I'm afraid of Americans

SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
Writing as a German from Germany, I begin to wonder "What is goin' wrong in the US of A"? after reading the newest paydays of hedgefund billionaires and that the defense budget of the U.S.A. is larger than the world's rest combined .... at the same time, record numbers of Americans are dependant on food banks.

Why is the world's richest country so brutally inequal that not being able to make ends meet means going to bed hungry?
 

eddiejerom

New member
Awards
0
He is not talking about other countrys, he is saying why is it that a country that has the largest defence buget still has many of its citizens living in povety. A very very vaild point.
 
DAdams91982

DAdams91982

Board Sponsor
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
It doesn't take a genius to understand that we are a superpower because of our defense budget.

If it wasn't for the money put into defense by the US, Nazi's would have France speaking German. The US would be speaking the queens language, Kuwait would cease to exist, etc etc.

The US government doesn't baby their citizens. No 23% VAT tax here. Everyone here has the opportunities if they wish to take them. I say kudo's to the billionaires!
 

youngandfree

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
I wouldn't draw a specific correlation between the defense budget and the perceived poverty level. But I agree we are on the wrong road. Look at other countries that are more socially liberal than we are that are having to reign in their policies because they are in fact unsustainable. Yet Obama wants to go full steam ahead senacting even more social policies that those countries are having to turn around.

As far as how we got here, its a long road we have been down. The culture in our politics that says you as a citizen you shouldn't be wealthy and we are going tax you in order to give more money and free services to poorer people, yet the politicians making those policies are very wealthy themselves. The idea that you aren't capable of being responsible for youself as an adult has crippled this country. The idea that the government wont let you fail has been around for decades. Yet if you don't fail, you wont learn the mistakes you are making and make adjustments in order to provide for yourself or your family because someone (the government) will always bail you out. That is on an individual as well as corporate level. And we can point to specific policies from the right and the left that exploit and further these philosophies that have been destructive to our country.
 
SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
In fact, I was not even trying to draw a specific correlation between defense spending and poverty - I just took this fact as one of many that makes me, as a foreigner observing a foreign country, scratch my head.

I can give you some URLs to articles that had and have me thinking about this, like :wtf:

1) From 2004 "Working and poor" http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_22/b3885001_mz001.htm

2) From 2010 http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2004-06-08-low-wage-working-poor_x.htm

3) http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/15/paulson-falcone-earners-biz-wall-cz_js_0415wallstreet.html

The thing I find especially awful is how people who work from 9 to 5 or even more are reduced to trailerpark trash existences while others reap rewards that are completely out of line with anything anyone might deserve for actual productive work (I don't count moving money around as such).

I also find it in a way funny how the "tax cuts" that Dubya engineered are not even affordable - and, through increasing the deficits - will mean indirect higher costs in the future (interest payments) of which the major part will again be shouldered by the working poor for which every cut in public services often means an even lousier existence.
 
DAdams91982

DAdams91982

Board Sponsor
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
In fact, I was not even trying to draw a specific correlation between defense spending and poverty - I just took this fact as one of many that makes me, as a foreigner observing a foreign country, scratch my head.

I can give you some URLs to articles that had and have me thinking about this, like :wtf:

1) From 2004 "Working and poor" http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_22/b3885001_mz001.htm

2) From 2010 http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2004-06-08-low-wage-working-poor_x.htm

3) http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/15/paulson-falcone-earners-biz-wall-cz_js_0415wallstreet.html

The thing I find especially awful is how people who work from 9 to 5 or even more are reduced to trailerpark trash existences while others reap rewards that are completely out of line with anything anyone might deserve for actual productive work (I don't count moving money around as such).

I also find it in a way funny how the "tax cuts" that Dubya engineered are not even affordable - and, through increasing the deficits - will mean indirect higher costs in the future (interest payments) of which the major part will again be shouldered by the working poor for which every cut in public services often means an even lousier existence.
Ah... I see where this is going. Jealousy for the wealthy.

That's all you had to say.

What is increasingly funny is that you say the interest is shouldered by the poor when in fact less than 50% of Americans even pay income tax, and yet the wealthy pay much more income tax than the poor by a large percentage. You sound like the kid with a bag of cheese nips crying cause someone else has real Cheez-Itz.

There is nothing equal in the US, the wealthy is penalized for being wealthy.

Germany has an income tax that tops out at 45% of earned income for people making 250K, then add in your 23% VAT sales tax. That is the difference, other countries just tax their way out. Americans have the power in the US, and all are saying to find another solution rather than just taxing us to death.
 
T-AD

T-AD

Well-known member
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
I don't get involved in politics threads for very good reasons, and I will leave after saying this...

In his exit speech, George Washington maintained that the worst thing America could do is get involved in foreign affairs.

That is all.
 
EasyEJL

EasyEJL

Never enough
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
In fact, I was not even trying to draw a specific correlation between defense spending and poverty - I just took this fact as one of many that makes me, as a foreigner observing a foreign country, scratch my head.
As an american, observing how european governments punish success and reward failure, I scratch my head too. France rioting over the retirement age going from 60 to 62? I scratch my head over that as well.
 
Delta Force

Delta Force

PES Rep
Awards
1
  • Established
OP is afraid of Americans... David Bowie was Afraid Of Americans.... I really thought this was about the song :D

 

AnabolicFrenz

Member
Awards
0
The top 1% pay 39% of all federal taxes, the top 25% pay about 86%, and the top 50% pay 97%.

The majority of the poor here stay poor cause it is easy for them. If they get everything for free anyway why work for it. If you have found a way to make money, started a business, worked your way up, whatever, why should you be punished so that someone who has not been able to accomplish what you did can live better?
 
Delta Force

Delta Force

PES Rep
Awards
1
  • Established
all of these statistics sound ok but in all reality USA is the greatest nation there is... we are the only supper power left in our planet... love it or hate it you cant deny it...

God is an American!!
 
SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
I don't get involved in politics threads for very good reasons, and I will leave after saying this...

In his exit speech, George Washington maintained that the worst thing America could do is get involved in foreign affairs.

That is all.
This may very well be true - read e.g. http://www.antiwar.com/pat/?articleid=10267

What's more to this? I think I detected what I like to call "american retardedness", a strange attitude that is reflective e.g. in running record deficits, but being unwilling to raise taxes for the wealthiest who sometimes even say themselves they are willing and able to share the burden of a sunken economy. But no, the "******* party" (=GOP) instead presents a moronic "pledge to america" that is just a "pledge for the rich".

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/its-free-country/2010/nov/05/millionaires-higher-taxes/
 

AE14

Board Sponsor
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
This may very well be true - read e.g. http://www.antiwar.com/pat/?articleid=10267

What's more to this? I think I detected what I like to call "american retardedness", a strange attitude that is reflective e.g. in running record deficits, but being unwilling to raise taxes for the wealthiest who sometimes even say themselves they are willing and able to share the burden of a sunken economy. But no, the "******* party" (=GOP) instead presents a moronic "pledge to america" that is just a "pledge for the rich".

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/its-free-country/2010/nov/05/millionaires-higher-taxes/
Both parties are pure crap. They havev become more similar than different at this point. Their only true concern has become the ones that can help them line their pockets, who also get theirs lined.

I could truly support a fiscal conservative if their actually was one left. My only hope is that their is one who will make a splash soon, regardless of affiliation. If not, the debt will rise, until someone (nation) wants to cash in their piece, and we crash and burn
 
EasyEJL

EasyEJL

Never enough
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
This may very well be true - read e.g. http://www.antiwar.com/pat/?articleid=10267

What's more to this? I think I detected what I like to call "american retardedness", a strange attitude that is reflective e.g. in running record deficits, but being unwilling to raise taxes for the wealthiest who sometimes even say themselves they are willing and able to share the burden of a sunken economy. But no, the "******* party" (=GOP) instead presents a moronic "pledge to america" that is just a "pledge for the rich".

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/its-free-country/2010/nov/05/millionaires-higher-taxes/
I've detected what I like to call "european retardedness" a strange attitude that they should run the hugest deficits on the planet as a percentage of GNP to keep people at a vaguely comfortable poverty level, leaving them no opportunity to better themselves as the marginal change in lifestyle for putting in a ton more work is almost nothing due to the ridiculous tax rates in place, which still don't pay for the overdone social programs. So the people born on the dole in liverpool stay on the dole in liverpool as the crappy entry level jobs don't pay significantly more than the dole does.
 
SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
Sorry to disappoint you, EasyJEL - but no such thing here in Germany. The ruling coalition has decided to cut spending AND not cut taxes - simply because it's not affordable.

Check out our Public Debt / GNP ratio and compare it, and the trend, with America's. And than tell me who is retarded.

But no reason to become personal. I just don't get it how there can be such accumulation of private wealth on the back of the working / fighting poor (read e.g. about JPMorgan ripping off military families, the very same JPMorgan paying its CEO 60 million, yes million, bucks for a year's "work") while the deficits is growing by the second... but no, we won't raise taxes even if it means making the government non-functioning.

I tend to agree with AE14 - it looks as if America has become a gigantic racket in which it is all about "How can I fill up my pockets on the back of those who are not as smart / influential / unscrupolous as I am".
 
sluggy

sluggy

Banned
Awards
1
  • Established
all of these statistics sound ok but in all reality USA is the greatest nation there is... we are the only supper power left in our planet... love it or hate it you cant deny it...
Are you being serious!?

The only super power left? Hahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha, oh **** bro.. You're too funny.

Thanks for brightening my morning with this! lmfao..
 
GeekPoop

GeekPoop

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
We wont leave Iraq and Afgahanistan until the last drop oil is pumped outta the last well.

Oil is gonna run out in under 37 years.

whats in the middle of Iraq / Afganaistan??! IRAN!! who still has oil. Saudi's Gawhar is pretty much done, the only reason we care about them is cuz they have ~3trillion invested into our stock market.

this isnt rocketscience. political parties have nothing to do with this, its about money and being a super power. USA = ROME
 
Delta Force

Delta Force

PES Rep
Awards
1
  • Established
Are you being serious!?

The only super power left? Hahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha, oh **** bro.. You're too funny.

Thanks for brightening my morning with this! lmfao..
Economy wise the US has a GDP of $14 Trillion, look up second place, look up 3th place nobody comes close to us even combined.

Militarily wise the US is the only country who can and did to invade 2 countries at the same time, look up the last that happen. The US has control over the Pacific ocean plus others.

I'm saying its perfect here but no other nation comes close to us, therefore we're the only supper power left and you forgot to mention another.

If you dont want to accept it thats your problem
 
SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
Are you being serious!?

The only super power left? Hahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha, oh **** bro.. You're too funny.

Thanks for brightening my morning with this! lmfao..
To call it "the only superpower left" is correct insofar as the defense budget still dwarfs all the other nation's, even China or Russia. The problem of course is that a superpower has to stand on an economically sound footing. And here I see trouble ahead for the "Winner takes all economy" that is the american one.

You basically have a huge part of the collected tax revenue going into interest payments on the ever increasing debt load, while much needed infrastructure improvements and the like are put on hold.

And what was known as the middle class is now close to non-existent. I wonder how you can get ahead when the cost of attending a public college or university has grown by over 50% the last decade, health insurance (or lack thereof) can put even upper middle class families into ruin if some illness catches on of its member.

When financial engineering has taken the place of real engineering and an industry that contributes nothing to public wealth and everything for its own pockets (also known as "heads I win, tails you lose" after the bailout and TARP in painfully favorable terms for those who paid out bonuses with money that was never earned in the first place) soaks in close to 40% of what the companies listed in the S&P 500 report as earnings, something has gone awfully wrong.
 
DAdams91982

DAdams91982

Board Sponsor
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
To call it "the only superpower left" is correct insofar as the defense budget still dwarfs all the other nation's, even China or Russia. The problem of course is that a superpower has to stand on an economically sound footing. And here I see trouble ahead for the "Winner takes all economy" that is the american one.

You basically have a huge part of the collected tax revenue going into interest payments on the ever increasing debt load, while much needed infrastructure improvements and the like are put on hold.

And what was known as the middle class is now close to non-existent. I wonder how you can get ahead when the cost of attending a public college or university has grown by over 50% the last decade, health insurance (or lack thereof) can put even upper middle class families into ruin if some illness catches on of its member.

When financial engineering has taken the place of real engineering and an industry that contributes nothing to public wealth and everything for its own pockets (also known as "heads I win, tails you lose" after the bailout and TARP in painfully favorable terms for those who paid out bonuses with money that was never earned in the first place) soaks in close to 40% of what the companies listed in the S&P 500 report as earnings, something has gone awfully wrong.
I see you gather your "Facts" from the huffington post. You sound like a puppet with all the little talking points you are spewing out.

I lived in your golden country for enough time to know that where you live is not all sunshine and kittens. For pimping your healthcare, your hospitals were filthy, medicine about 30 years behind, and private physicians were inept.

Here is the best contribution in recent time from Germany:


The title of this thread does make me chuckle. Coming from the country that gassed how many?
 
SpargelJanusz

SpargelJanusz

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
I lived in your golden country for enough time to know that where you live is not all sunshine and kittens. For pimping your healthcare, your hospitals were filthy, medicine about 30 years behind, and private physicians were inept.
Correct me, but exactly where did I say or articulate that everything here is "sunshine and kittens"???

Here is something from "Ueber liberal" Paul Volcker, former FED chief:

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/volcker-u-s-needs-more-civil-engineers-and-fewer-financial-eng/

Is the correct way to build and run a society

a) trying to let as many employees / workers share the wealth that they generate by paying decent wages and benefits or

b) not? (like Wal Mart paying some of its employees so little they have to get support from the state of California, while its CEO pulls in 20 million bucks a year)

The american way seems to have become b), and if you feel it's wrong, you are - surprise - a communist / socialist / liberal.
 
DAdams91982

DAdams91982

Board Sponsor
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
Correct me, but exactly where did I say or articulate that everything here is "sunshine and kittens"???

Here is something from "Ueber liberal" Paul Volcker, former FED chief:

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/volcker-u-s-needs-more-civil-engineers-and-fewer-financial-eng/

Is the correct way to build and run a society

a) trying to let as many employees / workers share the wealth that they generate by paying decent wages and benefits or

b) not? (like Wal Mart paying some of its employees so little they have to get support from the state of California, while its CEO pulls in 20 million bucks a year)

The american way seems to have become b), and if you feel it's wrong, you are - surprise - a communist / socialist / liberal.
Freedom of market. Every American here has choice. If the employees of Walmart are unhappy with their pay... guess what... Quit and go somewhere else. Every company has every right to make as much as they want and pay how they want, if a worker doesnt like it, change jobs. Simple as that.

Why does a low level employee deserve to "Share the wealth"? BS.. if you want wealth, do something about it.

This nanny state cradle to grave mentality is what is infecting America.
 
EasyEJL

EasyEJL

Never enough
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
Sorry to disappoint you, EasyJEL - but no such thing here in Germany. The ruling coalition has decided to cut spending AND not cut taxes - simply because it's not affordable.

Check out our Public Debt / GNP ratio and compare it, and the trend, with America's. And than tell me who is retarded.

But no reason to become personal. I just don't get it how there can be such accumulation of private wealth on the back of the working / fighting poor (read e.g. about JPMorgan ripping off military families, the very same JPMorgan paying its CEO 60 million, yes million, bucks for a year's "work") while the deficits is growing by the second... but no, we won't raise taxes even if it means making the government non-functioning.

I tend to agree with AE14 - it looks as if America has become a gigantic racket in which it is all about "How can I fill up my pockets on the back of those who are not as smart / influential / unscrupolous as I am".

You mean Germany, the country with a lower birthrate than death rate? that had to open up huge amounts of eastern european immigration to keep the tax base up with low paid workers to continue to support the social programs for retirees a little longer? thats a ponzi scheme that only works for a little while, try again please.

As far as it goes again, the upper end of income pays a higher percentage of taxes than they are a percentage of income. And in america, everyone has the same potential for greatness, the problem is that most don't choose to exercise that, and instead concentrate on watching professional sports and what rims are on their car over educating and bettering themselves. If the people don't like what executives are paid, they can stop using those companies services, or protest. Thats what freedom is about.
 
HondaV65

HondaV65

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
LOL ... there is no "poverty" in the USA. Please don't take everything the socialist European media says as truth - it isn't.

Fact is ... we have TRUE poverty in about one location in the US - the Appalachians. These people choose to live this way - as the government has spent MILLIONS over the years on education and welfare programs there. It hasn't helped. The young Appalachians that are smart and ambitious grow up and move away - the rest remain. These are mostly white people by the way - hillbillies pretty much.

No person is in "poverty" who owns a cellphone - and, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in the US (outside the Appalachians) who doesn't own a cell phone and a contract that includes texting. Sorry - but if you have enough money to own a cell phone - you're not in poverty. You want to see "poverty" - see Ethiopia.

One thing I will say though - our defense budget is too big because we defend Europe from Russia and China. Personally - I don't care much for Europe anymore - kind of look at most of them as spoiled brats who believe that freedom is free and doesn't require sacrifice.

Leave them to the Russians I say.

EDIT: And as far as European Socialism being a success - we can see, virtually everywhere in Europe - that governments are collapsing under the weight of their own welfare programs. I've traveled in Europe extensively and it is no paradise. EVERYTHING costs more money there than it does in the US due to the taxes. I was charged half a kroner in Norway just to buy a bag to put my groceries in. That doesn't happen in the US.

And the Nanny States of Europe are out of control. You don't have the quality of individual liberty in Europe that you have in the US - not by any stretch of the imagination. Farting is practically illegal in Europe. In Norway - there are only certain days of the week and hours where you can buy booze - and it's damned expensive. Forget owning a firearm of your choosing - or a car of your choosing.

I've been thinking - WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN I GO WHEN THE US GOES FULL SOCIALIST?

And the answer is ... NO WHERE ... there's no where you can go to enjoy the kind of freedom we now enjoy in the US. And that sad - because we are starting to give up our own freedoms here because, like Europe - we have a lot of spoiled brats who want things handed to them.
 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
We have FREEDOM in this country. Freedom to be as wealthy as you are willing to work to become. Plain and simple. If you don't like your job (not enough benefits, not enough pay, etc.), find another one. And, before you say anything, it really is that easy; People just take the easy way out and get gubermant assistance. Look at people in the projects/ghettos (you should be familiar with that word). Ask them when the last time they even FILED an income tax return was. I'll bet 90% say the've never had a job in their LIFE (I spent a LOT of time in the projects, I should know)! What happens is, a person's on welfare, then they have 10 kids, and WE THE PEOPLE support those kids until they're 18 (medical/housing/spending money/etc.), and then THEY get on welfare, and now THEY have 10 kids EACH, and WE THE PEOPLE support them too (isn't socialism wonderful). AND, IF they do happen to be employed, they get MASSIVE deductions from their income tax for each child (which WE'RE paying for anyways), so that's just extra "Obama-money" in their pockets (that's right, there is a way to file a tax return, and get ALL your money back PLUS some). Why the **** should someone that EARNED their money actually be forced to lower their quality of life so leaches like them can live BETTER? I say send them to Germany where they're welcome, and America will be better off. Then, we won't have to spend ourselves into oblivion anymore...you can! Oh, and you can have ALL the problems that come with them! It's only FAIR right, after all, you're criticizing OUR economic practices right!?! So, if yours is so great, I'm glad you stated you'd be happy to support their lazy asses. Just remember, it means YOU will live worse, not better. Like they always say, socialism is great until you run out of other people's money, and now it's your turn.
 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
LOL ... there is no "poverty" in the USA. Please don't take everything the socialist European media says as truth - it isn't.

Fact is ... we have TRUE poverty in about one location in the US - the Appalachians. These people choose to live this way - as the government has spent MILLIONS over the years on education and welfare programs there. It hasn't helped. The young Appalachians that are smart and ambitious grow up and move away - the rest remain. These are mostly white people by the way - hillbillies pretty much.

No person is in "poverty" who owns a cellphone - and, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in the US (outside the Appalachians) who doesn't own a cell phone and a contract that includes texting. Sorry - but if you have enough money to own a cell phone - you're not in poverty. You want to see "poverty" - see Ethiopia.

One thing I will say though - our defense budget is too big because we defend Europe from Russia and China. Personally - I don't care much for Europe anymore - kind of look at most of them as spoiled brats who believe that freedom is free and doesn't require sacrifice.

Leave them to the Russians I say.

EDIT: And as far as European Socialism being a success - we can see, virtually everywhere in Europe - that governments are collapsing under the weight of their own welfare programs. I've traveled in Europe extensively and it is no paradise. EVERYTHING costs more money there than it does in the US due to the taxes. I was charged half a kroner in Norway just to buy a bag to put my groceries in. That doesn't happen in the US.

And the Nanny States of Europe are out of control. You don't have the quality of individual liberty in Europe that you have in the US - not by any stretch of the imagination. Farting is practically illegal in Europe. In Norway - there are only certain days of the week and hours where you can buy booze - and it's damned expensive. Forget owning a firearm of your choosing - or a car of your choosing.

I've been thinking - WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN I GO WHEN THE US GOES FULL SOCIALIST?

And the answer is ... NO WHERE ... there's no where you can go to enjoy the kind of freedom we now enjoy in the US. And that sad - because we are starting to give up our own freedoms here because, like Europe - we have a lot of spoiled brats who want things handed to them.
Dude, if I could rep you again, I would (it won't let me)! But, you were wrong about the grocery bag thing. Here in Los Angeles, we just passed a law outlawing plastic bags, and fines for paper bags. You have to buy those green, re-usable bags and bring them with you to the grocery store, or you pay extra. That law hasn't taken effect yet, but it will shortly. Other than that, you were absolutely right. Hell, I'd probably join the Air Force again to assist Russia in taking over these Europeans, just because I am SO tired of hearing them whine, when almost EVERY country over there has the same economic policies as they do, and yet, many are rioting, and a few have collapsed. And yet, they look to US like WE are the ones doing wrong!
 
HondaV65

HondaV65

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Hey Diablosho, you are right - here in the US we are also doing crazy things. We've got "green" dishwashing detergent that doesn't clean dishes. We replaced incandescent lightbulbs with ones that have hazardous MERCURY in them (they're greener! LOL) ... all kinds of crazy stuff going on here.

But ... here's the thing - no one has any money anymore to afford these expensive and useless programs. US is out of money. No matter how much people wish for more of these "nanny" type things - we won't be able to pay for them - so the gravy train for uselessness runs out soon.

That's the good news.

You know - I think we should have more liberty here in the US. Drugs should be legal - and steroids. People should be responsible for themselves.
 
Mulletsoldier

Mulletsoldier

Binging on Pure ****ing Rage
Awards
2
  • Legend!
  • Established
The title of this thread does make me chuckle. Coming from the country that gassed how many?
You are capable of a rebuttal far more intelligent than using the Holocaust as an argumentative ploy.
 
StackedCop

StackedCop

Well-known member
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established


No wonder our federal tax just went up


 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
You are capable of a rebuttal far more intelligent than using the Holocaust as an argumentative ploy.
Actually, I think DAdams' statement was pretty accurate. If you were to be afraid of any country, wouldn't you be more afraid of a country that commited those attrocities relatively recently (Germany) than a country that allows people to live in poverty if they were comfortable with doing so (US)? And, the holocaust was started roughly 1941-1945 (about 65-70 years ago), so it's also likely that the anti-semitic sentiments and pro-nazi sentiments still remain throughout Germany, as they were passed down from other nazi's. Hell, my grandmother is German, and she has a copy of Mein Kampf in her basement. She scares the HELL out of me!
 
Mulletsoldier

Mulletsoldier

Binging on Pure ****ing Rage
Awards
2
  • Legend!
  • Established
Actually, I think DAdams' statement was pretty accurate. If you were to be afraid of any country, wouldn't you be more afraid of a country that commited those attrocities relatively recently (Germany) than a country that allows people to live in poverty if they were comfortable with doing so (US)? And, the holocaust was started roughly 1941-1945 (about 65-70 years ago), so it's also likely that the anti-semitic sentiments and pro-nazi sentiments still remain throughout Germany, as they were passed down from other nazi's. Hell, my grandmother is German, and she has a copy of Mein Kampf in her basement. She scares the HELL out of me!
The Holocaust is pertinent to the United States' debt load? Interesting position.
 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
The Holocaust is pertinent to the United States' debt load? Interesting position.
No, but it is pertinent to the "fear" that the original poster mentioned in the original post. It was just a broad comparison of fear in general, not necessarily limited to economic fear (as I'm not so sure ANY of this thread had anything to do with the O.P.s fear of the United States economy, especially considering his mention of how we defend ourselves, and how much we spend to do it (which is not enough in my opinion after recently separating from the military)). I really don't think his argument was meant to be as black-and-white as you're taking it. And, notice, the original subject line is "I'm afraid of Americans" which is the "fear" that DAdams was addressing when he mentioned "The title of this thread does make me chuckle. Coming from the country that gassed how many?"

I also think you are being pretty unfair to DAdams by taking his post out of context. I think it's pretty clear what he meant. I don't know, it just seems you are being very condescending (in the way a father speaks to his young son to instill his moral values), but I hope I'm wrong.
 
AZMIDLYF

AZMIDLYF

Legend
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
This is not a country issue. This is a mankind issue. It's time to look inside and not outside for the real problem! Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.
 
Mulletsoldier

Mulletsoldier

Binging on Pure ****ing Rage
Awards
2
  • Legend!
  • Established
No, but it is pertinent to the "fear" that the original poster mentioned in the original post. It was just a broad comparison of fear in general, not necessarily limited to economic fear (as I'm not so sure ANY of this thread had anything to do with the O.P.s fear of the United States economy, especially considering his mention of how we defend ourselves, and how much we spend to do it (which is not enough in my opinion after recently separating from the military)). I really don't think his argument was meant to be as black-and-white as you're taking it. And, notice, the original subject line is "I'm afraid of Americans" which is the "fear" that DAdams was addressing when he mentioned "The title of this thread does make me chuckle. Coming from the country that gassed how many?"

I also think you are being pretty unfair to DAdams by taking his post out of context. I think it's pretty clear what he meant. I don't know, it just seems you are being very condescending (in the way a father speaks to his young son to instill his moral values), but I hope I'm wrong.
You are reaching, on both accounts. Particularly the former.

On the latter, DA is well-read politically and economically, and fully capable of defending the merits of classically-liberal financial and fiscal policy without resorting to a rebuttal of that flavor.
 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
You are reaching, on both accounts. Particularly the former.

On the latter, DA is well-read politically and economically, and fully capable of defending the merits of classically-liberal financial and fiscal policy without resorting to a rebuttal of that flavor.
Care to expand on the "reaching" statement. I figured it was pretty straightforward, especially after my last few sentences. What is reaching about saying, "The title of this thread ("I'm afraid of Americans") does make me chuckle. Coming from the country that gassed how many?" I don't see that as a far stretch. ALL he is saying is that the TITLE is funny, because it's like the pot calling the kettle black. Either way, we're going to have to agree to disagree. I tried to defend him (because I agree with his statement), but I guess I'm just not coming across correctly. Oh, and one more thing, rebuttals taste nasty! :D
 

drudixon

Member
Awards
0
Writing as a German from Germany, I begin to wonder "What is goin' wrong in the US of A"? after reading the newest paydays of hedgefund billionaires and that the defense budget of the U.S.A. is larger than the world's rest combined .... at the same time, record numbers of Americans are dependant on food banks.

Why is the world's richest country so brutally inequal that not being able to make ends meet means going to bed hungry?
With regards to the defense budget and poverty, you have to take either a short term view, or a long term view. To lower defense spending and feed the masses today, does just that. It feeds the masses today. It doesn't however feed them tomorrow.

You can look at how many advances in science came about due to defense spending. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the lifeblood of tomorrow's innovation, innovation that will continue to help and aid our citizens, not just feed them for a day.

Some inventions of DARPA:
Internet
GPS
Speech Translation
Robotic Cars
Many more.
 
CaponeCEO

CaponeCEO

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Im afraid that the USA is following in the exact foot steps of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire failed because of immigrants that refused to assimilate. Look at this country. Not only do we have immigrants that refuse to assimilate, we pay them to not assimilate, we force others to have to learn thier language, or at least be hassled by having to press #3 for English, we sacrifice our own history and traditions in the name of others religions. We will fall harder then Rome ever did. This country has stemmed so far from its roots that it is sickening. The only people who aren't struggling right now are welfare recepients and millionaires.
 
diablosho

diablosho

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Let's not get into detail over what fear stands for exactly and who shall fear whom. The title of this thread might as well have been "Will the United states of debt get its act together or will Fox News / Tea Party activists continue to dumb the country down"?

News from the racket's inside: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/30/money-for-nothing-at-goldman/
And here we go! I knew this was going to turn into a Fox News bashing session. You do realize that as of 2010, Germany's public debt (by % GDP) was 74.8% (#22 country in the world, with #1 being Zimbabwe at 241.60%), while the USA is #36 @ 58.90%, right. So, while I do agree that the United States of America has FAR too much debt, you sir FAR outweigh us, by a percentage of GDP. MEANING, Germany owes 74.8% of it's yearly income. We owe 58.90% of our yearly income. That's a 15.9% difference between our 2 countries.
Oh, and here's my source (CIA): https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2186rank.html
Now, granted, it's from 2010, but I can't seem to find more current statistics.
 
specmike

specmike

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Let's not get into detail over what fear stands for exactly and who shall fear whom. The title of this thread might as well have been "Will the United states of debt get its act together or will Fox News / Tea Party activists continue to dumb the country down
I would have guessed your age closer to 23 than your listed 33 based on statements like this.

I can see you are being spoon fed info by CNN, aka Communist News Network. This explains a lot.

But no reason to become personal.
What's more to this? I think I detected what I like to call "american retardedness",[/URL]
Don't whine about it becoming personal after this statement above. You earned it. You are baiting people here so stop being a little b1tch about it when they react. I like my country so EFF off if you don't. :squintfinger:

Throw what stones you want but there would NOT be a Germany had the Allies decided to level it down to the last brick. The US with its mighty defense budget stopped that.

Surely as educated as you are you have heard of the Marshall Plan? It's easy for you to sit and to criticize from 4000 miles away. If you are so concerned about our debt, have your country repay the money spent enacting the reconstruction of your country. We could use it. Before interest in todays dollars, it's probably about $200 billion equivalent. Until that is settled, you can just remain quiet.

I just don't get it
That is the most honest and true statement you have made in this entire thread.
 
specmike

specmike

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
I tend to agree with AE14 - it looks as if America has become a gigantic racket in which it is all about "How can I fill up my pockets on the back of those who are not as smart / influential / unscrupolous as I am".
FYI, you are describing human kind since the Cro Magnon days at the very least. These just also happen to be some of the lovely traits that cause communism/socialism to fail. You should get out and interact with people more instead of watching so much television.
 
Delta Force

Delta Force

PES Rep
Awards
1
  • Established
Let's not get into detail over what fear stands for exactly and who shall fear whom. The title of this thread might as well have been "Will the United states of debt get its act together or will Fox News / Tea Party activists continue to dumb the country down"?

News from the racket's inside: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/30/money-for-nothing-at-goldman/
Why are you so afraid of our debt? Its no like we're exporting inflation to Germany! other central bankers are not afraid of our debt in fact they like it and keep buying it by the Billion$ all the time. Part of the reason the US has such massive debt its b/c we can, US treasury backed paper is the safest investment out there thats why we keep issuing more paper
 

AE14

Board Sponsor
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
FYI, you are describing human kind since the Cro Magnon days at the very least. These just also happen to be some of the lovely traits that cause communism/socialism to fail. You should get out and interact with people more instead of watching so much television.
I dont think this is what causes communism/socialism to fail. They are destined to fail regardless. However, all other empirical governments are destined to fail. That is human nature. We as a species(regardless of economic affiliation) are too damn greedy, and want to continue our "policies" growth. That always spells the end, as we cant grow indefinitely.
 
EasyEJL

EasyEJL

Never enough
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
Let's not get into detail over what fear stands for exactly and who shall fear whom. The title of this thread might as well have been "Will the United states of debt get its act together or will Fox News / Tea Party activists continue to dumb the country down"?

News from the racket's inside: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/30/money-for-nothing-at-goldman/
I wonder when europe will stop trying to contine to live in a feudal society, just having shifted to calling it socialism instead. The people on the dole and even most of europes working class are just serfs, no different than hundreds of years ago, when the brightest and best began leaving for America, a land of opportunity - not a land of a guaranteed meal. Perhaps you would gain some value by reading the US constitution. The federal government is charged with, and only authorized to perform 2 tasks - protect the borders of the country, and regulate interstate commerce. Everything in the bill of rights initially was rights AGAINST government involvment. There is no right to a free meal, free housing, free medical care. There is only right against government encroachment in your life. I can see how someone coming from a monarchy, or dictatorship based country sees this as hard to understand.

Whats funny is the Fox News / Tea Party crowd are the most active in dealing with the debt, by attempting to return the government to its original goals only, and returning social programs to the individual states, which is where it belongs.
 

AE14

Board Sponsor
Awards
3
  • RockStar
  • Legend!
  • Established
I wonder when europe will stop trying to contine to live in a feudal society, just having shifted to calling it socialism instead. The people on the dole and even most of europes working class are just serfs, no different than hundreds of years ago, when the brightest and best began leaving for America, a land of opportunity - not a land of a guaranteed meal. Perhaps you would gain some value by reading the US constitution. The federal government is charged with, and only authorized to perform 2 tasks - protect the borders of the country, and regulate interstate commerce. Everything in the bill of rights initially was rights AGAINST government involvment. There is no right to a free meal, free housing, free medical care. There is only right against government encroachment in your life. I can see how someone coming from a monarchy, or dictatorship based country sees this as hard to understand.
.
agreed 100%. The only problem is that politicians have gone so far away from this it is frightening. Regardless of party, they are all wolves in sheeps clothing...all of which is an attempt to be more involved.

As I said earlier....the parties are so similar now, that it is hard to see anyone who is truly a leader with the best interests of the people
 
CaponeCEO

CaponeCEO

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
I wonder when europe will stop trying to contine to live in a feudal society, just having shifted to calling it socialism instead. The people on the dole and even most of europes working class are just serfs, no different than hundreds of years ago, when the brightest and best began leaving for America, a land of opportunity - not a land of a guaranteed meal. Perhaps you would gain some value by reading the US constitution. The federal government is charged with, and only authorized to perform 2 tasks - protect the borders of the country, and regulate interstate commerce. Everything in the bill of rights initially was rights AGAINST government involvment. There is no right to a free meal, free housing, free medical care. There is only right against government encroachment in your life. I can see how someone coming from a monarchy, or dictatorship based country sees this as hard to understand.

Whats funny is the Fox News / Tea Party crowd are the most active in dealing with the debt, by attempting to return the government to its original goals only, and returning social programs to the individual states, which is where it belongs.
Tell that to Obama who repealed what little welfare reform the liberal god Clinton put into effect. This country is being eaten alive by the dole seekers, yet no one will fix it because they will be called "racist".

In case you are wondering. Obama went back to the "more babies = more money" form of welfare.
 

Top