American Involvement - World Affairs; International Member Opinion

[mjmjr25]

Greetings,

Let me start by saying I probably won't articulate this correctly, but i'll do my best.

Here in the US we have a government (and by government decision, a military) that is seemingly involved in everything.

We are allied with S. Korea and Japan against N. Korean threats toward all 3 of these nations.

We are allied militarily with both India and Pakistan, but moreso India, and tend to side with them re: Kashmir.

We are allied with Taiwan and support them in their disputes w/China and sell them weapons.

We are allied with Israel against...most of the world, it seems.

We are allied with Saudi Arabia and Jordan against Iranian plans of influence.

We are allied with Poland over the downing of their government plane by Russia.

We are allied with Columbia and Mexico against drug lords and gangs.

Yet - in most of these countries, the opinion of American and Americans seems quite low, and in some cases, outright hatred.

My belief is that so many want the US to "mind their own" and stay out. Stop intervening, stop making things worse, stop building military bases in other countries, stop threatening sanctions, but at the same time; THEIR governments seek out our influence, our military, our covert intelligence, and our financial aid.

What i'm interested to know, from our international members, it what is your real view of American involvement in these matters and do you think the world would be better off if they became less involved in world affairs.

Didn't take lead on Iran and let them overrun Saudi Arabie, didn't take on N. Korea and let them overrun S. Korea, didn't confront China and let them overrun Taiwan, let Russian overrun Ukraine and Georgia, etc and etc.

Do you not think that would happen?
If you think it would happen, do you care?
Would you want your nation to step up and intervene?

Genuinely curious about the perception and belief of America is perceived as keeping balance and fairness in the world, or if it is believed their involvement does the opposite and makes situations worse.

 

[Rot]

The US policy of "intervention"... was ok upto a certain point...

However, recently... it's turned the world into a massive fookfest... especially in the Middle East....

Z'OMG... we'll support one faction.. and supply them guns...

SHIT... they've turned into Terrorists... let's support the other guys... Z'OMG... they hate us too...

FFS... just stop it... find a half decent solution without pissing off the entire middle east....

xROTx

 

[CORY]

Certainly they existed, those blinded by ambition, those consumed with vengeance...

 

[norton9478]

Certainly they existed, those blinded by ambition, those consumed with vengeance...

THIS

 

[StevenK]

I used to be quite happy with america's approach to the world, I liked the idea of a hugely dominant nation who's morality seemed roughly in line with my own and who would stand up for things that I, again broadly, agreed with.

However, having spent a few years here, I feel a bit differently about it. As much as you may think the rest of the world dislikes you, I've never come across anyone who seems to hate you (and by you I mean your government and their actions) more than yourselves. What I might have thought of as a campaign to bring freedom to oppressed people I would be assured here was actually just an oil grab. When I think someone might want to lower the number of people getting shot each year I'm told it's just a smokescreen to take defensive capabilities away from the people leaving them powerless to resist evil government overlords.

It sometimes feels like america has swallowed the idea of the x-files smoking man a little too readily and now even the simplest action by government has to have sinister overtones.

Take the election thread. So far, to name just a few things:

Clinton
Near dead, sociopath, epileptic, supports sharia law, evil, murderer, complicit in rape and child rape.

Trump
Racist, mysogynistic, evil, rapist, paedophile, nuke hungry maniac.

How can you expect any country to be happy to be interfered with by people that you yourselves consider to be the above?

Is it possible that clinton is just a bit of a bitch, and trump is just a bit of a dick?

I shouldn't really have answered your question on this Mike, it's only going to end with me being shitted on, because after all I've said, if you even mention something negative about america on here all you'll get back is an incredulous "fuck you, 'murca is the greatest goddam country in the world!"

Dunno, I don't get it.

 

[mjmjr25]

I shouldn't really have answered your question on this Mike, it's only going to end with me being shitted on, because after all I've said, if you even mention something negative about america on here all you'll get back is an incredulous "fuck you, 'murca is the greatest goddam country in the world!"

Dunno, I don't get it.

Really? You're one of the few people I was hoping would reply. I know i'm personally, genuinely curious, about how we are perceived as a government, and also as a people.

Let me stretch out the initial post into two different questions:
Is there a general distinction between Americans and America - or do most attribute the actions of the government as the will of the people (because as a general rule, it is not). I can't speak of course for 350 million people, but my view is America is probably the greatest success story in the last 5,000 years, speaking strictly of "nations" and as an American, I (and I think most) have a pride in that. I (and I think most) are also incredibly frustrated, and embarrassed at decisions of our politicians and have no desire to "steal their oil" or make sure we keep "wages low for cheap goods" - that isn't a goal of your average American, and certainly no politician runs on those platforms, but I (and I think most) see politicians who have done that and voted / influenced those types of actions. I'm very proud of this country, but certainly incredibly embarrassed by many actions.

You mention Trump and Clinton - this has become American politics. Complete polarization where if you can get 2 out of 5 people to buy into you, you can run the country and steer the course of much of the world. Trump is a dick, Clintion is a bitch, neither has even 2 out of 5, but we are trapped...by ourselves.

 

[CORY]

I used to be quite happy with america's approach to the world, I liked the idea of a hugely dominant nation who's morality seemed roughly in line with my own and who would stand up for things that I, again broadly, agreed with.

However, having spent a few years here, I feel a bit differently about it. As much as you may think the rest of the world dislikes you, I've never come across anyone who seems to hate you (and by you I mean your government and their actions) more than yourselves. What I might have thought of as a campaign to bring freedom to oppressed people I would be assured here was actually just an oil grab. When I think someone might want to lower the number of people getting shot each year I'm told it's just a smokescreen to take defensive capabilities away from the people leaving them powerless to resist evil government overlords.

It sometimes feels like america has swallowed the idea of the x-files smoking man a little too readily and now even the simplest action by government has to have sinister overtones.

Take the election thread. So far, to name just a few things:

Clinton
Near dead, sociopath, epileptic, supports sharia law, evil, murderer, complicit in rape and child rape.

Trump
Racist, mysogynistic, evil, rapist, paedophile, nuke hungry maniac.

How can you expect any country to be happy to be interfered with by people that you yourselves consider to be the above?

Is it possible that clinton is just a bit of a bitch, and trump is just a bit of a dick?

I shouldn't really have answered your question on this Mike, it's only going to end with me being shitted on, because after all I've said, if you even mention something negative about america on here all you'll get back is an incredulous "fuck you, 'murca is the greatest goddam country in the world!"

Dunno, I don't get it.

Fuck you, 'murca is the greatest goddam country in the world!

 

[DevilRedeemed]

The US policy of "intervention"... was ok upto a certain point...

I beg to differ.

in any case USA, much of your culture has been really interesting. as well as your fast food.

 

[StevenK]

Really? You're one of the few people I was hoping would reply. I know i'm personally, genuinely curious, about how we are perceived as a government, and also as a people.

I'm flattered that you would give a shit about my semi coherent ramblings lol

Let me stretch out the initial post into two different questions:
Is there a general distinction between Americans and America - or do most attribute the actions of the government as the will of the people (because as a general rule, it is not).

It's ridiculous for me to say what most of the 6.5 billion non Americans in the world think, but as an arrogant cunt, I will anyway.

No, I don't think the world sees Americans and America as separate. I think you are the global torchbearers for democracy so you have to be one and the same and if what you say is true then democracy is failing you. It's only through reading the threads during this election process that I've started to understand how much of a choice you actually have in your government, and it seems to be between sticking your dick in a cheese grater or sticking it in rock hudson.

But the rest of the world sees nothing of this, you don't travel much, I live just outside london these days, lived in london for many years and have friends from probably twenty or more countries but I don't know a single american in the flesh, and most people don't, so outside image is based hugely on television and film. Therefore, you are the land of the free, and if it's happening it's because you, the general populace, want it to happen, is what I believe to be the overall perception.

I can't speak of course for 350 million people, but my view is America is probably the greatest success story in the last 5,000 years, speaking strictly of "nations" and as an American, I (and I think most) have a pride in that.

mumble mumble British empire mumble mumble

I (and I think most) are also incredibly frustrated, and embarrassed at decisions of our politicians and have no desire to "steal their oil" or make sure we keep "wages low for cheap goods" - that isn't a goal of your average American, and certainly no politician runs on those platforms, but I (and I think most) see politicians who have done that and voted / influenced those types of actions. I'm very proud of this country, but certainly incredibly embarrassed by many actions.

Aren't we all embarrassed by our parents?

That aside, ask yourself this. From here America looks to me like a utopia. Yet all I hear about from you guys is how much america is going down the toilet. This seems to be driven on two fronts - america's place in the world (you used to own it, now with china etc it's branching out a little, and you're not strictly supposed to hate them like you were the russians, which makes it harder to swallow because there's nothing to 'beat'), and that financially things aren't what they once were. Both of these things feed into the ideas that you're refuting. Americans might not like the idea of low wages for cheap goods but they like the idea of being financially happy. How do they think this will be achieved?

You mention Trump and Clinton - this has become American politics. Complete polarization where if you can get 2 out of 5 people to buy into you, you can run the country and steer the course of much of the world. Trump is a dick, Clintion is a bitch, neither has even 2 out of 5, but we are trapped...by ourselves.

The rest of the world still doesn't understand your politics. I don't personally know anyone who would consider Obama anything other than an intelligent, thoughtful man and an inspiring leader, yet I know amongst the ng.com fraternity he's pretty much hated.

I don't understand it. With the shared language I feel closer to america than I do to europe, it's daft but it's true, yet every now and again I'm reminded that you're actually very different people to us.

 

[Dr Shroom]

BRING "FREEDOM" TO THIRD WORLD SHITHOLES
TAKE THEIR OIL
FUCK YEAH

 

[StevenK]

BRING "FREEDOM" TO THIRD WORLD SHITHOLES
TAKE THEIR OIL
FUCK YEAH

And what Shroom said.

 

[DevilRedeemed]

many of the hundreds of thousands or millions that would beg to differ with saying that interventionism up to now has been ok have been blown to smithereens.
democracy is a very interesting word. very relative (only being partially ironic)
I'm not anti american. I am american.

I think america is fanatical when it comes to the myth of their own making - that it is the land of the free/opportunity (the promised land). intervention is a crusade as much as anything else. Bush Jr. was right in saying so. rampant propaganda machine grinds on.


I just don't think there truly is a right and wrong. we're all right/wrong to some extent.

 

[wyo]

Interventionism is a catch 22. America generally has good intentions and morality; at least, more so than Russia and China. My fear is if America intervenes less in world affairs, Russia and China will step in to fill the vacuum. We are already starting to see this in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea. As much as I like Obama, I think the world is less secure than it was 8 years ago at least in part because America has ceded influence, made questionable deals, and had difficulty containing the rise of China and the resurgence of Russia. Would a more hawkish approach to foreign policy with increased intervention have produced better results? I'm not sure. However, America is being slowly bled dry financially and the people are weary of endless conflicts.

There is no simple answer to this issue. The world would be worse off if America pulled back. America might be better off short term but not long term.

 

[fake]

Interventionism is a catch 22. America generally has good intentions and morality; at least, more so than Russia and China. My fear is if America intervenes less in world affairs, Russia and China will step in to fill the vacuum. We are already starting to see this in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea. As much as I like Obama, I think the world is less secure than it was 8 years ago at least in part because America has ceded influence, made questionable deals, and had difficulty containing the rise of China and the resurgence of Russia. Would a more hawkish approach to foreign policy with increased intervention have produced better results? I'm not sure. However, America is being slowly bled dry financially and the people are weary of endless conflicts.

There is no simple answer to this issue. The world would be worse off if America pulled back. America might be better off short term but not long term.

I'd say that ideally there would be an international entity that made sure that more vulnerable count weren't being taken advantage of. That way the burden isn't on one country that has to act like the world police.

 

[mjmjr25]

The world would be worse off if America pulled back. America might be better off short term but not long term.

That's sort of what i'm getting at. Do most feel that way? Do our friends in Brazil, Argentina, India, S. Africa, Mexico, Canada, Europe, South Asia...feel that way? I see people protesting Maduro (a Chavez protege) in Venezuela...and burning American flags...? In my chair - "we" (American govt) were pretty open that his socialist policies were short-sighted and giving out free gas instead of teaching actual workforce skills was probably going to result in issues - so now they protest Maduro, but also America - the great boogeyman. It's confounding. It truly feels like a lose/lose when it comes to being the nation everyone turns to.

All of Western Europe, and most of the world is critical of N. Korea, has either sanctioned them, or voted to sanction them, but America gets the Nuke threats, not the other 160 countries that condemned their sabre rattlting, or voted in the security council or to sacntion them - Americas flags are burned. That's why "we", the American collective, is seen as arrogant or self-righteous...because we have the audacity to say, "Burn our flag? FU."

I believe the American ideal is to spread democracy WHERE IT'S REQUESTED and WHERE THE MAJORITY IS UNDER A THUMB. Places like Myanmar, or a place like Kuwait that would have been overrun and become part of Iraq w/o American leadership and intervention, but thereinlies the rub - to achieve a perceived greater good, you ally with Saudi Arabia and the PRK. It's maddening.

 

[Tanooki]

It's the largest game of chess anyone can imagine. That's the problem. Think of it like that, the American hand guiding all the pieces on one end, and the other side, whoever the target is and their allies as the various pieces and pawns. Most pro chess players aren't known by name nor really cared about except in little circles, but everyone will sit back and gawk at the game, eventually take a side on who they think is more just in their moves whether sacrificing a pawn or what not. The difference is this one is land and people, not little boards and smaller wooden or plastic pieces being wiped out.

The issue with Korea, that one is kind of obvious. Coming off Stalin being such a huge ass dwarfing even the actions of Hitler you had the commie boogeyman, the total other end of what the US was pushing. They saw the commies trying to gobble up land, US wasn't going to have it, and you have in a simple small thing here ending up with a lot dead, no treaty, and a country for a half century split in half. Obviously no matter who does what to the North Koreans they'll just single us out, bitch n' moan and threaten nuclear armageddon. To them it's nothing more than a PR game to keep that insane Kim family in charge, the gods on earth who have nearly anyone there duped into thinking the world centered around them and their god king first.

 

[DevilRedeemed]

I believe the American ideal is to spread democracy WHERE IT'S REQUESTED and WHERE THE MAJORITY IS UNDER A THUMB..

I find it hard to buy into this. Maybe the ideal upheld within a rhetoric. In truth they have always supported and even installed despots who have kept entire nations under thumb. Philippines under Marcos, Chile under Pinochet. Maybe I'm not understanding your point of view?

 

[lithy]

I believe the American ideal is to spread democracy WHERE IT'S REQUESTED and WHERE THE MAJORITY IS UNDER A THUMB.

Of course since we are not a democracy, that seems like a silly way to spend our time and money.

"Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."

 

[Renmauzo]

The general consensus on America and Americans that I've heard is that Americans by and large are rather ignorant, ill-informed, and easily led with the use of buzzwords and rallying cries. There is this idea that there is such a large disparity between the educated (especially given the number of world renowned and highly regarded educational institutions in the U.S.A) and the uneducated, leaving a large segment of the population behind which then leads to all manner of social ramifications.
There is then - and bare in mind this speculative from interviews I've seen and talk I've over heard - this feeling from people in countries that see US intervention, that the US government should tackle it's own issues domestically before meddling in the affairs of other nations. Obviously, the need to intercede in some cases rather than leave certain radicalized nations unchecked is there as America is protecting it's interests that are often aligned with it's partners for a mutually beneficial result. Given the violence and depravity at home: the gang wars, massive drug problem, ghettos, murders, racial tensions, etc., the feeling seems to be "sort yourselves out first". This also seems to lend itself to the common disdain for Americans and their famous "American Pride"; given that, in many ways and in many parts of the US, violence and corruption is out of control and on par or near as such with many of the places that America intervenes in, again, there seems to be this opinion that Americans have no right to tout themselves as a) having the greatest country in the world, and b) coming off as better than everyone else in the international community.
TV, film, music...media in general seems to be a major contributing factor in the negative perception of Americans, either because people not familiar with the average American way of life may find what they see to be appallingly lavish and take the fiction of it as gospel, or because supposed news outlets such as CNN and/or Fox news are so ridiculous to the point of being considered bad comedy, and yet many use these outlets' 'reporting' as basis for fact in their arguments about any given topic.

The irony of the opinion often heard that "Americans are lazy" is that all the Americans I know, especially the ones on this forum, work more hours and pour more into their work than many of the people I've ever met. I think the biggest problem with the world's perception of America is the same problem that retailers have: the vast majority of the people who have a great experience in your store will never say a word about it, but all it takes is that one that didn't get their way to be vocal about how awful your store is, and that spreads and spreads. The impressions of America and Americans by and large are painted by the few: Youtube videos with idiots doing stupid things or worse, movies and TV that play up certain stereotypes that cast the culture in a bad light, news featuring people that are ignorant and/or incompetent, and politicians/leaders that come off as not being fit for those roles. I don't think the world at large understands how little power the people actually have. Looking at this coming election as a prime example, the vast majority of the population can't stand either choice, but the system in place dictates you have no choice but to vote for one or the other...or give up you vote altogether in protest. For many, the two choices available are like choosing between two different types of poison, as you hope the choice you make won't kill you as quickly as the other.

I'll just end with my own impressions of America. In my road trip across America starting in Vancouver, BC, going down through Seattle, crossing over 4000kms, and going up through Michgan to Toronto, I met all kinds of people. Some were very welcoming, open and friendly, and others were incredibly xenophobic and rude. In certain states, I was ostracized for driving a sports car and not a truck , and in others, people commented that it was refreshing to see someone dressed in something other than jeans, boots and a button up work shirt. Some people I talked to didn't know anything at all about Canada and were curious, thoughtful questions and all, while others had a holier-than-thou attitude and were quick to get overly patriotic in the face of my Canadian heritage. Ultimately, it wasn't a lot different from here in that regard: people from all walks of life with different views of the world and how it is and should be. Ultimately, I think that people's impressions of America are painted by what they see and hear from a vocal minority, because without first hand experience, that's all they have to go on.

 

[Montatez]

America is needed. We are the big brother to stop human rights violations where we see them.

And to stop the spread of Communism. The greatest threat to human freedom.

But then again I do live in America. And your approval is not needed.

 

[DevilRedeemed]

America is needed. We are the big brother to stop human rights violations where we see them.

And to stop the spread of Communism. The greatest threat to human freedom.

But then again I do live in America. And your approval is not needed.

Am I reading all of this properly? I feel I'm missing something here. Communism? Stop human rights violations? Alright I'll stop now. This is a weird thread

 

[Tacitus]

I am always puzzled by areas which denounce the US, beg for help but in turn criticize interventionist policies. I look at it as "if you ask for help, take what you can get."

I understand that's a hamfisted way of thinking and somewhat illogical.

I think the foreign view of the US is colored by the people who travel. Many of those folks are not representative of your "average" American, they're the same kind of people most americans do not like. Americans are isolationist for the most part when it comes to travel. We are insulated from the outside world. We think those folks are assholes as much as foreigners.

Foreign US intervention is compulsory due to the position of the country and how it conducts trade.

I'm not deluded by the idea of "bringing freedom" to anyone. It plays well to the American ideals. Appealing is the word I would use, particularly when considering how it is used to justify massive financial and military expenditures. It gives the "average American" as sense of superiority and morality.

We're living in very turbulent times and the skepticism of policy and practice is due to less than tasteful behaviors and internal American issues. It has been encouraged openly by political groups as a tool for their agenda.

Frankly, the afterglow of WW2 and the Cold War is finally fading. War and conflict are good for business. An external locus on which to concentrate has been something the US has struggled with for years. Americans love a good "war on (insert something here.)"

 

[Cylotron]

In all countries, there's both good people... and bad people(including America). I doubt that's ever going to change.

The big issue with America, is the amount of money/time it spends playing the 'World Police' role. The government needs to be focusing more on helping Americans in need(homeless/mental health/poor/etc...)

 

[mjmjr25]

Lithy - thanks for posting that. It's been a while since i've read that whole piece. Wouldn't you assert though, that WWII would not allow for that mindset - at least that mindset applied to the new realities? The world had changed too drastically - there has always been iniquitous man, but not combined with the power to quite literally end America's Liberty. Her Liberty does not exist if she does not. Let us not forget reports, confirmed just last year, that the Tokyo Keiki factory was days away from completing a uranium enriched bomb. Maybe i'm misunderstanding your sentiment, but I don't believe the world would be as safe, diverse, and free, as it is today without America chasing off some monsters, or at minimum holding them at bay.

Renmauzo - good post. FWIW, the few Canadians i've met IRL have been arrogant, rude, and condescending - they weren't even French! (I kid...sorta) - We used to go to Thunder Bay quite often, as a field trip in 6th grade and then on family trips in years afterward. I of course don't paint them all w/the same brush as you don't apply one experience to all Americans, but I think it's important to have THESE discussions to go beyond those silly stereotypes.

As for problems in the US, we certainly have them, but being the hyper-power we are, everything also seems magnified. At least in my experience, the country is very safe and there is opportunity abound (yes, depending on affluence and other factors, that opportunity can be significantly more difficult, but it is there).

Devil Redeemed - you are absolutely right and a great many S. Americans have many reasons to distrust, or even abhor US policy. Unfortunately as a government, and by proxy of course, as a people, applied the enemy of my enemy is my friend. America supported despots believing it was a lesser of two evils (ie, having those countries ally with USSR) - I don't think you'll find many Americans who are boastful about that, but I think a lot can understand why without being proud or even agreeing.

 

[Fuzzytaco]

The general consensus on America and Americans that I've heard is that Americans by and large are rather ignorant, ill-informed, and easily led with the use of buzzwords and rallying cries. There is this idea that there is such a large disparity between the educated (especially given the number of world renowned and highly regarded educational institutions in the U.S.A) and the uneducated, leaving a large segment of the population behind which then leads to all manner of social ramifications.
There is then - and bare in mind this speculative from interviews I've seen and talk I've over heard - this feeling from people in countries that see US intervention, that the US government should tackle it's own issues domestically before meddling in the affairs of other nations. Obviously, the need to intercede in some cases rather than leave certain radicalized nations unchecked is there as America is protecting it's interests that are often aligned with it's partners for a mutually beneficial result. Given the violence and depravity at home: the gang wars, massive drug problem, ghettos, murders, racial tensions, etc., the feeling seems to be "sort yourselves out first". This also seems to lend itself to the common disdain for Americans and their famous "American Pride"; given that, in many ways and in many parts of the US, violence and corruption is out of control and on par or near as such with many of the places that America intervenes in, again, there seems to be this opinion that Americans have no right to tout themselves as a) having the greatest country in the world, and b) coming off as better than everyone else in the international community.
TV, film, music...media in general seems to be a major contributing factor in the negative perception of Americans, either because people not familiar with the average American way of life may find what they see to be appallingly lavish and take the fiction of it as gospel, or because supposed news outlets such as CNN and/or Fox news are so ridiculous to the point of being considered bad comedy, and yet many use these outlets' 'reporting' as basis for fact in their arguments about any given topic.

The irony of the opinion often heard that "Americans are lazy" is that all the Americans I know, especially the ones on this forum, work more hours and pour more into their work than many of the people I've ever met. I think the biggest problem with the world's perception of America is the same problem that retailers have: the vast majority of the people who have a great experience in your store will never say a word about it, but all it takes is that one that didn't get their way to be vocal about how awful your store is, and that spreads and spreads. The impressions of America and Americans by and large are painted by the few: Youtube videos with idiots doing stupid things or worse, movies and TV that play up certain stereotypes that cast the culture in a bad light, news featuring people that are ignorant and/or incompetent, and politicians/leaders that come off as not being fit for those roles. I don't think the world at large understands how little power the people actually have. Looking at this coming election as a prime example, the vast majority of the population can't stand either choice, but the system in place dictates you have no choice but to vote for one or the other...or give up you vote altogether in protest. For many, the two choices available are like choosing between two different types of poison, as you hope the choice you make won't kill you as quickly as the other.

I'll just end with my own impressions of America. In my road trip across America starting in Vancouver, BC, going down through Seattle, crossing over 4000kms, and going up through Michgan to Toronto, I met all kinds of people. Some were very welcoming, open and friendly, and others were incredibly xenophobic and rude. In certain states, I was ostracized for driving a sports car and not a truck , and in others, people commented that it was refreshing to see someone dressed in something other than jeans, boots and a button up work shirt. Some people I talked to didn't know anything at all about Canada and were curious, thoughtful questions and all, while others had a holier-than-thou attitude and were quick to get overly patriotic in the face of my Canadian heritage. Ultimately, it wasn't a lot different from here in that regard: people from all walks of life with different views of the world and how it is and should be. Ultimately, I think that people's impressions of America are painted by what they see and hear from a vocal minority, because without first hand experience, that's all they have to go on.

I jokingly talk shit about Canadians all the time, but Squamish BC is one of the top 5 places I would love to live.