Worst thread on mudcat?

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 03:03 PM

War of 1812... we beat ya once, we'll do it again!

LOL!!

;-)

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 02:45 PM

Pschaw. The "Maple Leaf State" doesn't threaten me any. Besides, ice doesn't count.

Alex

Subject: Worst Episode Ever...
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 02:31 PM

LOL!! yer gonna have to run further than that Mthief... Lemme quote Rick Mercer back to you...

"Canada is bigger and we're on top... if we were in prison, America would be our bitch!"

LOL!

;-)

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:55 PM

Anamill, don't bother. I mean by all means learn French, but they can tell you're an American by your accent, and they'll snub you and be nasty to you anyway. Hell, Parisians don't even like other Frenchmen. Don't expect them to like you!

In contrast, my experience in Italy was that if you half try to speak a few halting words in Italian, they (outside Rome) are very appreciative and friendly.

If I could go back to Europe, I would skip France altogether.

Alex

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: annamill
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:24 PM

I've never been to France (but I kinda like their music ;-)), but I've heard that if you're an American, they will be very rude and I'd honestly like to know what it is that they dislike so much. Is it because we brag about helping them in War II, or is it because Americans are spoiled and expect the very best in the way of treatment, or is it because we (supposedly) are not as cultured as some, or is it because we expect everyone to speak English everywhere we go? I would like to go to France (Paris actually) someday and I'd like to know what I can do to tone down the dislike a bit.

I've always had the dream of walking from the Hague to Paris as Van Gogh used to do.

Love, annamill(I'llevenlearnFrenchifIhaveto)

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: GUEST,Opaynter
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:12 PM

Boys and Girls! Behave yourselves. You are embarrassing yourselves. Now go to your rooms and take time out and settle yourselves down. Human nature being what it is, there will be no one to have the last word on this thread, so please pull yourselves together. Now, take a deep breath and go on to something else. Kiss and make up if it will make you feel better. Mother

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:02 PM

"No-one likes us, don't know why. We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try. All around, even our old friends put us down - so let's drop the big one and see what happens!" (Randy Newman - "Political Science")

A US President who's only been abroad twice is a little worrying to the rest of us who have to live under the US political, military and cultural hegemony.

Possibly scope for another thread, good, bad or indifferent.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: kendall
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:46 PM

What is your point little john?

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Gary T
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:37 PM

No, radriano, what thread is that on? (G)

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: radriano
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:01 AM

Anyone ever run across the phrase "mental masturbation"?

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: zander (inactive)
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 04:48 AM

In the words of Al Capone " I don't even know what street Canada is on " Cheers [in fun ], Dave

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: InOBU
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:34 PM

Look, I am appaled by the brit/US bashing, though I have to point out that Black Boys on Mopeds was written about England, and if you keep bashing the US George Dubbelya may drop and atom bomb on you... (also ducking and going up to Canada for political assylum....) Larry

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 06:30 PM

On the subject of the attitude some Americans have that might come across to non-Americans as smugness or superiority...

This isn't an attitude. In this country it's considered "patriotism", is seen as the duty of every American, and is the result of many years of indoctrination.

I've seen it displayed by people from elsewhere about their countries as well, so I know it's not a particularly American phenomenon. But I think it draws more fire when we do it (in the U.S.) because we are such a large and powerful country.

I don't, personally, think there is such a thing as "the best country in the world." Every country has good points and bad points. Some more bad than good, but I think most of the countries represented in this forum are probably equally good and equally bad.

My 2 cents worth.

Carol

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: little john cameron
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 05:53 PM

YEAH RIGHT??? ljc

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 05:46 PM

As recently as the 30's the British empire was admired, feared and resented all over the world. At that time, the USA was a country with a navy which ranked 19th in the world. Now, I guess it's our turn "in the barrel" as they say. Fire away folks, but when the next Hitler or Tojo threatens you, we'll be there again to fight and die for you.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: paddymac
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 05:12 PM

I guess everyone's entitled to a bad day now and again.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 12:03 PM

Canada's not a country anyway, it's just the 51st state.

(ducking, grinning, and running!)

Alex

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 10:06 AM

I hate to perpetuate this thread but please take a look back and THINK.

The 1st Ammendment was brought up by an American and was questioned by a Canadian.

2 Americans agree with this challenge and the 2nd American gives an example of bad behaviour by his own countrymen.

1 American not likeing this lays into the British who had not even entered this conversation....

Someone, presumably British, then retaliated.

If there was an unprovoked attack by one country on another, factualy, it was the British who were bashed (unless you view the Canadian challenge as bashing - I don't and even if I did, it does not justify British bashing) so please don't go on about American bashing.

Anyway, I just wanted to set the record straight and hopefully will go back to enjoying conversation with people from all over the world now.

Jon

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 09:50 AM

Nice try, but I've seen worse threads than this one...

In fact, I may even have launched worse threads than this one, but if so it was probably deliberate, in a humorous sense, that is.

Brendy isn't so much mean as just a bit caustic at times. And that can have an appeal of its own.

I think the reason the USA gets slagged a lot is mainly because it is such a powerful country, so much more influential in the world than any other nation. That naturally irritates the other nations who are affected financially, militarily, culturally, and so on by the USA. If you were back in the Roman Empire times, you'd hear similar complaints everywhere about Rome and the Romans, I'm sure.

Living in Canada, for example, makes one always aware that one is like a small animal next door to the world's biggest elephant, and that's worrisome. Or as Benito Juarez said, "Poor Mexico...so far from God and so near the United States".

This doesn't imply that individual Americans are better or worse than other people, it's just a statement of realpolitik.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: pict
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 04:34 AM

Merely pointing out that "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" as for "Destructive criticism only indicates that the writer has no useful ideas of his/her own"what a stupid statement.I do agree on letting this thread die though.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 04:10 AM

Destructive criticism only indicates that the writer has no useful ideas of his/her own.

Far better to lead by example, and rise above such petty carping by accepting that everyone believes their own country (state, county, continent, etc.) to be 'the best', but also to accept that there are a few rotten apples in every barrel.

Citing those rotten apples as typical behaviour is neither fair nor accurate.

May we have some postings to redress the balance, or shall we let this thread die here and now?

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Clifton53
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 01:41 AM

What I'd like to know is how a thread on Brendy's whatever translates into a general piss-all on America!!! Really tired of this shit!!!!

Clifton53

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 12:41 AM

I like Brendy.

Sometimes I wish he would find more effective and less destructive ways of expressing his opinions. Sometimes I think he causes more problems for himself by not being diplomatic than he would have if he made that effort.

But I like him, and I don't think he's mean.

And he's fun to play with.

Carol

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 11:48 PM

reminds me of the logic in the line.."All Indians walk in single file...well, anyway, the Indian I saw was walking in single file."

no one proves **ANYTHING** by citing cases like this, except that there are some mean people everywhere.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: pict
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 11:23 PM

I don't think it's wise for Yanks to start slinging shit on that particular issue I haven't heard of any black people being dragged behind a car until they're decapitated in England or anywhere in Europe for that matter.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: kendall
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 09:59 PM

when I was in Jamaica I saw 4 guys from London, drunk ,singing God Save The Queen, insulting the natives by calling them "Spooks" TO THEIR FACES!! and insisting that the bus driver stop so they could get more beer. Yanks dont have a corner on gauche'

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 11:08 PM

Aw gee. This thread qualifies as far as I can see, not only for the title but for removal.

~S~

---

Well, perhaps, but the general policy is to expect Mudcatters to behave like adults. Most of you have been around here long enough to know that the best way to make a flame thread die is not to post to it.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: richlmo
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 10:19 PM

Probably this one.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Troll
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 10:19 PM

Right you are Don. Theres nothing funnier (or sadder) than some loud America tourist trying to tell a Spanish cop about his "rights".
And we won't even TALK about some of the countries in Central Asia.

troll

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 10:09 PM

Actually I'm with Clinton here. Just because I have the right of free speach here where I live doesn't give me the power to take it where ever I go and expect the same rights I enjoy at home.

Don

All of which has nothing to do with what ever "Guest" was aiming at and this is a better notion for a debate anyway.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: mousethief
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 02:06 PM

Perhaps the 1st amendment doesn't apply to the internet, but the principles behind it ought to.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: kendall
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 02:02 PM

Freedom of speech.

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:59 PM

What's the first amendment?

And why do yanks think their laws apply to the internet?

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: kendall
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:35 PM

something to do with the 1st amendment I think..

Subject: RE: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: mousethief
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:15 PM

What purpose does this thread serve?

Subject: Worst thread on mudcat?
From: guest
Date: 12 Dec 00 - 01:08 PM

We've had gargoyle, we've had the 'true conscience of mudcat' and Max has had to implement the 'guest' prefix.

Now we have Brandy.

I for one think that Brendy has been the meanest of the lot