BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?

Subject: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:03 AM

Well do they, DISCUSS !

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:05 AM

Mupps,
      Why should they? We are irrelevant in the real world, But at least we have better beer than them and proper music, oh, and Morris dancing.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:14 AM

No. The American public thinks that their elections are the only ones that count for anything in the World. They actually sort of think the USA is the World, while everything else that lies beyond their borders is either a threat to their security or a good business opportunity.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:18 AM

Actually, the question should be - Why does the UK bother about US elections?   The answers to that are probably more revealing.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:21 AM

Only the media does, the bog-standard Limey shouts out "not that bloody election thing again".

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:22 AM

No it shouldn't I want to know Does the US bother about UK elections YES OR NO, SIMPLE AS. PLEASE DON'T TRY TO READ SOMETHING INTO A STRAIGHT FORWARD QUESTION.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: sledge
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:23 AM

Maybe if we held our elections as a kind of Monster truck rally, sponsored by Budweiser it might get some attention.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: MudGuard
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:23 AM

No. The American public thinks that their elections are the only ones that count for anything in the World.

The US Americans even think that they live in a democratic country ...

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Davey
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:33 AM

So Americans are stupid because they don't meddle in the affairs of sovereign democracys?

Maybe if American thought they knew everything they would try to sway the vote in the UK.

The British think they live in an intelligent society but they come up with this psychotic rambling.

UK Mind your own elections and the US will mind it's own elections.

If you want to help someone, go to Iraq and lend a hand.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: sledge
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:43 AM

Davey,

The USA has a long and distinguished history of meddling in how other countries are run, thats exactly what the removal of Saddam from power is, thats how they have behaved in central and south America for decades, take a break from NASCAR and watch the History channel for easy to digest lessons or even read a book, unfortunatley they will be full of big words but if you stick at it you may even understand some of them.

As for lending a hand in the mess that is Iraq, several dead and kidnapped British civillians, 50 or so dead servicemen, a couple of whom are that way courtesy of the US military.

Flame away


Sledge

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: David Edwards
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:45 AM

"If you want to help someone, go to Iraq and lend a hand."

After you Davey.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:57 AM

OW YOU LOT, HAVE YOU ALL TAKEN LOOPY PILLS OR WHAT. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT THE US BOTHER ABOUT UK ELECTIONS OR NOT. STICK TO THE QUESTION & NOT IRAQ OR OTHER CONVERSATIONS. FOR FUCK'S SAKE NO WONDER THE WORLD IS SUCH A STATE. CHILL OUT & STICK TO THE QUESTION.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 09:59 AM

No I wont!!! I have a lot to say on the subject of Iraq, I am wise and clever and you will listen to me, so here goes..............

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:04 AM

Super Ted,
             Dnot be slily, opos wrnog theard

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:04 AM

Did somebody speak?
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:10 AM

Hmmm... and they call us arrogant.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: David Edwards
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:13 AM

Sorry muppet, I didn't realise this topic got you so hot under the collar. Anyway, in answer to your question, as far as I know the Americans may or may not bother about UK elections. Is that any help?

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:16 AM

" The American public thinks that their elections are the only ones that count for anything in the World. They actually sort of think the USA is the World,..."
   oh, LH...give me a break!! You can do better than sweeping generalizations like that! READ what you said.....

as to the question, it just depends. 'Some' Americans take 'some' interest in 'some' aspects of British elections. Many of us will be quite interested when Blair & Co. stand for re-election again...but not in most small races and local issues. The real answer is obvious--the US has a bigger footprint on the world, whatever you believe about where and how carefully we step, and every country gets attention relative to the importance of the decision involved. Mushariff in Pakistan will get LOTS of attention, the Japanese PM will get a goodly amount...etc...

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:18 AM

I'll Try it this way then, WFDU - Ron Olesko, are you an American, if yes are you botherd about UK Politics and more importantly the elections a simple yes or no please

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Davey
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:19 AM

sledge:

Did you notice the phrase "sovereign democracys" before you shot your wad?

CD

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:19 AM

No elections bother me. Like a kidney stone, this too shall pass (Lee Hays).

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:21 AM

"Democracies" BONEHEAD

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:23 AM

The English go in for psychotic rambling?

The Psycho Ramblers - now thats a name for a band!

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: sledge
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:27 AM

Davey,

Like I said, check out the history of South America before you go on and on with special attention to the various CIA activities, I am sure parts of Asia could be included but we don't want your reading list to get much longer than your attention span.

Sledge

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:28 AM

At last, thank you Bill D,that's the sort of answer I was after, a simple answer to a simple question, cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: David Edwards
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:29 AM

The English had a bit of a psychotic ramble in 1620.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: sledge
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:31 AM

WE did? I must have slept through it :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Hystercalorian
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:32 AM

Calm down dear its a country in its infancy.

As history has shown:

A nation is born
it becomes technologically advanced to its neighbours
it invades its neighbours
it treats them like shit
it reaches its zenith
then it falls, usually to internal bickering

The romans did it, the British, the germans and looks like now the Americans.

This is not poiltically motivated just history is usually repeats itself.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:36 AM

So what's the answer to the question then Hystercalorian ?

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:38 AM

They as the current dominant power care as much for our elections as Queen Elizabeth gave for the people of Mango Bango land

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:39 AM

Good observation there Guest Hystercalorian. I agree. I don't think the American empire is past the step 3-4 conquering phase yet, so unfortunately we've still a ways to go before we sink the level of the Brits.

As to the original question, the answer is no, unless the person has an interest in Britain, or in international politics, that sort of thing. I do pay some attention to the European elections, as I do Latin American elections--as I have time and the inclination depending upon the country involved. To be honest, unless it is an election of special interest, I rarely pay attention to races in Africa and Asia. Those places seem too remote to me.

However, I've American relatives and friends who've lived in far flung places, China and India, for instance, so I do tend to pay some attention to those countries' elections. But they are the big ones, and are easy to find information on the internet about them.

If it's an election in Albania or Sri Lanka, not so much.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:40 AM

Where's that (Mango Bango land)Guest

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:45 AM

Just an expressive way of saying they don't care, they are bigger then us small irrelevant islanders. Though at least we had our time aback in 1940, save the world and what not.

Alltogether now
When Britain first arose.....

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Davey
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM

I think the US and the UK should let each other elect whomever they want with out bothering each other.

Would you like an American to say "you are stupid because you voted wrong"?

"Hey neighbor. Why did you marry that ugly woman? You really screwed up."

Sledge:

Tell us all about the UKs historic role in the middle east?

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM

Muppet - I think the reactions we have been giving have been in response to the way you phrased the question and your emphatic "DISCUSS" in your opening thread. I don't think people like to have a discussion when they are being TOLD to have one, and then when someone tries to start some sort of discussion we are bascially told by you to shutup and just answer the question.   Your constant shouting with the use of CAPS is a real turnoff to any legitimate discussion.

Anway, you are looking for a straight answer and there really isn't one.   I would say most Americans do not "bother" (assuming you are using the word as we Americans would use "pay attention") about UK elections. Major elections around the globe are reported by US media, but the attention is usually drawn to what the implications would be for the U.S.    That doesn't mean we don't care, but it just doesn't effect our lives.    Does the U.S. election affect what happens around the globe? You could probably answer that better than I could. Does the U.K. care about Canadian elections? Does the U.K. care about Mexican elections?

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM

Guest Davey, did you not understand that this was a sovereign democracy before you shot yours?

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 10:53 AM

The Druge Report shows pictures of the British Press slamming the American people. I think one of them says "How can 55 million people be idiots" or something like that.

I can't recall a US newspaper ever commenting like that on a British or Canadian election.   I can't recall an organized campaign for people in the USA to write to people in Britain or Canada and tell them who to vote for.

I think countries should stay out of other countries elections.   I don't like it when Carville or anyone else is sent to other countries to help defeat a candidate.   

Only a handful of people in America even know who the prime minister of Canada is.   Why should they care about Canadian elections if they don't even know who wins.    I think the amount of money spent in this election was about the size of the Canadian GNP.   In South Dakota I think they spent about $700 per voter on the Senate race.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:01 AM

Yes I agree Larry K. Now if only I could make my US government stay out of other peoples' countries, and mind their own business about other countries' elections, the world would be a much lovelier place.

And seriously, I do agree with LarryK's mini-rant there about the Brits sticking their nose into the American election this year. It was idiotic, and done, I believe, to reinforce a very ugly anti-American tendency among certain "liberal" British constituencies. It's truly bullshit.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Lucy
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:04 AM

And I thought the Yanks and us Brits were the few friends in a world gone mad. Tis shame that the leaders and media of our countries should drive the wedge in.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:05 AM

"I can't recall a US newspaper ever commenting like that on a British or Canadian election"

Could it be that the British press has become more astute?

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:13 AM

Do I have to wait until 1620 for a psychotic ramble? It's 1610 now so I don't think it's too early.

For a full and truthful picture of British involvment in the Middle East, Davy, you realy need to watch the detailed and truthful drama documentary 'Carry on up the Kyber'. I can assure you you will not be disappointed.

As to Muppets original question. My cousin in Illinois follows the UKk elections very closely. But then again he is also a Manchester City fan.

Can I come off my psychotic ramble now?

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Sledge
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:13 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:16 AM

Thanks WFDU - Ron Olesko, at last we're getting somewhere,I take your point(s), and forgive my shouting but it get's me mad when folk start reading into a simple request, let's start again then Do you as American Mudcatter (not as a nation or a political party), you as an individual take any interest in UK Politics and the elections. Please, please a simple answer thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST,Davey
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:23 AM

The average Brit sits around in a leather armchair near a fireplace sipping tea and nibbling on crumpets while clad in a silk robe.

They are hard at work reading the works of Shakespeare and making unwanted comments about the poor misguided chaps in that former colony now known as America.

Occasionally they raise One eyebrow and while clenching down harder on their monocle to prevent it from falling into their tea, they say "Jeeves: another snifter of brandy please"

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:24 AM

Elections in the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and, in this particular state of the world, Iraq and Afghanistan would be the main news in our TV (if there was not a dramatic event elsewhere). Elections in Poland, Austria, India, Japan, Belgium, Netherlands, Israel, and some more countries would be among the top three news. Elections in Ireland, Switserland, Australia, Canada, Palestine, South Africa (except for the first inclusive election) and many others would be read among 'other events of the day'.

I was always interested in what happens in other countries.

To those who are interested (both links are in English):

Reactions of German politicians and analysts
Grasping the Second Coming of Bush (the reaction of the German press)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:27 AM

Speaking as an American Mudcatter (that does sound like a third party!) I take limited interest in UK Politics and elections over there.   One of the reasons I say "limited" is because reporting here in the U.S. is minimal. The U.S. media feels the need to focus on issues and elections here in the U.S.   That is not to say that major international stories get no attention. Blair's problems due to his stance on Iraq are well documented here.   But it does take some digging to find out information about what is going on. Frankly, unless I have a specific reason, it is not something I would search out.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:30 AM

Obviously youve never been here.

Hollywood is bollocks, is where I'm guessing you got this kind of stereotype from.

About 0.1% speak the queens English, we range from the Geordies in the North East, to the Scottish Highlanders, Cockneys, Tykes, North and South Welsh, Scottish lowlanders, Scousers, Mancs, Brummies, Cornwallians etc etc etc....

We don't all read Shakespeare, were not all limp wristed choirboys as the French claim we are, how many times have we kicked their arse?
Come here and say that in any working class pub, and pray to the fornicating materialistic god that you come out with your colonials still attached to your body.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: muppett
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:30 AM

I take that as a yes then WFDU-Ron Olesko thank you, now what about other folk out there, blimey talk about pulling teeth, don't ask it's an expression we use over here.

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:33 AM

A qualified YES! I'm sorry, I thought you were looking for discussion as well. While your question may be "yes" or "no", it really needs more explanation.

We pull teeth here as well! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Does the US bother about UK elections?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 11:35 AM

I've come late into this. First, my answer to the original question:

At citizen level, the US does not bother about the UK elections, for whatever reasons. At Government level, they do, very much so - because the UK and Blair is a major tool in drawing as much of Europe as possible into some sort of "coalition". It worked in the first Gulf war, and it sort-of-worked in the second. If they lose Britain's membership in the coalition, the US Govt is left with diddley squat to pretend they are not going it alone.

Davey, boy you don't know your history from the bogey in your nose. When did the US interfere in a sovereign democracy? Check out what the US (through the CIA) did in Greece in 1967, days before the general election that George Papandreou was sure to win by a landlside. The truth is all a matter of public record now, it came out in the trials of the Greek Junta Colonels in the late 1970's. In the same year the US were also interfering in Italy. And how about Nicaragua? All part of the "communist Empire" myth that Straus and his followers were promoting.

I am against any country's interference with any other country - sovereign democracy or not. If sustainable change is required in a country, it can only come from within. You cannot impose or import democracy, it's an oxymoron. And who is to say that one country's so-called-democracy is better than another's?