so glad im not american or in the united states.
Discussion
5ohmustang said:
longshot said:
If America is such an amazing place, how in f
king hell have they ended up with Hillary Clinton or Donald fking Trump as President?
You couldn't make it up.
That is like me judging the UK based on Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May.king hell have they ended up with Hillary Clinton or Donald fking Trump as President?You couldn't make it up.
May is doing just fine.
rc01082 said:
greygoose said:
rc01082 said:
98elise said:
I read something that suggested Mrs Clinton hasn't driven herself for around 20 years now.
Not really a big shock as she will have been protected by the secret service for much of that time. schmunk said:
A demonstration of the somewhat differing approaches of the US and UK security services.
Not really.In 2010 Gordon Brown went to the Palace to offer his resignation as PM, and he had his usual cavalcade. Remember, he was a man of the people and supports the like of the average worker. So he needed his Police escort and outriders to demonstrate his ordinariness. Very important to have outriders when you're a man of the people.
But if you remember back to 2010, when David Cameron left the Palace, there were no outriders or entourage, he had a low key security detail. Apparently, those were his wishes. He publicly eschewed this show of pomp that his predecessor had.
I'm sure Mrs Clintons security detail could have been toned down, especially since everyone in the establishment had already been vetted by the secret service (and the Democrat party), and that they would have searched the place top to bottom for anything untoward long before she turned up.
I've got American friends, born and bred there. They are very pleasant and intelligent people. I like them. They are a bit at odds with the values I have been brought up with, but they are foreign so one must make allowances as, not doubt, they make with me. There are common traits with them. They are generous to a fault. Whenever they visit it is like father christmas visiting and they refuse to accept any presents because of baggage allowance, yet their suitcases must be empty after their largess.
Where I've found them most different, and that includes the ones who regard themselves as liberal, is in their politics and we try and stay off the subject whenever they come over. I am shocked at some of their accepted norms of attitude.
I like Americans but I don't think that I would be happy living for any length of time there, given their stories. Some of it appears magical. One friend had a 'cabin', a multi story house originally made out of logs, but much extended over the years, in the mountains 'near' (another work that changes meaning in the USA) Seattle in the 'hills' (see previous). It had a picturesque lake 'out back' that although acidic from the volcanic nature of the locale, was stunningly beautiful. And she owned it all. Yet hubby was just a university professor and she a moderately successful writer.
The cabin was partially destroyed after a fire caused by an earthquake giving problems with the wiring. That earthquake partially drained the lake as well.
They moved from Motown, as he called it, because the areas which they could not go to were greater than those they could.
A friend of my wife's visited Washington, the capital. Her brother was something in the FaCO. Her health insurance did not cover either her or her brother in certain areas of town, which increased in size as night set in. As she and her brother were walking in the 'safe' area, a man in a passing car leaned out of the window with a hand gun and fired it at the illuminated shop sign above them. It shattered and covered them in safety glass. The police put it down to high spirits.
The problem with the USA in the eyes of the British is, I think, that we don't regard it as a foreign country so don't expect them to do things differently.
There point of view of 'English' life is interesting. They see it through different glasses and most, probably all, love the place. They all appreciate the BBC, and compare it unfavourably with PBS. They like the idea that they can walk through Brighton late at night or in the wee smalls without any fear. One couple carried pepper spray (illegally of course) when going to a concert in the Dome Theatre. My suggestion that if they were caught with it not only they but I, as a police officer, would be in trouble was met with astonishment. Of course they would go armed. That was an end to it.
One of the blokes I'd nicked a few years before came up to me in the Pavilion Gardens and they were quite shocked when he said hello, shook my hand and introduced me to his partner.
We do some things better than the Yanks, and they do some things better than us. Preferring one to the other does not mean one is good/one is bad.
I like it here. But that doesn't mean I think the USA is worse on some sort of marking level.
Where I've found them most different, and that includes the ones who regard themselves as liberal, is in their politics and we try and stay off the subject whenever they come over. I am shocked at some of their accepted norms of attitude.
I like Americans but I don't think that I would be happy living for any length of time there, given their stories. Some of it appears magical. One friend had a 'cabin', a multi story house originally made out of logs, but much extended over the years, in the mountains 'near' (another work that changes meaning in the USA) Seattle in the 'hills' (see previous). It had a picturesque lake 'out back' that although acidic from the volcanic nature of the locale, was stunningly beautiful. And she owned it all. Yet hubby was just a university professor and she a moderately successful writer.
The cabin was partially destroyed after a fire caused by an earthquake giving problems with the wiring. That earthquake partially drained the lake as well.
They moved from Motown, as he called it, because the areas which they could not go to were greater than those they could.
A friend of my wife's visited Washington, the capital. Her brother was something in the FaCO. Her health insurance did not cover either her or her brother in certain areas of town, which increased in size as night set in. As she and her brother were walking in the 'safe' area, a man in a passing car leaned out of the window with a hand gun and fired it at the illuminated shop sign above them. It shattered and covered them in safety glass. The police put it down to high spirits.
The problem with the USA in the eyes of the British is, I think, that we don't regard it as a foreign country so don't expect them to do things differently.
There point of view of 'English' life is interesting. They see it through different glasses and most, probably all, love the place. They all appreciate the BBC, and compare it unfavourably with PBS. They like the idea that they can walk through Brighton late at night or in the wee smalls without any fear. One couple carried pepper spray (illegally of course) when going to a concert in the Dome Theatre. My suggestion that if they were caught with it not only they but I, as a police officer, would be in trouble was met with astonishment. Of course they would go armed. That was an end to it.
One of the blokes I'd nicked a few years before came up to me in the Pavilion Gardens and they were quite shocked when he said hello, shook my hand and introduced me to his partner.
We do some things better than the Yanks, and they do some things better than us. Preferring one to the other does not mean one is good/one is bad.
I like it here. But that doesn't mean I think the USA is worse on some sort of marking level.
Derek Smith said:
The problem with the USA in the eyes of the British is, I think, that we don't regard it as a foreign country so don't expect them to do things differently.
I think you're right.Not enough people understand the US as being a very different place with very different challenges. As we speak a common language it's very easy to think we understand the US. My wife is American and she always felt uneasy in the UK, not because the UK was bad or anything like that, but there are quirks she just couldn't get used to. She felt she should understand the UK because of the common language - but didn't. And I mean, it would be stupid things like stepping off the pavement to cross the road and looking the wrong way.
She was always a lot more comfortable once we got into Europe. Because she didn't understand the language or the customs, she could be that much more comfortable in everything being new.
And I was the same about the US. Trying to get around something as simple as Walmart was an effort. Lots of choice - of the same things. Things are different, and it puts you on edge.
There is no point in someone from the UK trying to understand someone like Trump though, total waste of time. Everyone in the UK and Europe has this fantastic idea of what Hillary is, when she really isn't. There is no enthusiasm for Hillary at home - Bernie supporters are STILL putting BERNIE signs out all over the place. Trumps signs are out, we haven't seen a single Hillary sign now in weeks.
I did ask a couple of tenants what they liked about Hillary and their reply "We loved Bill". Hardly a ringing endorsement.
America is grossly unequal with an extremely superficial culture, but it's intoxicating and I've always had a wonderful time every time I've been over there.
I agree with Doug Stanhope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OlBdFIxbk
I agree with Doug Stanhope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OlBdFIxbk
I've been to America. That sounds like a line from a song. Several times, and enjoyed it. Another line. That's the point, it's show biz for hysterical children. Everyone I met in tourist-land was the same - a beaming smile, generous and kind to a fault and absolutely pleased to see us. It's about making the most of every opportunity - I don't mean ruthless or grabby - I mean zest for some kind of life that transcends the banal and ordinary. They are in raptures of what might be possible if you try, not like here where the pessimists prevail at every turn. It's about extremes, forget the banal ordinariness of normal life, hype it up and your horizon gets bigger, see over that horizon to a brighter future. That's American politics, totally mad but predictable when such a large country is available to be persuaded. Sometimes it's a pleasure to think about parochial England.
Derek Smith said:
They like the idea that they can walk through Brighton late at night or in the wee smalls without any fear. One couple carried pepper spray (illegally of course) when going to a concert in the Dome Theatre. My suggestion that if they were caught with it not only they but I, as a police officer, would be in trouble was met with astonishment. Of course they would go armed. That was an end to it.
I have to tell you Derek that I stayed in Brighton 2 years ago. I was fortunate enough to be over in the UK on expenses so we stayed at the Grand. I had a sea view room in the centre of the hotel on the 4th floor, perfect. The view was spoiled somewhat by all the dossers who use the bus stop opposite as a combination hotel, toilet and begging booth. In the evening we walked towards the Lanes for dinner. Unfortunately we had to pass the Odeon where there were about 20 wino's camped out on the pavement accosting people for money in an intimidating manner. Another member of the group I was with was mugged the next night. I live in the 12th most populous city in the USA and I never feel concerned or intimidated walking around the downtown at night. Brighton, not so much.
gadgetmac said:
skyrover said:
For the large part, the US has many advantages over the UK.
I'm willing to be many many Brits would be moving there if it was easier to get a residents permit
3 times as many UK emigrants prefer Australia to the US. It's close between Spain and the USA for 2nd place.I'm willing to be many many Brits would be moving there if it was easier to get a residents permit
unrepentant said:
gadgetmac said:
skyrover said:
For the large part, the US has many advantages over the UK.
I'm willing to be many many Brits would be moving there if it was easier to get a residents permit
3 times as many UK emigrants prefer Australia to the US. It's close between Spain and the USA for 2nd place.I'm willing to be many many Brits would be moving there if it was easier to get a residents permit
unrepentant said:
Derek Smith said:
They like the idea that they can walk through Brighton late at night or in the wee smalls without any fear. One couple carried pepper spray (illegally of course) when going to a concert in the Dome Theatre. My suggestion that if they were caught with it not only they but I, as a police officer, would be in trouble was met with astonishment. Of course they would go armed. That was an end to it.
I have to tell you Derek that I stayed in Brighton 2 years ago. I was fortunate enough to be over in the UK on expenses so we stayed at the Grand. I had a sea view room in the centre of the hotel on the 4th floor, perfect. The view was spoiled somewhat by all the dossers who use the bus stop opposite as a combination hotel, toilet and begging booth. In the evening we walked towards the Lanes for dinner. Unfortunately we had to pass the Odeon where there were about 20 wino's camped out on the pavement accosting people for money in an intimidating manner. Another member of the group I was with was mugged the next night. I live in the 12th most populous city in the USA and I never feel concerned or intimidated walking around the downtown at night. Brighton, not so much.
The lads got local charities to fund various policies and initiatives, included one or two churches. The Sally Ann were quite keen and, I am told, innovative.
But there were cuts in numbers. Nowadays, of course, there are few, if any, patrolling officers.
It will have to change, and probably soon. Once patrolling officers are back on the beat, such matters can be dealt with quite easily if there is a will.
I thought I'd mention that even before the operation, the crimes committed by the vagrants were all minor public order and begging. No violence against anyone other than their own group.
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