A Place Like No Other?
Alberto Ceras November 10, 2005
#22 Posted by discoverer on November 17, 2005 9:41:43 am
Humm.... i totallly agree with you, when i 1st visited USA, all that was coming in to my mind was `` Poor creature, their live is misrable, they don`t know the true meaning of live, they don`t know how to eat, dress, and enjoy live!!, the only entertainment americans have is Cinema. Every sunday or saturday night you`ll find BIG Q`s in front of the theatre.`` Some how american are been hypnotise by their media, and that`s the reason american`s still exist in this world. it is us who are financing and advertising american`s university over the world but now we aare the one who are facing the consequence, 100`s of internationl students are being targeted by gang simply because they are muslims and the governments also contributes in deporting these students.
reply to this interact
write a new interact
add to favorites
flag objectionable content
#21 Posted by Kulharee on November 12, 2005 8:44:28 pm
Re: # 20
Siyana Bhai, what I have read about Canadian Healthcare system (since I have never used it, so I can only say what I have read or heard about it). I have heard that Canadian Universal Healthcare system is the best Healthcare system in the world, if you don’t get sick. But if you get sick, it takes days to get an appointment with a doctor or a specialist. There is shortage of doctors in many places, and doctors always are threatening to go on strike, because their wages are very low.
What is going to happen to Canadian healthcare system is that it will collapse of it’s own inertia.
Yes, American healthcare is less than perfect, the HMO is pretty sucky, but it also has a pretty reliable (sure, less than perfect) system for the poor who can’t afford private insurance. Medigap insurance is practically for free which allows the poor to receive the same treatment as those with private insurance.
There is a lot of debate in this country about Healthcare and Medicare, but if it has to make progress, Canada is certainly not the place to look towards. Canadians have to wait for months to get many treatments in their country, and those who can afford (including your Paul Martin) come to the US to go to private clinics (in Canada they are called “line jumpers”, even though they pay for it out of their own pocket).
In terms of getting the priorities straight, sure, every country can do that, but in the US, it is generally done in small strides, pretty much like baby steps. And it is always correcting itself, it is a self-correcting nation.
Siyana Bhai, what I have read about Canadian Healthcare system (since I have never used it, so I can only say what I have read or heard about it). I have heard that Canadian Universal Healthcare system is the best Healthcare system in the world, if you don’t get sick. But if you get sick, it takes days to get an appointment with a doctor or a specialist. There is shortage of doctors in many places, and doctors always are threatening to go on strike, because their wages are very low.
What is going to happen to Canadian healthcare system is that it will collapse of it’s own inertia.
Yes, American healthcare is less than perfect, the HMO is pretty sucky, but it also has a pretty reliable (sure, less than perfect) system for the poor who can’t afford private insurance. Medigap insurance is practically for free which allows the poor to receive the same treatment as those with private insurance.
There is a lot of debate in this country about Healthcare and Medicare, but if it has to make progress, Canada is certainly not the place to look towards. Canadians have to wait for months to get many treatments in their country, and those who can afford (including your Paul Martin) come to the US to go to private clinics (in Canada they are called “line jumpers”, even though they pay for it out of their own pocket).
In terms of getting the priorities straight, sure, every country can do that, but in the US, it is generally done in small strides, pretty much like baby steps. And it is always correcting itself, it is a self-correcting nation.
#20 Posted by siyana on November 12, 2005 4:12:21 pm
Kulharee bhai,
Your post is an elaboration of the last line of my previous reply. I fully understand where you are coming from.
My point is that even though the healthcare system in Europe has failed miserably, it is still pretty much working in Canada. right? So why shouldnt the US provide its ppl with a similar system? Why do you have to pay with your arm and leg to get your other arm and leg examined?
And as I said earlier, US gov is doing a lot of work for its ppl. There is no doubt about that. But perhaps even better services and benefits can be provided if America can get its priorities right.
Your post is an elaboration of the last line of my previous reply. I fully understand where you are coming from.
My point is that even though the healthcare system in Europe has failed miserably, it is still pretty much working in Canada. right? So why shouldnt the US provide its ppl with a similar system? Why do you have to pay with your arm and leg to get your other arm and leg examined?
And as I said earlier, US gov is doing a lot of work for its ppl. There is no doubt about that. But perhaps even better services and benefits can be provided if America can get its priorities right.
#19 Posted by mirmir on November 12, 2005 9:20:11 am
I’ve read your responses to my article with interest. Thank you for reading it and for commenting on it. I intended – I hoped – to stimulate constructive thought and to lead you to further investigation that would help dispel some of the myths that have been circulating about the U.S. for many years.
Some of you question my qualification to criticize the U.S. You may accept that I’m qualified or not, as you choose. I know the United States as none of you do - or can - through my intensely personal social and political involvement there. So that you might better understand what I mean, I’ll give you an example. Some one of you mentioned Martin Luther King. During the height of the civil rights movement I worked in Jackson, Mississippi and Montgomery, Alabama. I knew many of the civil rights leaders and shared with them the same dangers, the same frustrations, the same anxieties and occasionally the same joys. Perhaps you have seen the 1988 movie “Mississippi Burning.” That movie was based on the murder of three of my fellow volunteers. I happened to be working in the Jackson office with the wife of one of the victims, Michael Schwerner, the day he and two others were killed. We waited together with diminishing hope for their safe return late into the night. Sadly, we finally received word that they had been brutally beaten and killed.
I am neither an amateur nor a comic. I’m quite serious about social and political issues. My experience has been acquired first hand, often at some risk, and not entirely from print. I suggest, though, that lacking the opportunity for personal involvement you might profit from more investigation and reflection of printed accounts. A good place to start would be Howard Zinn’s book “A People’s History of the United States – 1492 to present.” Dr. Zinn is a respected scholar. I fear, though, that some respect no authority other than themselves.
Some of you question my qualification to criticize the U.S. You may accept that I’m qualified or not, as you choose. I know the United States as none of you do - or can - through my intensely personal social and political involvement there. So that you might better understand what I mean, I’ll give you an example. Some one of you mentioned Martin Luther King. During the height of the civil rights movement I worked in Jackson, Mississippi and Montgomery, Alabama. I knew many of the civil rights leaders and shared with them the same dangers, the same frustrations, the same anxieties and occasionally the same joys. Perhaps you have seen the 1988 movie “Mississippi Burning.” That movie was based on the murder of three of my fellow volunteers. I happened to be working in the Jackson office with the wife of one of the victims, Michael Schwerner, the day he and two others were killed. We waited together with diminishing hope for their safe return late into the night. Sadly, we finally received word that they had been brutally beaten and killed.
I am neither an amateur nor a comic. I’m quite serious about social and political issues. My experience has been acquired first hand, often at some risk, and not entirely from print. I suggest, though, that lacking the opportunity for personal involvement you might profit from more investigation and reflection of printed accounts. A good place to start would be Howard Zinn’s book “A People’s History of the United States – 1492 to present.” Dr. Zinn is a respected scholar. I fear, though, that some respect no authority other than themselves.
#18 Posted by Romair on November 11, 2005 10:04:22 pm
This article is quite amatuerish.........
There is an easy way to figure out which country is the best place to live. Take a look at the HDI scale. That is prepared by professionals after a lot of research.......
It is true that USA is not the best place to live in the world. Since the scale has started, Canada stands at the top, alone. It was no 1. for seven straight years. However, the USA is in the top ten. And has consistently been in the top 5.
In the end, one has to go beyond rhetoric, and simply look at the direction in which people migrate. Pakistanis and Indians migrate to USA in a hearbeat. And they both migrate to UAE in a heartbeat, as well.......And quite a few, from both countries migrate to Saudi Arabia, as well.......
The USA does have its problems in massive human rights violations and massive killings overseas. On average, it attacks one country every two years. But that is not included in domestic Human Development Index...
I would agree that in comparison to the rest of the Western civlization, the USA`s position is slowly declining. This is indicated by its downward movement on the HDI. Interestingly Canada is no longer no 1 either. It is now down to no. 4. Apparently now, over the past three years, Norway is the best place, along with Australia............
Where are Pakistan and India - 135 and 127 respectively. Though the manner in which our Indian colleagues have been commenting, India will at no. 5 in about three years :-)
There is an easy way to figure out which country is the best place to live. Take a look at the HDI scale. That is prepared by professionals after a lot of research.......
It is true that USA is not the best place to live in the world. Since the scale has started, Canada stands at the top, alone. It was no 1. for seven straight years. However, the USA is in the top ten. And has consistently been in the top 5.
In the end, one has to go beyond rhetoric, and simply look at the direction in which people migrate. Pakistanis and Indians migrate to USA in a hearbeat. And they both migrate to UAE in a heartbeat, as well.......And quite a few, from both countries migrate to Saudi Arabia, as well.......
The USA does have its problems in massive human rights violations and massive killings overseas. On average, it attacks one country every two years. But that is not included in domestic Human Development Index...
I would agree that in comparison to the rest of the Western civlization, the USA`s position is slowly declining. This is indicated by its downward movement on the HDI. Interestingly Canada is no longer no 1 either. It is now down to no. 4. Apparently now, over the past three years, Norway is the best place, along with Australia............
Where are Pakistan and India - 135 and 127 respectively. Though the manner in which our Indian colleagues have been commenting, India will at no. 5 in about three years :-)
#17 Posted by Kulharee on November 11, 2005 8:53:12 pm
Re: # 16
Siyana Sahib… when you say employment and justice to minorities, do you mean like what is going on in France? Or what goes on in Germany to their Turk minority and to Desis in the UK. Where Unemployment among 18-24 yr old immigrants in France is roughly 50%? Do you know that on average a European (native as well as immigrant) waits for six months to have a splinter removed from his or her ass in their failed socialist healthcare systems. Just today Germany raised the retirement age to 67 realizing that their cradle to grave welfare system is a major failure. Europeans are by far the most institutionally racist people on earth (not necessary on individual levels). Only Japan (among developed nations) beats them in institutionalized racism. I don’t know what data Mirmir Sahib used to make these grand claims. It would be nice to see some figures. Americans are the most generous, the most passionate, and the most caring people on this planet. No other citizenry comes remotely close. Whenever there is a disaster in any corner of the world, it is automatically assumed that America will come to help – friends and foes. Mirmir Sahib used Bill Gate as an example to illustrate that he will get priority over a poor person in terms of getting a heart transplant, had he needed one. Oh wao..what a lovely example to illustrate how backward the US is. Yes, life can be unfair. Now if Bill Gates didn’t do so much charitable and altruistic contributions, that will make some countries come across as beasts, I would say kill the basturd. While he is donating hundreds of millions to eradicate diseases in places like India and Africa, some places are busy building nukes and killing their minorities. I think given how much he contributes to society, he deserves priority over a black man in case of a heart transplant. I am talking about a transplant at a private hospital, with his own money and not in a publicly run hospital. What matters most is that Bill Gates only gets to vote just ONE vote like the poor son of a bytch from Harlem, and they both stand in the same line to cast their vote, and it counts equally. Mirmir Sahib’s other points are not even funny, specially the one about Bush being accepted at Yale.
Siyana Sahib… when you say employment and justice to minorities, do you mean like what is going on in France? Or what goes on in Germany to their Turk minority and to Desis in the UK. Where Unemployment among 18-24 yr old immigrants in France is roughly 50%? Do you know that on average a European (native as well as immigrant) waits for six months to have a splinter removed from his or her ass in their failed socialist healthcare systems. Just today Germany raised the retirement age to 67 realizing that their cradle to grave welfare system is a major failure. Europeans are by far the most institutionally racist people on earth (not necessary on individual levels). Only Japan (among developed nations) beats them in institutionalized racism. I don’t know what data Mirmir Sahib used to make these grand claims. It would be nice to see some figures. Americans are the most generous, the most passionate, and the most caring people on this planet. No other citizenry comes remotely close. Whenever there is a disaster in any corner of the world, it is automatically assumed that America will come to help – friends and foes. Mirmir Sahib used Bill Gate as an example to illustrate that he will get priority over a poor person in terms of getting a heart transplant, had he needed one. Oh wao..what a lovely example to illustrate how backward the US is. Yes, life can be unfair. Now if Bill Gates didn’t do so much charitable and altruistic contributions, that will make some countries come across as beasts, I would say kill the basturd. While he is donating hundreds of millions to eradicate diseases in places like India and Africa, some places are busy building nukes and killing their minorities. I think given how much he contributes to society, he deserves priority over a black man in case of a heart transplant. I am talking about a transplant at a private hospital, with his own money and not in a publicly run hospital. What matters most is that Bill Gates only gets to vote just ONE vote like the poor son of a bytch from Harlem, and they both stand in the same line to cast their vote, and it counts equally. Mirmir Sahib’s other points are not even funny, specially the one about Bush being accepted at Yale.
#16 Posted by siyana on November 11, 2005 2:37:45 pm
I dont know why the early interactors digressed so much. The simple point of the article, in my opinion, is that the US is lacking in many areas where other western countries are not. Such as medical care, jobs and justice to the poor ethnic minorities.
I would only like to state that the US has a much bigger population than any other western country and the continuous stream of immigrants makes it a lot harder for the gov. to focus on any one particular problem.
The anomalies will always be there. No question about that. There is no utopia on this earth. But we should all realize that even with such a huge, ever increasing, population, the gov is doing a great job in providing a safe, prosperous and largely prejudice-free environment to its citizens.
I would only like to state that the US has a much bigger population than any other western country and the continuous stream of immigrants makes it a lot harder for the gov. to focus on any one particular problem.
The anomalies will always be there. No question about that. There is no utopia on this earth. But we should all realize that even with such a huge, ever increasing, population, the gov is doing a great job in providing a safe, prosperous and largely prejudice-free environment to its citizens.
#15 Posted by ullu_ka_pathha on November 11, 2005 1:14:25 pm
I wan`t to put my opinion on these points
1. America being mainly a multicultural society is prone to such remarks and slurs of racism or discrimination.There will always be misunderstandings and conspiracy theories regarding ehtnicities or communities like Italians running the mafias or Blacks doing nothin but rap music drugs or looting.Thinking positively is a healthy human trait.Why not think of the Al Pacinos, De Niros, Armani, Gucci, Martin Luther King or Maya Angelou etc.
You are giving justification to the statement that ``all rich people are blood suckers of the poor and the poor have the divine right to share their wealth``.Typical beggary in disguise or what you call the ``Aid`` to the poor portraying the rich countries as colonial looters or plunderers of the poor nations.
2. Linking poverty with the terrorrism is like giving a ``license to kill`` to all the poors of the world that you are free to kill anyone whom you think is responsible for your miseries or lash out your hatred on them, thus taking back the civilised societies to the days of Tribal or clan based warfare.The killing of innocent people due to whatever crooked or twisted ideology one may have is simply a crime against humanity and must be condemned at all levels humanitarian or political.This modern day world of ours have become so much brutalised and violent that we have to seriously restore the dignity of human life.In thirld world societies whether African, Latin American or Asian people are dying by hundreds and thousands as a result of wars or ethnic cleansings but who is to blame for this? Rich countries or the sleeping mass conscience of their people.To suffer injustice silently and not raising your voice is a bigger crime than the injustice itself.The people will have to choose that will they submit to the ``I`` of the dictators or take charge of their own destinies by rising to the ``we`` the people.America may be accused of the ``crimes`` you have mentioned but it has always held its promise of freedom,equality and justice for all.To what extent the individuals benefit from it is their own effort and fate.
3. The strong and exemplary American political system is matchless as far as democratic traditions and values are concerned.It has proved its effectiveness and welfare of the people over decades.America has always been dragged into the war be it the pearl harbor or 9/11 otherwise an average American is a jolly, decent and God fearing fellow.I`ll say that she is suffering from the sibling jealousy of ugly ducklings of our global family,simple as that.You can put that in whatever political masquerade or theory you want.
Freeeeeeeeedommmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Nanna munna rahii huun,desh ka sipahi hun
1. America being mainly a multicultural society is prone to such remarks and slurs of racism or discrimination.There will always be misunderstandings and conspiracy theories regarding ehtnicities or communities like Italians running the mafias or Blacks doing nothin but rap music drugs or looting.Thinking positively is a healthy human trait.Why not think of the Al Pacinos, De Niros, Armani, Gucci, Martin Luther King or Maya Angelou etc.
You are giving justification to the statement that ``all rich people are blood suckers of the poor and the poor have the divine right to share their wealth``.Typical beggary in disguise or what you call the ``Aid`` to the poor portraying the rich countries as colonial looters or plunderers of the poor nations.
2. Linking poverty with the terrorrism is like giving a ``license to kill`` to all the poors of the world that you are free to kill anyone whom you think is responsible for your miseries or lash out your hatred on them, thus taking back the civilised societies to the days of Tribal or clan based warfare.The killing of innocent people due to whatever crooked or twisted ideology one may have is simply a crime against humanity and must be condemned at all levels humanitarian or political.This modern day world of ours have become so much brutalised and violent that we have to seriously restore the dignity of human life.In thirld world societies whether African, Latin American or Asian people are dying by hundreds and thousands as a result of wars or ethnic cleansings but who is to blame for this? Rich countries or the sleeping mass conscience of their people.To suffer injustice silently and not raising your voice is a bigger crime than the injustice itself.The people will have to choose that will they submit to the ``I`` of the dictators or take charge of their own destinies by rising to the ``we`` the people.America may be accused of the ``crimes`` you have mentioned but it has always held its promise of freedom,equality and justice for all.To what extent the individuals benefit from it is their own effort and fate.
3. The strong and exemplary American political system is matchless as far as democratic traditions and values are concerned.It has proved its effectiveness and welfare of the people over decades.America has always been dragged into the war be it the pearl harbor or 9/11 otherwise an average American is a jolly, decent and God fearing fellow.I`ll say that she is suffering from the sibling jealousy of ugly ducklings of our global family,simple as that.You can put that in whatever political masquerade or theory you want.
Freeeeeeeeedommmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Nanna munna rahii huun,desh ka sipahi hun
#14 Posted by jawahara on November 11, 2005 8:57:05 am
I`m sorry, what was this article about? Was it that the US is not the greatest place to live? Or that those of us living in the US need to re-examine the country?
In either case, this broad strokes approach made it unintentionally comic. It`s the same as if we took either some poor starving village from the subcontinet to show how horribly bad things are or some multi-billionaire (like Premji or Murthy) as how rich people are. These are not typical. They are outlying cases.
Yes, poor black people (or any minority) in the US have issues. Yet, holistically, it is a country that has enacted laws and enforced them and has done quite a bit of self analysis. But yes, it has also remained racist and oblivious and stupid. There has been undeniable progress and there also undeniably things still left to be done.
Yes. there are obscenely rich people here but they exist in other countries too. In India, in Pakistan and yes, even in Mexico. They may not be as rich as Gates but then no one is as rich as he is. But it is equally heart rending to see a kid in rags next to a Bentley at an intersection in Mexico City as it is anywhere else in the world. And there are little homeless kids working at chai shops in India. There are child prostitutes in Thailand. Unimaginable poverty in parts of Africa. All that says is there is a lot left to do to help the poor the world over.
I find it rather childish to think in terms of ``best this`` and ``best that.`` So I am not going to argue with your assertion that the US is not the best country. Of course it`s not...because that measure does not exist. Each country has its strengths and weaknesses and no one but the most rabid jingoists will assert that their country is the best. Best of what?
As far as the plight of poor people in general...that sucks everywhere. So, will a poor native Indian man in Mexico get a kidney before a rich, white Mexican person? Or even at the same time? Do poor people anywhere get the same medical care as well off people? All that proves is that being poor is injurious to your health. The poor in America are not alone in their plight.
The same goes for the legal system. The richer and more connected you are in any country, the easier is it for you to play the system.
Saying the US as a whole worships wealth and power is like saying that the whole of Mexico worships crossing the Rio Grande to come here. Or that India worships the burning of women. And Pakistan worships raping them. This are huge stereotypes. Insulting blanket statements. There are all kinds of people in the US. Some love money. Some don`t. Others live in communes. Others are poor. And most of us work, pay our bills, live in our homes and are grateful for what we have.
Yes, it is a capitalistic country. And there are inherent problems with that system (just as there are with any other system). I`d like to see some well thought out, well researched article on that...not this knee jerk, stereotype and cliche ridden (at least the author acknowledged that part) piece that tells us nothing of any substance.
In either case, this broad strokes approach made it unintentionally comic. It`s the same as if we took either some poor starving village from the subcontinet to show how horribly bad things are or some multi-billionaire (like Premji or Murthy) as how rich people are. These are not typical. They are outlying cases.
Yes, poor black people (or any minority) in the US have issues. Yet, holistically, it is a country that has enacted laws and enforced them and has done quite a bit of self analysis. But yes, it has also remained racist and oblivious and stupid. There has been undeniable progress and there also undeniably things still left to be done.
Yes. there are obscenely rich people here but they exist in other countries too. In India, in Pakistan and yes, even in Mexico. They may not be as rich as Gates but then no one is as rich as he is. But it is equally heart rending to see a kid in rags next to a Bentley at an intersection in Mexico City as it is anywhere else in the world. And there are little homeless kids working at chai shops in India. There are child prostitutes in Thailand. Unimaginable poverty in parts of Africa. All that says is there is a lot left to do to help the poor the world over.
I find it rather childish to think in terms of ``best this`` and ``best that.`` So I am not going to argue with your assertion that the US is not the best country. Of course it`s not...because that measure does not exist. Each country has its strengths and weaknesses and no one but the most rabid jingoists will assert that their country is the best. Best of what?
As far as the plight of poor people in general...that sucks everywhere. So, will a poor native Indian man in Mexico get a kidney before a rich, white Mexican person? Or even at the same time? Do poor people anywhere get the same medical care as well off people? All that proves is that being poor is injurious to your health. The poor in America are not alone in their plight.
The same goes for the legal system. The richer and more connected you are in any country, the easier is it for you to play the system.
Saying the US as a whole worships wealth and power is like saying that the whole of Mexico worships crossing the Rio Grande to come here. Or that India worships the burning of women. And Pakistan worships raping them. This are huge stereotypes. Insulting blanket statements. There are all kinds of people in the US. Some love money. Some don`t. Others live in communes. Others are poor. And most of us work, pay our bills, live in our homes and are grateful for what we have.
Yes, it is a capitalistic country. And there are inherent problems with that system (just as there are with any other system). I`d like to see some well thought out, well researched article on that...not this knee jerk, stereotype and cliche ridden (at least the author acknowledged that part) piece that tells us nothing of any substance.
#13 Posted by the_patriot on November 11, 2005 6:57:12 am
Re: # 12
ha ha HP dude, I didn`t know it was ur post. I posted my own post but somehow ur post got posted. You must have been online posting at the same time too.
Theres something not quite rite with chowk these days. I think theyre upgrading or something. I`ve also a noticed a number of other problems here including missing titles for articles and inaccessible ones.
I hope the Chowk staff fix these soon.
ha ha HP dude, I didn`t know it was ur post. I posted my own post but somehow ur post got posted. You must have been online posting at the same time too.
Theres something not quite rite with chowk these days. I think theyre upgrading or something. I`ve also a noticed a number of other problems here including missing titles for articles and inaccessible ones.
I hope the Chowk staff fix these soon.
#12 Posted by HP on November 11, 2005 6:35:08 am
#10 by the_patriot
Nice try whosoever you are..Copying my posts as yours... I am glad though you agree with my point or why would you paste my posts under your name...
Hindu girls are fair game...like any other girl. You go after the ones you like..thats how this world works..
Copy paste more of my posts...you love them don`t you?
#11 Posted by shankar on November 11, 2005 4:49:47 am
Dear author,
OFcourse the US is an imperfect country with plenty of skeletons in its history & the present!!
. May I ask you if there is a PERFECT country?. The countries you cite, Australia & Canada have their own skeltons.
There is no country, IMHO, that is more self critical, introspective & open than the US. The US will humiliate its own commander-in-chief (& itself) in the eyes of the world...if the commander-in-chief even THINKS about messing with the law ..or..with the Constitution. As far as I`m concerned; events like Watergate ,Monica Lewinski, Rodney King are the US`s greatest strenght.
Yes, yes, every American...including (& especially immigrants) can gripe about what isnt right about America. But think of some of these undeniable facts...
every immigrant
from a phd who is applying for a green card..to an illegal Mexican immigrant (who will cross the border inspite of great personal risk)...to a Haitian refugee knows that there is prejudice, an unofficial ``class`` system int the US...
yet they come here...at great personal risk....if they are caught & deported...they come back AGAIN!!
--I dont think its just the allure of money that attracts human beings to the US...there is something more innate than that...its a basic human desire that if he/she is given half a chance, the US gives back 10 times more than what you put in.
In the 25 yrs of being in the US, I have experienced subtle prejudice & I know this society is far from perfect... & I know that justice & law isnt the same thing. But American law tries to be as just as possible.
Ultimately, human beings vote with their feet....& its not just money...otherwise the US hating dukkars on Chowk would have hi-tailed it to Saudi.
OFcourse the US is an imperfect country with plenty of skeletons in its history & the present!!
. May I ask you if there is a PERFECT country?. The countries you cite, Australia & Canada have their own skeltons.
There is no country, IMHO, that is more self critical, introspective & open than the US. The US will humiliate its own commander-in-chief (& itself) in the eyes of the world...if the commander-in-chief even THINKS about messing with the law ..or..with the Constitution. As far as I`m concerned; events like Watergate ,Monica Lewinski, Rodney King are the US`s greatest strenght.
Yes, yes, every American...including (& especially immigrants) can gripe about what isnt right about America. But think of some of these undeniable facts...
every immigrant
from a phd who is applying for a green card..to an illegal Mexican immigrant (who will cross the border inspite of great personal risk)...to a Haitian refugee knows that there is prejudice, an unofficial ``class`` system int the US...
yet they come here...at great personal risk....if they are caught & deported...they come back AGAIN!!
--I dont think its just the allure of money that attracts human beings to the US...there is something more innate than that...its a basic human desire that if he/she is given half a chance, the US gives back 10 times more than what you put in.
In the 25 yrs of being in the US, I have experienced subtle prejudice & I know this society is far from perfect... & I know that justice & law isnt the same thing. But American law tries to be as just as possible.
Ultimately, human beings vote with their feet....& its not just money...otherwise the US hating dukkars on Chowk would have hi-tailed it to Saudi.
#10 Posted by the_patriot on November 10, 2005 11:09:46 pm
I don`t understanbd this why is every Indian complaining and for what? Talking about Hindus and Hindu religion is racism and talking about Hindu girls is racism why is that so?
I mean Hindu girls are as pretty as Christian or muslim girls. You can have sex with any and why would it bother Indians when Hindu girls like Pakistanis more than the ugly ducklings from South India.
So if this is the new low on chowk so be it...Don`t like it, go somewher else... why bitch about it ... cry babies!
#9 Posted by the_patriot on November 10, 2005 11:09:00 pm
I don`t understanbd this why is every Indian complaining and for what? Talking about Hindus and Hindu religion is racism and talking about Hindu girls is racism why is that so?
I mean Hindu girls are as pretty as Christian or muslim girls. You can have sex with any and why would it bother Indians when Hindu girls like Pakistanis more than the ugly ducklings from South India.
So if this is the new low on chowk so be it...Don`t like it, go somewher else... why bitch about it ... cry babies!
#8 Posted by KaalChakra on November 10, 2005 10:43:03 pm
What`s behind this unhealthy fascination with the nightmare called perfection?
#7 Posted by rozaiba on November 10, 2005 10:36:13 pm
America is the triumph of modernity! Let`s see though for how long it remains so.
listing 1-16
1 2
Interact Index
Also by Alberto Ceras
Similar Articles
- Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond Beena Sarwar
- Long Live the King: Musharraf’s Controversial Legacy Karamatullah K Ghori
- Love him or hate him: Musharraf not a tyrant Shujaat Wasty
- My Dear President Musharraf Saima Saqlain
- The Aftermath of Musharraf’s Departure saeed qureshi
US Elections 2008 Primaries
Get Chowk RSS FeedLatest Interacts
- ajeya: Democracy requires criticism. Which... Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond
- tahmed32: #18 Ahmedzai: I beg... Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond
- tahmed32: Ahmedai bhai #17 i... Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond
- hurricane: well, the cat's out... Is this Amnesia or
- quin: Dear Tahir Javaid, I am... Is this Amnesia or
- Naqshbandi: why was the 9... Is this Amnesia or
- Leadenwinter: There is no such... Musharraf's Resignation and Beyond
- guru: Ladduji, How does Shanti Watch... Is this Amnesia or
