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arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Interesting, when I take a taxi , the driver asks where I am from, i say America, and he also gives me the thumbs up. Everybody wants to believe what they want to believe, though.

Personally, I find the thrust of some threads sadly amusing. But one thing I have found is that people with minds who hate, will find someone to hate...regardless (to to upset some people...irregardless Laughing

). Personally don't care for Clinton, but I guess what Clinton does is bad, and what Hamas does is cool?

So the people with hate talk about Bush or Clinton doing whatever, will always find someone to blame for the world's evils. America will be blamed if it does something, America will be blamed if it does nothing. If someone wants to hate me becaue I am American, he has a sad life. Not my problem. Between him and God

That said, most of the Canadians I have met tend to be younger, more of the "backpacker" type. Does anyone's research show any statistical significance beased on age?

Ooga Dooga rules, even if I don't know how to spell it (My pardon to all the Fasto Burkanians)

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Hello there arioch36:

That's Ouagadougou. Now get it right, Chris! You have blatantly insulted millions of my new comrades with your nonchalant spelling boo-boo. Laughing

But seriously, have a nice weekend! I'm off to Bobo-Dioulasso for some burnt cork and a beer.

Warm regards,
keNt

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 1:09 pm Post subject: Hi, Mom

Dear keNt,
" I'm off to Bobo-Dioulasso for some burnt cork and a beer. "
Don't forget to pray to a few trees, bodies of water, rocks, etc. Now that you're an Animist, you do have to worship Mother Nature - and always remember: it's not NICE to fool Mom ( dress warm and wear your rubbers - ah, the kind you put on your feet, that is ).
Regards,
John

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 1:14 pm Post subject: Yo ho ho

Dear Shaman,
" Stranger: 'So. Where ya from?'

Me: 'Treasure Island.' "

There really IS one, you know, in San Francisco Bay:

http://sfphototour.tripod.com/treasure.html

I spent about a week there, on the way to Viet Nam, WAY back in 1965.

Regards,
John

Shaman · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Hammertown

And here I thought I'd found a banner that was free from any nation-association whatsoever. Maybe I can always find a "KISS Army" flag somewhere.
Laughing

Shaman

Capergirl · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 5:07 pm Post subject:

Honestly, I'm at a loss as to why this is such a big issue for (some) Americans. If certain people wish to display their nations' flag when traveling--for whatever reason--then "good on them". I don't complain about the folks who paint stars and stripes on their lawns...whatever floats your boat, folks. Cool

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

There is a difference between loving your own country and making a political display against another country.

I've met Canadians who have the Canadian flags tatooed on them who harbor absolutely no bias against Americans. They are usually long term expats who just want to be reminded of home. I've met many more, who go out of their way to avoid Americans and who seethe with contempt for their neighbor country. The flag issue for them is not about being Canadian, it's about not being American.

Yes, America does not have a perfect record domestically or internationally. It has a history of unscrupulous people expoiting others for personal gain. It will continue to act in this way. So has and will every other country in the world.

Capergirl · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2003 10:09 am Post subject:

@guest of Japan...I don't see "political displays against another country" in this type of action. The people in question are sporting their own countries' flags (Canadian, Swedish, etc.), not an American flag with a big red slash through it. Rolling Eyes

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Flags are usually worn by nationals of countries which are located next to big dominant countries. I don't see many British, US, Australian, or South African flags. I see NZ, Irish, and Canadian Flags. If this isn't a political statement then I wasted a whole lot of money on my history/poli sci degree.

I've been to Canada several times and only seen one Canadian flag outside someone's home, so I hardly believe that nationalism is strong trait of Canadians. If you still don't believe me then I suggest you engage a Canadian expat who is sporting a flag in conversation (while pretending you are not Canadian) and ask why the flag is worn. I guarantee the answer you receive will be a political lashing against Americans.

Shaman · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Hammertown

Guest:

Your "guarantee" means that 100% of those bearing our sacred maple leaf would give Americans a "political lashing". I'll bet against those odds any day of the week. Were I to go to the States with a visible maple leaf, would I receive admonishment (100%) for our nation not sending troops to Iraq? No.

One flag? That's quite interesting. Before I walk a full block, I see at least three. Of those, Old Glory is also present at one house, a result of post-9/11 sympathies. That house is by no means the solitary example in this city, nor in the nation for that matter.

Lack of nationalism? Double gold in olympic hockey made the country (yes, even "separatist" Quebec) fly the flag to the extent where it appeared that autumn had rushed forth from the heart of winter. It always comes back to hockey... Very Happy

Regards,

Shaman

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I can't dispute the power of hockey. I also can't give you any estimate on American animosity in regards to the Iraq war. I came to Japan over 2 years ago and I haven't been back yet.

My guarantee doesn't mean that 100% feel that way. Please see my first post. I'm simply confident that the first person spoken to will.

That double gold in Hockey was pretty cool. I'm a big Lemieux fan, so I was cheering for you.

Have a nice day.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I'm obviously not making any friends with my posted opinion, so I stand down now. I apologize if my opinion has annoyed any Canadians. Incidently, I love your country, but it's so cold in January.

Shaman · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 446 Location: Hammertown

Nicely put, Wolf. And no offence taken on this end, Guest. Just didn't want the "bad apples" representing the bunch.

January? I'd prefer a bouquet of them rather than one February. That month seems like three - at least in my neck of the woods. Crying or Very sad

Shaman

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2003 4:20 pm Post subject: Rally round the Flag

I'd just like to add that my Canadian friends on the staff here seem very intrerested in giving me T-shirts, decals and pins with the Canadian flag on them. And I don't think that's because they believe I have a passion for Maple Leaves.
Regards,
John