool down. Ummm...

[Mike B.]

Originally posted by Denise


And France doesn't? Well, maybe not the entire world but quite a lot of it. I saw on CNN's website that Paris made a cop killer in the USA an honorary citizen. Truly bizarre!:D

Ahh yes...

Philadelphia's own Mumia Abul Jammar a.k.a. Wesley Cooke.
Who proves you can kill someone with witnesses, be wounded by the dying police officer, have the gun lying next to you, tell the doctors you killed the "mother-f***er," and not even explain why you are really innocent for twenty years....but if you are articulate and can write well about how oppressed you are, you can become a world hero.
:mad:

[Tony]

Im gonna vote for Bush just to upset the "world community". Nuke the ICC Dubya!! :)

[Jude]

Originally posted by Flo
;) ;) ;) ;) :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

We know a place where the guzzlers roam,
Chugging down fuel, fat and foam,
Where everything is biggest and best,
And the motto is: "F*ck All The Rest."
Where guns have people, and Disney rules,
And the jails are full, but not the schools.
A vicious, pig-eyed, red-necked place,
An oily blot on the human face,

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

The oceans rise and millions sweat,
But boys you ain't seen nothing yet,
Ten billion barrels should last a while,
Even at a litre to the mile,
They'll burn their oil and take yours too,
Man, there ain't nothin' they won't do,
'Cause they know that's how God planned it,
Before he handed them the planet.

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

A thousand space-ships grandly gleaming,
A billion banners brightly streaming,
With a mighty roar they start to rise,
Urged heavenwards by anxious eyes,
And beaming from each TV screen,
Something the world has never seen:
The complete agreement of the human race,
That the Earth became a better place,

The day we shipped the Yankees into space.

Bigot.

[Tony]

Originally posted by Flo
;) ;) ;) ;) :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

We know a place where the guzzlers roam,
Chugging down fuel, fat and foam,
Where everything is biggest and best,
And the motto is: "F*ck All The Rest."
Where guns have people, and Disney rules,
And the jails are full, but not the schools.
A vicious, pig-eyed, red-necked place,
An oily blot on the human face,

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

The oceans rise and millions sweat,
But boys you ain't seen nothing yet,
Ten billion barrels should last a while,
Even at a litre to the mile,
They'll burn their oil and take yours too,
Man, there ain't nothin' they won't do,
'Cause they know that's how God planned it,
Before he handed them the planet.

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

A thousand space-ships grandly gleaming,
A billion banners brightly streaming,
With a mighty roar they start to rise,
Urged heavenwards by anxious eyes,
And beaming from each TV screen,
Something the world has never seen:
The complete agreement of the human race,
That the Earth became a better place,

The day we shipped the Yankees into space.

:dl:

There's nothing funnier than a European with an inferiority complex.

[Cleon]

Originally posted by Mike B.


Ahh yes...

Philadelphia's own Mumia Abul Jammar a.k.a. Wesley Cooke.
Who proves you can kill someone with witnesses, be wounded by the dying police officer, have the gun lying next to you, tell the doctors you killed the "mother-f***er," and not even explain why you are really innocent for twenty years....but if you are articulate and can write well about how oppressed you are, you can become a world hero.
:mad:

Of course, the gun was properly licensed, there were no ballistics tests to confirm or deny whether it was used to kill the cop, the witnesses have ALL recanted (the Philly PD, which was sued by the Justice Department for corruption, apparently coerced them into fabricating their testimony), and the "I shot the m-----f-----" line was an out-and-out lie. (The cop who claimed he heard this didn't report it until two months afterwards; his official report of the night stated "the negro male made no comment.)

[Michael Redman]

Originally posted by Jude
Bigot. What? A French bigot? :eek:

[Jude]

Originally posted by Michael Redman
What? A French bigot? :eek:

Heh... Your post is ironic, and possibly not in the way you intended.

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by Michael Redman
What? A French bigot? :eek:

No, that must be a baguette you're thinking of; 'cos a bigot is someone who is prejudiced in their views and intolerant of the opinions of others.

[rikzilla]

Originally posted by Flo

We know a place where the guzzlers roam,
Chugging down fuel, fat and foam,
Where everything is biggest and best,
And the motto is: "F*ck All The Rest."
Where guns have people, and Disney rules,
And the jails are full, but not the schools.
A vicious, pig-eyed, red-necked place,
An oily blot on the human face,

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

The oceans rise and millions sweat,
But boys you ain't seen nothing yet,
Ten billion barrels should last a while,
Even at a litre to the mile,
They'll burn their oil and take yours too,
Man, there ain't nothin' they won't do,
'Cause they know that's how God planned it,
Before he handed them the planet.

Let's ship the Yankees into space.

A thousand space-ships grandly gleaming,
A billion banners brightly streaming,
With a mighty roar they start to rise,
Urged heavenwards by anxious eyes,
And beaming from each TV screen,
Something the world has never seen:
The complete agreement of the human race,
That the Earth became a better place,

The day we shipped the Yankees into space.

:D :D :D

The French can't even ship themselves into space! (a pity)

:D :D :D

Ugly humor from people who think that Jerry Lewis is the epitome of comedy! A people who are too cowardly to go to war against anything more powerful than a fragile Pacific island.

...and it seems they're pretty scared of that island....taking no chances that the island may retaliate, they nuked it...repeatedly!

:hit:

[Shane Costello]

Originally posted by Billy TK:
No, that must be a baguette you're thinking of; 'cos a bigot is someone who is prejudiced in their views and intolerant of the opinions of others.

Couldn't you also call such a person a chauvinist?

[Mike B.]

Originally posted by Cleon


Of course, the gun was properly licensed, there were no ballistics tests to confirm or deny whether it was used to kill the cop, the witnesses have ALL recanted (the Philly PD, which was sued by the Justice Department for corruption, apparently coerced them into fabricating their testimony), and the "I shot the m-----f-----" line was an out-and-out lie. (The cop who claimed he heard this didn't report it until two months afterwards; his official report of the night stated "the negro male made no comment.)

There is a whole heck of a lot of misinformation in what you just posted.

If you get stuff from the Mummia sites, you will get this some times outright lying.

(i.e. - The witnesses have all recanted...NOT TRUE)

You also may want to look into the claims of the ballistic stuff for the defense. Leonard Weinglass, former defense attorney for Mumia wouldn't even present it.

I am really at a lost to envision a BELIEVABLE scenario in which he is innocent, but never mind.
I mean his brother who was there simply states, "I don't know anything about it.)

BTW, Mumia's former journalistic friend who claimed Mumia confessed to him in jail...I suppose he is lying and part of the conspiracy as well though, right?

As it being an out and out lie...This is from the 20/20 program on the matter"

SAM DONALDSON (voice-over): It is a fact that the confession surfaced only after two
months. And that one officer present originally reported, "The Negro male made no comments."

But hospital security guard Priscilla Durham (ph) told the jury she reported it to her supervisor the
next day. And another security guard, James Legrand (ph), says he, too, heard the confession. The
slain officer's partner, Garry Bell, says the shock of the shooting suppressed his memory.



However, this is not a Mumia thread, so we will leave it at that.

P.S. I am curious do you feel that OJ was innocent and framed too?

P.P.S. Those who wish to read the entire 20/20 transcript of the show can do so here: 20/20 (http://www.danielfaulkner.com/Pages/2020.html)
Though I am sure that they are part of the conspiracy as well...:p

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by Shane Costello


Couldn't you also call such a person a chauvinist?
No, not really.

Chauvinism in this instance would describe an overzealously patriotic attitude (possible oxymoron there) to one's own country, but simply being dismissive of another country doesn't automatically imply chauvinism.

The etymology is interesting though as it descends form the french word "chevalier", or horseman or mounted knight, who would not only have an intense love for their country, but suggests a sense of superiority as in a very real sense they would look down on others.

I made this last bit up.

[rikzilla]

From the World Votes website:
Who can vote?

All citizens around the world who are committed to building a democratic international system of governance that is based on respect for universal human rights.


Translation;

Who can vote?

Liberal socialists.



The site is a joke. Gary Coleman got more votes in the California recall than the total number of people currently signed up.

:dusting off the crystal ball:
The "World" overwhelmingly elects Ralph Nader to the White House. American yawns and re-elects GWB.

-z

[Tony]

Originally posted by rikzilla


Translation;

Who can vote?

Liberal socialists.




Let me correct you rik. There is nothing liberal about socialists, they would steal your money and condemn you to state sponsored slavery, lets call them what they really are, socio-fascists.

[Shane Costello]

Originally posted by BillyTK:
I made this last bit up.

I believe you did. If memory serves me then chauvinism is derived from a Frenchman called Chauvin, who was noted as an over-zealous supporter of Napoleon, thus giving his name to a new term.

[Earthborn]

Originally posted by rikzilla
Translation;

Who can vote?

Liberal socialists.No, Rik. You can too! That's because they aren't actually going to check whether you are 'committed to building a democratic international system of governance that is based on respect for universal human rights'. :)The site is a joke. Gary Coleman got more votes in the California recall than the total number of people currently signed up.I understand the site only exists for a few days.:dusting off the crystal ball:
The "World" overwhelmingly elects Ralph Nader to the White House. American yawns and re-elects GWB.Could be! ;)

[headscratcher4]

As someone who opposes many of the actions of the Bush Administration and who believes that a change in the American government (via the next election) is needed, I can only say this is a most intellectually dishonest site.

I would point out that two can play at this game.

I just demand reciprocal rights.

I demand a vote in Zimbabwe and South Africa and Nigeria.

I demand a vote in France, and Great Britain, Holland and Germany.

I demand a vote in those massively democratic countries (regimes supported by governments throughout the West, and not just by American interests) of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Morocco, etc.

I demand a vote in that mecca of secular government, political and human rights: Iran.

I demand a vote in Pakistan and Indonesia. I demand a vote in Malaysia and both Koreas.

I demand a vote in every country that accepts US aide of any kind...military, AID, general foreign, etc. and I demand a vote in every country that exports products to the US, or to where former US industries and factories have fled...Mexico, China, India etc.

I demand a vote in every country from where legal and especially illegal immigrants come to the US because they believe either their lives will be better, safer, healthier, or even because the economic and political systems of their own countries (socialist, oligarchies, aristocratic, proto-fascist, one party dictatorhsips, intolerant theocratic) can't provide them the rights, life economic advancement to which they aspire.

We, in the United States, live in a flawed democracy. That is the nature of democracy. The only ones I know who argue that their democracy is perfect is Fidel Castro and Kim Jong Il.

We will wrestle with issues and fail. We will elect imperfect leaders using imperfect elections systems. We will convict and execute the innocent. We will abuse the "rights" of individuals. We will squander resources and cherish short-term thinking. We will pollute and ignore the consequences.

We will also have a continuos stream of criticism and debate over each failure and flaw. We will continue to hear voices raised against bad policies. We will continue to try and elect good men and women who promise to do the right thing. We will retrench and reform. And, likely fail again and, in the end, it will all still be imperfect.

I, for one, certainly appreciate much of the global criticism of the US and its policies. However, I note that I have yet to see in any of these rants or any of the cogent analysis or criticism raised in the international community that I've not seen voiced (and loudly) here in the US. Not to suggest that the world should be silent, but rather to suggest that there isn't anything new here.

Further, I wait eagerly for America-bashers arround the globe (especially the Islamic fundumentalists, the die-hard Maoists, the wistful Stalinists, the regretful Nazi's, the tribal demogogs, the murderous visionaries, the suicidal reformers and puritans) to apply the ethics, morals, logic, human values, political rights and global vision that they seek to see reflected in US actions and apply said standards and seek/demand changes in their own nations first.

Liberation, as they say, begins at home and, oddly enough, not with George Bush. Indeed, I would argue that focusing on the US and the failures of George Bush is a nice, diversionary tactic the distracts many around the globe from the miserable failures that are their own governments and political leaders.

Oh well, so much for one of my occasional, quasi-patriotic rants....

BTW. Flo: as someone who has been known to post a subversive joke about the French...loved the song...:roll: How do you say: Touche'? ;)

[Michael Redman]

Originally posted by Jude
Heh... Your post is ironic, and possibly not in the way you intended. If it's ironic, but not in the way I intended, would that also be ironic?

[Earthborn]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
I can only say this is a most intellectually dishonest site.Pity though that you don't seem to explain why you feel that way. Please note that the site is not demanding to have an actual influence on US politics (although it is made by people who strive towards global democracy) but only to inform people around the world about an election that is going to impact their lives, and to allow people around the world to voice their opinion about it. I don't see what is so intelectually dishonest.I demand a vote in [whole bunch of countries]But does any of these countries have the same impact on the politics in your country as the US has influence over their politics?

Ironically, you have such a vote. Your elected representatives have a massive impact on policies in all of these countries. But people in those countries don't have the same influence over US policy. I hope you realize that.I, for one, certainly appreciate much of the global criticism of the US and its policies.Thanks! :cool:However, I note that I have yet to see in any of these rants or any of the cogent analysis or criticism raised in the international community that I've not seen voiced (and loudly) here in the US.Great! But I hope you do realize that it isn't just about criticism. It is also about influence, and the US influences the rest of the world enormously and I think this site is mostly to voice how much people around the world feel they are left out of making the decisions that impact their own lives or politics.
Further, I wait eagerly for America-bashers arround the globe to apply the ethics, morals, logic, human values, political rights and global vision that they seek to see reflected in US actions and apply said standards and seek/demand changes in their own nations first.I don't think this is about US bashing. You could even say that this about how much many of us care about the US. :rub:

And you do realize that many nations have already applied such standards, don't you? And others are actually seeking to do so. Not always with the help of the US though. Sometimes even against the US's wishes...

[NoZed Avenger]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
Oh well, so much for one of my occasional, quasi-patriotic rants....


This is SO nominated for October.

HS4, agree or disagree with you, you're my hero.

N/A

[headscratcher4]

Earthbound:

I would only note in my own defence that I specifically pointed out that I was in high, "quasi-patriotic" rant.

That, in my mind at least, absolves me of any need to be logical, rational, consistent or even interesting.

A rant is a rant, it pours forth like the rain from on high. It is an uncontrollable spewing of pent-up and repressed illogic and internal conflict. It is a small flash of the demon below. It is mental illness writ small. It is the animal lost in the forest that inhabits the heart of all civilized people.

Honor the rant. Bow down before it's might power. Prey that the God's of rant inflict their vengence on the people over there, rather than on thee.

Go with the flow.

In short, peddle your damnable logic and consistency to someone who cares.

;)

[Nikk]

Originally posted by Shane Costello


I believe you did. If memory serves me then chauvinism is derived from a Frenchman called Chauvin, who was noted as an over-zealous supporter of Napoleon, thus giving his name to a new term.

I am afraid you are wrong. The word is derived from chauve=bald and vin=wine.

Bald men usually attempt to compensate for their personal unattractiveness by making absurd claims, e.g. that the baldness is due to unusually high levels of testosterone. Once you add an excess of vin you get even more ridiculous statements often involving inflated claims about the baldies country and culture. Hence chauvinism.

Your Monsieur Chauvin was of course bald. Or possibly a bat (chauve souris).

I hope that's clear.

[Ralph]

Can you still vote if you're from one of the many countries in the world that doesn't HAVE elections.

How about if your country has elections.....but they're like Iraq's used to be......with only one man running????

[Earthborn]

Sure, Ralph. Assuming that country allows you to access the internet.

However, some people seem to think that voting constitutes accepting that the USA controls the world, so you may want to check what your government thinks of the site.

[Flo]

Originally posted by Jude


Bigot.


Funny reaction. I got this from an American friend in Geneva and it was also posted, by an American with seemingly a sense of humor, in a travel forum mostly used by American travellers. They all seemed to find it rather funny ...


There's nothing funnier than a European with an inferiority complex.

In your dreams, Tony, in your dreams ... :D

[demon]

Zilla:
" A people who are too cowardly to go to war against anything more powerful than a fragile Pacific island. "

Oh the irony, the irony!:D
zilla, you and your grunts couldn`t face down a grasshopper with a wet twig if you didn`t have your technology. If you want to talk about cowardice, talk about the US invasion and occupation of Iraq.

[Shane Costello]

Originally posted by Nikk:
I am afraid you are wrong. The word is derived from chauve=bald and vin=wine.

Bald men usually attempt to compensate for their personal unattractiveness by making absurd claims, e.g. that the baldness is due to unusually high levels of testosterone. Once you add an excess of vin you get even more ridiculous statements often involving inflated claims about the baldies country and culture. Hence chauvinism.

Your Monsieur Chauvin was of course bald. Or possibly a bat (chauve souris).

I hope that's clear.

According to this source (www.bartleby.com/61/18/C0261800.html) the term does indeed derive from one Nicolas Chauvin, who was a noted devotee of Napoleon.

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by Shane Costello


According to this source (www.bartleby.com/61/18/C0261800.html) the term does indeed derive from one Nicolas Chauvin, who was a noted devotee of Napoleon.

I made up my explanation because I thought the OED definition was a bit, well, not exactly bursting with comedic opportunities. I suspect that Nikk was following a similar tangent. I mean, you must've noticed that thing about the bat (bald mouse from the French) was a bit of a killer punchline!

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
I just demand reciprocal rights.

I demand a vote in [...] Great Britain...

You've got representation without a single chad being busted! He's called Tony Blair; Washington's no. 1 diplomat, remember? Now I demand reciprocal rights over your leader! I'll take him walkies twice a day and only feed him on Cesar dog food!

;) :D

[blackpriester]

Originally posted by headscratcher4
As someone who opposes many of the actions of the Bush Administration and who believes that a change in the American government (via the next election) is needed, I can only say this is a most intellectually dishonest site.

I would point out that two can play at this game.

I just demand reciprocal rights.

I demand a vote in Zimbabwe and South Africa and Nigeria.

I demand a vote in France, and Great Britain, Holland and Germany.

I demand a vote in those massively democratic countries (regimes supported by governments throughout the West, and not just by American interests) of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Morocco, etc.

I demand a vote in that mecca of secular government, political and human rights: Iran.

I demand a vote in Pakistan and Indonesia. I demand a vote in Malaysia and both Koreas.

I demand a vote in every country that accepts US aide of any kind...military, AID, general foreign, etc. and I demand a vote in every country that exports products to the US, or to where former US industries and factories have fled...Mexico, China, India etc.

I demand a vote in every country from where legal and especially illegal immigrants come to the US because they believe either their lives will be better, safer, healthier, or even because the economic and political systems of their own countries (socialist, oligarchies, aristocratic, proto-fascist, one party dictatorhsips, intolerant theocratic) can't provide them the rights, life economic advancement to which they aspire.

We, in the United States, live in a flawed democracy. That is the nature of democracy. The only ones I know who argue that their democracy is perfect is Fidel Castro and Kim Jong Il.

We will wrestle with issues and fail. We will elect imperfect leaders using imperfect elections systems. We will convict and execute the innocent. We will abuse the "rights" of individuals. We will squander resources and cherish short-term thinking. We will pollute and ignore the consequences.

We will also have a continuos stream of criticism and debate over each failure and flaw. We will continue to hear voices raised against bad policies. We will continue to try and elect good men and women who promise to do the right thing. We will retrench and reform. And, likely fail again and, in the end, it will all still be imperfect.

I, for one, certainly appreciate much of the global criticism of the US and its policies. However, I note that I have yet to see in any of these rants or any of the cogent analysis or criticism raised in the international community that I've not seen voiced (and loudly) here in the US. Not to suggest that the world should be silent, but rather to suggest that there isn't anything new here.

Further, I wait eagerly for America-bashers arround the globe (especially the Islamic fundumentalists, the die-hard Maoists, the wistful Stalinists, the regretful Nazi's, the tribal demogogs, the murderous visionaries, the suicidal reformers and puritans) to apply the ethics, morals, logic, human values, political rights and global vision that they seek to see reflected in US actions and apply said standards and seek/demand changes in their own nations first.

Liberation, as they say, begins at home and, oddly enough, not with George Bush. Indeed, I would argue that focusing on the US and the failures of George Bush is a nice, diversionary tactic the distracts many around the globe from the miserable failures that are their own governments and political leaders.

Oh well, so much for one of my occasional, quasi-patriotic rants....

BTW. Flo: as someone who has been known to post a subversive joke about the French...loved the song...:roll: How do you say: Touche'? ;)

CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!!!! As both a German and an American resident I agree wholeheartedly. While I believe most of the criticism my countrymen are hurling towards the current US government (the worst in about 230 years, I believe) to be justified, they tend to forget the shortcomings of their own country. Bravo for being openminded and still very aware of everything that is wrong with the US. We need more people like headscratcher!

[Earthborn]

Bump, to tell everyone that the World Has Voted (http://www.theworldvotes.org/index.php?nid=876&newsid=174):If the rest of the world could vote in the U.S. Presidential election, John Kerry would win in a landslide.I did too, because of a lack of good candidates. I also thought George W. Bush is likely to win the actual election, that foreign policy is an important issue for American voters (well, if they think it is in their interest anyway) and I said that I had no opinion on whether people around the world should have a say in the US elections.