Every now and again someone comes along and does something or says something that is so awful that you just have to shake your head in disbelief. This is a classic case:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html

If I had a list of the top 5 things wrong with America, he and those that consider themselves followers of him would definitely be on it.

So what are your top 5 things wrong with America?

Col

So what are your top 5 things wrong with America?

Col

The main one is that we didn't get away from Mother England soon enough.

Some people take a long time to grow up, some never manage it, the same seems to apply to countries.

Brian

So what are your top 5 things wrong with America?

Col

I don't know, to be honest. I have never actually sat down and thought of all the bad things, categorized them, and then ranked them.

Every now and again someone comes along and does something or says something that is so awful that you just have to shake your head in disbelief. This is a classic case:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html

If I had a list of the top 5 things wrong with America, he and those that consider themselves followers of him would definitely be on it.A good point. I am sure that the best way to correct faults is to first recognise that they exist.

Actually thinking about it. Americans will never admit or accept that there is anything wrong with the USA - so I don't hold out much hope for any sensible answer here.

Col

Actually thinking about it. Americans will never admit or accept that there is anything wrong with the USA - so I don't hold out much hope for any sensible answer here.

Col

Now that's just plain not true.

Isn't that the same in every country?

If I say somthing negative about my country it's fine.

If someone from another country says somthing negative about my country, those are fighting words.

Actually thinking about it. Americans will never admit or accept that there is anything wrong with the USA - so I don't hold out much hope for any sensible answer here.

Col
Do you actually believe that?

Do you actually believe that?
Impossible to tell with Col. He does enjoy winding up people especially when they rise to the bait. I suspect in real life he enjoys a nice days fishing:)

Every now and again someone comes along and does something or says something that is so awful that you just have to shake your head in disbelief. This is a classic case:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html

If I had a list of the top 5 things wrong with America, he and those that consider themselves followers of him would definitely be on it.

Seems to me he has a point. Not that I believe what he's saying, but it stands to reason, if you are a religious freak and you see people playing around with voodoo and their country gets "smote", what else are you going to think? It's not that he's tactless, it's just that he's stuck in a time warp back in the dark ages.

Isn't that the same in every country?

If I say somthing negative about my country it's fine.

If someone from another country says somthing negative about my country, those are fighting words.

Not so...

I know my country has gone to the dogs, and if anybody from outside my country says it I would agree with them..

He does not have a point. Most of Haiti is catholic and not practising voodoo. Even if they were voodoo ceremonies it has NO connection to devil worship as most christian faiths would define it, only the uninformed or ignorant would bent the truth to those ends. Sort of the same way some ignorant people condemn 'alternative healing' methods as witch doctoring or whacko medicine.

Seems to me he has a point. Not that I believe what he's saying, but it stands to reason, if you are a religious freak and you see people playing around with voodoo and their country gets "smote", what else are you going to think? It's not that he's tactless, it's just that he's stuck in a time warp back in the dark ages.

Not so...

I know my country has gone to the dogs, and if anybody from outside my country says it I would agree with them..
You're just being d*mned unpatrotic:eek:. How dare you insult our glorious country. You cad, sir:D

Not so...

I know my country has gone to the dogs, and if anybody from outside my country says it I would agree with them..
This is way off topic. But what would you do to fix it?

At the same time, why should the entire country have to answer for what this one idiot says. We have people like him holding signs spouting damnation on South Beach in Miami. We ignore them. I'll do the same with this heartless ass.

At the same time, why should the entire country have to answer for what this one idiot says. We have people like him holding signs spouting damnation on South Beach in Miami. We ignore them. I'll do the same with this heartless ass.

What are you talking about?

What are you talking about?
Well it's simple, the US is full of cranks, just don't let one of them rise to the Presidency again

Well it's simple, the US is full of cranks, just don't let one of them rise to the Presidency again

We didn't. :D

I'd like to apologize for 2002-2008 as well. Sorry about that. :D

What are you talking about?

The scum in the article.

The scum in the article.

That's a lot of emotion Vas.

I don't know, to be honest. I have never actually sat down and thought of all the bad things, categorized them, and then ranked them.

Probably because all the good things by far overshadow and outweigh the negative.

That's a lot of emotion Vas.

Not really. I just write him off as another ignorant human being. He's lost any credibility with me. For anyone to claim a natural disaster that kills children, babies even, is an act of punishment from God for "sins" their ancestors "committed," they've obviously lost touch with their humanity. They are worthless to me at this point.

Probably because all the good things by far overshadow and outweigh the negative.
That depends on which side of the fence you're on

Not really. I just write him off as another ignorant human being. He's lost any credibility with me. For anyone to claim a natural disaster that kills children, babies even, is an act of punishment from God for "sins" their ancestors "committed," they've obviously lost touch with their humanity. They are worthless to me at this point.
Most unfortunate.

Actually thinking about it. Americans will never admit or accept that there is anything wrong with the USA - so I don't hold out much hope for any sensible answer here.

Col

I think there's something wrong with every country Colin. Including yours. England is not all that, and the US certainly is not either. But of course, you would never admit that, since you're always the only one that's right, huh? :rolleyes:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html


What is worrisome is that this person, Pat Robertson, is in a position to influence other people.

I think there's something wrong with every country Colin. Including yours. England is not all that, and the US certainly is not either. But of course, you would never admit that, since you're always the only one that's right, huh? :rolleyes:
To be fair I have read posts from Colin pointing out things he feels are wrong with England. I particularly remember some sharp criticis of the North of the country:D

I think there's something wrong with every country Colin. Including yours. England is not all that, and the US certainly is not either. But of course, you would never admit that, since you're always the only one that's right, huh? :rolleyes:

There are many things wrong with the UK.

The government is crap, but I don't know if any other will do any better. People are depressed about everything from the weather to the current cricket scores.

Our old people care homes are like torture camps with people left to rot in their own effluent.
The roads are crap and full of potholes. The local councils don't have enough money to run their services as they would like - yet billions is given to bankers for failing.

Hospitals do their best, but all beds are always full, nurses are leaving in droves, doctors are mostly foreign and have communication problems. Big mistakes are made and people die when they shouldn't.

Petrol is massively expensive yet the companies make billions in profit. The army is ill equipped, soldiers die daily many through lack of suitable gear / vehicles / helicopters.

Gas, electric and water prices are sky high. And you get people from the north moving into the south.

Shall I go on? There's plenty more.

Col

People are depressed about everything from the weather to the current cricket scores.

Shall I go on? There's plenty more.

Col

Well as for the cricket - There is NOT plenty more - one wicket to be exact until you lose the match... At least you draw the series
THATS ALL US SA's COULD HOPE FOR

. And you get people from the north moving into the south.

Shall I go on? There's plenty more.

ColThere also people from the west moving into the east:D

Well as for the cricket - There is NOT plenty more - one wicket to be exact until you lose the match... At least you draw the series
THATS ALL US SA's COULD HOPE FOR
Only 'cause the umpire needs glasses

Only 'cause the umpire needs glasses
For all 18 Wickets hey?

Thing is "YOU" would've won if you had sent us in to bat first - not the pitch to bat in overcast conditions.

Only 'cause the umpire needs glasses

Or a hearing aid.

Still. who takes cricket seriously?

Brian

Still. who takes cricket seriously?

Brian
South Africans and Mick Jagger:D

South Africans and Mick Jagger:D
Ouch.....
Sorry have to go watch Arsenal.... suppose thats not a sport either?:eek:

Ps. Who's Mick Jagger?:p

Ouch.....
Sorry have to go watch Arsenal.... suppose thats not a sport either?:eek:

Ps. Who's Mick Jagger?:p
Arsenal's not worth watching anyway, like Chelsea and the Puds:p

Arsenal's not worth watching anyway, like Chelsea and the Puds:p

Can't disagree about the puds, mindyou although we are playing utter c**p the rest aren't exactly leaving us far behind.

Brian

There are many things wrong with the UK.
The government is crap, but I don't know if any other will do any better. People are depressed about everything from the weather to the current cricket scores.

I do not think the government controls the weather... they might have their hand in fixing cricket games.

Our old people care homes are like torture camps with people left to rot in their own effluent.

Why do you not take care of your own elders?

The roads are crap and full of potholes. The local councils don't have enough money to run their services as they would like - yet billions is given to bankers for failing.

What do you worry about roads for - you are always suggestion people should live closer to services - if it is a no brainer for third world countries then would it not make sense for England people?
Invest in banking - I hear there are millions to be made!

Hospitals do their best, but all beds are always full, nurses are leaving in droves, doctors are mostly foreign and have communication problems. Big mistakes are made and people die when they shouldn't.

I guess the big cleanout of dead wood from the NHS two years or so back did not fix everything.

Petrol is massively expensive yet the companies make billions in profit.

That is not depressing for those who can afford to invest in the companies stocks.

The army is ill equipped, soldiers die daily many through lack of suitable gear / vehicles / helicopters.

I did not know the army was defending your homeland.

Gas, electric and water prices are sky high.

I have absolutely no idea why people would pay for water :confused:

And you get people from the north moving into the south.

Well at least the northern people are cleaver enough to move closer to the services as you have prescribed as the cure for third world countries.

Shall I go on? There's plenty more.
Col
Sure - tell us more please :)

Gas, electric and water prices are sky high. And you get people from the north moving into the south.

Shall I go on? There's plenty more.

Col
Your water bills are about a third of ours down here!:mad:;)

Your water bills are about a third of ours down here!:mad:;)

I pay £22 per month. (on a meter)

Col

I pay £22 per month. (on a meter)

Col
I have managed to get it down less than that but ours per se is about three times the national avg.:mad:

He does not have a point. Most of Haiti is catholic and not practising voodoo. Even if they were voodoo ceremonies it has NO connection to devil worship as most christian faiths would define it, only the uninformed or ignorant would bent the truth to those ends. Sort of the same way some ignorant people condemn 'alternative healing' methods as witch doctoring or whacko medicine.

I didn't say he was right to believe it, just that he has a point if that is what he believes. I do understand the concept of Santa Maria and am in no way defending him, just defending his right to his beliefs and to voice his opinion, right or wrong.

I do not think the government controls the weather... they might have their hand in fixing cricket games.

Why do you not take care of your own elders?

What do you worry about roads for - you are always suggestion people should live closer to services - if it is a no brainer for third world countries then would it not make sense for England people?
Invest in banking - I hear there are millions to be made!

I guess the big cleanout of dead wood from the NHS two years or so back did not fix everything.

That is not depressing for those who can afford to invest in the companies stocks.

I did not know the army was defending your homeland.

I have absolutely no idea why people would pay for water :confused:

Well at least the northern people are cleaver enough to move closer to the services as you have prescribed as the cure for third world countries.

Sure - tell us more please :)

You're a funny guy Fifty.

I can not take all the credit, I was just paraphrasing from some of Coline's own posts.
You're a funny guy Fifty.

I can not take all the credit, I was just paraphrasing from some of Coline's own posts.

Yes, and if you had given it some thought you might have made a better job of it.

I was right though, no Americans will list anything wrong with the USA.

Col

Yes, and if you had given it some thought you might have made a better job of it.

I was right though, no Americans will list anything wrong with the USA.

Col

Wrong again as usual, Col.
We have a 33% high school drop out rate.
We have a 30% Child hood obesity rate.
What does that say about our future?

I was right though, no Americans will list anything wrong with the USA.


I'd list a lot of things, I just wouldn't rank them because that would take a whole lot more effort that I am willing to expend for this forum.

Education - We claim to put education first, but we do not support it. College costs are sky high and you either have to be rich already or put yourself in debt a massive amount to obtain a degree.
Religion - Established religious organizations get tax-free status under the assumption that they are helping the common person. In reality, they are often very politically-charged institutions that breed the most extreme followers. Revoking their tax-exempt status would be a great start.
Immigration - We have a very sticky problem growing as far as immigration goes. Big business (read: republicans) like illegal immigrants for the cheap labor. Old white people (read: republicans) hate immigrants because they speak a different language and are convinced that they are trying to destroy this country.
Sense of Worth - Many politicians continually talk about how we're "the greatest country on the face of the Earth", and people who have never left the country believe them. Anything that America is not is automatically bad. Socialism is a scare word that gets people all riled up, but half of them couldn't tell you what it means. We feel we are the protectors of the world, and it is our responsibility to right wrongs in other countries. This has led to our current war, the past war, the past war before that, and is one of the main factors for the complete collapse of our economy.

I'm sure there's more, but that's off the top of my head.

I'd list a lot of things, I just wouldn't rank them because that would take a whole lot more effort that I am willing to expend for this forum.

Education - We claim to put education first, but we do not support it. College costs are sky high and you either have to be rich already or put yourself in debt a massive amount to obtain a degree.
Religion - Established religious organizations get tax-free status under the assumption that they are helping the common person. In reality, they are often very politically-charged institutions that breed the most extreme followers. Revoking their tax-exempt status would be a great start.
Immigration - We have a very sticky problem growing as far as immigration goes. Big business (read: republicans) like illegal immigrants for the cheap labor. Old white people (read: republicans) hate immigrants because they speak a different language and are convinced that they are trying to destroy this country.
Sense of Worth - Many politicians continually talk about how we're "the greatest country on the face of the Earth", and people who have never left the country believe them. Anything that America is not is automatically bad. Socialism is a scare word that gets people all riled up, but half of them couldn't tell you what it means. We feel we are the protectors of the world, and it is our responsibility to right wrongs in other countries. This has led to our current war, the past war, the past war before that, and is one of the main factors for the complete collapse of our economy.

I'm sure there's more, but that's off the top of my head.

Simplistic to be sure, but you got it mostly right.

immigrants because they speak a different language and are convinced that they are trying to destroy this country.[B]


They have in the UK, so it'll be no different I suppose in the USA.

We let in every Tom, Dick and Harry, then pay them benefits and give them houses whilst others who have paid benefit contributions all their working lives miss out because they are not "eligible" on a technicality.

Col

I did give it some thought but as English is not my primary language and I have other things to do with my life then dwell on every post in this forum. I guess I am not as good at it as you but I also have other things in my life.

Yes, and if you had given it some thought you might have made a better job of it.

I was right though, no Americans will list anything wrong with the USA.

Col