Newsweek reports United States is the 2nd most hated country in the world

[hollydolly]

There you are.. in the papers today.. the new most dangerous country in the world..is ....Ecuador
It was just after midday at the riverside community of Playas del Cuyabeno when the mob attacked.

A British man was said to have been dragged out of a police station in Ecuador, taken out into the street and 'set on fire until he died'.

Police said Michael Hann had been arrested for his own safety earlier that day, on April 20, after being 'beaten by local residents' who accused him of a fatal shooting.

Such stories have become commonplace in the country, which only a few years ago was one of the safest in Latin America.

Authorities have lost their monopoly on violence, pitting the state against vicious gangs, cartels and, in some cases, even residents undeterred by threat of prison.

With violence spiralling, the government has borrowed from the playbook of Nayib Bukele, the strongman ruler of El Salvador whose brutal crackdowns on gangs have horrified global onlookers.

But Ecuador's gangs, strengthened by drug money from neighbouring Colombia, are far more resilient than those to the north, and even prison guards have their price in a country riddled with corruption.

In only a few short years, peace has made way for an imported normalisation of beheadings, car bombs, public hangings and hostage taking. On Valentine's Day, a man gunned down had his head cut off and sent to his wife, his heart cut out and sent to his parents, according to police.

President Daniel Noboa has not given up yet, carrying out almost nightly raids on gang strongholds and showing off impressive hauls of guns and drugs designed to assure the public. His show of resistance helped secure an historic re-election in April.

But in an increasingly insecure country, with no clear clear path to recovery, there is still no sign that Ecuador is any closer to ending the scourge of lawlessness and disorder blighting its streets.

A trio of severed head in bin bags
Security forces stand guard at a polling station during the presidential runoff election in Guayaquil, Guayas province, Ecuador, on April 13, 2025

How 'island of peace' became new most dangerous country in the world

 

[Warrigal]

You’re right, Warrigal, everyone is entitled to an opinion, no matter how smug or selectively informed. But if this is your idea of a game, I’ll sit it out. I prefer discussions where facts aren’t optional. That said, I’ll be on the sidelines ready to challenge any historical revisionism you try to slip past.

Fair enough

 

[Twostep]

There you are.. in the papers today.. the new most dangerous country in the world..is ....Ecuador
It was just after midday at the riverside community of Playas del Cuyabeno when the mob attacked.

A British man was said to have been dragged out of a police station in Ecuador, taken out into the street and 'set on fire until he died'.

Police said Michael Hann had been arrested for his own safety earlier that day, on April 20, after being 'beaten by local residents' who accused him of a fatal shooting.

Such stories have become commonplace in the country, which only a few years ago was one of the safest in Latin America.

Authorities have lost their monopoly on violence, pitting the state against vicious gangs, cartels and, in some cases, even residents undeterred by threat of prison.

With violence spiralling, the government has borrowed from the playbook of Nayib Bukele, the strongman ruler of El Salvador whose brutal crackdowns on gangs have horrified global onlookers.

But Ecuador's gangs, strengthened by drug money from neighbouring Colombia, are far more resilient than those to the north, and even prison guards have their price in a country riddled with corruption.

In only a few short years, peace has made way for an imported normalisation of beheadings, car bombs, public hangings and hostage taking. On Valentine's Day, a man gunned down had his head cut off and sent to his wife, his heart cut out and sent to his parents, according to police.

President Daniel Noboa has not given up yet, carrying out almost nightly raids on gang strongholds and showing off impressive hauls of guns and drugs designed to assure the public. His show of resistance helped secure an historic re-election in April.

But in an increasingly insecure country, with no clear clear path to recovery, there is still no sign that Ecuador is any closer to ending the scourge of lawlessness and disorder blighting its streets.

A trio of severed head in bin bags
Security forces stand guard at a polling station during the presidential runoff election in Guayaquil, Guayas province, Ecuador, on April 13, 2025

How 'island of peace' became new most dangerous country in the world

It is an unfortunate incident. Apparently he was not quite what he presented to be. All over the news ten days or so ago.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Here in Canada, almost everyone would give almost anything NOT to join the USA. We have health care, we have dental care, we have child care, we have a democratically elected leader and we don't have to carry guns to protect ourselves: Elbow Up! CANADA NOT FOR SALE!

That’s a great post John.

 

[NotCompSavvy]

Here in Canada, almost everyone would give almost anything NOT to join the USA. We have health care, we have dental care, we have child care, we have a democratically elected leader and we don't have to carry guns to protect ourselves: Elbow Up! CANADA NOT FOR SALE!

The tourism here as far as cruises which was huge from not just Canada , Europe but also Asia has seriously diminished .

The cruise industry is not hurting yet but if it keeps up they will be . I know a nurse who works on a cruise ship and as you know not cheap to run them so they rely on capacity or close to it but the reduction has been serious so if it continues next step is cruise line sails less ships which lays off crew .

Hotels also feeling it but Miami is a tourist based economy so it was going to happen .

 

[Lara]

It is completely made up. They write these articles to get people to come to their web page, then they make money from ads. I have been inspired to create my own fake story website. I really need the money.

Lawrence, I hope you're just joking. You don't want to make money that way. That's a form of "dirty money".

 

[Warrigal]

You might want to take a closer look at the dates yourself, Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, not in October. And if you're set on downplaying America’s role in World War II, just know you're stepping into a debate you’re not going to win. Yes, Britain held off the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, and credit is due, but they didn’t do it in isolation. U.S. material support via the Lend-Lease Act started flowing before Pearl Harbor was attacked, and that aid kept Britain afloat. And let’s not forget it was American forces at the Battle of the Coral Sea who stopped Japan’s advance toward Australia. Without American power, industrial, naval, and military the outcome of World War Two would’ve been catastrophic for the Allies.

Not arguing against anything you have posted.

I'm going to google the Lend-Lease act. My mum was cranky about the US sitting out the early years of the war while making money selling arms and ammunition to other countries. Mum was notoriously wrong about lots of things. I think Australia owed Britain money after WW I in the form of a war debt. Might have to check that one also. Anyone have the answers?

 

[Magna-Carta]

Given we've covered everything from WWII strategy to Vietnam and language history, and everything I've mentioned in my post #723, and more, does anyone think it's now the time to move on to cake recipes?

I'm partial to chocolate/orange cake myself… and a good Black Forest gateau never goes amiss.

Let's keep away from discussing fruitcake, as I'm sure no one here wants this thread to become controversial or heated. And let's promise not to argue about who invented the Swiss roll.

 

[hollydolly]

Not arguing against anything you have posted.

I'm going to google the Lend-Lease act. My mum was cranky about the US sitting out the early years of the war while making money selling arms and ammunition to other countries. Mum was notoriously wrong about lots of things. I think Australia owed Britain money after WW I in the form of a war debt. Might have to check that one also. Anyone have the answers?

according to AI



Yes, Australia owed the UK a significant war debt after World War I. Australia had financed its war effort, in part, by borrowing from the British government, resulting in a debt of nearly £100 million. An agreement in 1921 outlined a repayment plan over 36 years.



Here's a more detailed look:

• War Financing:
  Australia's initial financial mobilization for the war was limited, and the British government's purchases of Australian commodities helped prevent a major economic collapse, but also contributed to a large debt.
• Debt Burden:
  The decision to finance the war primarily through borrowing led to a substantial debt burden post-war.
• Repayment Agreement:
  A 1921 agreement between Australia and the UK set the repayment schedule for the war debt, initially over 36 years.
• Renegotiation Attempts:
  Australia later requested a longer repayment period (48 years) due to a drop in wool prices, which impacted its ability to meet the original repayment schedule.
• Interest Rates:
  The Australian government argued that the interest rate it was paying to British lenders was higher than what the British were paying to their American creditors.

 

[smiley]

Given we've covered everything from WWII strategy to Vietnam and language history, and everything I've mentioned in my post #723, and more, does anyone think it's now the time to move on to cake recipes?

I'm partial to chocolate/orange cake myself… and a good Black Forest gateau never goes amiss.

Let's keep away from discussing fruitcake, as I'm sure no one here wants this thread to become controversial or heated. And let's promise not to argue about who invented the Swiss roll.

and just a plug for your/our crown - they once were head of australia and may still be - did they every contribute any monies??

 

[Magna-Carta]

and just a plug for your/our crown - they once were head of australia and may still be - did they every contribute any monies??

did who ever contribute any monies

 

[VaughanJB]

It is great to be patriotic and have national pride - but you also have to understand that is how other

Time to be controversial. Like that'll shock anyone.

Patriotic people are the WORST. Like in the UK, if you see national flags outside a home, you know you're in trouble. The only people who fly them are extremists, usually on the right (sorry, but it's true, it's the not "right" that's the issue, it's the "extreme" part). In the US it was a little different, people flew flags and I didn't experience the same feeling. But in the UK, it seems to mean something else entirely.

The US is a great country, great people, great work ethic. But damn, the idea it's the ultimate for all just isn't right. I'd fly a US flag before an England flag.

 

[Lawrence00]

Lawrence, I hope you're just joking. You don't want to make money that way. That's a form of "dirty money".

No politics, no current events. "All Blondes really want to be brunettes. See the evidence" could be a good starting post.

 

[Tom52]

Here in Canada, almost everyone would give almost anything NOT to join the USA. We have health care, we have dental care, we have child care, we have a democratically elected leader and we don't have to carry guns to protect ourselves: Elbow Up! CANADA NOT FOR SALE!

And, you could also say that in the USA almost everyone would not be willing to give anything for Canada to become part of the USA. Why should we want that? You love your country and most love ours. Live and let live.

Not sure why you think our leader was other than democratically elected, but I will just assume it to be an inaccurate jab. Hope it made you feel better.

 

[Twostep]

No politics, no current events. "All Blondes really want to be brunettes. See the evidence" could be a good starting post.

Hey, it happened to me after I busted my head. Still female.

 

[seadoug]

The tourism here as far as cruises which was huge from not just Canada , Europe but also Asia has seriously diminished .

The cruise industry is not hurting yet but if it keeps up they will be . I know a nurse who works on a cruise ship and as you know not cheap to run them so they rely on capacity or close to it but the reduction has been serious so if it continues next step is cruise line sails less ships which lays off crew .

Hotels also feeling it but Miami is a tourist based economy so it was going to happen .

I retired from the cruise industry but still try to keep in the know. Yes, the lack of foreign tourism is affecting the cruise lines these days.

 

[oslooskar]

Here in Canada, almost everyone would give almost anything NOT to join the USA. We have health care, we have dental care, we have child care, we have a democratically elected leader and we don't have to carry guns to protect ourselves: Elbow Up! CANADA NOT FOR SALE!

You don’t need guns because you’ve had the U.S. military quietly backing your national security since WWII, and that's a geopolitical reality. As for freedom in Canada, it's questionable, just ask Dr. Jordan Peterson. Press freedom? Ezra Levant was dragged before a Human Rights Commission for publishing cartoons, yes, cartoons. That same Orwellian tribunal system chills dissent more effectively than any gun. As for "healthcare", you've got that if you are able to wait six months.

 

[NotCompSavvy]

I retired from the cruise industry but still try to keep in the know. Yes, the lack of foreign tourism is affecting the cruise lines these days.

A lot of people in my area one way or another work for or make a living due to cruise ships at port .

They hit port every day except Tue .

One guy like a few blocks from me lost his job and works uber only for cruise ships taking people to hotels , etc and regrets not quitting his job years ago .

Did you go on cruise ships for work or office work ?

A few office buildings in area owned by them like Carnival .

I have never been on one but plan to for smorgasbord alone , lol

 

[seadoug]

A lot of people in my area one way or another work for or make a living due to cruise ships at port .

They hit port every day except Tue .

One guy like a few blocks from me lost his job and works uber only for cruise ships taking people to hotels , etc and regrets not quitting his job years ago .

Did you go on cruise ships for work or office work ?

A few office buildings in area owned by them like Carnival .

I have never been on one but plan to for smorgasbord alone , lol

I was in sales for a small luxury line owned by Carnival Corp. I sailed on Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Seabourn (my cruise line). Some were for business. Some were for pleasure. I have retirement benefits on Seabourn and Holland America but we mostly sail on Holland America. We are going to Alaska on June 1, but I also have a request in for Seabourn for Oct. 20 to Canada/New England. Even at full fare, I think cruises are the best value out there. And if you live in South Florida you have your choice!

 

[NotCompSavvy]

I was in sales for a small luxury line owned by Carnival Corp. I sailed on Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Seabourn (my cruise line). Some were for business. Some were for pleasure. I have retirement benefits on Seabourn and Holland America but we mostly sail on Holland America. We are going to Alaska on June 1, but I also have a request in for Seabourn for Oct. 20 to Canada/New England. Even at full fare, I think cruises are the best value out there. And if you live in South Florida you have your choice!

Until moving here I never realized the huge amount of people one ship alone hires .

As you know the food delivery alone when ship ports is like a brigade of workers .

I would say half residents where I live work directly for or in some way for the ships .

 

[seadoug]

Until moving here I never realized the huge amount of people one ship alone hires .

As you know the food delivery alone when ship ports is like a brigade of workers .

I would say half residents where I live work directly for or in some way for the ships .

If you don't mind, where you do you live in South Florida? Just the area is fine for privacy purposes. I lived in North Miami Beach when I first moved there in 1988 and later in Pembroke Pines when I left in 2006. We lived in Towngate off I 95 and University.

I started with Royal Caribbean and it used to take me 30 minutes to get from North Miami Beach to the Port of Miami in the late 80's. I took me an hour to get from Pembroke Pines to Blue Lagoon where headquarters was before we left. The traffic in South Florida is crazy!

 

[NotCompSavvy]

If you don't mind, where you do you live in South Florida? Just the area is fine for privacy purposes. I lived in North Miami Beach when I first moved there in 1988 and later in Pembroke Pines when I left in 2006. We lived in Towngate off I 95 and University.

I started with Royal Caribbean and it used to take me 30 minutes to get from North Miami Beach to the Port of Miami in the late 80's. I took me an hour to get from Pembroke Pines to Blue Lagoon where headquarters was before we left. The traffic in South Florida is crazy!

I'm in South Florida / MY-AMI , lol and suspect now what took you half an hour would take you 90 minutes

 

[smiley]

I was in sales for a small luxury line owned by Carnival Corp. I sailed on Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Seabourn (my cruise line). Some were for business. Some were for pleasure. I have retirement benefits on Seabourn and Holland America but we mostly sail on Holland America. We are going to Alaska on June 1, but I also have a request in for Seabourn for Oct. 20 to Canada/New England. Even at full fare, I think cruises are the best value out there. And if you live in South Florida you have your choice!

sounds like a cushy cruise to me or two or three etc!

 

[smiley]

And, you could also say that in the USA almost everyone would not be willing to give anything for Canada to become part of the USA. Why should we want that? You love your country and most love ours. Live and let live.

Not sure why you think our leader was other than democratically elected, but I will just assume it to be an inaccurate jab. Hope it made you feel better.

I accept he was democratically elected as far as any evidence shows by the Usa populas.
but I was also dismayed at the behavior demonstrated by the same democracy breaking into the buildings of democracy - ransacking it and terrorizing the existing members?? - was that democracy?

 

[Warrigal]

according to AI



Yes, Australia owed the UK a significant war debt after World War I. Australia had financed its war effort, in part, by borrowing from the British government, resulting in a debt of nearly £100 million. An agreement in 1921 outlined a repayment plan over 36 years.



Here's a more detailed look:

• War Financing:
  Australia's initial financial mobilization for the war was limited, and the British government's purchases of Australian commodities helped prevent a major economic collapse, but also contributed to a large debt.
• Debt Burden:
  The decision to finance the war primarily through borrowing led to a substantial debt burden post-war.
• Repayment Agreement:
  A 1921 agreement between Australia and the UK set the repayment schedule for the war debt, initially over 36 years.
• Renegotiation Attempts:
  Australia later requested a longer repayment period (48 years) due to a drop in wool prices, which impacted its ability to meet the original repayment schedule.
• Interest Rates:
  The Australian government argued that the interest rate it was paying to British lenders was higher than what the British were paying to their American creditors.

Thanks, Holly.
NSW was also paying off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the terms were so good that there was no hurry to pay off the principal.