Are You Happy with the Country You Live In?

Kath said:
I feel like I've walked in your shoes, AS. Like you, I have an intense interest in the world in general, and I love to visit new places, see new things, and befriend new people. Those things are embedded in my DNA and always will be. Many others don't feel this way and some feel fearful if they run across people who think differently in any way. This fear can incite a tendency to judge those who are in any way "different." In truth, every single one of us is different. We may choose to think the same way as people in, say, Group A and choose to not think like folks in "Group B." Those are choices that we are able to make since each of us is endowed with Free Will - the ability to think based on how we personally feel, not how others want us to feel. I am a Navy wife so this may be why I have a kind go global view of things but I give my dad a lot of credit for teaching me to love books and learning and to be curious and adventuresome. Someone on one of these forums has the saying "twas brillig and the slithy, etc." from Alice in Wonderland - my dad used to sing this to me when I was little and I would fall on the floor laughing. Sorry I got unfocused there - but anyway I obviously embrace freedom of thought, speech, etc. to the nth degree.
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:iagree: I've had itchy feet since I was a teen. I think it first started with the 'British invasion' of music and I became interested in England. Our family reunions were O'Brien and relatives talking about Ireland (even though they'd never been). I had a strong desire to visit Europe. No idea what my future held or that it would include Africa and Asia as well.

I get annoyed with some of the things some of my family says when I visit - even though all have traveled abroad. If it's not the American way, it's not right. Grrrrr! :mad:
 

I always think it's amusing when some Americans think it's not right unless it's done the ''American way'' given their relatively short history as a westernised nation, I just wonder how they think we all did things long before they came along to 'teach' us the proper way to do 'em .. :giggle:
 
I love being Canadian, we have pretty good relationships with our neighbors and most other countries have no reason to feel particularly antagonistic towards us. Since we are so new (1867 Confederation) historically we haven't even had a chance to do many bad things yet. I am very grateful to be part of this huge glorious country.

I've lived in other places but was very thankful to return to our beautiful cities, towns, mountains and countryside. Yes, things are done differently in other countries, there are so many factors involved - economy and climate to name a few. Of course everyone considers their familiar way of doing things the best, that's human nature. Canada and the US developed pretty fast and in fact, the people and culture are just hybrids of original UK, European and all other cultures, as everyone knows, the first settlers were exiles from your very own UK. Canada and the States are in fact very similar to the UK, but with our own unique little twist. :D
 

I was born and lived all my life in Canada and I love my country.
Like people no country is perfect but I will always live here.
My brother and his family live in the US and I feel close to that country to the south of us.
I think most Canadians feel fortunate to have the United States as our closest neighbour.

There are many wonderful countries and I like to learn of other places and to see the nice pictures
that members post here of where they live or have visited.
 
Ameriscot said:
Some assume we don't live in the country of our birth because we don't like it, hate it even. Not true. Of course there are a lot of things wrong with the US. There are things wrong in every country. Find a country that's perfect. Can't do it.

Some people on other forums have assumed because I don't live in the US and don't plan to move back that I had 'escaped' or run away instead of staying to change things. Not the issue at all. I'm adventurous, have itchy feet, and I'm curious about other cultures. That all lead me to finding my husband and living where I do. I lived in a third world country and found a lot of good in it. Fell in love with it even.

We moved around as navy brats so lived in 4 states. We moved back 'home' to Michigan in 1964. My sister lives about 5 miles from the house we moved to. She has no desire to ever move. That's her. That's fine.
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I think it's pretty obvious that there are glaring insufficiencies and downright bad acts in pretty much every countries resumes, as well as overt kindnesses. And unless someone says they 'escaped' (or variations) their country, I would never presume as to why you are in Scotland rather than America. If I was the adventurous sort I'd lead that kind of lifestyle too possibly. As it is, to move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia (on a whim) is about as adventurous as I get but for me it was major.
 
hollydolly said:
I always think it's amusing when some Americans think it's not right unless it's done the ''American way'' given their relatively short history as a westernised nation, I just wonder how they think we all did things long before they came along to 'teach' us the proper way to do 'em .. :giggle:
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Aye. Some, not all. And it drives me nuts. My nephews try to wind me up by calling the UK a third world country. I resist the temptation to list all the things they enjoy that were invented by Scots.
 
Debby said:
I think it's pretty obvious that there are glaring insufficiencies and downright bad acts in pretty much every countries resumes, as well as overt kindnesses. And unless someone says they 'escaped' (or variations) their country, I would never presume as to why you are in Scotland rather than America. If I was the adventurous sort I'd lead that kind of lifestyle too possibly. As it is, to move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia (on a whim) is about as adventurous as I get but for me it was major.
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Yes, this was a bit of a troublemaker and I've left that forum. He was one of those that assume every single person in the world who doesn't live in the US would give anything to live there. Apparently it's the land of milk and honey and the streets are paved with gold. ;)
 
....I never resist that...even as a teenager that was instilled in us just how many world wide inventions were the results of Scottish brainpower..so whenever I hear any derogatory remarks about our country particularly our education system (from anyone not only Americans) ..then out comes my mental filing cabinet ....oops that was for your previous post...obveeusssly.. :D
 
hollydolly said:
....I never resist that...even as a teenager that was instilled in us just how many world wide inventions were the results of Scottish brainpower..so whenever I hear any derogatory remarks about our country particularly our education system (from anyone not only Americans) ..then out comes my mental filing cabinet ..LOL
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Some have argued with me that these things must have been invented by Americans. Sigh. Both Canadians and Americans claim Alexander Graham Bell as their own. He was born, raised, and university educated here. That makes him a Scot no matter how long he lived in both those countries.
 
ndynt said:
Though your argument about IQ levels, pertaining to levels of success, is valid..I do not see how it applies only to the US. In your reference the only comparison I foundwas regarding education, for lower functioning children, in the US and UK. Though, admittedly the article was very long. So I may have overlooked other comparisons.

As far as treatment of handicapped and vulnerable individuals, after talking with many people from other countries, it appears that those in the states are accorded more advantages. And are not shunned, abused, and/or ostracized to the degree they are in some other countries.
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Thank you for your thoughtful response.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_Australia#Statistics
Please see "Quality of care" which ranks Australia below the UK and German systems, but above Canada and "far above the U.S.
One of my neighbors, a truly lovely person, has been ill for many years and has been conscientiously looked after by the Australian health system.
I am glad to read your statement about the treatment of handicapped and vulnerable persons in the U.S.
 
My position is a bit different in that my allegiance is to the land of my birth - literally the land. I live on an island continent with no man-made internal borders dividing the people into different countries. It is a unique land, with unique flora and fauna and from our early years we are taught about this difference and told it is ours to look after and preserve. The Aboriginees have always been the stewards of the land but non indigenous people are also captured by its charms.

IMO, an Australian is someone who loves this land, regardless of where their ancestors originated. The land has also shaped the national character because it can be a harsh place and co-operation is necessary for survival. We are competitive at sports but more collective and socialist in other areas. We don't like class structures based on birth privilege and don't defer to rank or wealth. In this respect we can be considered rude to other nationals but we don't care.

When I sometimes think about where I might go if I could no longer live in Australia, as in if I were to become a refugee. I don't know where I would go if I had any choice. Obviously English speaking countries would suit me best but my travels have shown me that I wouldn't fit well into the Northern Hemisphere. Wherever I went I think I would always be an expat, longing for home where I could see the Southern Cross at night and the bright blue sky by day.
 
Dame Warrigal said:
My position is a bit different in that my allegiance is to the land of my birth - literally the land. I live on an island continent with no man-made internal borders dividing the people into different countries. It is a unique land, with unique flora and fauna and from our early years we are taught about this difference and told it is ours to look after and preserve. The Aboriginees have always been the stewards of the land but non indigenous people are also captured by its charms.

IMO, an Australian is someone who loves this land, regardless of where their ancestors originated. The land has also shaped the national character because it can be a harsh place and co-operation is necessary for survival. We are competitive at sports but more collective and socialist in other areas. We don't like class structures based on birth privilege and don't defer to rank or wealth. In this respect we can be considered rude to other nationals but we don't care.

When I sometimes think about where I might go if I could no longer live in Australia, as in if I were to become a refugee. I don't know where I would go if I had any choice. Obviously English speaking countries would suit me best but my travels have shown me that I wouldn't fit well into the Northern Hemisphere. Wherever I went I think I would always be an expat, longing for home where I could see the Southern Cross at night and the bright blue sky by day.
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I love visiting in-laws in Australia. I love the laid back attitudes.

One thing that delayed my getting UK citizenship was that I am not a royalist but had to swear allegiance to the queen and her heirs. So I waited until 2007 when I was eligible in 2003. My husband still brings it up that I swore allegiance.

I am a dual citizen however so always enter and leave the US on my US passport.
 
I think that this song by Brian MacNeill sums up the Scottish attitude pretty well...... but this is my home and I LOVE IT HERE.

I was listening to the news the other day
I heard a fat politician who had the nerve to say
He was proud to be Scottish, by the way
With the glories of our past to remember
"Here's tae us, wha's like us", listen to the cry
No surrender to the truth and here's the reason why
The power and the glory's just another bloody lie
They use to keep us all in line


For there's no gods and there's precious few heroes
But there's plenty on the dole in the land o the leal
And it's time now to sweep the future clear
Of the lies of a past that we know was never real


Farewell to the heather in the glen
They cleared us off once and they'd do it all again
For they still prefer sheep to thinking men
Ah, but men who think like sheep are even better
There's nothing much to choose between the old laird and the new
They still don't give a damn for the likes of me and you
Just mind you pay your rent to the factor when it's due
And mind your bloody manners when you pay!


And tell me will we never hear the end
Of puir bluidy Charlie at Culloden yet again?
Though he ran like a rabbit down the glen
Leavin better folk than him to be butchered
Or are you sittin in your Council house, dreamin o your clan?
Waiting for the Jacobites to come and free the land?
Try going down the broo with your claymore in your hand
And count all the Princes in the queue!


So don't talk to me of Scotland the Brave
For if we don't fight soon there'll be nothing left to save
Or would you rather stand and watch them dig your grave
While you wait for the Tartan Messiah?
He'll lead us to the Promised Land with laughter in his eye
We'll all live on the oil and the whisky by and by
Free heavy beer! Pie suppers in the sky! -
Will we never have the sense to learn?


That there's no gods and there's precious few heroes
But there's plenty on the dole in the land o the leal
And I'm damned sure that there's plenty live in fear
Of the day we stand together with our shoulders at the wheel
Aye there's no Gods..
 
I was born in America and for all our warts it's still the best damn country in the world. Now, before anyone jumps on this with their teeth bared, I would expect all of you wherever you live to feel the same about your home. I have always felt a kinship with the Brits, Aussies, Scots, Frenchies (through their underground) and Canadians. When the world was on fire due to a moustachioed little bastard in Germany we all joined arms and kicked ass. Since I was a little boy the folks in those places have been respected and loved as close friends.
 
hollydolly said:
I always think it's amusing when some Americans think it's not right unless it's done the ''American way'' given their relatively short history as a westernised nation, I just wonder how they think we all did things long before they came along to 'teach' us the proper way to do 'em .. :giggle:
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I've got a great answer but I don't want to do it for fear you would take it seriously. As you know I loves me some Holly.
 
Thanks for sharing the very interesting poem, Capt. Lightning! I just bought two books on Scotland and they are wonderful to read. Even though my grandparents were Brits, they mostly talked about the years they spent in the places they were born and reared in England. Neither of them traveled much at all until they sailed to the U.S. right after they were married. I've been to England and hope to return soon and also see Scotland and Wales.
 
FYI: people often use the term 'Brit/British' to mean English only. Anyone from Great Britain is British. That includes Scotland and Wales.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programme/program. :D
 
Kath said:
Thanks for sharing the very interesting poem, Capt. Lightning! I just bought two books on Scotland and they are wonderful to read. Even though my grandparents were Brits, they mostly talked about the years they spent in the places they were born and reared in England. Neither of them traveled much at all until they sailed to the U.S. right after they were married. I've been to England and hope to return soon and also see Scotland and Wales.
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Kath, may I ask which books you bought?
 
MY ancestry is Irish which I would love to visit someday. But I have always lived in the US and served in the Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam, so there is no other country for me. I have always been loyal. The current leaders in the White House is the most negative thing for the US at the time.
 

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