American Exceptionalism
 

The term "American Exceptionalism" is something that has caught my interest since I was 20 years old. When I in my early teenage years, I became obsessed with the American way, I found joy when bombs where dropped in Iraq and when Bush made a speech about getting Osama. I rolled around the bed acting like a Marine and hoped to one day become a fighter pilot.

Growing up I had red and blue running through my veins; my attitude has since changed. I am no longer blinded and think with a closed mind. I tend to be more open minded and critical of myself the most. I believe that the term "American Exceptionalism" was nothing than a mirror image of when communist leaders called their people "The Iron workforce" or when Hitler claimed Germany as the "Third Reich" that had divine powers from God to control the world.

I believe that there are of-course things that America has that are exceptional. It is situated in a great landmass protected by 2 allies on 2 borders and oceans on the side. A huge span of land that is both fertile and absent of many natural disasters. (considering the mass of Russian and China that is cold, frequent typhoons and earthquakes). The United states can make use of all this land. And on top of all; it is located far away from Europe. This gave the country a great edge when increasing populations immigrated from Europe. In addition, the U.S. imported all kinds of people, some happen to be know nothing; others contributed to its success.

The U.S. imports tens of thousands of IT ingeeners from India and Pakistan, exports all the manufacturing jobs and allows illegal immigration cause it benefits the end consumer. Having worked with many Americans in the city of NY; big law firms and the like. I have noticed how each person was accountable for 1 specific task; thus making the job easier. It is very hard for those same people, with the same education; to travel abroad and do the same job. Cause in my country; the one who was the manager was also the executive, was also the secretary and the financial operator all-in-one. To give you an idea, that is what people here can't compete with.

A bully in the lunchroom that says "give me your money or else"; doesn't mean his right; he just has more power. That's how I think of the U.S. system and foreign policy.

I don't believe in equality in results, BUT I do believe in equality in opportunity. It is very easy for a kid in upper west side to go to school and get a degree. He has the money to pay for it and enough time to study. Some don't have the money for it, and have to work while going to school; making it ever harder to have energy for both.

All this topic is all over the place, theres just so much to say but I know no one will read it :(

tell me what you think, given the tests of life and time, is any country and its people "exceptional" ??

... every U.S. politician ends their speech with "God bless the U.S. of America"... We have it on our money since the 50's and we believe dinosaurs were ridden like ponies by people, I just don't see whats exceptional in these people.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

I read it lol.... I agree with you in many aspects, but sometimes its not the people who are the ones's at fault for continues attacks on other individuals. And yes politicians are full of shit, its just hot it till the end of time.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

BimmerFan

I appreciate it for reading my post. I came from Albania, propaganda signs read of the great workforce and exceptional qualities of that country. It was something everyone read and went nuts over it; thus no one had seen the other side of the coin.

I cannot dispute the fact that the U.S. gained allot from its location. Mexico and Canada are sure allies to the U.S, wouldn't be the same as having Iran south of the border. As far as the drug cartels; thats a local issue.

It's because of globalization that now the competition has risen, and everyone can feel it. It has its good and its bad. It is more efficient for one person to do a single task, but its also more costly. Anyone can perform a task if given a longer time and a bigger budget, but its the one who does it faster, cheaper and at the same time contains quality; that's what gives them a competitive edge. Its capitalism at its finest.

As far as super-power politics, its an ideological argument. But would every nation perform equally if given the same "goodies". Hitler's Germany got where it got by force, put a pistol in people's head and the sweetest beauty queen will do w/e you want. The German people are innovative by nature, I've been to Germany and they have a different ideology; they think in terms of "we" not "me".

Yes this place is better than my country, many places are. My country was doing fine until it was occupied by the Ottoman Empire and had women raped left and right; given a Muslim religion by force on top of it. The difference is all with "how much is enough to have", it does come down to greed in the end.

I chose to stay here mostly because I'm at an age that I have to decide what to do with my life. I know I'll be fine in w/e place I go; as long as I maintain my work ethic and desire to better myself.
It is fear of the unknown I guess.

I personally never liked the #1 spot, #2 is better since it makes you always better yourself and gives you something to work on. I'm not hating on this nation, but I like to be critical of things b/c i think its the best way to think; its democratic to ask questions.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

I loathe this country's foreign policy, all the fucking blind patriotism, the love affair between large corporations and the government, and the way the system is set up to favor the rich. The other thing that I find mind-boggling is how some individuals can get away with multimillion dollar crimes in which taxpayers money is involved, people get angry but their thoughts and actions are easily thwarted by the next apple product or celebrity scandal, and everything is alright because as long as the federal reserve keeps printing them moneyz they can afford to keep buying cool toys and watching cable--which makes me wonder what's going to lead to the collapse of this country, the ignorance and complacency of the population (public education is for the shits), future waves of bank holidays, or more desperate wars.

The only way I rationalize being here is that there's opportunity for growth in the academic sense and I can still afford to pay for my education because the dollar hasn't gone to the shits yet. Once I get my degree I would love to move to a country where I am more heavily taxed but my benefits as an individual are on par with what I put into the system.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

Yes, Bamir Topi is the president, but the head is Salli Berisha (prime minister), the guy who makes the rules; the guy can serve without term limits... so much for democracy. I appreciate your kind words about people in my situation, this is the Americans I love; honestly. Despite having no documents, we bought a home and own 3 cars and trying to pay for me and my brother's education. America gave us the opportunity, but I think that the individual HAS to have it in them and work for it. This country has flaws as in every country. I think that being blinded like Albanians here that tattoo the Alb flag all over and chant Albanian 1000%; is wrong. I despite them, I tell them to put this country first, before your native country. I came here when I was 7 years old and I put it first. I love this place, thats why I criticize it; I want it to be better. We are all patriots when we have a common problem, but when we want to help our fellow citizens; its all "me me me".

anyways; thank you :)

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

I agree, they take 30% of my paycheck into taxes, and yet I don't even have insurance to see a dentist. I recently had to take out a loan and pay $1,400 for a root canal. We love this country; all of us, we didn't let a piece of paper dictate what we are, if we do decide to leave after the lame-duck session; its only because we couldn't move forward like we would've wanted to.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

dude i just checked out my paycheck stub and they have taken away 3703.24 dollars just in taxes medicare and all that stuff. Fuck talk about getting fucked in the ass with no lube, lol.

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

LoL, try being located between Germany, Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire
...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrZvn1qckIs&feature=aso

Re: American Exceptionalism
 

MAJOR butt rape?