Flag waving

[Lewis 0]

Killing others is wrong even in self defence.

Are invaders, thiefs, house breakers really running rampage over the US that the population need to own 12 Guns each. Surely you can only shoot 2 x 6 shooters at a time?? and think of the children and family members caught in your cross-fire. ...but that must be a hazard in defending ones property in a civilised society.

I beg to differ, if my life or my loved ones lives were under threat of death from an agressor I would fight to the death to protect them. I would not just sit there and accept it. As for judging whether or not it is morally right or wrong, that is a personal issue. Hopefully, my government would back me on this, it sounds quite logical.

I don't know where you get your statistics about gun ownership in the US, but on a personal level, most of the people I associate with do not own weapons of any kind. I refuse to pass judgement on your country, other than to say both of our countries are strong allies with a long history of healthy debate and very different socioeconomic and cultural dynamics.

[Welshcookie 17]

I would consider moving your wife to UK rather than you moving to country that you would obviously not be happy with...

My own bloke has very same strong views about UK in regards to our politics/laws/policies....he recently suggested that we stay on for some years instead of going back to the States....I say no, if he don't like it here we should leave

There is always good and bad about all countries and cultures....

[babybunny 2]

It seems after some discussion elsewhere in this forum, that it is the considered opinion of others that to immigrate to the US I should become a Stars and Stripes Waving, Republican Voting, Gun Toting, Free Will Denying, Bend over and take it up the ### Immigrant from the UK.

Are we allowed to express ourselves freely in the US or is there a gagging order, we sign at the consul interview?

Do something about that chip on your shoulder and then we'll talk some more, mmmkay?

Aww cut him some slack, Smithy...he was even tryin to use the big words n all....

What are we crying about in here? It was my understanding that it was a choice to come to the US and you asked permission to do so and now you are complaining

We have a police force that is supposed to protect us!!

You'd possibly be arrested for illegal possession of a firearm. Those things ain't allowed here. ...and to kill to protect youself or family is mostly considered murder here.

Are you trying to say you have more freedoms because you can buy a firearm?? That is plain stupid in my humble opinion. Who are you protecting your family from?? Fellow Americans and their freedom to bear arms to protect themselves??

We have knife culture, cut throat, close combat, white of the eyes stuff. Not the cowardly telescopic sight sniper.

*sigh*

How can a humble person call something "plain stupid?"

In America, you have the right to bear arms, not shoot at individuals who do not pose a direct threat to you or others. However, these laws vary drastically by state. Vermont is almost entirely open in terms of firearm ownership, and New York City bans handguns like Britain. This, however, would detract from your sweeping statements about this vicious monocultural nation of 300 million.

In the UK, you have the right to own a car, not crash them into other people or cars. Furthermore, the police drive cars. Who are they protecting you from? Often, fellow citizens who also drive cars. This, in your "humble opinion," is plain stupid. Best ban the mechanical beasts. They only spook livestock into giving sour milk anyhow. You would replace it with a culture of horses and jousting. Car ownership is just cowardly.

Gerard where have you been??

I was gonna ask the same thing

HIIIIIIIIIII Gerard!

[Lizzy 0]

I love my country but now im in the US i have to start to learn to love this one to!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

[Ban Hammer 13,656]

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

yes, if you want a security clearance

[tmma 467]

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

NO. Its not essential ......

GodsavetheQueen-

I think what is essential when you are moving from one country to another-- is an accepting, open-minded, non-stereotypical attitude towards the new country. A willingness to " give it a try" and create the best life you can with your loved one.

And to remember that the planes GO IN BOTH DIRECTIONS!

Not every American owns a gun, chews tobacco or *gasp* votes Republican!

edit-grammar

Edited July 2, 2006 by tmma

[Ban Hammer 13,656]

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

NO. Its not essential ......

GodsavetheQueen-

I think was is essential when you are moving from one country to another is an accepting, open-minded, non-stereotypical attitude towards the new country. A willingness to " give it a try" and create the best life you can with your loved one.

And to remember that the planes GO IN BOTH DIRECTIONS!

Not every American owns a gun, chews tobacco or *gasp* votes Republican!

edit-grammar

well 2 outta 3 ain't bad

[luvaLimey 0]

I am missing your beef........what has got your goat?

ok totally offtopic but... "Where's the BEEF?"

[tmma 467]

Don't know what his beef is...But something has his goat!

[#@!!* 0]

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

NO. Its not essential ......

GodsavetheQueen-

I think what is essential when you are moving from one country to another-- is an accepting, open-minded, non-stereotypical attitude towards the new country. A willingness to " give it a try" and create the best life you can with your loved one.

And to remember that the planes GO IN BOTH DIRECTIONS!

Not every American owns a gun, chews tobacco or *gasp* votes Republican!

edit-grammar

Oh #######. Three strikes. Does that make me a bad, bad, Yank?

godsavethequeen: I admire your avatar. It has the sort of feel to it that some the old Independent Project Press/Independent Project Records things had.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

NO. Its not essential ......

Just seems rather pointless is all. Good for you if you like where you live - its an irrelevance really at the end of the day - and I suspect a lot of people don't even consciously think about it half the time - too busy getting on with day to day life. After all, your day to day experiences are ultimately what define your overall experience (and happiness) living in a particular place - as opposed to abstract concepts of patriotism and national pride.

Similarly its those experiences that enable you to experience the 'good' and 'bad' of everyplace - like for instance, being expected to pay taxes but having no political representation.

Edited July 2, 2006 by Fishdude

[sugarcane 0]

Are we allowed to express ourselves freely in the US or is there a gagging order, we sign at the consul interview??

Going back to the original post...

You, godsavethequeen, are NOT allowed to express yourself freely in the US since YOU are not a US citizen, and therefore are NOT protected under the Bill Of Rights. The Bill Of Rights only protect the Citizens of THESE United States who have sworn allegiance to protect and uphold the laws of this great nation. Only when and if you become a naturalized citizen, will these rights pertain to you. Until then… Deal with it!

Next topic.

[godsavethequeen 0]

I know all Americans don't carry guns or chew tobacco or vote republician . Some will even listen to some criticism of their culture or government, as I will of mine, by anyone. I'm not trying to change the world or your country . It just surprises me that the some VJers on this board, who after all should have a wider world view than most of America, really are the closed eyed, small-minded, insular, star an' stripes waving, frightened children I stereotypically joked they were .

Seriously though - is it ESSENTIAL that someone 'love' their country?

I'd say no there are many things I hate about Britain:- Jingoists, Racists, The Monarchy, Blairs Warring and Untruths, the running down of Public Transport, The Alienation of Youth, the kissing of USA #######. ..................

Don't know what his beef is...But something has his goat!

I have no Beef or Goat, I'm a Vegetarian!! I do have a quantity of cheesey opinions though!!

Are we allowed to express ourselves freely in the US or is there a gagging order, we sign at the consul interview??

Going back to the original post...

You, godsavethequeen, are NOT allowed to express yourself freely in the US since YOU are not a US citizen, and therefore are NOT protected under the Bill Of Rights. The Bill Of Rights only protect the Citizens of THESE United States who have sworn allegiance to protect and uphold the laws of this great nation. Only when and if you become a naturalized citizen, will these rights pertain to you. Until then… Deal with it!

Next topic.

That's all I need to know. Thankyou Sugarcane. You answered my question.

Any Idea what I can and can not talk about there. A list would be helpful. Because as a second class citizen I'll want to be careful. I may find it hard shutting up whilst America shafts me up the #######.

I'll shut up for now.

[Welshcookie 17]

Oh cry me a river.....