I’ve always said I’d love to live anywhere else – I was quite the anti-American. But my husband and I went to England and France this summer and I can to the sad realization that I really am American. I wouldn’t fit in anywhere else.

So long answer short: I guess :)

I'm not...

I have opinions and preferences just like the rest of you. I hate it here, but that's fine; it's just not for me.

What about it makes it so not for you? And if it is truly THAT bad, why do you stay?

Have you traveled the US extensively? I realize you're a youngster (even with the old soul you sport), but there are many, many great American cities, towns, rural areas, etc. that might fit your lifestyle...

From your comments, I've learned that you seem to have a positive affect on the people that you come into contact with (the autistic girl immediately comes to mind). Maybe someday an opportunity will come along for you to put your gift to use in a way that benefits many. (thinking politics, school board, ASPCA, etc etc)

Here's hoping you find your bliss, iny.

:)

Circumstances beyond my control forced me to move recently to from the US to Canada. I'd be back to the South in a second though if I could. There are a lot of damn lucky people living in the US who lead better lives than most of the rest of the world. The unhappy ones need to shove it.

Of all the countries and times that I could have been born in, I'm glad I was born in the U.S. when I was. I'm thankful to be a citizen of one of the most affluent countries in the world.

Many things.

I'm poor and nineteen. I can't afford to leave just yet.

I have traveled (not as a tourist). I don't like what I see. I've stopped watching the news and I only go into town when I need to. I like to forget that I'm surrounded by everything I hate.

I appreciate your encouragement and positive attitude and that you're not saying that I should "shove it".

:)

Not a very detailed answer...care to elaborate?

That is irrelevant. If you are THAT unhappy, those factors should not matter. Go to a new place and make it better. LOTS of people have done that and had less than you when they started.

No, because it's been discussed before in the forum and I don't want to do it again. I don't like going over it because it upsets me to think about it too much. Same with my stance on abortion; I've never said on Plime whether I'm pro-life or choice because people only argue about it but they're never going to change anyone's views on it, and therefore the abortion debate is pointless. I dislike this country; you like it. I'm happy to leave it; you can stay. No need to discuss it.

I've travelled extensively in Europe and Canada and I've travelled very little in the States except for a couple of trips down the west coast. I've met some great people on my travels, but I've never met upon such welcoming and friendly people as I have when visiting the U.S.

I have always felt a strange alien feeling when crossing that border heading south and it ALWAYS goes away quickly when I start to meet people down there.

I could never say that of my travels elsewhere. Now, I don't know if that makes it a better country to live. I'm pretty attached to Canada and I like it here, but it makes my view of the U.S. pretty appealing.

As for your president.... well, never mind what I think.

Yeah the USA is fine, but I think its boring, at least where I live.

Im gunna move to New Zealand.

I guess mock a plimate is over.

Yes. We have problems, but they can be solved. And if you dislike it here, be glad you're allowed to.

Well our liberals are your conservatives from what I here and GWB is considered conservative here.

And by the way I went to Canada once and got a pizza that made me throw up. Im never going to Canada again.

I hope you put it back on the pizza! That's the way we like it.

I offer this article about life in America.

Personally, I'm glad to be an American. All in all, it's a great place to live. The political system isn't perfect, but has, in my opinion, proven it's success.
-Our system has held together an extraordinarily diverse population, bound not by religion nor ethnicity but by shared principals.
-The government has preserved the nation through tough economic times such as the Great Depression while preserving a free market.
-The constitution has consistantly assured orderly transitions of power from one party to the next.
-The government has assured that all people are provided for with the means to live through social security, medicare, and similar programs. The effectiveness of these can be argued, but Americans can live assured of access to at least the minimal amount necessary to survive.
-Finally, our government has survived intact for over 225 years. Our government is one of the most stable in the world.

As for the quality of life, I point to the article mentioned above. A few things that particularly stand out:
-Civil services: Water is drinkable, and roads are drivable.
-Public Saftey: Again, the system is certainly not perfect, but people can depend on the government enforcing the law. Aside from personal saftey, contracts can be relied upon, which stimulates the economy immensly.
-General health: I feel safe in the knowledge that my water is drinkable, food is edible, buildings are built to saftey standards, etc.

I'm free in America. The only time I need to show ID is when I'm buying alcohol or lottery tickets. I can criticize the government without fear. After I've paid my taxes and as long as I don't hurt anyone, the government has little or no say in how I live my life.

Finally, the quality of life is pretty good in America (again, see the above article.) I'm not saying there isn't poverty, and I'm not saying that everyone has the lifestyle they deserve, but in general people are pretty well off.

So I would say yes, it is awesome to be an American. I've enjoyed everone's views on the issue and would welcome any critisisms of mine.

you can stay at my place any time you like.

best reason ever!

(((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) you are so right on, girlie!

Yes!
America f**k YEA!
(insert team america anthem here)