Jeneane Garofalo on Crossfire on CNN...

[Guest Ronixis]

The greatest country in the world is Switzerland.

I'm really suprised you think that. You get all over the GOP for being pro-military, no one is more militaristic than the Swiss. Their whole country is the military, virtually every male is in the service by 18 and virtually every house has a government issued automatic weapon. Aside form being neutral I don't know too much else about them though, so I assume they're a pretty liberal/Euro-Socialist type of country, but I'm not sure.

 

Why do you think Switzerland is the best? I'm honestly curious. PM me if you don't want to further muddle this thread by going off topic, as I have.

 

Dreamer, Japan is a pretty racist society. They hate the Chinese, the Koreans, the Vietnamese, and non-Japanese basically. Not everyone of course but it is very much a part of their culture, far more so than racism is a part of our's. Racism is actully far more prevalant in msot other countries than it is in America. Why do you suppose that Germany and France are against Turkey join the EU, even after the Turks have complied with almost every demand? Couldn't be because the country is 99.8% Muslim, could it?

True, but I would call it more of a national pride thing, more then racism-Not nessearly a bad thing, but it does offend me somewhat because I dealt with this (A girl I loved had Japanese, Mexcian, and Afro-American Blood).

 

Of course there is more "racism" in other countries, even though those same countries you metioned ended Slavery many years after America, and did not have a Civil War to do so- and even that war was not based on Slavery per-se, but mostly a factor of states rights- some of it dealing with slavery. Old Abe did not want to free the slaves in one quote he made back in 1861- but if it wasnt for the Prodding (and correctly I might add) by Fredrick Douglas, Abe would not have changed his mind

 

But the only Racism I see, is double standerds. Take the Ludris situation. Bill's mistake, is that he cant call a spade, a spade. Osbornes spill all this tripe, just as much as Ludris, but Ludris loses his deal and the Osbornes get it? Thats Racism right there. Other than that, Bill got it right with Jesse Jackson- Shakedown Artist.

 

To the French and Turkey thing: They have a problem dealing with Muslim Arabs in France. Chrac NEARLY lost the election because of the immgration issue, the same thing we are facing here. But, Turkey has been pro-US since 1961...

 

But to ask the question To The Dreamer- Why Japan? I think some of the laws were made from the US Laws? Is it the animation industry? What?

[Guest Some Guy]

True, but I would call it more of a national pride thing, more then racism-Not nessearly a bad thing, but it does offend me somewhat because I dealt with this (A girl I loved had Japanese, Mexcian, and Afro-American Blood).

Sure, they don't really have differebt races in their society so call it "national pride" or whatever. As i think you were touching upon, try being a white guy and going out with a Japanese girl who's has a tradionalist father. It's racism. It's their right to be that way, but the that's the way it is.

 

but mostly a factor of states rights- some of it dealing with slavery. Old Abe did not want to free the slaves in one quote he made back in 1861- but if it wasnt for the Prodding (and correctly I might add) by Fredrick Douglas, Abe would not have changed his mind

 

He was against slavery all along. He was content to allow slavery to stay as long as the Union was preserved.

 

To the French and Turkey thing: They have a problem dealing with Muslim Arabs in France. Chrac NEARLY lost the election because of the immgration issue, the same thing we are facing here. But, Turkey has been pro-US since 1961...

 

Sure, but convential wisdom indicates that not wanting Arabs in your country is a little bit racist. I have no problem with the limitaqtion of immigration, but to single out a group is racist. I know the Frogs have about 6 million Muslims already, including that Zack Massoui (sp?) terrorist.

[Guest JMA]

Why not move to china? They are a communist nation and suit your beliefs perfectly.

Sorry, I'm not a Communist.

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

"I don't hate America or anything. I just like Japan's laws and policies a bit better."

 

Can you name such laws and policies so we can better understand why Japan is a better place?

[Guest Olympic Slam]

I live in Canada, and you are either grossly misinformed, or out of your mind.

 

I'd trade places with you in a hot minute.

Welcome to the current events forum Ulysses, I can tell already you'll be a welcome addition.

 

Since you're a disgruntled Canadian, is there anything that you feel warrants Canada being its own country? Other than creeping socialism, is there anything that makes people "thank their lucky stars they don't in the U.S?"

[Guest bob_barron]

You know-

 

As someone who has lived in Canada and the US- I can attest that Canada is NOT America, Jr

[Guest Olympic Slam]

You know-

 

As someone who has lived in Canada and the US- I can attest that Canada is NOT America, Jr

What are the major differences? Do they warrant a seperate country?

[Guest bob_barron]

Absolutely.

 

The people there are very different, they have a different political system and different views on the world. There's no one specific difference but I do feel different when I'm in living in Toronto v. when I'm living in NY

 

In the War of 1812- USA invaded Canada but got rebuffed- so it's not like we didn't try.

 

Comments like that are just ignorance and are many of the reasons why some Canadians look down on Americans.

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

I believe Kuwait has a larger military than Canada. They do not need a large military because they know we will protect them. I see your point, maybe they do not warrant being a seperate country.

[Guest bob_barron]

Sigh.

 

What does them having a small military have to do with anything?

 

They DO warrant being a seperate country- live there and you'll see.

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

In the world, if you cannot protect yourself, eventually you will be taken over. Seems logical enough.

[Guest bob_barron]

Already tried that-

 

See War of 182

[Guest Olympic Slam]

Absolutely.

 

The people there are very different, they have a different political system and different views on the world. There's no one specific difference but I do feel different when I'm in living in Toronto v. when I'm living in NY

 

In the War of 1812- USA invaded Canada but got rebuffed- so it's not like we didn't try.

 

Comments like that are just ignorance and are many of the reasons why some Canadians look down on Americans.

You're completely missing the point. I have nothing against Canada or am I trying to make Canada look marginal. I just want a better understanding of WHAT in particular makes Canada neccessary in the world? I know they have a different political system, that's because they have a different view and ideas of the world. I want to know WHAT those views are. Countries are not about people, they're about ideas, beleifs and policies that shape the people. A lot of Americans look at country X and their beliefs and say "thank god I live here in America." What is it about Canada that make Canadians say "thank god I live here in Canada instead of" country X or the U.S. Help me out here, I'm trying broaden my international knowledge

[Guest Olympic Slam]

In the world, if you cannot protect yourself, eventually you will be taken over. Seems logical enough.

Canada doesn't need a big miltary, they have the U.S ready and willing to squash whoever dares mess with western civilazation.

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

In the world, if you cannot protect yourself, eventually you will be taken over.  Seems logical enough.

Canada doesn't need a big miltary, they have the U.S ready and willing to squash whoever dares mess with western civilazation.

I was saying that if the US chose to take Canada over it would be quite easy. Not other countries

[Guest bob_barron]

Okay- I'll give it a shot.

 

This is all based on my perspective since being here- I'm sure someone whose actually Canadian would be better.

 

For the most part Canadians are much more liberal and less militaristic. Most Canadians are very against the war on Iraq for example.

 

Canadians are very proud to be Canadian. For example- the Maple Leaf is everywhere and a lot of people were clothes with Canadian colours and the Canadian flag on them.

 

This didn't really happen in America until after 9.11 while it's been going on in Canada for a while.

 

Canada also take great pride in when their country does well in a sporting event. Take the 2002 Olympics or right now- a lot of people are interested in the cricket world cup.

 

It just seems like Canadians take a lot more pride in being Canadian then Americans do in being American. (Well pre 9.11 anyway)

 

Of course I've only been living in Canada for 5 months so if someone who is Canadian wants to clarify anything I said- they're more then welcome too.

[Guest treble charged]

Canada and the US are different types of nations. Canada is more of a laid back place and take a relaxed attitude towards many things.

 

Canada has a smaller military because we don't need a large one. We are not rabble rousers who get our noses into the business of other countries and caused them to be pissed off at us. The US does this and events like 9/11 happen.

 

I hate when people say that Canada doesn't warrant being it's own country simply because it does not fit the same criteria as the US. Go pick on Luxembourg, or something.

[Guest treble charged]

oops

[Guest Olympic Slam]

Hmm, I'm not getting the type of answers I was looking for. Maybe I should ask Lance Storm as he'd know the exact differences.

 

Basically what I have so far is: Canada is different than the United States because they're not quite like Americans. *shrugs*

[Guest treble charged]

I'm confused by what you're asking. Do you want to know how Canadian people are different than American people, or how the country and it's political system differ from that of the US?

[Guest JMA]

Can you name such laws and policies so we can better understand why Japan is a better place?

Yes, I could. But what would be the point? You've already made up your mind and can't be convinced otherwise. It would be an exercise of futility. If you enter the conversation with an open-mind then and only then will I discuss the matter. And why did you think I was a Communist? I just like socialized medicine, that's all. That doesn't mean I'm a Communist or even a socialist for that matter.

[Guest Olympic Slam]

I'm confused by what you're asking. Do you want to know how Canadian people are different than American people, or how the country and it's political system differ from that of the US?

Actually its a mix of both. What I want to know is what are the social policies, customs and beliefs that make Canada what it is? Bob Barron mentioned they weren't very militaristic so that's one important characteristic and I'm sure there are countless others (otherwise why be a country at all?) From what I understand, Canada has a greater reliance on government and is more egalitarian than the U.S. From there I ask, do these unqiue characteristics warrant the creation or continuation of the country? Does a slightly different view on the uses of government warrant a separate border, flag and constititution?

 

A lot of you are offended that I'm asking this and that shows me that you are proud to be Canadian rather than American/Mexican/Japanese ect. Take a look at a map of Europe. Lots of different countries, huh? Most of those borders were fought over in blood soaked wars so one's belief system and values could be protected over another. What makes Canada the country that it is? Should Canada and its own identity be preserved?

[Guest treble charged]

See, what you're asking can be applied to ANY country, though, not just Canada. I think it's already been said what makes Canada a distinct society from America mostly, as well as other nations.

 

Americans and Canadians do share a lot of the same beliefs and religions, true, but that shouldn't be the only criteria for a country, in my mind. There are situations that are unique to Canada (such as Quebec).

 

If Canada were to adopt the American constitution, major things would remain the same in Canada, but there would be minor things that would affect some minorites, likely (especially French speaking people).

[Guest Ulysses Everett McGill]

I don't know about the Swiss. How tough could a country be, where their Army's standard knife contains a "spork"?

[Guest kkktookmybabyaway]

“Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains. " Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)”

 

As much as I live this line, I’ve read from several sources that he never actually said this.

 

“Dreamer, Japan is a pretty racist society. They hate the Chinese, the Koreans, the Vietnamese, …”

 

Damn, and they all still look alike!

 

“But the only Racism I see, is double standerds. Take the Ludris situation. Bill's mistake, is that he cant call a spade, a spade. Osbornes spill all this tripe, just as much as Ludris, but Ludris loses his deal and the Osbornes get it?”

 

If this was the Ozzy of 20 years ago, then I’d agree. When Ludris (sp) gets to be a senile lovable old street thug, then he can be in all the commercials he wants. Personally, I don’t give a crap if he’s a Pepsi shill or not.

 

And from the few times I've been north of the border, I could tell the differences between Canada and the U.S. Bob hit most of the key points on the head...

[Guest Tim]

I don't know about the Swiss. How tough could a country be, where their Army's standard knife contains a "spork"?

Well, I would appreciate a spork if I was in the situation where I needed to eat something, and no utensil was available. All you need is a sharp edge and you have a 3 in 1 eating machine.

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

"And why did you think I was a Communist? I just like socialized medicine, that's all. That doesn't mean I'm a Communist or even a socialist for that matter."

 

Because you like the idea of socialized medicine and you want to leave the US. Those seem like strong indications of a socialist.

[Guest JMA]

Because you like the idea of socialized medicine and you want to leave the US. Those seem like strong indications of a socialist.

Because I like one aspect of socialism makes me a socialist? Yeah right. What does my wanting to move to Japan have to do with anything? I want to live there, so what?

[Guest wrestlingfanatic]

Have you ever left the country and seen how people in other countries live? I have been to Mexico, Canada and England and trust me, I want to live here. I think in Japan you can't drive a car over 40,000 miles because of emitions laws. That one reason alone I would not want to live there.

[Guest JMA]

Have you ever left the country and seen how people in other countries live? I have been to Mexico, Canada and England and trust me, I want to live here. I think in Japan you can't drive a car over 40,000 miles because of emitions laws. That one reason alone I would not want to live there.

To each his own. I do, however, want to live in Japan.