10 things this colombian likes about the usa

kernow62 says on May 20, 2005, 14:13:

Where in the US is 06 allowed? I would like to check it out. :-)

Good list, nice and positive, especially 01.

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quindioman says on May 20, 2005, 14:14:

i dunno i never been usa but i always assumed it was the land of the free and brave (or something like that)

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kernow62 says on May 20, 2005, 14:51:

That is the claim to fame. The reality is it is much less free than it once was. Still not a bad place to live. In fact if I had to choose between Pakistan, the USA and the Falkland Islands I would choose the USA hands down every time!

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dwmte says on May 20, 2005, 15:11:

heh cockney.... first of all an apology as i think i made a gender error....that outta the way,

thanks for your thoughts of mi tierra.

it is a nice place here, kernow is being a little stingy with due praise. true, we have every problem imaginable, but because of the nature of our freedoms the shit is pulled outta the closet and just about put in your face. you really can do a lot here. one of the things i like here over colombia is the freedom to raise oneself economically. that is just about non existant in colombia. (lets not get off on this and that...the rich have priviledge. the poor and very small middle class don't) the status quo is in the hands of the priviledged and they damned sure dont want to turn loose.

but i'm not chatting about that. here you can disagree with anyone and not have to apologize for it. school is free and open to all. the grand canyon is as you imagine, outrageous. and there's yosemite as well. it is way over the edge. i grew up about 50 miles from yosemite and could drive up there in an hour and a half. beautiful.

we have folks from everycorner of the earth and for the most part they manage to get along.

i'd like to personally invite you here to visit my country and visit my home (in daytona beach florida) we'll be here probably another year then it's back to medallo...we have a small home in envigado. so if you're ever here or about, come by. it's just like antioquia. the paisa runs the house, cooks the food, teaches the child rightly and treats me better than i deserve. can i beat that?

don't let people shit you. america is not a land of bad people, although we have some. it is a land of so many different people and the most of them choose to do good. please come visit. i'll open my country as your country has been open to me for the last 16 years.

d w martin

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Calena67 says on May 20, 2005, 16:19:

USA I love :

. the honesty ( I know should be exceptions)
. The Police makes people to follow the rules
. Clean enviroment
. The 4 seasons
. The trafic is very organized
. The inteligence of people
. Human Services
. The scholarchives
. The organization

I love USA

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b bruce says on May 20, 2005, 16:39:

There's no place like home! Calena67, thank you for your compliments about the USA! But no matter where some one is from. There's no place like home. Just maybe more opportunities in other places. I was born and raised in the USA. I have traveled to Central America, South America, Europe and Southeast Asia. I have found the Colombian people to be the most charming, friendly and fun loving so far. I can't wait to return to Colombia. It could be heaven on earth! Viva Colombia!

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jpseast says on May 20, 2005, 16:49:

cali to tulua Going to Tulua...does anyone know if the road between Cali airport and tulua is safe?

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quindioman says on May 20, 2005, 17:33:

hactually i very clearly omitted a significant entry en the earlier list...
i cannot imagine the day i actually sign up to an american forum..
the real praise due here is to the Americans in this forum that have actually taken an interest in my country...they've taken the time and energy to travel to mi tierra and actually see first hand what it's like instead of being put off by negative press...to you gringos i take my proverbial hat off, the person that pioneered this thing (i believe his name is Peter) great job man .
Doug/Kernow....thanks for the feedback and dw i was wondering why you were referring to me as sis
Thanks for the invitation but there's far more chance of me seeing you in Colombia than seeing you in the States. (for more than one reason-your country already denied me a TOURIST visa even though i had won the tickets and the money issue was sound for 2 weeks...i had job references and also someone vouching for me at Houston...I covered all bases and they still denied me-mind you i held very little resentment, i was more pissed at myself for not having bothered to get a British passport after 20 years in the UK. I think they'll deny me again if i apply before 2007 because that's the date they stamped on the back of my passport)but i'll be going back home in November to marry my lovely Tolimensa 19 year old trophy wife....never say never....that's what i say....shame you'll probably still be in Daytona...still I'll post some pics of the occassion
jpseat...the raod from Cali to Tulua is safe as houses (if somethings gonna happen to you it's gonna happen anyway)
I travelled extensively from Cali to Armenia during last August, by that I mean i took that trip more than 10 times in the space of a month and I sometimes close my eyes and see myself looking at the beatiful colours that unravel before one's eyes...it's beautiful my friend...The most obvious route from Cali to Tulua is through Palmira....if it takes 3 hours to travel from Cali to Armenia- you pass Palmira, Tulua, Buga, Armenia...it would probably take 1 hour and 15 or brobably 30 minutes from Cali to Tulua....go to el Terminal en Cali and get a bus that stops in Tulua...i used S26 (i think that's what the're called i always remember them as the yellow company for the colour of the buses)....expect to pay less than $12.000 for the journey ($6) hope this helps

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adrimm says on May 20, 2005, 17:47:

Burst Bubble -European site founder & owner This website and forum that we love so much is indeed brainchild of Peter (all hail Peter), who happens to be from Belgium. (Does anyone know what the term for people of Belgium is? The Flemish are only one group of people there, no?)

So we should all be very happy and thankful that he decided to make the site in English, rather than French or Flemish!

That's the beauty of the web, everything can have some international flavour ;)

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dwmte says on May 20, 2005, 17:58:

hell, cockney.... i don't have a clue. i've made the mistake of gender 2 or 3 times over the last couple of years here on pbh. guess i'm just old and lame. or?

sorry...but you're right, maybe you'll see us there, before we see you here. who knows.

i'm still trying to get my passport back. dealing with government is a pain in the ass no matter where you are on earth. some better, some worse...all pain in the ass.

dw

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bkcarolina says on May 20, 2005, 18:17:

They're called Belgians.

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adrimm says on May 20, 2005, 19:36:

......OMG... Thanks BKCarolina!

Of course... and I knew that too..sort of.. My brain works in the Belgian Belgium direction (Belgian Chocolate mmmm), but not the Belgium Belgian direction.

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kernow62 says on May 20, 2005, 20:29:

I think I did a 10 favourites about the USA the other day, but I will revise that and start anew. In no particular order.

10. Spongebob Squarepants
9. The Simpsons
8. King of the Hill
7. drag racing
6. street rods
5. multiculturalism
4. public libraries that have CDs and DVDs
3. eBay
2. excellent quality audio gear
1. Link TV

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b bruce says on May 20, 2005, 22:01:

a dead US american? He died naked and in the arms of four beautiful Colombian women. After a wonderful night of loving them all. The mortician couldn't get the smile off of his face! god bless America! Viva Colombia

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poco says on May 20, 2005, 22:10:

Lack of information I’m really sad you can’t think of more responses. I try always to write pleasing on topic posts, read all the information contained in these threads and respond only as I believe conveys useful, current events. Your opinion and continued satisfaction with the site is my utmost concern. Did you know that the name Anggrek Hitman is derived from a leader of a little know Indonesian religious sect that concerned itself with deriving the maximum pleasure while impetrating thorny sticks in their rectums?

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Rubiazo says on May 20, 2005, 22:33:

To me the #1 advantage of the USA over Colombia would be safety. I wouldn't say you can 'do pretty much as you please' here. As a matter of fact, Colombia strikes me as a place where you would be much more free to do as you please!

Does the USA have better museums than Colombia? I know the Museum of Natural History here is pretty incredible. They had a life-size replica of a blue whale in one HUGE room. My 4-year old daughter said to me 'daddy, look at the fishy!' :P

I love hip hop, but as far as I'm concerned it ended almost 20 years ago. I wish the USA were still artistically inclined like it used to be, and like Colombia still is!!

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Copete says on May 20, 2005, 22:48:

Science! I'm apalled nobody has mentioned one of the most noteworthy of all qualities of the US: its scientific community. Overwhealmingly superior to any other on planet earth, it's has contributed more towards real progress than just about any other group. Although it's been losing a bit of an edge lately, thanks to the new government-sponsored wave of bigotry against foreigners and its ridiculous moralistic concerns. At least in my case, science is the one thing that makes me put up with all that's crap about the US and keeps me here (for now).

In fact, the scientific community generally rejects everything that's bad about the US:
-It's quite inclusive; one's brain is more important than any external physical characteristic. It's rapidly ceasing to be a white male-dominated group.
-It doesn't participate in the culture of excess that's so common all over the US. Scientists tend to buy just what they need and don't indulge in unnecessary luxury.
-People actually love what they do; they don't do it because it's what daddy did or it's what brings the most money.
-Quite environmentally friendly: biking to work, walking, carpooling are quite common. SUVs are quite uncommon.
-Votes overwhealmingly Democratic. Not surprising for people who can actually think outside the box.
-No religious fanaticism.
-Hip-hop, TV, football (basically, stuff that makes people stupid), are quite unpopular.

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poco says on May 21, 2005, 01:06:

Metaphor to metaphor Millions of people around the world hate America. For many of them the hatred stems from their own history or a failure to embrace a world wide based economic system. This manifests itself in a usually convoluted expression of resentment and frustration that stems from a fear they very likely won’t ever attain a modicum of what the Americans take for granted no matter how hard they try or their level of knowledge.

Few can escape American influence. Millions of other people of all nationalities have achieved a much higher quality of life by embracing a system that maximizes their potential.

In India, Russia, China, and Malaysia America is a beacon for millions. But for millions of others, it's like a lightning rod for pent up resentment and frustration. Embrace the ways of the world and you're part of a new world economy largely defined by U.S. technological progress. If you don't, prospects are few and they're going to stay that way because every day you will be confronted with the evidence of your permanent inferiority.

Some have extreme difficulties achieving the levels of their parents or peers and sink into a morass of self doubt, become ineffectual and then slowly sink into oblivion while loudly proclaiming the unfairness life while demonizing the source of their fears. Others can make the transition and become happy and successful in their endeavors.

Meditate on it

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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poco says on May 21, 2005, 01:59:

ODD A true oddity it is that Anggrek hitam approximates the cult.

Orchids,, that explains how and why the original patron saint of closets and feather boas was named. This is true enlightenment.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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poco says on May 21, 2005, 02:14:

In stiches Y ahora vayate y no mames mas gallo a la gente

Hitman you are really cracking me up with this one. A big fish with wiggly tail, flopping about on ground with much waving of fins and going in no direction is but one vision.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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dwmte says on May 21, 2005, 03:32:

orchid... this is indeed a colombian forum. and if you've failed to notice, this thread was started by a colombian out of respect and reciprocity for those americans who have visited and fallen in love with his country.

your post is/was uncalled for and if it represents your attitude towards anyone, you should be banned from this site.

the rules are clear and you violate them.

be a part of the human drama in a growthful, grateful and positive way or get out of the way and off the site.

moderators!

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kernow62 says on May 21, 2005, 03:49:

Copete the scientific community is indeed one of America's greatest assets, it is not a unique quality though. It seems whenever I listen to the news about some great new scientific medical breakthrough it seems to come from the UK. The last one was some new form of body scanner that can give great insight into the human body and its inner condition almost instantly at any level. I know this is perhaps a biased observation, perhaps my ear is searching for British made advances. I am sure it also isn't true, it is just something I have noticed.

Much of the scientific community in the US is in place because of immigrants and the willingness of the US to fund projects and to allow immigrants who are in research to come to the US to study.

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kernow62 says on May 21, 2005, 05:02:

TV cannot make you stupid, you either are stupid or you aren't. That is tantamount to saying reading books makes you smarter.

There is some great TV that will increase your knowledge, there are some crap books that won't increase your knowledge one iota. Neither will make you stupid or smart.

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Lionheart says on May 21, 2005, 05:12:

here is the proof of ghosts who are you guys talking to? A ghost? ;-)

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N2Aquatix says on May 21, 2005, 05:53:

LMAO at Lionheart. I love Colombia and wish it was more politically stable. If it manages to become so, I will probably retire there. As far as what I like about the USA, here goes:

1)The ability to make a crap-load of money regardless of who you are
2)The right to bear arms
3)Multi-cultural society
4)Reasonable distribution of wealth
5)Jet-skis
6)Affordable waterfront property
7)Automobile ownership for everyone
8)So many jobs that if you don't have one it's probably because you're just plain lazy
9)Decent level of technology
10)International cuisine

Jay

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dwmte says on May 21, 2005, 07:02:

nice list, jay i like all of that along with some more.

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kernow62 says on May 21, 2005, 07:42:

Jay, where is the affordable waterfront property? I'm in Florida and don't know of any here, unless a swamp is considered waterfront. I could afford waterfont property in Cartagena (barely), in Florida forget about it.

Coming from a country that doesn't have the right to bear arms I am not in complete agreement, but if it works in the US, OK. We do have the right to bare arms though.

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KOMACHI says on May 21, 2005, 10:37:

10 things? should i say a billion? 1 e bay
2 San Francisco
3 California law
4 you can own a nice car, dress nice, buy cool stuff regardless of
the kind of job you have
5 still half of the population voted for kerry
6 lake tahoe
7 las vegas
8 a true melting pot
9 movies
10 hotest asian girls lives there
11 who say racist? (better visit france for the definition of racism)
13 weather
14 food from all over the world
15 i can pump my own gas
16 everybody mind their own business
17 san francico's neat driving manner
18 police
19 cable channels (mgm, wb, cinemax, hbo, movie channel, cnn, fox espn etc etc etc....)
20 San francisco again...
21 you can open a bank account with no ID, send money home with no ID
22 anybody with a tourist visa can get driver's license, pilot's license, a job, pay taxes, buy a car...
23 the god dam sistem i love it!
24 san francisco again...
25 convinient store's stuff r friendly
26 cheap DSL, telephone, cell phone, and calling cards...
27 pepperoni pizza... hot dogs... tacos... morning bagels... IHOP
etc etc etc...

ah! i forgot... san francisco!



(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

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utopiacowboy says on May 21, 2005, 12:46:

Everybody in the world thinks that their little corner is the best. It could be a shithole but it's THEIR shithole. Personally I think SF is the biggest shithole in the country and Komachi probably thinks San Antonio is the biggest shithole in the country. That's what makes it great. There are shitholes for everybody.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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dwmte says on May 21, 2005, 15:47:

heh there cowboy...thems fightin words.... who said daytona's a shithole?

don't believe a word of it...ask kernow. people don't shit here, that's why they're so fat...they keep it to themselves, inside.

yich...

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Anggrek Hitam says on May 21, 2005, 23:33:

Submitted by Lionheart on Sat, 05/21/2005 - 12:12.

who are you guys talking to? A ghost? ;-)

Yepp, a ghost,
and the list remains the same:
Here the 10 best things the USA has to offer.

********
edited by Anggrek hitam: Exactly, Lionheart it is about COLOMBIA and NOT the USA
I also asked myself: why ask people about their opinion about the USA if this forum is about Colombia......
My personal list stands:
1) A dead US American.
2) A dead US American.
3) A dead US American.
4) A dead US American.
5) A dead US American.
6) A dead US American.
7) A dead US American.
8) A dead US American.
9) A dead US American.
10) A dead US American.

If you dont want this kind of honest answer, then next time ask:
What do people think about Colombia.

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rash9000 says on May 22, 2005, 12:59:

10) Ashley Simpson and her sister
9) Rednecks
8) MacDonalds
7) American Idol
6) Bush
5) Squirels everywhere
4) Traffics lights have a button to push if you want to cross the
street. That is amazing
3) Cars in the Highway at 80mph and faster
2) You can see very old people doing things on their own
1) Nobody cares what you do...

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Rubiazo says on May 22, 2005, 13:22:

some of this stuff makes me laugh or puke, i dunno which
'true melting pot' would be Brazil as apposed to the USA. In NYC they speak 250 languages, in Brazil Portuguese and maybe English in some rare cases, even in Sao Paulo. But then again some areas of the country are more 'melting pots' than others.

Nobody cares what you do has NEVER been true here. Now in NYC if you play your music too loud (in who'se opinion?) the police can confiscate your stereo!!

I can't imagine anybody having anything good to say about the weather here anywhere east of the Rockies, but hey, to each his own. Personally I think Bogota has the world's best weather :P

I'd love to know how you can send money or open a bank account with no ID ANYWHERE on Planet Earth! Certainly not possible here in the best of cases, believe me, I've tried!

I also personally think the car is pure evil, especially the way it is used here. I'd love to see them ban parking in all big cities, I think it would improve life tremendously. One of the things I love about Bogota is the parking ban which forces everybody to take public transit, which makes the public transit so much better.

As far as science goes, we are getting left more and more behind these days. 50 years ago it was a virtual guarantee that all the Nobel Prize winners were coming from somewhere in the USA. Certainly not the case now.

Racism is certainly in every place no matter where you go, it is just more covert or overt. Waterfront property is ALWAYS more expensive.

One thing that we DO take for granted here is the world's best postal system and the world's best couriers. Because of this, we have pricewatch.com and other related sites. There is a good reason a lot of ecommerce companies will only do business within the USA, as I'm sure anybody who has ever tried to send anything or receive anything anywhere else already knows!

Drag racing is FAR FAR FAR BETTER in the Dominican Republic than it is here. Sorry to burst your bubble on that one. I coulnd't believe my eyes when I saw it.

Oh yes and you can NOT pump your own gas here in NYC. And you could possibly BUY a car (as long as you pay cash) but you couldn't register it without the proper documents, which you can not get on a tourist visa.

As far as fast cars on the highway, Germany wins hands down.

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KOMACHI says on May 22, 2005, 16:12:

it is possible rubiazo to open a bank account with no ID? i dont know if it is possible in every bank but washington mutual was very interested that i even refused while waiting for my girfriend to deposit some cash, one to f the ladies on the counter told me the so many advantages of opening an account with them, i told her i didnt have a passport with me and she told me it was ok. true story... ( you better hang out with the chinese, everything is possible)

also if you mix with "la raza" i mean latinos area western union there is no need for ID bro... you have to mix wuth la raza too, everything is possible...

again.. la raza knows how to register that pink paper to register your car... how to drive a car, go to police car actions buy them and own not one but 2 cars... how to get pinched and just loose your car ad get no trouble like being deported or something, open a bank account even if you cross the border by walk (fence jumpers)... all of that coming from mexico having walked for 3 days from mexicali. again they were mojados... or like we say in colombia (pasaron por el hueco).

imagine what i did with a tourist visa, later student, later practical visa... (all legal shit)

lucky for me i lived in california where i COULD pump my own gas always bymyself and made me really happy to do so...

i got sick i went to general hospital, i got a 500 dollars bill, i told them i dont have job and i cant pay, they send me later a 8 dollars bill.

thanks a lot USA!!!




(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

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KOMACHI says on May 22, 2005, 16:15:

because there is always a law to protect you in the States...
a low that overpower another law, is all made for you to play with it and take a good advantege of it...
that is the system...

(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

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Rubiazo says on May 22, 2005, 17:22:

So what you're saying is NYC is exactly like Brazil or Colombia, in that you can get around regulations by being down with the right people and talking the right way :P

I actually did open a bank account without ID at Chase here in 1997, but I seriously doubt I could duplicate that today. I also got a car registered without the legal title, and bought a house AND got it refinanced all without a Certificate of Occupancy. But I wouldn't call any of this something POSITIVE about the USA. In an organized country, the C of O would be a lot easier to come by, for example, and if there were a discrepancy it would be handled in an intelligent and expeditious manner. In a disorganized country, lack of paperwork wouldn't be such a big deal in the first place!


Another thing that does rule about the USA over anywhere else on Earth, however- there are little or no capital controls here. This is why Western Union does so much business here. But it's certainly getting rarer and rarer that one is able to skirt the rules here, which I don't think is necessarily a good thing, because the rules are a mess to begin with!

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kernow62 says on May 22, 2005, 17:37:

Rash those buttons aren't even hooked up down here in Florida, they just stick them there to make pedestrians feel they are in control. A county worker told me that for what its worth. In the UK we had to dodge the traffic, so Colombia is much the same in that respect. Here in Orlando they are carrying laws to the extreme, there is one intersection 6 lanes plus two turn lanes and a grass median, they will have a plain clothes policeman start walking across the road, if you turn the corner while he is still in the intersection you get a ticket. He could be across the median and 3 more lanes of traffic plus the five lanes on your side away and you will still get a ticket. There are whole towns here with a 25 mph speed limit, there is a two lane straight onramp to I-4 almost a mile long with a 45 mph speed limit when you are supposed to merge with 65 mph traffic. I like many things about the US but the roads aren't one of them. Even Colombia puts up more streetlights than here, my wife couldn't believe how dark the main roads are here.

Rubiazo the postal system while good in the US especially for such a large country doesn't compare with the postal system in the UK. Of course the UK has had a postal system a lot longer and it is a small country, so a bit like comparing the US system to Colombia's system.

I'll have to check out the drag racing in DR, I don't care for the racing in Aruba or Puerto Rico because it is mostly small Japanese cars and rotary Mazdas, much like the racing in Lakeland Florida, they also tend to do 1/8 mile which is also common in parts of the South. I prefer the big boys, top fuel and alcohol classes which I don't expect any of in DR.

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b bruce says on May 22, 2005, 17:39:

Another top 10 for the red, white and blue! 1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. The Pacific Northwest
3. Real Philly Cheese steaks!
4. Hundreds of top notch Collages and Universities
5. Real Philly Soft Pretzels
6. University of Washington Medical Center,Seattle
7. California Girls
8. Cable TV and FM Rock and Roll Stations
9. ESPN
10. Just 2.5 hours to Barranquilla from Miami!

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kernow62 says on May 22, 2005, 17:42:

b bruce you didn't go to one of those top notch Collages did you. ;-)

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Rubiazo says on May 22, 2005, 19:51:

definitely japanese cars in the DR. You hardly see anything else there. I find it hard to think of American cars as something GOOD about the states though :)

I had been told that most streets in Bogota are no-parking 24/7.

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Lauthra says on May 22, 2005, 20:14:

1. Their Foreign Policy.2 1. Their Foreign Policy.
2. Their humility.
3. Their ability to receive a warm welcome virtually anywhere in the world without having to pretend to be Canadian.
4. Their extremely strong currency.
5. Their quaint of accents, especially from the south.
6. The fact that they have people that believe “Millions of people around the world hate America. For many of them the hatred stems from their own history or a failure to embrace a world wide based economic system. This manifests itself in a usually convoluted expression of resentment and frustration that stems from a fear they very likely won’t ever attain a modicum of what the Americans take for granted no matter how hard they try or their level of knowledge.�
7. Their very charismatic and eloquent leader, promoting peace around the world.
8. Their balanced approach to religion.
9.Their sterling record in human rights.
10. Their non hypocritical approach at countries having nuclear missiles, luckily they have never used them, in contrast to these other countries.

Nato

Nato (='.'=)

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kernow62 says on May 22, 2005, 21:07:

Nato, sarcasm suits you. Bravo!

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Copete says on May 22, 2005, 23:45:

Science, TV kernow62, while the UK is one of the countries that has benefitted the most from the drop in the US's competitiveness, the US still has by far the most diverse and accomplished science community in the world. It is still true it's quite uncommon for the Nobel Prize in Physics, Chemistry or Medicine/Physiology not to be awarded for work done in the US. But it is a fact that, for instance, the number of international applicants for graduate programs at MIT -a prime science/engineering research institution- has fallen down by as much as 15% after 9/11, and the MIT president publicly expressed his concern. The drop in Nobel Prize winners would only be a matter of time.

And I agree that while TV can be a valuable source of knowledge, it requires the viewer to have developped certain critical thinking skills, in order to see through the trap of visual effects that will make you lose perspective on which things are important and which aren't (in other words, will make you stupid). Those critical thinking skills must be developed over time; you're not born with them, and a TV set won't teach them to you. If you don't have them, the best thing you can do is to keep that TV off. And the fact that the Republican TV ad campaign last year worked the way it did has to tell you something about the critical thinking skills of the general American population. As I've said, most American scientists I've met have in common that they watch very little TV, and I don't think it's a coincidence.

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poco says on May 23, 2005, 01:08:

Honestly Hitman

Recommended Study Material – It might help

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Crazy Eagle says on May 23, 2005, 14:13:

Canuck in San Francisco I was raised in Canada, educated in England, and worked in the San Francisco Bay area. Best things about the US:

1) San Francisco
2) Northern California culture (tolerant, smart)
3) Berkeley
4) The Simpsons
5) Law & Order (the TV show)
6) some great films & music
7) dedication to free enterprise
8) ability to argue whatever you like
9) New Orleans
10)opportunity for women

Now the bad stuff:

1) lawsuits: you can sue anyone and unlike other countries, if you lose you do NOT have to pay the other party's legal expenses
2) religious fundamentalism in the midwest
3) gangsta culture
4) trousers worn down around the ass (now that's fashion)
5) the curse of standardized tests such as SAT, GMAT, etc. They start tutoring kids in taking the SAT as young as grade 6!
6) george bush (Bush-lite). This knucklehead campaigned on a platform of free trade and reduced govt spending, and has presided over the most protectionist admin ever, and has amped the deficit up to record levels. Oh yeah, great president.
7) zero tolerance policies (the substitution of rules for human judgement)
8) drug testing of job applicants
9) the moronic "war on drugs"
10) I can't think of a 10th thing I dislike.

Yes, in many ways it is the best nation on Earth, and they have contributed so much to the human race. Yes, they have made mistakes, they are far from perfect, but I think they are overwhelmingly a force for good in the world.


"Caught between the twisted stars the plotted lines the faulty map that brought Columbus to New York" Lou Reed

"The natural rhythm of life is routine punctuated by orgy" Aldous Huxley

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jags44 says on May 23, 2005, 17:20:

HIp Hop Culture is destroying the country for your information. Quickly!

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quindioman says on May 23, 2005, 17:44:

oi angrekkk cual es el problema mijo???
Listen bro'....I'm not the biggest fan of the USA either but your posts made me feel uneasy.
Fisrts up, it was ME that started this thread, and yes I am Colombian
What you fail to realise is that in each country there are good people and there are real dickheads.....the Americans that contribute to this forum I see in a different light and I think you should too
I'd also advise you to persevere with this place...listen I thought i was in the wrong place when I first joined, but I found (as with most things) that after spending some time, reading previous posts, it hits you after a while......all these people LOVE COLOMBIA....now don't that make a difference? People actually LIKE Colombia....and they are not Colombians! Entonces tomela suave viejo y si se pone a pensar si hay algunas cosas buenas que salen de ese pais

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elmodefoque says on May 24, 2005, 08:20:

*Dolores*NYCCentral Park *Dolares
*NYC
Central Park and free concerts. Wasington Square park (used to sleep there in the 70’s) Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim and Intrepid museum(hey I got class too) Nothing like NYC night clubs. New York city girls, the most stunning of any place. All the Mexican, Indian and sometimes even Italian Restaurants. Tavern on the Green to impress the in law. Macy’s, 5th Avenue, Broadway, 42nd street, Battery Park City, Empire State building, soon another Twin Towers. Broadway Plays, Radio City Music Hall, walking to Yankee games. Madison Square Garden (saw Roberto Duran fight and Shakira performed once) Most major movies are filmed here. China Town, Harlem, Rockefeller Center. The Puerto Rican parade. Riding a bike all around Manhattan, along the Hudson and East River. Bumping into movie stars/ athletes etc, but New Yorker not giving a shit. The many Street fairs, especially the Brazilian Festival and the 9th avenue food fair. Upper West Side, east and west Village, Soho, Times Square, Harlem, way Uptown, hell, the entire Island.
*The Florida Keys and Miami, minus the Fidel hating cubanos.
*Girl’s gone wild/gringas
*Democratic Party, especially Clinton
*My Job
*Meade Lake, Las Vegas
*Washington D.C. You gotta see this place at least once.
*Quarter pounder with cheese, fries and coke
*USA prisons/ not bad
*American Indians. Got many very closed friends from tribes all over USA and Canada.
*Illegal Mexicans, man, they make our life a lot more comfortable.
*I'm not too crazy about paying so much in taxes, but if is used to feed, sheltered and mend the jobless modefoques, then by all means tax my ass real good, I ain't greedy.

I’m off to a well deserved vacation (some would laugh at that statement)
I’m taking my ass home early to pack. Chaooooo!

any colombianita willing to date me, IS UP TO NO GOOD

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rona says on May 24, 2005, 09:02:

In no particular order . . . 1. Italian Hot Dogs
2. Pastrami Sandwiches
3. Sonoma and Napa Valley - California
4. Apple Computers - Macs
5. Phil Knight - CEO Nike
6. George Steinbrenner - The Boss
7. F. Scott Fitzgerald - Author
8. Miles Davis - Jazz
9. Jackson Pollock - Artist
10. Freedom & Opportunity to do whatever you want to

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Neonovo says on May 24, 2005, 09:50:

The lack of religious artifacts in public places The separation of church from state.

Paz
Neonovo

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b bruce says on May 24, 2005, 22:15:

kernow62, No top notch Collage for me! However, At the moment I am attending Florida Keys Community Collage
for Marine Engineering carrying a 4.0 grade point average. Another wonderful thing about the USA is the Department of Veterans Affairs. Uncle Sam may put you in harms way for god and country. But if and when you are injured. They take care of you! Besides, The top notch collages are teaching political correctness. I don't hug trees, cross dress and I don't look good in dreadlocks. I wouldn't fit in at a top notch collage!

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b bruce says on May 24, 2005, 22:22:

kernow62, No top notch Collage for me! However, I am attending Florida Keys Community Collage for Marine Engineering carrying a 4.0 grade point average. Another wonderful thing about the USA is the Department of Veterans Affairs. Uncle Sam may send you into harms way for God and Country. And if you do happen to get banged up while doing it. They take good care of you!
I wouldn't do well in a top notch collage. I do not believe in political correctness, I do not cross dress and I would look like hell in dreadlocks. Viva Colombia!

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miamimike says on May 25, 2005, 00:11:

Jim--I have to Add ZIPPO LIGHTERS made in Bradford, Pa(near my mom's hometown). Interesting fact on Zippo Lighters-they are still sold with a Lifetime Guarentee--if your Zippo breaks for whatever reason-pack it up and send it to them and they will repair it and return it within a week. How many Products offer a guarentee like this-ANY PLACE in the world in this Day and Age??? The Famous Case Knives many of us love are also made in Bradford,Pa. An interesting fact, Bradford is the only town in the world that has a "Working Oil Rig" actually pumping pennsylvania crude oil in the Drive Thru Lane of McDonald's Hamburgers.I was on their Town Website last night and was curious how the real estate prices were holding up(or down for that matter)-what a SHOCK ; being used to South Florida Real Estate prices, the prices on this website were like visiting florida's real estate prices in the 1950s. A person still can buy a HUGE one story ranch style for $89K and smaller houses in the $20k-$30k PRICE RANGE(check the agencies listed-maybe someone here will want to relocate there-all Swedes hahaha).Now if it wasn't for that 107 inches of annual snowfall they receive yearly, what a great place to live.Check out the BradCam located in downtown-not much activity after 9 pm.Ha Ha http://bradford-online.com/

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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dwmte says on May 25, 2005, 04:40:

heh mike.... where ever that was in pa., ain't the only town with a working oil rig...hardly, go to bakersfield calif. there's pump jacks from hell to breakfast. maybe cause the place in pa. only has one. in bakersfield, they're here and there, in and out of town. tons of roughnecks also...tough guys.

one of the great things about this country of mine. you can hear it's citizens speak about it's problems instead of shining over them like they were gospel. won't find that in colombia.

colombians--and i lovel the place--have a tendency to speak like our friend, colombianoX...like it was a place without a dark side. unfortunately all of us colombianos and foreigners alike know this to be not true.

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dwmte says on May 25, 2005, 04:40:

heh mike.... where ever that was in pa., ain't the only town with a working oil rig...hardly, go to bakersfield calif. there's pump jacks from hell to breakfast. maybe cause the place in pa. only has one. in bakersfield, they're here and there, in and out of town. tons of roughnecks also...tough guys.

one of the great things about this country of mine. you can hear it's citizens speak about it's problems instead of shining over them like they were gospel. won't find that in colombia.

colombians--and i lovel the place--have a tendency to speak like our friend, colombianoX...like it was a place without a dark side. unfortunately all of us colombianos and foreigners alike know this to be not true.

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Rubiazo says on May 25, 2005, 07:25:

I think that colombians Are constantly defending their country because everybody is always ripping on it, especially in public forums like this one. They try to overcompensate by making the pendulum swing the other way.

My novia and I in private talk a lot about Colombia and she has no problem saying what she things is wrong and what needs to be done about it. She also has no problem correcting me or anybody else who paints too rosy a picture of her city or her country.

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miamimike says on May 25, 2005, 09:04:

dwmte-You may have misunderstood what I wrote about the Working Oil Rig(derrick).I know there are 1000s here in the US-working. What is unusual about the one I described is that as you enter the Drive In Lane of McDonalds to place your order-a few yards away and on McDonald's property there is a small(maybe 5-6 foot) working OIL Rig that actually works-last time I was in this town it was pumping away, taking that Pa. Black Crude out of the earth. Cool.very cool.And I would say, probably the only one like it in the world.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on May 25, 2005, 11:58:

ehhhhhhh, uhmmmmmmm ah! tacos

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N2Aquatix says on May 25, 2005, 12:13:

Tight Pants Just a quick comment on pants worn with the crotch down at the knees (very retarded looking). This was a gimmick contrived by a now defunct band called Criss-Cross. Their producer wanted them to stand-out so he had them wear their pants backwards. In order to wear them backwards they had to be way too big. One of the greatest things about Colombia is that I've never seen this type of absurd retardedness in that country. In fact, they wear their pants very tight so it shows-off their ass. AWESOME!!!

Jay

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kat1 (Moderator) says on May 25, 2005, 12:18:

I don't like men with tight trousers they look to gayish for my taste
and white trouser a no no no

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quindioman says on May 25, 2005, 12:25:

kriss-kross ahhhhh....who could forget those hip hop pioneers??
Hactually I saw this Kriss-kross wannabee in Cali, in Unicentro (or was it Cosmocentro).He had about 5 layers of clothing (only a muppet's gonna wear 5 layers of clothing in Cali in plain afternoon) and was walking around the shops like he owned them.....hactually he was walking like a crip - either that or he was bussing for a piss....his trousers down to the crack of his backside....my blood was boiling....i hactually wanted to borrow that changon from the security guard and shoot a few rounds in his direction see if his walking technique could be improved.....

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N2Aquatix says on May 25, 2005, 12:28:

Crapped In Their Pants They don't have to be too tight. I just think it looks totally stupid when the crotch is down at the knees and it looks like they crapped in their pants. But then again, I'm a metal-head, not a gangsta wannabe. :)

Jay

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kernow62 says on May 25, 2005, 12:47:

Yeah those gangsta wanabee's sure don't look good, not like metalheads in pink and black spandex, big hairdos, leather jackets and covered with tattoos.

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N2Aquatix says on May 26, 2005, 10:32:

Slash Spandex??? Where have you been? It's all denim, leather, and tattoos these days. The hair isn't even a part of it anymore, unless of course you're Slash, who has enough hair for about 20 people! LMAO!!!

Jay

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rona says on May 26, 2005, 10:58:

I saw the same thing in Bogota . . . A few years back when I went to Bogota, it looked like Hip-Hop vomited on the teenage set . . . it upsets me to see kids copying all this without knowing its origins . . . the baggy look started in US jails in the late 80s because the inmates were getting too big before their sentences were completed (from lifting weights, fighting, etc.); So in order not to keep buying new prison garb, the penitentiaries just issued clothes a size or two larger . . . My dichotomy is that I actually love Hip-Hop, but you'll catch me listening to MosDef and Common . . . I guess I need to start another top 10 list huh?

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kernow62 says on May 26, 2005, 12:11:

Jay, it goes to show how much I listen to or watch that sort of group. Spandex & big hair left such a bad impression on me that it is difficult to erase the memory, a bit like walking in on your mom while she is naked. Oh my eyes, my eyes!!!

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N2Aquatix says on May 27, 2005, 07:41:

LMAO again LMAO!!! I love this thread. Actually most of the metal groups these days have short hair and would kick the crap out of a rapper if he didn't have his gat handy. ;)

Jay

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Crazy Eagle says on May 27, 2005, 07:45:

baggy pants slung low I commented on this fashion statement in my post, and someone followed up with a remark on its origin.

Actually, this bit of sartorial elegance didn't start in prisons, but in the ghettos. Poor families couldn't afford clothing for all the kids, so the smaller ones wore the older ones pants, several sizes too big, explaining why they drag on the ground.

One thing that sickened me about the US was the glorification of this ghetto-thug culture by middle class white kids. Glorification of ignorance, poverty, and disrespect for academic learning. This sh*t also horrifies black community leaders, by the way.

And now I'm going to see this cr at p in Colombia?

"Caught between the twisted stars the plotted lines the faulty map that brought Columbus to New York" Lou Reed

"The natural rhythm of life is routine punctuated by orgy" Aldous Huxley

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quindioman says on May 27, 2005, 10:24:

rona you have exquisite taste....that there is real Hip Hop....none of this 50 pence M&M crap....
I had the pleasure of seeing Common do his thing in London a couple of years ago.....I was very fortunate to see Mos Def make an improvised appearance on the set of Talib Kweli when he came to London last year...
....brown skin lady.....hmmmmm......brown skin lady.......yeaahhhh

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poco says on May 27, 2005, 12:19:

Rona is Hep - Kat - good call I don't like men with tight trousers they look to gayish for my taste

Another reason for the baggy clothes,, guys want to look like guys,,

Baggy Pants History

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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rona says on May 27, 2005, 23:10:

10 more things I like about the US 1. D'Angelo - gave Hip Hop some polish . . .
2. Kanye West - . . . evolved it
3. Futura2000 - Hip Hop's sketchbook . . .
4. Jean-Michel Basquiat - . . . its wild child
5. John Perkins - THE MAN
Author - Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
6. Frank Sinatra - THE MAN'S MAN
7. iMac G5 - Desktop Perfection
8. iPod Photo - where have you been all my life??!!
9. Honey Nut Cheerios
10. Honey Roasted Peanuts

cockney_colombian - I'm picking up Common's latest CD tomorrow - it just released . . . MosDef is the prodigious virtuoso that will grow & evolve Hip Hop for another 20+ years

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quindioman says on May 29, 2005, 13:23:

rona Common's Be is a nice release...will be looking forward to seeing him in London again next month.....just copped tickets to see krs-one on the 8th and immortal technique on the 19th....can't wait

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Rubiazo says on May 29, 2005, 19:28:

one EXCELLENT thing about the US that nobody has yet mentioned:
Charmin Ultra!!

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kernow62 says on May 29, 2005, 19:58:

I'm just happy to have a toilet seat Rubiazo. That and an indoor toilet. It is hard to believe but I come from a first world country and our toilet used to be at the end of the garden until we had an indoor unit put in during the 1970s! Before that we didn't have a tub or shower either.

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RobertoNY says on May 30, 2005, 11:00:

I'm sorry, the American Taliban... doesn't let you do as you please in the U.S. They would have you believe the U.S. is the only "free" country in the world. Those who have traveled the world know that is quite far from the truth. I feel much more freedom in Colombia. One cannot even enjoy the simple things in life in the U.S. without being harassed. I cannot sit outside and have a drink with family and/or friends. It's against the law. I cannot play my music, the neighbors will complain and it's disturbing the peace. I can go on and on with this.
Forget about the laws and your freedom in the U.S., just think about all of the miserable people who complain about everything. All they care about is keeping their lawns nice and green. And while they tend to their lawns their fat children sit on the couch eating junk food and playing video games.
Perhaps you can make more money in the U.S., but you sure as hell have to pay more for so many things. The knucklehead at the Ford dealer quoted me a small job at $75 per hour last week. That's $75 PER HOUR! What the hell is that all about? The idiot that cuts the grass wants $35 per hour! No education, just a lawn mower.
I can't wait to get back to Colombia next week. I'll be sipping Pina Coladas on the beach in Rodadero this time next Sunday.
I sure won't miss the American Taliban.

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rona says on May 30, 2005, 12:34:

RobertoNY , I'm Colombian and live here too but . . . You CAN sit on YOUR property in YOUR backyard and have a drink - its not against the law

it IS against the law to have an open alcoholic beverage in a public space that's not a restaurant

Why should the neighbors have to listen to your racket just because you don't know how to be considerate?

I like my green lawn because it keeps the neighborhood up as well as my property value

There are a bunch of little chubsters in Colombia who love Dunkin' Donuts and fritos who LOVE the new Playstation coming out

Why would you buy a Ford?

I cut my own grass.

Colombia is a great country with beautiful people (inside & out) - I should know, but lets face it, that blue passport opens doors and there isn't enough opportunity there and our greenbacks sure help us get over third-world inconveniences. . .

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RobertoNY says on May 30, 2005, 13:16:

Well Rona... it seems the American Taliban have you convinced also. Perhaps I don't want to sit in my BACK yard. Why can't I sit in the FRONT? What is so taboo about liquor anyway? They sell it and make a ton of money on the taxes that we pay on it. I'd like to see you go through any neighborhood in Colombia and not hear music. It's a musical society. There's nothing wrong with music played outside. I'm not talking about playing music so loud you can't hear anything else. Just a nice volume. However, any volume here is considered annoying. People are just miserable. You know, I just went to a supermarket here in NY. I wanted to play the lottery, but their license was revoked by the state. Why? Because someone there sold cigarrettes to someone under the legal age. Wow, what a serious offense. They can put a gun in an 18 year old's hands and send him out to kill people, but he can't drink or smoke. They try to act like they care about us, but all they care about is the tax money that it generates. Look at the cost of a pack here vs in Colombia. In Colombia they're $1.10 a pack for major brands from the U.S., like Marlboro. Over here they're $5+ per pack! Think about it.
You sure didn't get my point about the grass. So, I'm not going to bother to get into that anymore with you. As for fat children, you can't tell me that the number of obese children in Colombia even comes CLOSE to the numbers here. How about adults? Get serious. As for the greenbacks that you mentioned, I guess according to you there are no wealthy people in Colombia. I forgive you because you obviously have no wordly experience. It's all relative to your income and lifestyle.

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RobertoNY says on May 30, 2005, 13:32:

By the way Rona... that was a childish attempt at berating me for having a Ford. Perhaps I don't need a Mercedes for my image. I'm not a teenager that cares about what others think of me. I couldn't care less. Actually, Fords have been quite reliable to me. I'm sure you're big time wealthy. You obviously have no clue. I probably make more in a month than you do in a year. I have a place here and in Cartagena. I spend more money traveling between the two countries each month than I care to mention. Some of you posters are pathetic. Mostly just kids and wannabe's and wannahave's. Get serious.

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quindioman says on May 30, 2005, 13:42:

dat's fighting talk there......
Again that line about making more money than the next person does in a lifetime.....and I thought money was not everything......

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RobertoNY says on May 30, 2005, 13:53:

That's right cockney_colombian... money isn't everything. That's what people need to learn. My point was made in refernce to her comment about the Ford. I'm a lot happier in Colmbia with a lot less money. Anyway, most people from other countries come to the U.S. seeking to make more money. The truth is not many of them actually live a whole lot better than they did in their native countries. However, they figure they're here and they stick it out. Quite frequently their residency status inhibits them from traveling to and fro their homelands. Many of them hate to admit failure by going back to their countries anyway. So, they frequently embellish their stories about how they're doing. Sometimes it because they don't want to lose face, but for many it's for their self aggrandizement.

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rona says on May 30, 2005, 14:22:

LOL - RobertoNY Look, you and I know how it is here, stay within the law and you'll be alright - yes I do think it is retarded that an 18-year-old can defend this country but can't have a drink or smoke a cigarette . . .

buying US-made cigarettes in Colombia for less reflects our current Healthcare problem in buying the same drugs in Canada for less - yes we are getting shafted and its wrong

I understood your point with the grass - charging $35/hr. to cut grass is RIDICULOUS and OBSCENE, its not rocket science . . .

OK OK, I apologize for the "Ford" comment - it wasn't my intention to berate you - American cars have not been reliable for me - I've owned Hondas ever since and have never had a problem - it was a quality thing not you . . .

Of course there are wealthy folks in Colombia, I never said otherwise . . . what I said was "our greenbacks sure help us get over third-world inconveniences" - maybe I worded it poorly due to my pro-US bravado - but you can't deny that our dollar stretches when we go to Colombia

The little chubsters? We do eat a lot of trash here but I've noticed with each trip to Cartagena I see more and more chubsters.

This site is called "Poor But Happy" - We don't need to get into what we're worth. I too have a place in Cartagena and do a bit travelling myself.

But I think that we can agree that your chances of moving up the socio-economic ladder is better here than there

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N2Aquatix says on May 31, 2005, 08:09:

Roberto Hey Roberto, if you don't like it, hop the next plane out bro'. The last time I checked, nobody was begging ingrates to come to the USA. By the way, the only Taliban sounding person around here is you, in case you haven't noticed.

Jay

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Rubiazo says on May 31, 2005, 10:53:

I"m with Roberto It's amazing how much shit people are willing to put up with in NYC these days, all in the name of SECURITY. I say fuck security, I'd like to have a little fun once in a while too.

I moved to NYC in 1997 because it was the world centre of culture and it was the epicenter of all music in Spanish. Things have changed drastically since then. Many great Latin American musicians have actually repatriated and most of the ones that are still here are thinking about living very strongly.

The 'ingrates' here are all the ignorant people who think that we don't need immigration here. They are all going to learn some hard HARD lessons in the next 5-10 years as the talent pool starts to dry up in the USA due to lack of newcomers.

And FYI everybody only certain medications in Canada are cheaper than in the US. Some are actually a good deal more expensive, and anywhere in South America they will be invariably cheaper than in either country (albeit pirated). Everybody always wants the best of both worlds, and you can hardly blame them.

Visiting Bogota was a BIG eye-opener for me. I couldn't believe the amount and quality of the live music there. There are actually more places looking to book live music than there are bands available to play them! That is what we USED to be about here; I dunno what happened.

I'd like Modefoque and other NYers to PM me or email rubio at ricamusica.com and point out WHERE the hell the rumba did go here, because I can't find it anymore. Roosevelt Av, DEAD. 5th av in brooklyn, DEAD. Webster Av, 3rd Av in Bronx, DEAD AS A DOORKNOB. Soho and Tribeca, ditto. I could go on. It's like the attitude has totally shifted here and nobody gives a damn about the good things in life anymore. What good is money if there is nothing decent to spend it on and no free time in which to enjoy it?

If I didn't have 2 small children here I'd probably be way out of here already. As it is I'm going to have to join lots of others on this board racking up serious frequent flyer points.

Rona, you say 'stay within the law', I wonder how many laws are on the books that you are not even aware of. It's so easy to be on the wrong side of the law here it's not even funny.

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N2Aquatix says on May 31, 2005, 12:44:

NYC Sux Yeah, my Colombiana asked me about NYC and I told her the place sucks. I do not however think that sucky- at ss New York is a good representation of the USA. ;)

Jay

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Rubiazo says on May 31, 2005, 19:20:

My feelings are that NYC was still a good place in 1997 when I moved here but it has gone way downhill since then. Most of the rest of this country i just can't stand at all. I kinda liked New Orleans, but then again I was there in December; I dunno if I could hack it there in July!

But the problem here is that NYC is turning into exactly what the rest of the country is; a place completely devoid of culture. I hope that never happens in South American cities, for me they seem to be the last bastion of good music in a lost world.

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N2Aquatix says on Jun 1, 2005, 05:32:

Culture How can a multi-national society be devoid of culture? I don't see your point. My point was that in the really big cities there's typically a lack of caring for your neighbors and an overall lack of respect in general. From my travel to foreign lands, I would have to say that there seem to be more different cultures here in the USA than anywhere else I've been. I think that one of the biggest problems here is when people come to this country and somehow lose their culture in the process. One of the things that I enjoy the most about visiting South America is experiencing the cultural differences. It's really sad to think that so many people come to my country and become "Americanized" as they like to call it, forgetting their heritage.

Jay

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RobertoNY says on Jun 1, 2005, 05:55:

N2Aquatix it seems that you have .... lost the point. The point I made was about all of the laws. It's quite obvious to me that you have not traveled to other countries. You can take offense to any statement made about the U.S. if you like. However, that doesn't change the facts of the matter. Here in the U.S. we are burdened with more and more laws each day. And yes, as one poster stated, many of them are now in the name of "security." I'll tell you what, their security is just a facade. The terrorists are much smarter than they are. How do you stop someone that is suicidal from commiting a terrorist act? I could write pages about how ridiculous the security is in airports.
Anyway, I'll shift over to your comments about culture. Again, your statements show your ignorance. The regular gringos here in the U.S. have no culture. They have some traditions, but no culture. One poster mentioned that they were concerned that immigrants in the U.S. are losing their identity and culture because they have or are becoming "Americanized." That is quite true. I worry about that in Colombia also. Too many people think it is fashionable to do as the Americans do. Many establishments play '80s era American music. I don't know why, but I have been told that it makes the place appear more "ritzy." Whatever. Also, you see many stores there with English names. All of that is quite amusing to me because I encounter very few people there who speak English.

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N2Aquatix says on Jun 1, 2005, 06:26:

Testament Countries travelled to: North Korea, Japan, Colombia. I also lived in Hawaii for two years. Believe me, I've seen a lot of culture. Ignorance is a relative term, so is intelligence, but I do have a Bachelor of Science in Bio-chemistry so obviously I'm not stupid. I think the increasing number of laws here in the USA is an outrage. By contrast, I think more people should be punished for commiting crimes of violence. A gun-slinger law would be a nice way to solve that issue. If everyone carried a gun, less people would be inclined to wave a gun around thinking it makes them special. Also, if there was a true middle class in Colombian society, then you wouldn't have rich Colombians saying the country is a paradise while poor Colombians just want to get the h#ll out. Back to the subject of this thread, most people here in the USA do like it here, so that has to be a testament to something.

Jay

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Rubiazo says on Jun 1, 2005, 08:35:

n2aquatix: Culture isn't something that just poofs into existence magically. Culture is the product of artists and other creative individuals in a certain geographic area that aggregates into something cohesive over the generations.

America's culture has traditionally been found in it's most fucked up areas under the worst circumstances, i.e. the Mississippi Delta under Jim Crow, the Bronx and Brooklyn in the 70s and early 80s, etc. It's not like anything good has ever really come out of the nicer areas. All the blues and jazz and hip hop was a product of people having lots to express and having enough time and the means to do it.

The original ciphers in the South Bronx were parties put on right on the street with the local gang members running security using stolen sound systems and tapping into street lamps for power. So the whole budget for those parties usually amounted to exactly $0. What people did have was a lot of free time and energy to do it, and an official policy of 'live and let die' towards them. Nowadays if you tried to set up a speaker on the street in the South Bronx the police would be there shutting it down in less than 10 minutes!!

Conditions as a whole have improved immensely in many of these areas since those times, but unfortunately the price of that is that people in those areas no longer have the freedom to create culture anymore, either because of heavy police presence shutting the venues down, or simply because everybody is working so hard to survive they don't have free time to be creative anymore.

I certainly didn't move to NYC looking for a place to retire in tranquility. I came here for the culture, which seems to be something they are determined to stamp out once and for all here. This is the basis of my big attraction for Colombia, that it is a place where art is still valued and cherished by many.

The sad thing is that NYC is a place where 250 languages are spoken regularly. I don't know what can ever replace what it used to be.

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RobertoNY says on Jun 1, 2005, 09:01:

Rubiazo, you're quite correct... in your observations. That is, one cannot play music or sing in the streets in the U.S. without being harassed by the police. Well, not even just harassed, they would be locked up if they didn't shut it down as the police ordered. Another poster mentioned that others shouldn't have to listen to the music I play outside. She said it was annoying. Now picture this: You're on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx and someone sets up a nice system and starts blaring hip-hop. You're going to tell me the people there would call the police to have it shut down? HELL NO! They'd be dancing and partying right there. The only ones that would be there with the interest of shutting it down would be the police. That is, the American Taliban. I can't wait to get back to Colombia on Friday. I'll be partying Friday night. I'll be on the Beach in Cartagena on Saturday and in Santa Marta the following week.

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