Countries Favorability.

[pwo]

A new poll just came out stating which countries america likes from worst to least. I heard about it on CNN. It was pretty interesting. Amercans like England the most and Iran the least. 51% of americans favor france, that has gone up. So, which country do you least like?

 

[Pacridge]

After reading some articles about Omar al-Bashir of Sudan I'd have to say he's on the top of my list at the moment. His tactics are nothing but ethic and religious cleansing. The entire western Darfur region is a colossal humanitarian tragedy that has resulted in some 70,000 deaths and 2 million being left homeless.

One nation missing from your list that I'd add would be Saudi Arabia. They've supported terrorists, although quietly, for years while denying their citizens basic human rights. What was it 15 of the 19 September 11th hi-jackers were Saudi's? They getting ready to hold their first democratic elections in forty years. However women won't be allowed to vote- due to "technical difficulties." Technically I think that's BS.

 

[Schweddy]

I took the liberty of adding Saudi Arabia to the poll.

Excellent poll btw.

 

[GarzaUK]

I voted America, not the country or the people you understand - but the administration. I feel America is the biggest the threat to my life at the minute (Americans gasp). If the UK was up there, I actually might have voted for my own country.

Living in Northern Ireland - I do know terrorism and generally how it works and functions.

Bush and Blair have made the world a more dangerous place, there is more people lining up for Al-Queida membership that ever before.

Terror feeds of hatred, war spreads hatred (When innocents get killed). Imagine if your only son was killed by a stray American bomb or bullet, what would you feel in their shoes - Anger.

 

[Naughty Nurse]

I'm afraid I agree with Garza. I'm also not anti-American, but GWB? If anything is going to destroy the world at the moment it's him! I would also put Phoney Blair a close second.

 

[Urethra Franklin]

I voted "America" though I of course mean United States of America. I do get rathyer annoyed at the misuse of the term "America" having Chilean, Brazillian and Mexican friends who of course are too "Americans" but not of the USA.

In French we have the term "Etats-Uniesien" which replaces the rather incorrect "Americain" - perhaps it's time that in English we coined the nationality "United Statesian"

My problem with this poll is that it rather encourages hatred or the bashing of certain countries or peoples, which I am wholeheartedly against. I would say I hate the US government, the US political machine, disagree firmly with US foreign policy since the end of the 2nd world war, am disgusted by the unappointed 'policeman of the world' rôle that the US has taken on, dislike the "west is best" arrogance the US perpertrates, and am horrified by the injustices which exist in a nation which claims to be the beholder of human rights. On a cultural level, I find the majority of US culture rather low brow and distateful, and I detest it's mass scale exportation around the world. I prefer a wholesome ham baguette from a French boulangerie than a McDonalds, and would rather watch an intelligent German film than some bland Hollywood blockboster (with it's beautiful people, kids with straight teeth, predicatable plots and 'we are the greatest' rhetoric).

As for United States of Americans as individuals, I take each person for what they are. It is wrong to stereotype, but foolish to deny that certain characteristics do pervade in any nationality. I am rather shocked by an inability of many from the US to be truly open to the outside world, by the huge amounts of food they eat, and waste - then spend millions on liposuction and Jenny Craig, and by their obsession with looks (the cosmetic surgery industry, the perfect body images which are pushed, rather contradicting the Mclove affair with fries. I suppose superficial is the word I am searching for). That said an individual is an individual, and there are 'United Statesians' I love dearly. Why, I've even just had lunch with one.

 

[Schweddy]

I voted France. Again.. not the people but the administration(s).

They are unable to put money where thier mouth is, but will take it and put as much in thier wallet from whomever without consulting thier integrity. They bitch and moan and complain. When push comes to shove they do nothing about it.

 

[GarzaUK]

I happen to think that why the French and American Governments hate each other is that they are so alike, albeit one is liberal, one is conservative. They are quite alike though, they always think they are right lol.

 

[Batman]

France. Jacques Chirac won't call Hezbollah terrorists. Surrender is their peace policy.

 

[Pacridge]

France. Jacques Chirac won't call Hezbollah terrorists. Surrender is their peace policy.

So the problem county is the one that won't recognize the countries that actually have the terrorists? It's not the countries that actually sponsor the terrorist, it's the country that won't identify the terrorist nations.

 

[Batman]

So the problem county is the one that won't recognize the countries that actually have the terrorists? It's not the countries that actually sponsor the terrorist, it's the country that won't identify the terrorist nations.

Countries that sponsor and have terrorists are problems. That's a given. France seems to take a stance against us when they are an "ally."
Hezbollah killed 200 Marines in Beirut. A country that refuses to recognize a problem can be a problem. France has demonstrated that.

 

[Hoot]

I voted for North Korea.

I just watched a documentary entitled, "Welcome to North Korea."
(Some of the film footage was secretly shot, as filming is not allowed in many parts of the country)

The country is in a terrible mess from all the human rights abuses...people in the countryside are starving...some resorting to cannabilism...children dying, yet from all the years of indoctrination the people believe Kim Jong Il has supernatural powers and is a great leader...a leader who lives in luxury while his people die of disease and starvation.

The North Korean economy is on the verge of collapse...they're certainly no real threat to the West, or Europe.

I can understand people voting for France or Germany because they did not support the US in their illegal war with Iraq...and I admit it's because France and Germany were making money hand over fist on the "oil for food" scandal, yet a citizen of France can leave anytime they wish.

In North Korea, if you're caught trying to escape to the South, not only are you tortured, but your whole family is condemned to concentration camps...camps which have been moved to the interior of the nation to avoid detection from the outside world.

Hundreds of thousands have died from abuse in North Korea. It is one country that truely deserves the title of "evil empire."

 

[Batman]

I just watched a documentary entitled, "Welcome to North Korea."

Do you remember the channel it was on? I'd like to learn more about it.

 

[Hoot]

Do you remember the channel it was on? I'd like to learn more about it.

Well, I didn't think it was worth getting all these movie channels, but my wife got a good package deal, and wanted a bunch of movies to watch, so it was on one of the Cinemax channels...I think we get about 6 or 7 different Cinemax channels, so I'm not sure of the exact designation, but it was definetly Cinemax.
It was a documentary where the reporters were allowed to visit only designated areas with military escorts....the shrines and museums etc...mostly for propaganda purposes, but they stated the secret footage came from film smuggled out by Chinese and also defectors from the North who managed to escape to South Korea.

An interesting film, but it sickened me to see the abuses and the complete lack of communication the people of North Korea have with the outside world.

 

[Hoot]

I voted "America" though I of course mean United States of America. That said an individual is an individual, and there are 'United Statesians' I love dearly. Why, I've even just had lunch with one.

Just curious...that lunch wasn't with fava beans and a nice chianti, was it?!

 

[MeChMAN]

I put down France. Why? I have no idea but hey I'm an american and it is the american way to hate somebody isn't it?

 

[Urethra Franklin]

I voted France. Again.. not the people but the administration(s).

They are unable to put money where thier mouth is,.

Wrong.
Witness the Ivory Coast.
And the fact that unlike other ex colonial powers, they continue to finance many of their ex-colonies as DOMs (Départements d'Outre Mer)

but will take it and put as much in thier wallet from whomever without consulting thier integrity..

The US is equally as guilty of that (Saudi Ararbia, Uzbekistan)

They bitch and moan and complain. When push comes to shove they do nothing about it.

You are equating doing nothing with not supporting the imperialist Bush in his lies and schemes to help the US oil industry. That is not the same thing.

 

[Urethra Franklin]

I put down France. Why? I have no idea but hey I'm an american and it is the american way to hate somebody isn't it?

A shining example of the intelligent US mind. Your depth of analysis is astounding.

 

[Urethra Franklin]

Just curious...that lunch wasn't with fava beans and a nice chianti, was it?!

No dearest, we went Greek, so it was feta salad and moussaka washed down with a nice cypriot red. Care to join us next trime?

 

[Schweddy]

You are equating doing nothing with not supporting the imperialist Bush in his lies and schemes to help the US oil industry. That is not the same thing.

Powell and the French ambassador went to either breakfast or lunch before the famous "UN" meeting of evidence. He was assured that France was on his side. Moments later, France voted then said they could take no action against Sadam.

(damn, gotta find that link again...)

This is the type of crap that we have come to expect from the French govt. Speaking out of both sides of their mouth. We can only expect this type of action again for Iran, but this time it will be to the UK. Come to find out, the French was in bed with Sadam and the "oil for food" program. Go figure.

On the bitching and moaning, the arabs are taking over France. The French allow anyone in (and in droves) and then BITCH because the Muslims want to wear turbans or have thier customs in public. At the rate that France is allowing folks in their country it will be an arabian nation before too long. Which I have no issues with (as long as Democracy), but allowing aliens in at the rate that France is will be total destruction against their traditions and customs - aka... destruction of what we know of France today.

 

[Urethra Franklin]

This is the type of crap that we have come to expect from the French govt. Speaking out of both sides of their mouth. We can only expect this type of action again for Iran, but this time it will be to the UK. Come to find out, the French was in bed with Sadam and the "oil for food" program. Go figure..

Both US and French governments acted in their economic interests.
I am not a Chirac fan, but at least he didn't go horsing round the world killing innocents.

On the bitching and moaning, the arabs are taking over France. The French allow anyone in (and in droves) and then BITCH because the Muslims want to wear turbans or have thier customs in public. At the rate that France is allowing folks in their country it will be an arabian nation before too long. Which I have no issues with (as long as Democracy), but allowing aliens in at the rate that France is will be total destruction against their traditions and customs - aka... destruction of what we know of France today.

Obviously you have a problem with France having a liberal immigration policy and being a desirable and welcoming place for foreigners to want to settle in. French traditions are far more intact than in many of our neighbours' lands, the UK for example. Your own land will soon have Spanish as its official language.
Muslims don't wear turbans, Sikhs do. Are you totally ignorant?
Your reference to religious symbols is inaccurate; hardly surprising as the issue was inaccurately reported by the biassed US media. Nodoby is forbidden from wearing turbans, veils etc. in public. But in an officially secular state; all religious symbols are forbidden in state schools, and that includes the crucifix. Are you another one that doesn't even have a passport? Get your facts straight before you shout off your McGob.

 

[Schweddy]

hehe... I knew that post would get your goat.

Muslims don't wear turbans, Sikhs do. Are you totally ignorant?

Obviously, I am.

Are you another one that doesn't even have a passport?

I prefer the cleanliness of my city and home. Paris is one city I will not ever visit again.

Obviously you have a problem with France having a liberal immigration policy and being a desirable and welcoming place for foreigners to want to settle in. French traditions are far more intact than in many of our neighbours' lands, the UK for example. Your own land will soon have Spanish as its official language.

I have no issues with France and thier immigration policies. Just don't complain in 5 years when things are completely messed up because there will be more outsiders than true French folks.

The US has no "official language" so how can we change it?

 

[Urethra Franklin]

hehe... I knew that post would get your goat.

I don't own a goat.
It simply made me marvel at your ignorance

Obviously, I am.

You said it.
No surprise that after 9/11 Sikhs in the US were reportedly beaten up by "free Americans" who thought they were Molems, being ignorant of the difference. Land of the free?

I prefer the cleanliness of my city and home. Paris is one city I will not ever visit again.

Urethra cracks open the bolly

I have no issues with France and thier immigration policies. Just don't complain in 5 years when things are completely messed up because there will be more outsiders than true French folks. .

You've obviously never heard of immigration controls. France quite rightly, has a liberal policy. It's a rich country that can afford to take immigrants, but we don't have open door policy. Your scenario is unlikely, but even were it to pass, it's a scenario that hasn't harmed Luxembourg, where only 50% of the population is Luxembourgois, and a very rich and civilised nation it is.

The US has no "official language" so how can we change it?

By having one instituted, and believe me, it will be Spanish.

 

[shuamort]

Your own land will soon have Spanish as its official language.

(SNIP)

By having one instituted, and believe me, it will be Spanish.

I thought it was Chinese.

Time for you to tighten your belt, learn to live with less and teach your kids Chinese.

So, are you predicting that the US learns Chinese or Spanish first? :rofl

 

[Batman]

I am not a Chirac fan, but at least he didn't go horsing round the world killing innocents.

No, he let Saddam do that.