Think Progress

Europeans see U.S. as biggest world threat.

A new Financial Times poll finds “that 32 percent of respondents in five European countries regard the US as a bigger threat than any other state,” followed up by China, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea:

ftpoll.jpg

Also, “the youngest US respondents share the Europeans’ view that theirs is the biggest threat, with 35 per cent of American 16- to 24-year-olds identifying it as the chief danger to stability.”



189 Responses to “Europeans see U.S. as biggest world threat.”

  1. Perry Logan says:

    Another triumph of the Republican Revolution!


  2. Quizmos says:

    As the head-scratching Bush asks why, his 12% base simply discounts the rest of the world as wrong, and promotes the bombing of even more populations. In their minds, any model of a world in which the neo-idiots are not seen as right, needs to be crushed! And the beat goes on, and the beat goes on.


  3. BARTLEBEE says:

    We tried to warn the trolls about this for a while now but they never listen.

    As we have been saying all along, irregardless what a small percentage of inbred rednecks think, George W Bush, and his idiotic strategies have made the US far less safe than we ever were before.


  4. BARTLEBEE says:

    The real question now is, just what steps are the rest of the world willing to take to deal with that threat?


  5. Zimzone says:

    We have seen the enemy, and it are us!


  6. Roger_Roger says:

    Nothing like a good old Think Progress Hate America First Post! Happy July 4th all!


  7. Pete Bogs says:

    but we’re not setting off the car, train and bus bombs over there…


  8. Juan C says:

    Dont worry. Next year when China sweeps the Olympic games, it will be clear that China is the current empire. The problem will begin when it starts bombing countries to force people to buy their stuff.


  9. john says:

    thank you neo – cons


  10. Crump's Brother says:

    Roger_Roger,

    “Nothing like a good old Think Progress Hate America First Post! Happy July 4th all!”

    I think you mean…

    Nothing like a good old Think Progress ‘we think our great country can do better’ Post! Happy July 4th all!”


  11. Arthur C. says:

    #6: Nothing like a good old Think Progress Hate America First Post!

    Nothing like a good old bootlicking cryptofascist slur to impugn the patriotism of your moral superiors, doughbrain.


  12. BARTLEBEE says:

    Idiiots worried about terrorists who at most can harm a few thousand of us, when Russia and China are in the middle of a massive military build up coupled with the first military alliance in history between the two nations, and the EU with its NATO allies seeing the US as THE BIGGEST THREAT IN THE WORLD.

    Pretty soon, we’re going to need to start rounding up republicans and putting them into camps where they can play war with each other, so the rest of the world will leave us alone.


  13. Kryptik says:

    When that many of our own people think that their own country is the biggest threat to stability in the world, it’s not about ‘hating America’. It’s about wondering where we went wrong, and whether its too late to change course.


  14. BARTLEBEE says:

    Nothing like a good old Think Progress Hate America First Post! Happy July 4th all!

    Comment by Roger_Ramjerk — July 2, 2007 @ 10:10 am

    See, they can’t even read.

    Its not “us” that Hates America silly.

    Its the rest of the world.

    You know. That place you inbreds want to blow up.


  15. frylock says:

    “The latest poll comes in the wake of the “surge” that has increased US forces in Iraq to about 160,000 troops, but which has not been accompanied by political breakthroughs or a dramatic reduction of violence. During President George W. Bush’s second term the administration has also embarked on a more consensual international approach to issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and North Korea’s nuclear bomb.

    But the poll shows that the European public still considers Mr Bush a risk.”

    Heckuva job W!!!!


  16. Tom says:

    Meanwhile, GDumbya will be gathering a group of experts and asking, “why does the rest of the world think the U.S. is the greatest threat . . . or is it just me?”

    Hey, GDumbya. It’s just you (and Darth Cheney, the true overlord of the World of Darkness)! Don’t worry. Our reputation can be regained and that process will start in 2009 God willing.


  17. Rock Star says:

    Riiiiiight, because all those 16 year olds are just chock full o’ world experience and maturity to see things cogently.

    Ill believe the world hates us when they stop holding out their grubby hands for our money every time a natural disaster sweeps away their huts. Who are you going to trust to help rebuild, China or the U.S.?

    Not too long ago we thought about pulling our troops from Germany, the Germans of course went nuts because there are entire cities whose prosperity depends on the jobs and commerce that the American soldiers and bases provide.

    Depend on the libs to agree with the world’s fanatics that America sucks when in reality its simple envy.


  18. VerbalKint says:

    Idiots like RR would rather not know what the rest of the world thinks of us. Information is an anathema to the cultists, because information is closely aligned with reality, and they can’t handle reality.


  19. Zimzone says:

    6 years.

    6 years is all it took the Neoturds to destroy 230 years of proud American history.

    Next, we’ll see Newt the Reptile emerging as ‘the answer’, with more lies, bullshit & reality stretched statements about how Republicans have a new vision for America.

    6 years! Heckuva job, BushBoy.


  20. Juan C says:

    Ill believe the world hates us when they stop holding out their grubby hands for our money every time a natural disaster sweeps away their huts.
    Comment by Rock Star

    Was I late for propaganda hour??? I love some indoctrination in the morning.

    Our money? You mean the money you make by exploiting people in other countries. Oh, no…I know United Fruit cares about Central America people…rrrrrright.


  21. VerbalKint says:

    #17 And another ignorant idiot speaks. We provide less foreign aid per capita than any western European country in relation to our GDP. The Scandinavian countries have contributed up to 10 times as much per capita to help in major disasters, for example the tsunami that struck Indonesia. We can’t rebuild after Katrina hits our own backyard, and dumb*ss I-know-nothing troll talks about trusting the U.S. to rebuild anything (besides oil infrastructure, which we do a fantastic job of rebuilding).

    What a f*cking idiot.


  22. BARTLEBEE says:

    take all your overgrown infants away somewhere
    and build them a home….. a little place of their own

    The fletcher memorial, home for incurable tyrants and kings…

    They can appears to themselves every day,on closed circut t.v.
    to make sure their still real. it’s the only connection they feel

    “ladies and gentlemen, please welcome reagan and heig
    mr. Begin and friend mrs. Thatcher and paisley
    mr. Brezhnev and party
    the ghost of Macarthy, and the memories of Nixon,….and now adding colour,.. a group of anonymous.. Latin American beet packing glitterati”

    Did they expect us to treat them with any respect?

    They can polish their medals and sharpen their
    smiles, and amuse themselves playing games for a while…

    boom boom, bang bang, lie down your dead

    safe in the permanent gaze of a cold glass eye
    with their favourite toys……they’ll be good girls and boys

    In the fletcher memorial home for colonial, wasters of life.. and limb,

    …is everyone in?

    are you having… a nice.. time?

    Now, the final solution… can be applied


  23. Rock Star says:

    We provide less foreign aid per capita than any western European country in relation to our GDP.

    Those werent Chinese aircraft carriers off the coast of Indonesia after the tsunami, providing all those supplies and assistance. How much does it cost to keep that ship ready 365 days a year, or the other eleven just like it?


  24. BARTLEBEE says:

    Depend on the libs to agree with the world’s fanatics that America sucks when in reality its simple envy.

    Comment by Cock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 10:24 am

    Newsflash genius.

    According to everyone other than inbreds like yourself, YOU ARE the world’s fanatics.

    Can’t you ready either?


  25. VerbalKint says:

    #23 Are you claiming that 11 U.S. aircraft carriers assisted Indonesia?!?!?

    We have a new contender for stupidest troll alive. Move over, Patrick1.


  26. Zimzone says:

    #23, Sock Star,
    We should add that Bill F’n Clinton joined with Bush the 1st to raise the reclamation funds, shouldn’t we?

    BTW, those ships were made available; they are not standing ready for that purpose, & you know it.

    They’re standing ready for when you a-holes attack Iran.

    If you can’t say something honest, just STFU.


  27. Juan C says:

    Move over, Patrick1.
    Comment by VerbalKint

    *laughing*


  28. Susan Higgins says:

    I lived in Europe for several years. Their political views, especially in Germany, are very liberal and often inconsistent. In many ways, Europe is going through what our nation went through during the 60’s. Too many younger people desperately seeking a cause, any cause, to attach themselves to. I also love how they embrace our culture, to the point where much of their European heritage is being overthrown, but want to bash our country. They might not like us, but no one has to worry about them boycotting McDonald’s or American music.
    It is ridiculous to say that we are the biggest world threat, and I have to believe that nobody else on here really believes something so off-the-wall, do you?? To say that we are worse than a country like North Korea is asinine and anyone who makes such a statement is obviously un-informed.
    To say that America is more of a threat than fundamental, radical Islamics is a dangerous position, and quite frankly, stupid.


  29. BARTLEBEE says:

    Ill believe the world hates us when they stop holding out their grubby hands for our money every time a natural disaster sweeps away their huts.

    Comment by Mock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 10:24 am

    See?

    And I try to tell you people that home schooling crap doesn’t work.

    :|

    How many “huts” have you seen in Europe, Magellan?


  30. Zimzone says:

    #28, Susan,

    It was a Financial Times poll.

    Are Fox News polls the only ones you trust?…thought so.

    Sue, get a clue!


  31. Zooey says:

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 10:29 am

    Very appropriate. Thanks.


  32. Zooey says:

    To say that America is more of a threat than fundamental, radical Islamics is a dangerous position, and quite frankly, stupid.
    Comment by Susan Higgins — July 2, 2007 @ 10:37 am

    That’s your perception, Susan Higgins. The Europeans, and even 35% of our own 16-24 year olds, regard the US as the biggest world threat.

    See how “perception” works?


  33. BARTLEBEE says:


    Very appropriate. Thanks.

    Comment by Zooey — July 2, 2007 @ 10:39 am

    You’re welcome, of course thanks to Pink Floyd too, lol.


  34. Tom says:

    Hey, rock-head (er, star). Do you understand the meaning of the term “per capita”?

    No one is denying the good done by the foreign aid that we do provide. The issue here is the magnitude of the good that we do. As it says in the bible, “from those to whom much is given, much is expected”.

    Not only has foreign aid declined under GDumbya’s watch; it has also had more and more “ideology” attached to it which has rendered it useless — e.g., tying AIDS assistance to abstinence programs, etc.

    As another poster said, it is time for Americans to really think through and support ways that our great country can do better in the future. GDumbya has been a total disaster for our domestic and international efforts. He has virtually wasted a trillion dollars on an avoidable war and destroyed our military in the process.


  35. Evil Spaniard says:

    Comment by Susan Higgins — July 2, 2007 @ 10:37 am

    Yet another ugly american.


  36. lonesomerobot says:

    “Ill believe the world hates us when they stop holding out their grubby hands for our money every time a natural disaster sweeps away their huts.”

    because so many people in europe live in huts, don’t you know.

    sheesh, it’s EXACTLY that attitude that has america in the position it is right now – losing respect by the day.

    try and understand this quote trolls; read it twice if you have to:

    The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility, but the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to war. – sydney harris


  37. Tweedster says:

    Roger, as long as you continue to throw your lot in with the American Imperialists, Corporate Loyalists, War Profiteers, and Fear Mongers, you defile the spirit of Independence Day.

    Our country was formed in reaction to some of the practices employed by our current administration, and to be so devoted to their grab for power above all, makes you thoroughly unAmerican.

    Better luck next time.


  38. Juan C says:

    To say that America is more of a threat than fundamental, radical Islamics is a dangerous position, and quite frankly, stupid.
    Comment by Susan Higgins

    Well, it all depends.

    Lets see:
    thousands of civilians killed in NIcaragua.
    thousands of civilians killed in Guatemala
    Hundreds of civilians killed in Granada.
    Hundreds of civilians killed in Panama
    Thousands of civilians killed in Columbia
    Training South and Central americans dictators that left thousands of civilians killed
    Supporting Suharto in killing thousands of people in East Timor
    Supporting South Africa to invade Angola and Zimbawe.
    Bombing for more than a decade a helpless country like Iraq breaking every international law.
    Preemptive strike in Iraq.
    Thousands of civilians killed in Vietnam.
    Using nuclear weapons over civilian population.
    Using Depleted Uranium, Orange Agent, White Phosphorous, Chlorine Gas, Mustard Gas and biological weapons…
    Mossadegh´s killing.
    Saddam
    Training Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
    Terrorist attack in Lebanon 82.
    Terrorist attack in US soil to kill Letellier.
    Terrorist attack in Cuba.
    Posada Carriles detonated a bomb in a Venezuelan plane killing hundreds of civilians.
    Gitmo.
    Etc.

    Gee, I dont know what the hell are those Europeans thinking!!


  39. Zooey says:

    Yet another ugly american.
    Comment by Evil Spaniard — July 2, 2007 @ 10:45 am

    That too!

    Good morning, Senor Evil. :)


  40. BARTLEBEE says:

    Tom. You’re debating a red herring argument.

    When was the last time the European Union asked us for aid with AIDS, or a natural disaster?

    Don’t let his geographical demensia suck you in.

    He’s an uneducated rube.


  41. Frank J says:

    Let the Guilt-Ridden Navel-Gazing Begin!

    A recent Pew survey shows that only 25 out of 47 countries queried have a favorable opinion of the US, so it’s time once again for another round of “why do they hate us?” from the hand-wringing mouth-breathers of the left. And of course, the drool-cupped, short-bus-riding Marxists will flap their arms like demented penguins and screech that it’s because we’re a bunch of Muslim-killing war-mongers.

    Idiots.

    Offing terrorists is a FEATURE, not a bug. If some people can’t appreciate that – like the filthy, baby-killing Palestinian orcs who gave Osama bin Laden a 57% favorable rating – I can only assume it’s because they’re a degenerate pestilence masquerading as human beings as they squat in their third-world rat holes.

    Or French.

    Whichever.

    Still, I’m open-minded enough to admit that there MIGHT be other reasons that people might have for hating America besides the usual excuses of being afflicted with spongiform encephalopathy or Islam.

    Like these:

    ——————————————————————————–

    * Pauly Shore.

    * The phrase “Hey! It’s our old friend Smilin’ Bob!”

    * Everything Paris Hilton has ever done except THE VIDEO, and probably that, too.

    * Cancelling Firefly.

    * The middle of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”.

    * “To continue in Spanish, press 2″.

    * Being so confusingly similar in appearance to harmless Canadians.

    * The permanent scarring from the Bill-Monica-cigar mental image.

    * Fran Drescher’s voice.

    * 20 years of letting the Olsen twins put their ugly, troll-doll faces in front of the camera.

    * Every Ron Popeil product and their respective commercials.

    * Not going all the way to Baghdad in ‘91.

    * The lines at Disney World.

    * That New Jersey smell.

    * Ronald McDonald, Michael Jackson, and other creepy guys who wear make-up and want to be around children.

    * Political humor blogs that inexplicably start posting Simpsons Trivia questions EVERY SINGLE DAY for months.

    * Ewoks, Jar-Jar, Midi-chlorians – pretty much everything George Lucas did after 1980.

    * Plus the Star Wars Holiday Special

    * Minus the Robot Chicken Star Wars Special

    * Self-righteous hippies who visit your country and tell you how delightful your government is, and you can’t argue with them for fear of being thrown into a dark, roach-infested cell and randomly tortured for the next 20 years by said government.

    * Heelys kids at the mall.

    * Not picking a better name for the Global War on Terror, like “Islamofascist Kill-a-Palooza Fest”

    * Not rebuilding the Twin Towers at Ground Zero EXACTLY as they were.

    * Or maybe even just a little taller.

    * Scary, scary freedom.
    ——————————————————————————–

    Of course, everyone knows the REAL reason they hate us:

    Thompson envy.


  42. VerbalKint says:

    #28 Susan, I have made approximately 15 trips to Europe over the past 10 years, all but one for work. I am surprised to hear such a cartoonish description of European politics coming from someone who claims to have lived there. I find it remarkable how much better informed Europeans are about politics, particularly geopolitics, than Americans are. Better educated Europeans know more about U.S. domestic politics than many Bush supporters. I also find it remarkable how much more practical, rational, and mature Europeans are about politics than Americans. If you really lived there for several years, I think it is sad that you didn’t learn more about European attitudes.


  43. BARTLEBEE says:

    Gee, I dont know what the hell are those Europeans thinking!!

    Comment by Juan C — July 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am

    lol, yea, whats wrong with those people?

    Whats a little napalm among friends?


  44. VerbalKint says:

    Frank J, did you actually say anything of value in #41? If you did I sure didn’t see it.


  45. Zooey says:

    Gee, I dont know what the hell are those Europeans thinking!!
    Comment by Juan C — July 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am

    And just last night m12 was bragging about how much everyone in the world wants to be just like us. Uh huh…..

    Good morning, Juan! :)


  46. Evil Spaniard says:

    Good morning, Senor Evil. :)

    Comment by Zooey — July 2, 2007 @ 10:48 am

    Hi Mrs Zoeey :)

    Now, bye, I must feed myself now or I’ll faint over my keyboard :D


  47. Tweedster says:

    To say that we are worse than a country like North Korea is asinine and anyone who makes such a statement is obviously un-informed.

    Worse? The survey asked about BIGGEST THREAT. Radical Islam is not a country, or centrally coordinated movement. It is a vile and perverse interpretation of a religion that claims many adherents in largely third world countries where cult-leaders like OBL have NO problem recruiting for their cause because they point to American domination of THEIR resources, and military bases on THEIR land. Korea cannot even feed its own people, and they are a BIGGER THREAT than we are if we as a country do not use our power irresponsibly and arrogantly?

    If you believe America is the world’s foremost power, then it is not a long walk top being it’s foremost threat. That’s logic.


  48. BARTLEBEE says:


    A recent Pew survey shows that only 25 out of 47 countries queried have a favorable opinion of the US, so it’s time once again for another round of “why do they hate us?” from the hand-wringing mouth-breathers of the left.

    Comment by Frankly a Joke — July 2, 2007 @ 10:48 am

    Wrong dipshit.

    Unlike you and your family of inbreds, we KNOW why they hate us, you half baked twit.

    We don’t need a study to figure out that if we go around murdering people and invading countries with no just cause, that they’re gonna hate us.

    When your mother homeschooled you, she should’ve put down the crack pipe, among other things.


  49. Juan C says:

    Frank J is here. The IQ average of the thread just dropped dramatically.


  50. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Frank J – you can cut-and-paste! Good for you. Now try an original thought of your own.


  51. Frank J says:

    Why do they hate us oh mouth breathing leftists?


  52. BARTLEBEE says:

    Why do they hate us oh mouth breathing leftists?

    Comment by Frank Furter — July 2, 2007 @ 10:56 am

    They don’t hate “us” pinhead.

    They just hate you.


  53. david says:

    Bush is like his old buddy Kenny boy Lay. He’s taken a great nation and driving into the ground. And just as Lay was pleading with Enron workers to have faith and to shareholders to buy and not sell, Bush wants the Trolls to say America is the Greatest in spite of the evidence of one’s eyes.

    I’m sorry. But you trolls can’t escape the economic, political, and social problems Bush has saddled America with. And just as Enron’s collapse was sudden and spectacular, so will be the End of the Empire.

    These clowns have no perspective. They don’t know Cause & Effect. They think they can just dream up a scenario and it’ll work because God is on their side. That’s why they ignored the Pentagon’s warnings that an invasion of Iraq would be a disaster.

    The trigger may be Iran. Just as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand plunged Europe into 4 years of slaughter in 1914, an attack on Iran would mark the end of America as the world’s sole superpower. Iran would wipe out America’s navy in the Gulf, capture America’s 140,000 troops trapped in Iraq, and cut off oil to the West driving gas prices about the $10/gallon mark.


  54. VerbalKint says:

    Worse? The survey asked about BIGGEST THREAT.
    Comment by Tweedster — July 2, 2007 @ 10:54 am

    Excellent point. Susan obviously has a reading comprehension problem, which is consistent with the culture comprehension problem she had while in Europe. It is no doubt the product of a filter erected by her subconscious to cope with the cognitive dissonance of being a Bush supporter.


  55. Juan C says:

    And just last night m12 was bragging about how much everyone in the world wants to be just like us. Uh huh…..
    Comment by Zooey

    My post has nothing to do with US people, just Govt´s doings. I mean, they are related somewhat, but there is no cemocracy when people is ignorant. You have great things like your universities, your working discipline and that you are always looking for more efficient ways to make things. Thats admirable.

    Now, if more US people knew what the hell the CIA and US military has done around the world, they could act in consequence. But it seems that 57,000 dead soldiers are needed in order to change the course.

    Good morning, Juan! :)
    Good Morning, sweet lady. :)


  56. celtic cynic says:

    To say that America is more of a threat than fundamental, radical Islamics is a dangerous position, and quite frankly, stupid.

    Comment by Susan Higgins — July 2, 2007 @ 10:37 am

    It’s not so much that “America” is a threat, it’s the fool in the white house and his cohorts who have their fingers on the triggers that have the rest of the world shaking their heads, wondering when he’s going to start WW3.


  57. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Look in the mirror Frank. Or read this for a start. http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/terrorism_start.html


  58. TerrytheTurtle says:

    The trigger may be Iran. Just as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand plunged Europe into 4 years of slaughter in 1914,

    That’s a perceptive parallel. The ‘Guns Of August’ and today’s Iran standoff have a few parallels – one of least is the new doctrine of ‘pre-emptive strikes’. Nothing new about that – in 1914, they called it ‘mobilization’. WW1 exploded in part because Germany felt it had to pre-emptively strike France because of a ‘gathering or imminent threat’.


  59. BARTLEBEE says:

    To say that America is more of a threat than fundamental, radical Islamics is a dangerous position, and quite frankly, stupid.

    Comment by Susan Wiggins — July 2, 2007 @ 10:37 am

    No.

    You’re quite frankly, stupid.

    America has firepower to destroy the world 10 times over, particularly with our “Weapons of Mass Destruction”.

    To date, America is the ONLY country to use those weapons, and on civillian targets.

    Muslim extremists have killed only a handful of people outside of their own country, by comparison.

    Cowards like you and your inbred family are the real threats, because you’re so afraid of a few terrorists running around with box cutters and gas cans that you endorse the making of war on women and children.

    Which is the most disgusting trait of all.


  60. VerbalKint says:

    Most Europeans do not blindly hate American citizens. I have been treated with respect throughout my travels there. Most Europeans are mature enough and informed enough to separate the actions of our government from the actions and beliefs of our citizens. Europeans want to like Americans. Many Europeans I know actually feel hurt on behalf of America and what it once stood for, the America that rescued them in WWII and that they once admired so much.


  61. Frank J says:

    Rescued them from Soviet occupation don’t forget. Damn evil Americans.


  62. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Muslim extremists have killed only a handful of people outside of their own country, by comparison.

    I saw somewhere that worldwide terrorism had killed less than 50,000 people since 1970…. looking for that link….


  63. VerbalKint says:

    #63 Frank J, indeed we did much to protect Europe from Soviet occupation (to our considerable self-interest, by the way), and Europeans are immensely grateful for it. But that happened before Bush became president. We have done nothing but harm Europe’s interests since then. So don’t bring up the actions of past administrations to defend Bush.


  64. Arthur C. says:

    Reminder for wingnut trolls:

    “My country, right or wrong,” is a thing that no patriot would think of saying. It is like saying, “My mother, drunk or sober.”

    Ya simpleminded slobs.


  65. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Rescued them from Soviet occupation don’t forget. Damn evil Americans.

    Comment by Frank J — July 2, 2007 @ 11:14 am

    Living in the past, Frank J? First sign of an empire in decline, looking backwards and saying things like “our best days are in front of us” – loudly, to try and convince everyone even ourselves that it is so.

    The obvious thesis is that the Cold War destroyed more than the Soviet Union: it also fatally weakened the American Experiment – the United States that came to Europe in 1942 was not the United States of the Iranian Coup, Guatemala, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Chile, Panama etc etc


  66. Frank J says:

    I guess its also Bush’s fault that Europe has a negative birth rate and is being over run by Islamists.


  67. Juan C says:

    the United States that came to Europe in 1942 was not the United States of the Iranian Coup, Guatemala, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Chile, Panama etc etc
    Comment by TerrytheTurtle

    Besides the Marshall Plan was not a free ride. European countries couldnt adopt communist-like governments and they were forced to spend the money loans on US products. It was the sweet help of the IMF in those days.


  68. Frank J says:

    Europe has had to spend almost nothing on their national defense in the last sixty years because of the evil Americans. Allowing them to come up with a failed healthcare system, huge unsustainable welfare state and a negative birthrate.

    No wonder they hate us.


  69. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Besides the Marshall Plan was not a free ride.

    I’m not sure the Brits ever had any Marshall Plan. I read somewhere that the loans due to the United States taken out by Britain were paid off sometime in the 1990s….


  70. unbelievable says:

    I saw somewhere that worldwide terrorism had killed less than 50,000 people since 1970…. looking for that link….
    Comment by TerrytheTurtle — July 2, 2007 @ 11:16 am

    Definitely post it if you find it. I’d love to pass that one around…

    Here is an interesting one:

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/28/AR2006042802181_pf.html

    “The number of terrorist attacks worldwide increased nearly fourfold in 2005 to 11,111, with strikes in Iraq accounting for 30 percent of the total, according to statistics released by U.S. counterterrorism officials yesterday.”


  71. BARTLEBEE says:

    I guess its also Bush’s fault that Europe has a negative birth rate and is being over run by Islamists.

    Comment by Skank J — July 2, 2007 @ 11:24 am

    Yea, that low crime rate, the booming European economy, public health care…. those backwards Europeans really are something huh?


  72. Tom says:

    . . . that Europe has a negative birth rate

    Well, at least Europe has a birth rate . . . as opposed to your family where offspring are obviously hatched.


  73. MCMetal says:

    #43

    Gee, I dont know what the hell are those Europeans thinking!!

    Comment by Juan C — July 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am

    lol, yea, whats wrong with those people?

    Whats a little napalm among friends?

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 2, 2007 @ 10:50 am

    ————————————————————

    Or a cluster-bomb ………………Or ten.


  74. Frank J says:

    Booming European economy?…LOL


  75. unbelievable says:

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18399660/

    “In its annual global survey of terrorism to be released Monday, the State Department says about 14,000 attacks took place in 2006, mainly in Iraq and Afghanistan. These strikes claimed more than 20,000 lives — two-thirds in Iraq. That is 3,000 more attacks than in 2005 and 5,800 more deaths.”


  76. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Allowing them to come up with a failed healthcare system, huge unsustainable welfare state and a negative birthrate.

    Frank you really need to check your facts before you put your pants on in the morning:

    http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9334869

    http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

    http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070214-1129-childwelfare.html

    “US, Britian rank last in child welfare in the industrial world” – Yeah, let’s hear it Frank! “USA, USA, we’re number 1!”

    Check your facts Frank, otherwise you look…. well, we report, you decide.


  77. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Frank – “Booming European economy?…LOL”

    Oops, again Frank: http://ezinearticles.com/?European-Economic-Growth-Returns—What-are-the-Europeans-Finally-Doing-Right?&id=578249

    Next troll please, this one is broken.


  78. Tom says:

    check your facts before you put your pants on in the morning

    That would be a good idea for him, terry. Unfortunately, it takes all of frank’s concentration to get those pants over his Depends and thinking would deplete his capacity entirely.


  79. VerbalKint says:

    #66 Gosh, Frank, you must be really scraping bottom to come up with such a wierd straw man argument.


  80. unbelievable says:

    Next troll please, this one is broken.
    Comment by TerrytheTurtle — July 2, 2007 @ 11:41 am

    If they would base their opinions on actual facts, rather than wishful thinking, they wouldn’t be so wrong ALL the time… Or conservative.


  81. VerbalKint says:

    Allowing them to come up with a failed healthcare system, huge unsustainable welfare state and a negative birthrate.
    Comment by Frank J — July 2, 2007 @ 11:33 am

    Failed health care system? Who are you trying to kid? European countries spend half what we spend on average and yet manage to deliver superior health care by nearly every quantitative measure commonly used in public health science. Nor do they have a “huge unsustainable” welfare state.


  82. TerrytheTurtle says:

    If they would base their opinions on actual facts, rather than wishful thinking, they wouldn’t be so wrong ALL the time… Or conservative.

    Comment by unbelievable — July 2, 2007 @ 11:46 am

    You mean ‘faith-based’?


  83. Zooey says:

    Y’all are gonna make Frank cry……

    :-D


  84. Frank J says:

    European study says EU economy is 20 years behind that of the US

    By Finfacts Team Mar 6, 2007, 15:43

    A report published on Monday says that despite the current economic upswing, the EU is still losing ground vis-à-vis its global competitors – in particular with its current level of investment in R&D already achieved by the US almost 30 years ago. Also, the EU is on the wrong path to reach the Lisbon goals, being 3.4 years too late with regard to the target 70% employment rate by 2010. In addition, the level of productivity (expressed in GDP per employed) was reached by the US in 1989, the report said.

    (Excerpt) Read more at finfacts.com …


  85. unbelievable says:

    http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/22/powell.terror/

    “The State Department’s annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report now counts 208 terrorist attacks as having occurred in 2003, with 625 dead.”

    “Researchers Alan B. Krueger of Princeton University and David Laitin of Stanford University reported in May that the number of significant attacks represented a 36 percent increase over 2001, up from 124 that year.”

    So…

    124 terrorist attacks in 2001

    208 terrorist attacks in 2003

    11,111 terrorist attacks in 2005

    about 14,000 terrorist attacks in 2007

    So, since 2001, terrorist attacks have increased worldwide from 201 to almost 14,000.

    Yeah, Bush, thanks… I feel so much safer.


  86. BARTLEBEE says:

    European study says EU economy is 20 years behind that of the US

    By Finfacts Team Mar 6, 2007, 15:43

    Comment by Plank J, July 2, 2007 @ 11:51 am

    Yea?

    Better check the EU to Dollar exchange rate there Greenspan.

    Freakin idiot.


  87. Frank J says:

    Germany still has a high jobless rate of 9.6%, and many formerly jobless people have found only low-paid, temporary or part-time work… Across the euro area, unemployment has fallen to 7.7%…

    Over three percent higher than that of the hated United States.


  88. unbelievable says:

    You mean ‘faith-based’?
    Comment by TerrytheTurtle — July 2, 2007 @ 11:50 am

    LOL Exactly! :D


  89. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Frank, now moving the goal posts? We were not comparing Europe to the US, Frank.


  90. Frank J says:

    Even with having to pay almost nothing for their national defense Europe still lags well behind the U.S. in economic growth and employment.

    Pissing your money away on a huge unstainable welfare state will do that to you. So if you screw up you have to blame someone else, in this case the most powerful and richest nation in human history. The United States of America.


  91. Frank J says:

    There is no comparison between the U.S. and hapless Europestan. We were talking about a silly survey that was long ago on this thread shown to be laughable.


  92. BARTLEBEE says:

    More Europeans think the US is a bigger threat than any other country in the world, and what does inbred Frank do?

    Does he examine the reasons why we are so hated and feared?

    No.

    He proceeds to try to attack the character of the people of Europe, just like all right wing peices of shit do.

    When the worlds opinion doesn’t match their own twisted self image, they simply attack the character of everyone else in the world, but themselves.


  93. Tom says:

    Hey, frank. Do you think that you are actually comparing apples to apples with those unemployment rates?

    Do a little research and you will find that they are calculated entirely differently. In fact, the current U.S. jobless rate calculation is different from the one used during all previous administrations. When you count only those who are within the (shortened) period of eligibility for unemployment compensation, you are significantly under-counting the extent of unemployment.


  94. BARTLEBEE says:

    Europe. Almost no homeless population.

    Public health care for all.

    A dollar that BLOWS OURS AWAY.

    And the inbred cocksucker frank wants to attack their character, cause their people view us as a threat.


  95. unbelievable says:

    The United States only counts people collecting unemployment insurance as ‘officially unemployed’.

    This number is greatly misleading because it ignores students, people who ran out of benefits, people who didn’t qualify for benefits, desperate housewives, and those who don’t report their unemployment status.

    Officially, our true unemployment rate is closer to 10%.

    https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2129.html

    Cuba 1.9% (2006 est.)

    Denmark 3.8% (2006 est.)

    Mexico 3.2% (2006 est.)

    Norway 3.5% (2006 est.)

    Switzerland 3.3% (2006 est.)

    United Kingdom 2.9% (2006 est.)

    Vietnam 2% (2006 est.)


  96. Frank J says:

    It’s not their character its their intelligence.


  97. unbelievable says:

    We were talking about a silly survey that was long ago on this thread shown to be laughable.
    Comment by Frank J — July 2, 2007 @ 11:58 am

    If we’re such an irrelevant joke, then why in the world are you here foaming at the mouth?

    You actions don’t correspond to your words, Frank…


  98. Tom says:

    It’s not their character its their intelligence.

    After reading your posts on this thread, frankie, it is obvious that your are entirely unqualified to be making any comparative statements regarding intelligence.


  99. BARTLEBEE says:

    Lets just get this said once and for all.

    Regardless of who saying it, whenever ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, disagrees with right wing peices of filth like this low life maggot, Frank, they’re going to attack their character.

    Thats what the right wing peices of shit do. They attack the character of anyone who dares voice an opinion contrary to theirs.

    Thats what they do. They can’t defeat the message, so they attack the messenger. A tired phrase to be sure but its fact.


  100. BARTLEBEE says:

    So theres nothing left to do but mock them.

    Because facts and reality are just lost on them.


  101. BARTLEBEE says:

    The fact is Europes economy has NOTHING to do with this.

    They said they fear us.

    We should listen.

    And lock guys like Frank up in camps where they can play war with themselves.


  102. VerbalKint says:

    Frank J, every claim you have posted in this thread is false, and has been refuted with facts posted by other commenters. Yet you never attempt to address these facts. Instead you just pull another imbecilic claim out of thin air.

    Just an observation, Frank.


  103. Jay Randal says:

    The Bush Regime is the biggest threat to peace worldwide. Shame our entire nation gets slimed as an aggressor.


  104. Mr. President says:

    No shit.

    We are better than they are so they are jealous… this is common-knowledge TP!!!

    Jeez, TP is really pressed for stories lately, I guess that is a good thing.

    Islamo-Stalinism Loses!!!


  105. unbelievable says:

    From my CIA link above, I thought this was interesting about the United States:

    “world’s largest consumer of cocaine, shipped from Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean; consumer of ecstasy and of Mexican heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine; minor consumer of high-quality Southeast Asian heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering center”

    ” Population below poverty line:12% (2004 est.) ”

    “Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households.”

    ” The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $750 billion in 2006.”

    “air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification.”

    And this is what the government is reporting about itself…


  106. Krazny says:

    Europeans fear us, because we have a loose cannon in the form of George W. Bush, with the worlds most advanced military, and the insanity to use it with little or no provocation. The Middle east was unstable, even in “peaceful” times. The war in Iraq, and all the saber rattling with Iran, has made it even more unstable, given terrorists a cause, and a training ground. Essentially bush has made anti-western sentiment easier for the imam’s to sell to thier flocks, while not addressing any of the issues that cause rabid fundamentalism.


  107. unbelievable says:

    Comment by Mr. President — July 2, 2007 @ 12:20 pm

    Define ‘acerebralist’…


  108. Rock Star says:

    #23 Are you claiming that 11 U.S. aircraft carriers assisted Indonesia?!?!?
    We have a new contender for stupidest troll alive. Move over, Patrick1.

    No, but ‘we’ (shudder) have a new contender for dumbest liberal alive. The point was how much it costs to keep one aircraft carrier in service, much less twelve. Did you understand now or should we get the government to hire someone to assist you?


  109. gummitch says:

    Even with having to pay almost nothing for their national defense Europe still lags well behind the U.S. in economic growth and employment.

    Pissing your money away on a huge unstainable welfare state will do that to you. So if you screw up you have to blame someone else, in this case the most powerful and richest nation in human history. The United States of America.

    Comment by Frank J

    http://tinyurl.com/fx6qa

    Thanks to your fellow troll (or another login of yours, for all I know), we have the productivity numbers per capita.

    So much for poor screwed-up Europe.

    Repetition of talking points does not make them true, they must be based on fact.


  110. BARTLEBEE says:

    Did you understand now or should we get the government to hire someone to assist you?

    Comment by Cock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 12:28 pm

    Well they’d have to move to Europe first, where the government pays for health care workers.


  111. Rock Star says:

    And I try to tell you people that home schooling crap doesn’t work.
    :|
    How many “huts” have you seen in Europe, Magellan?

    Look at an atlas lately there, professor? I said “world” and last time I checked the world includes more than just europe. Im starting to think perhaps you live in a hut.


  112. lonesomerobot says:

    ok rock star.
    so now we have a fourth carrier (uss enterprise) on its way to iran. is having a third of our carriers in the persian gulf cost effective, or just very expensive intimidation?


  113. Tom says:

    The point was how much it costs to keep one aircraft carrier in service, much less twelve. Did you understand now or should we get the government to hire someone to assist you?

    Hey, rock-head (er, star). You are the one who missed the point. Are you familiar with the concept of “incremental cost”? That is the point here. Those 11 vessels were going to be staffed up and be somewhere anyway so there is little incremental cost associated with their operations off the coast of Indonesia.

    A related parallel is the amount of military aid that gets counted as foreign aid when folks like you complain about how “generous” we are as a country. Somehow, you fail to make this distinction as well when you bloviate about how we are feeding the world’s poorest nations. Have you tried eating bullets and grenades lately? (perhaps you should)


  114. BARTLEBEE says:

    Economy of Europe

    The economy of Europe comprises more than 710 million people in 48 different states.

    Like other continents, the wealth of Europe’s states varies, although the poorest are well above the poorest states of other continents in terms of GDP and living standards

    From Wiki July 2007


  115. BARTLEBEE says:

    Look at an atlas lately there, professor? I said “world” and last time I checked the world includes more than just europe. Im starting to think perhaps you live in a hut.

    Comment by Schlock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 12:34 pm

    Look at the caption of the threat you’re in lately there “professor”?

    Its about Europe you homeschooled twit.

    I’m starting to think you can’t afford a hut.


  116. BARTLEBEE says:

    The entire continent of Europe thinks we’re the most dangerous country on the planet.

    Just like WE TOLD you, schmuck.


  117. VerbalKint says:

    Rock Star is back on the thread, and stupider than ever. He must have stepped out to take a few more swigs from the bottle before coming back here to tell us in #108 that the U.S. maintains 12 aircraft carrier groups to provide disaster relief to the world. In #111 the imbecile shows us that he can’t remember what this thread is about, European attitudes towards America.


  118. BARTLEBEE says:

    Have you tried eating bullets and grenades lately? (perhaps you should)

    Comment by Tom — July 2, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

    I’d be happy to help feed the trolls.


  119. VerbalKint says:

    I suppose in a way we should all be relieved that Bush’s few remaining supporters are as freakin’ stupid as the trolls on this thread.


  120. criticalthinker says:

    Does one really believe that the other countries around the world are NOT currently having secret meetings to discuss what to do if the United States pulls another Iraq?


  121. TerrytheTurtle says:

    ok rock star.
    so now we have a fourth carrier (uss enterprise) on its way to iran. is having a third of our carriers in the persian gulf cost effective, or just very expensive intimidation?

    Comment by lonesomerobot — July 2, 2007 @ 12:35 pm

    Perhaps they have advance warning of another humanitarian disaster about to strike Iran and are planning to be on hand to offer aid? /sarcasm off


  122. Rock Star says:

    Those 11 vessels were going to be staffed up and be somewhere anyway so there is little incremental cost associated with their operations off the coast of Indonesia.

    Fine Tim, lets mothball the fleet and next time such a ship is needed for a rescue operation, the victims can look elsewhere. I agree that the ships were there anyway, yet America has to shoulder the cost of keeping and having them available for just such a random occassion.

    What you fail to take into account is that Americans on a personal level give far more money to charity than citizens of other countries. You can “bloviate” all you want about government aid as related to GDP, yet those other countries have very little capacity to get their money into the right hands on scene.

    It was American helos flying off of American ships crewed by Americans who flew into the inaccessible areas of Indonesia to drop off the supplies that the rest of the world helped purchase. You can buy all the bandages and bottled water you want, if you have no way to get that stuff to the victims, it isnt worth crap.


  123. Flaco says:

    #68
    Europe has had to spend almost nothing on their national defense in the last sixty years because of the evil Americans. Allowing them to come up with a failed healthcare system, huge unsustainable welfare state and a negative birthrate.

    No wonder they hate us.

    Comment by Frank J

    Bingo I want to go there, NOT!


  124. BARTLEBEE says:

    It was American helos flying off of American ships crewed by Americans who flew into the inaccessible areas of Indonesia to drop off the supplies that the rest of the world helped purchase. You can buy all the bandages and bottled water you want, if you have no way to get that stuff to the victims, it isnt worth crap.

    Comment by Cock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 12:46 pm

    So?

    What the HELL does that have to do with the fact that the citizens of Europe think the US is the biggest threat to global security?

    You clealry can’t deal with reality.


  125. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Wonder why, if all this magnanimity from the US is true, that the rest of world views the US as a threat despite all? Perhaps the rest of the the US behavior outweighs the good that is done? Do ya think?


  126. Rock Star says:

    Rock Star is back on the thread, and stupider than ever. He must have stepped out to take a few more swigs from the bottle before coming back here to tell us in #108 that the U.S. maintains 12 aircraft carrier groups to provide disaster relief to the world. In #111 the imbecile shows us that he can’t remember what this thread is about, European attitudes towards America.

    Sorry about kunt, I have a job and therefore cant stay here minute by minute. What is a “job” you ask? Ill explain later.

    You not only cant you seem to do math but also cant understand the nature of military assets being co-opted for relief efforts. We dont keep aircraft carriers for humanitarian efforts but there is no better ship on this earth to perform seaborne-related functions.

    I think I need to stop the next short-bus that ambles by and see if the passengers can explain these things to you in language you can understand.


  127. BARTLEBEE says:

    In two terms that piece of garbage you morons helped push into power has taken us from most loved to most hated by most of the planet.

    And you think you have something to act smug or superior about you inbred twit?

    You’re a trainwreck and you think you’re still on the tracks.


  128. Flaco says:

    In Euope try waiting 6 to 8 months for heart bypass.

    Healthcare at its best!


  129. BARTLEBEE says:

    I think I need to stop the next short-bus that ambles by and see if the passengers can explain these things to you in language you can understand.

    Comment by Cock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 12:54 pm

    Yea, have em stop by.

    We’d welcome someone smarter than you.


  130. VerbalKint says:

    Fine Tim, lets mothball the fleet and next time such a ship is needed for a rescue operation, the victims can look elsewhere. I agree that the ships were there anyway, yet America has to shoulder the cost of keeping and having them available for just such a random occassion.
    Comment by Rock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 12:46 pm

    Utterly bizarre. No one said anything about mothballing the fleet, and the imbecile continues to insist that we maintain 12 carrier fleets solely to provide disaster relief!


  131. Rock Star says:

    What the HELL does that have to do with the fact that the citizens of Europe think the US is the biggest threat to global security?

    ‘Some’ citizens, you phonically challenged tardlet, not all. Those idiots watched the Serbs slaughter everyone in sight and the Serbs were on their doorstep, meanwhile it took America coming from the other side of the world to finally stop the killing.

    You just go ahead and sign-on for the abject feel good disaster which mainstream europe is becoming, just try not to live anywhere in the Balkans.


  132. unbelievable says:

    In Euope try waiting 6 to 8 months for heart bypass.
    Comment by Flaco — July 2, 2007 @ 12:57 pm

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3472761.stm

    The median wait for bypasses in Scotland fell from 195 days in the year ending June 1997 to just 53 days by June 2003 – a reduction of nearly five months.


  133. BARTLEBEE says:

    In Euope try waiting 6 to 8 months for heart bypass.

    Healthcare at its best!

    Comment by Flaco — July 2, 2007 @ 12:57 pm

    Yea, as opposed to waiting 3 years for a liver, and dying before they could put it in?

    You mean like that?


  134. unbelievable says:

    In the United States, patients without private health insurance can be faced with exorbitant medical bills for even the most routine surgeries. Sometimes a heartbreaking choice must be made – to have a life saving operation and suffer extreme financial hardship or to not have the procedure and deal with the health consequences. For those who are fortunate enough to have private health insurance, some may find that their insurer does not cover all medical procedures or that their insurance plan imposes unreasonable restrictions.

    http://www.emailwire.com/cgi-bin/news/db.cgi?db=ads&uid=default&ID=9266&C1=Healthcare&view_records=1&full_view=1


  135. VerbalKint says:

    #128 Please read comment #81 for the essential facts about European vs. U.S. healthcare before you embarrass yourself again.


  136. Rock Star says:

    Utterly bizarre. No one said anything about mothballing the fleet, and the imbecile continues to insist that we maintain 12 carrier fleets solely to provide disaster relief!

    I can only type so slow. These ships are called upon for heavy-lift disasters as well as their warfighting capabilities.

    Here, let me rephrase for the slow-minded (hint: you); America must shoulder the cost of maintaining twelve aircraft carriers which the world expects us to use for relief efforts, even though that is not their primary mission.

    I cant help you guys when your DNA chains are so badly unravelling.


  137. VerbalKint says:

    #136 Imbecile, your drug addled brain seems to be unaware that you cited U.S. Navy participation in the relief efforts as proof that the U.S. provides far more aid than other countries. It proves no such thing. To begin with, the marginal cost of those carriers providing aid is small, no matter how much you try to claim otherwise. But the essential fact is that the U.S. gives less in non-military aid than any other developed country measured as a fraction of GDP.


  138. Krazny says:

    Maybe rock star should ask himself, why europeons see us a threat, even though we hve done a fair bit of good. You spend alot of time attacking the intellegence of anyone who does not agree with you, but you clearly have no introspection.

    I sincerely doubt they hate us because of you freedom


  139. TerrytheTurtle says:

    America must shoulder the cost of maintaining twelve aircraft carriers which the world expects us to use for relief efforts, even though that is not their primary mission.

    This is a fascinating interpretation of the “White Man’s Burden” – does this mission statement feature in the justifications for each new carrier?


  140. Flaco says:

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism


  141. lonesomerobot says:

    hmmm. maybe flaco is suggesting new names for our 12 carriers. i also hear ‘evildoers’ is available.

    ya know, if i were going to repeat a word 12 times, i’d at least spell it right.

    of course, i’d never repeat that nonsense word even once.


  142. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism

    Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism Islamofacism

    Comment by Flaco — July 2, 2007 @ 1:24 pm

    If you are going to drool, try to drool with some self-respect:

    “Islamo- faScism” – you missed the S there, bonehead.


  143. Rock Star says:

    #136 Imbecile, your drug addled brain seems to be unaware that you cited U.S. Navy participation in the relief efforts as proof that the U.S. provides far more aid than other countries.

    Twink, licking your dog’s ass may provide you with a hobby but does little for improving your intelligence.

    You obviously have no idea how much it costs to keep those ships in service, ships that the world expects to utilize whenever they need them for such operations, thats why they put out the call to us when these events occur. The Swiss can donate all the money they want, if the supplies that money buys sit on a pier somewhere, they arent doing anyone much good now are they?

    After the tsunami hit, the Aussies were first on the scene with the U.S. right behind them; the mighty U.N. didnt show up until weeks later, long after Aussie and American helos had flown hundreds if not thousands of relief missions. Did the Swedes, Germans, Danes, Finns, Spaniards or Portuegese send ships to the area? No, they offered money and they offered it through U.N. agencies who were more interested in getting a good hotel than they were in helping the desperate refugees.

    You also didnt reference the amount of private money donated by American citizens to charity which far outstrips that given by any other country. That money helps support charitable missions around the world, including the much-maligned Christian groups who operate without fanfare providing food and medicine in the shitholes of the world that sensitive liberals like to talk about but never actually visit.


  144. VerbalKint says:

    #140 Flaco, I think it is time to change your pants.


  145. VerbalKint says:

  146. Rock Star says:

    Maybe rock star should ask himself, why europeons see us a threat, even though we hve done a fair bit of good. You spend alot of time attacking the intellegence of anyone who does not agree with you, but you clearly have no introspection.

    Its not “europeans”, its 32% of europeans which presumably means that 68% dont feel that way. We have done a fair bit of good so this type of poll strikes me as unusual, though I would suspect it has something to do with the idea that America somehow created islamic terrorism and that said terrorism is now “our” fault. If true, that would strike me as even more unusual because europe has been dealing with all sorts of terrorism for decades.

    As I said in my first post, I chalk much of it up to envy.

    BTW, I wasnt the one to start insulting the intelligence of others, so perhaps you should hit your fellow TP’ers on that point instead of me. Reap what you sow


  147. VerbalKint says:

    You obviously have no idea how much it costs to keep those ships in service, ships that the world expects to utilize whenever they need them for such operations, thats why they put out the call to us when these events occur.
    Comment by Rock Star — July 2, 2007 @ 1:36 pm

    You are talking about total cost. I am talking about the marginal cost of providing relief. Look up the word “marginal” in the sense of finance if you don’t understand what I am talking about.


  148. Rock Star says:

    Ok tots, I have to go back to work now.

    You ladies be sure to clean up the PB&J crumbs off the couch or your parents might get pissed. Dad might decide to take away your Pong machine, which BTW is the apex of technology youre able to operate without crapping your pants in frustration.

    Sayonara


  149. VerbalKint says:

    Is it a full moon? I haven’t seen this much raging stupidity from the trolls in weeks. They must be rejuvenated after their weekend rest and looking forward to a holiday on the 4th to power up the lies to this morning’s fever pitch.


  150. VerbalKint says:

    #148 Okay, then, go on pretending that you are one of the smart ones. Best to leave the discussion to the adults anyway.


  151. Tracy says:

    Of course the EU wouldn’t put themselves on the list (though they should be near the top) eventhough their inaction when it comes to handling a crisis is non existant in and of itself is a huge threat to global security.


  152. Tracy says:

    Of course the EU wouldn’t put themselves on the list (though they should be near the top) eventhough their action when it comes to handling a crisis is non existant in and of itself is a huge threat to global security.


  153. Tom says:

    Ok tots, I have to go back to work now.

    It must be rush-hour at the 7-11, eh, rock-head (er, star).

    Don’t forget to clean the restrooms after the lunch crowd clears out. Don’t use your tongue, though. That method is rotting your brain and making your breath smell worse than usual.


  154. Krazny says:

    Sorry to break it to you tracy, but the EU has never launched a preemptive strike.

    No I don’t think europeons envy us. They tend to live small, and the consumer, overworked, culture isn’t what they want. Besides the they like thier healthcare system.


  155. JT says:

    It’s interesting to see Juan C. opinining on this, and various other posts. Obviously, he has a lot of spare time. Unquestionably, based on his posts over time and in various threads, he is a virulent hater of democracy and capitalism. It’s safe to say that he is a communistic bootlicker who would rather have “Mama” or “Papa” tell him what to do, think, etc. The (lack of) historical success of communism and socialism are inextricably linked to the solid foundation that underscores your type of analysis.

    The abject irony of all this is the fact that this post celebrates the free exchange of ideas. With all the silly spiteful statements he has spouted, it is clear that Juan C. is fully, and without fear of reprisal, engaging in the exercise of his rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

    No amount of unfounded rhetoric or silly posturing can deny this point, Juan C. Enjoy your rights–you wouldn’t have them anywhere else in this world.

    Happy 4th of July everyone!!


  156. Tom says:

    We heard you the first time, tracy. At first, I thought you reposted in order to correct the misspelling of existent. But, alas, no . . . just the same stupid post a second time.

    BTW, if the Europeans are so “inactive” in responding to a crisis, how is it that they are effectively rounding the car bombers in the UK right now? And BTW II, what ever happened to bin Laden?

    You keep stroking yourself with your criticism of the Europeans while you ignore the h-u-u-u-u-u-ge elephant in the living room –> the U.S. is being hamstrung by GDumbya and Darth “Lord of Darkness” Cheney.


  157. BARTLEBEE says:

    Juan C. Enjoy your rights–you wouldn’t have them anywhere else in this world.

    Comment by JT — July 2, 2007 @ 2:05 pm

    Yea, no where else in the world.

    Except for the entire continent of Europe, Austrailia, New Zealand, Canada, and a few hundred other countries.

    :|

    Seriously when your mom home schools you mooks, she just read from the bible, right?


  158. BARTLEBEE says:

    Or was it the inbreeding?

    That inbreeding will do it too you know…. reproduces deficient genes and what not.

    Maybe now would be a good time to break the cycle, and stop dating your sister?


  159. Sally T. says:

    I can see where rock is coming from. If the U.S. were to withdraw those ships from use for civilian disasters, the european governments would be forced to either build their own transfer capability for relief efforts or hire it out to a merchant fleet, either of which would be expensive and in the example of hiring, slow to respond.

    There are also costs for those carriers which is not associated to their normal routine costs while they are at their normal duty stations. Their escort vessels are primarily oil-powered which means they would have to use extra fuel to steam to the disaster area and remain in the area.

    Also, the fleet commands would have to provide extra food, fuel and supplies of all kinds when the ships are on an extended stay and these have to provided by even more ships which would have to use oil to get to where the relief ships are. Its a compounded effort which is probably much more expensive than we might think.

    Just my two cents, dont want to make waves with anyone (no pun intended). The thread topic itself if really kind of boring.


  160. BARTLEBEE says:


    Happy 4th of July everyone!!

    Comment by JT — July 2, 2007 @ 2:05 pm

    Yea, happy 4th. A famous American holiday where inbred trailer park hero’s get “all liquored up”, shoot off small explosives and brag about how they won a war they never fought.

    You guys love this one.


  161. JT says:

    Bartlebee, personal attacks?!? Is that the best you can do? In fact, THERE IS NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD THAT PROVIDES EMBEDDED INALIENABLE RIGHTS in its governing documents such as those found in the U.S. Constitution.

    Can you name a country that provides 4th Amendment protections? Not in Europe.

    How about 5th Amendment protections? Again, only in the U.S.

    It is also an undisputed fact that Europe does not provide near the scope of 1st Amendment protections that the U.S. does. Think libel laws in England, or how about that poor Danish cartoonist?…

    Before you start attacking people, you better be damned sure you can stay in the ring to finish the fight, jerk.


  162. Tom says:

    inbred trailer park hero’s get “all liquored up”, shoot off small explosives

    The good news is that many of them have blown off all the fingers on one hand already. This year, they will have to hold their M-80s between their legs while they light them.

    That should cut down on inbreeding in the future and generally improve the U.S. gene pool.


  163. BARTLEBEE says:

    I can see where rock is coming from. If the U.S. were to withdraw those ships from use for civilian disasters, the european governments would be forced to either build their own transfer capability for relief efforts or hire it out to a merchant fleet, either of which would be expensive and in the example of hiring, slow to respond.

    Comment by Sally T. — July 2, 2007 @ 2:12 pm

    Come on, not another homeschooler?

    Uhh, Sally, I don’t think Europe will need to “build” ships, considering the Royal British Navy is the Second Largest NATO fleet in the world.

    Don’t they have books and stuff where you live?


  164. BARTLEBEE says:

    Bartlebee, personal attacks?!? Is that the best you can do?

    Comment by JustaTroll — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

    Nothing personal about it troll.

    Just taking out the trash.


  165. BARTLEBEE says:

    Is that the best you can do? In fact, THERE IS NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD THAT PROVIDES EMBEDDED INALIENABLE RIGHTS in its governing documents such as those found in the U.S. Constitution.

    Comment by JT — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

    Really Beaver?

    Someone better tell all those democracies out there that JT says they’re not free.

    Poor Canadians. Poor Brits. Poor Flemish. Poor Finns. Poor Norwegians. Poor Swiss. Poor Swedes. Poor Austrailians. Poor ….

    .


  166. BARTLEBEE says:

    Before you start attacking people, you better be damned sure you can stay in the ring to finish the fight, jerk.

    Comment by JustTrash — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

    lol, you couldn’t fight your way out of your moms vagina, you worthless wimp.


  167. JT says:

    Bartlebee

    Good. I’ll close the lid tightly on your ilk when you crawl inside the trashcan.

    How can you think that you can ever be taken seriously when you post such, as you put it, “trash.” Please get an education. Better yet, you’re welcome to take my classes on either Constitutional Law and Comparative European Laws Analysis.


  168. BARTLEBEE says:

    The fact is free speech is prevalent througout Europe, and if you’d save up those empties and cash em in, you might get to take a trip and learn something.

    Course those cans won’t pay for a trip to Europe, but at least you can get out of the trailer park, and to a library or museum, where you can learn something.


  169. BARTLEBEE says:

    Here inbred. I’ll get you started.

    Look up article 19 of the of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

    That will get you started.

    If you want to learn more than that you’ll have to convince your mom to put down the crack pipe.


  170. BARTLEBEE says:

    And here. Here’s another tidbit you can chew on in between tokes off the crack pipe.

    The US is ranked FIFTY THIRD, (thats 53rd) out of a 168 countries for “Free Speech”.

    Get an education mook.


  171. Juan C says:

    Comment by JT

    First: You didnt give me my rights. Thousands of people who fought against owners of factories, governments and czars gave me my rights.

    Second: I guess those 4th and 5th and whatever ammendment you want to brag about was very useful to all those peasants that your government has killed since 1940.


  172. TerrytheTurtle says:

    The US is ranked FIFTY THIRD, (thats 53rd) out of a 168 countries for “Free Speech”.

    Is this survey taking into account Bushevik Free-Speech Zones(TM) or not?


  173. Juan C says:

    Poor Canadians. Poor Brits. Poor Flemish. Poor Finns. Poor Norwegians. Poor Swiss. Poor Swedes. Poor Austrailians. Poor ….
    Comment by BARTLEBEE

    JT must think that Naturalization Office is full of those citizen´s applications. Oh, yeah, there are hundreds of swedish dying to get over the US.


  174. BARTLEBEE says:

    JT must think that Naturalization Office is full of those citizen´s applications. Oh, yeah, there are hundreds of swedish dying to get over the US.

    Comment by Juan C — July 2, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

    Another excellent point that I didn’t add, but in all fairness theres so many I don’t know where to start.

    But definately our trailer park troll has never seen how difficult it is to get into some of these countries. Just take CANADA for example. Canada won’t let you becomes a citizen unless you can prove that you’ve got some serious education, bucks, and a means to make more bucks.

    Same for Holland, Sweden, Belgium France, Switzerland, etc,


  175. BARTLEBEE says:

    What’s really puzzling Juan is when did these mooks suddenly become so attentive to the Constitution?

    Last I heard their President was calling it “an interesting document” and their Attorney General was calling it “quaint”.

    And God knows they haven’t abided by it for the last 7 years.


  176. BARTLEBEE says:

    Is this survey taking into account Bushevik Free-Speech Zones(TM) or not?

    Comment by TerrytheTurtle — July 2, 2007 @ 2:37 pm

    No, actually its not. Those are 2006 figures, in which we were down from 48th the previous year.

    God knows how far we’ve fallen on the list now.


  177. BARTLEBEE says:

    You know Juan, I was thinking about buying a home in Tuscany, but the waiting list is so long and gee, you know I’d miss my US only freedoms.

    I mean the people are so oppressed there….

    BAWHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHA


  178. Juan C says:

    What’s really puzzling Juan is when did these mooks suddenly become so attentive to the Constitution?
    Comment by BARTLEBEE

    Pretty much like the UN.

    When Saddam disobeyed UN resolutions: Sweet God, how could that ruthless dictator do this?

    When the US disobeys UN resolutions: That coward Kofi Annan doesnt see the threat. We have to strike first!!!!


  179. Mr. President says:

    Damn!

    FART&PEE is fartin’ up a storm in here!


  180. Juan C says:

    FART&PEE is fartin’ up a storm in here!
    Comment by Mr. President

    Please stick to the Islamo-whatever thing. Thats much more funny.


  181. BARTLEBEE says:

    Damn!

    FART&PEE is fartin’ up a storm in here!

    Comment by Hister President — July 2, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

    Translation: “I’m so stoooooopid I can’t refute anything he said, so I just babble like a baby”


  182. BARTLEBEE says:

    You know Juan, I was also looking at this nice Chalet in Zurich, but with their almost Zero unemployment rate I might have to get a job or something.

    And given their GDP (higher than the US) and their dismally low crime rates, I just don’t think I could take it.

    Plus I’d miss all my “freedoms”, BAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHAHHA


  183. BARTLEBEE says:

    You know those Swiss. Always oppressing someone.


  184. BARTLEBEE says:

    Well, I guess these trolls clocks are about as clean as I can get them.

    But if you guys think of anything I missed, feel free to chime in.


  185. diane b. says:

    At least were number one on somebody’s list!


  186. dbadass says:

    FART&PEE is fartin’ up a storm in here!
    Comment by Mr. President

    Please stick to the Islamo-whatever thing. Thats much more funny.

    Comment by Juan C — July 2, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

    No it isn’t. The goal here is just to be annoying. It is classic attention getting behavior.


  187. Argusauge says:

    Failed health care system? Exorbitant unemployment rates? EU economy is 20 years behind that of the US? Some of you are really living in a parallel universe…

    According to the World Economic Forum, in 2006, Switzerland, Finland and Sweden were the World’s most competitive economies, followed by Denmark, Singapore, the United States, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The US showed the most pronounced drop:

    “‘The top rankings of Switzerland and the Nordic countries show that good institutions and competent macroeconomic management, coupled with world-class educational attainment and a focus on technology and innovation, are a successful strategy for boosting competitiveness in an increasingly complex global economy. Business activity in these countries benefits from a well-developed institutional framework, characterized by the rule of law, an efficient judicial system and high levels of transparency and accountability within public institutions. Excellent infrastructure is an additional positive feature of the business environment. Our indicators point to the rapidly growing importance of higher education and training as engines of productivity growth. Countries that, like the Nordics, are investing heavily in education are likely to see rising levels of income per capita, growing success in reducing poverty and an increasing ability to establish a presence in the global economy,’ said Augusto Lopez-Claros, Chief Economist and Director of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Network.” (Press Release).

    Note that the World Economic Forum also states that in 2006, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Germany were the top five countries with the smallest “gender gap” in four critical areas of inequality between men and women.

    The US? Rank 22 (Press Release).


  188. Gregor Samsa says:

    Comment by JT — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm

    I will type the following for the benefit of other posters here, as I realise the self-described conservatives are a lost cause.

    This troll (JT) has made several of the most puzzling claims I’ve seen in a long time, surpassed only by the claim that Iraq had WMD.

    The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is a product of the French Revolution of 1789, part of modern-day French Constitution, and the cornerstone of any liberal democracy alive today. So, the idea that all men are equal is not exclusive to the US. The US is not the only country to have enshrined this concept in its constitution. That claim is flat-out bizarre.

    As for the British libel laws, here is a quick explanation of what that law is about:

    In the UK, if someone thinks that what you wrote about them is either defamatory or damaging, the onus will be entirely on you to prove that your comments are true in court. In other words, if you make the claim, you’ve got to prove it!
    Basic Libel for Idiots

    In other words, the UK’s libel law is designed to keep reporters honest, not to curtail the freedom of speech. Also, our troll is apparently unaware that a version of libel law also exists in the US, the difference being that in the US the suing party must prove the claim is false, whereas in the UK the defendant must prove their claim is true.

    As for the Danish cartoonist, I am unclear what our troll meant because the Danish government was not involved in muzzling, censoring the cartoons in any way.

    The troll’s claim that is it an “undisputed fact that Europe does not provide near the scope of 1st Amendment protections that the U.S. does” is neither fact, nor undisputed. This wording sounds like something a Limbaugh ditto-head would say.

    Finally, none of this has anything to do with the fact that the US is seen as a threat to the world. Since the truth hurts the trolls’ delicate psyche, all they have left is ad hominem attacks. Too bad they are ineffective at that as well.


  189. TripMaster Monkey says:


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