As an individual, you have no more history than I do. As a country, all of Europe does. However, my ancestors came from Europe as well and I share the same history as many Europeans. Only the most reason 2 hundred years differ. I have never heard that American civilization is more advanced or that Europe is a dead animal. The opposite as a matter of fact. I don't know where you are getting your information Walter, but I really don't think it represents most of American's viewpoints at all.


>Jay,
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>>Bit of lip service there. I guess all I've heard from you lately is a lot of elitist "Rah-Rah Europe" and "those poor stupid Americans." Your post came off a bit too self-righteous and pious for me. At least you sort of retracted a bit of it kind of maybe alittle...
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>My reaction is towards those people up here who think that europe is a dead animal. It simply is not. There is a lot happening up here, but often on other areas of what the US thinks is important. It is a reaction to those who think that the american civilisation is more advanced. I beg to differ. This is based on that europe has to be very advanced to function because we are more crowded and host an awfull lot of cultures and languages. We also have a much richer history and culture. We have had more wars and still cary the scars from it.
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>The american society is much simpler. It has a few basics like "Integrate to make a living", "The american dream", "Family values". The red line here almost always is the almighty buck. The american and eupopean culture are so different they are difficult to compare. As a famous dutch journalist said: They are like water and oil, you can shake as long as you want, but they don't mix.
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>That is basically you see up here as well. Many dutch (like me) are naggers. They complain about everything, even changes are for the better. We have grown a culture out of sceptisism. This indeed is bad and should change to see the more positive things in life.
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>At the other end, you have the americans. They are happy campers. They always are enthousiastic and friendly and optimistic (though also more violent). However IMO, they sometimes drive too far in it and lose touch with the hard reality and somtimes really don't even know it. I've been complaining about your government, because if I see what has happened during you administration, the facts don't give me much reason to be optimistic:
>- Cases of corruption
>- Starting the war in iraq on false grounds.
>- Stunning increasing debts (while we are just reducing it)
>- Incompetence at hurrican disasters
>- The increasing influence of GOD in your government
>- Torture in Abu ghraid and guantama bay.
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>Since europeans tend to be naggers, they are less postive about your government than within your country. They find enough reasons and facts to complain about.
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>Walter,