is it unfair or is it good like that?

[billy_is_not_my_name]

And Vermont used to be its own country as well. In fact, some aspects of the United States Constitution are adapted from the Constitution of the former Vermont Republic.

[Polwarth]

I never knew that! But then again, I'm not an American Interesting information.

Mind you, it never ceases to amaze me how little SOME Americans know about world history (or their own)

[Essence_of_hope]

Originally Posted by Polwarth

You need to study your country's history in a bit more depth, Essence.

Your country won its independence from the UNITED KINGDOM, not England - the two are not interchangeable. There were plenty of Scottish and Irish and Welsh soldiers on the 'losing' side in the American War of Independence.

Before you arrive here, you really should know that we Scots get very snippy when people call us English.

Well done for being proud of being an American and a Texan. My condolences on having Mr Bush claiming to be a native of your State.

Well, Bush can claim all he wants...not all Texans claim him...
I never voted for the man, still cant believe he won another term...at least this will be his last. It's time for a woman president.


Sorry about that....it's been a while, yes I know how the Scots get when they're called English, that's why I only mention the English because I knew we were at least fighting them. I couldnt remember if it was all of Britian or just the English. Figured I'd leave the others out since I couldnt remember. sorry.

Didnt know Vermount was it's own country either...interesting. They kinda left that one out of our history books.

[skookie]

I think Americans are more likely to say they "love" another country because of our culture...the majority of americans have a relative great-grandparent, if not parent or grandparent, who emigrated to the US. We grow up hearing their stories of adventure, or at least knowing there must have been stories of adventure out there, that have been forgotten...and we are aware of our roots with our grandparents much sooner than we are aware of our country...so our "roots" pull us in many directions at once.

My great-grandparents came over when they were young. My grandfather didn't know any english when he started school. Then I know people like my favorite college professor, who was born and raised on an indian reservation. He had nine brothers, all alcoholics, his father, grandfathers, and every uncle is or was an alcoholic...I think about how our society has not, still does not, give many chances to the people who were here before my ancestors. And I don't feel comfortable taking for granted that this place is all mine. Too many people don't think twice about it...

Yes, I know there is no way to go back and change the past, or change things now to represent what should have been done. But there are things happening now that hopefully our kids will be embarrassed about...that we might not have done...had we considered our good fortune with a little more humility.

[Polwarth]

Good post, Skookie.

[SonjaKelli]

Originally Posted by Polwarth

Mind you, it never ceases to amaze me how little SOME Americans know about world history (or their own)

I totally agree and, as an American, it's embarrassing. But I also think the same can be said for most countries. These days people care more about what Britney Spears names her baby than they do about... well... most other things.

[Polwarth]

I think you're right, to a point, SK.... but the depth of US ignorance about the rest of the world (and even their own country) often amazes us Europeans (as you must have found out when you came over from the US!)

I think Europeans have a broader knowledge of world affairs