The American Way

[Hondo]

DELL

Rick, not only is that quote of Maj. Gen. Butler's extremely wise, it can be applied to any organization wielding great power and accessing great amounts of money.





Well, I'll tell you what. The sooner that Wendy's starts to pay its workers better and offer them more benefits, the sooner that English-speaking (or even bilingual!) people will apply for a job at Wendy's.

In-And-Out pays its workers better than any other fast food chain around here. I've been to many of their chains, and never once have I seen a worker there who couldn't speak or understand English well.

You get what you pay for, folks.





Again, blame DELL, an American company, for not being true to "the American way" and contracting tech support outside the U.S.A.



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(Sorry I lost my place) Yep Blame DELL and others who outsource work, for reals NOT The American Way

 

[jamespowers]

Movies. Television series. Music.

Chile's upper class kids -- the ones who never set foot out of their neighborhoods, except to fly to Miami and Europe -- are dressing and cussing like American rappers and spraying graffitti on the walls of shops and homes in their own streets. The police first thought that kids from the slums were doing the vandalizing. Wrong ... the slum kids didn't have cable TV, so they didn't have any U.S. rappers to imitate.

Foreign countries are fed the worst of America that money can buy. And that's the point: "the American Way" is sold abroad with a price tag. We have the best part of our culture here, but peddle the worst of it to the rest of the world.

Let's see so how is the American Way attached to commercialism in some other country? Movies television and music are products that they buy inside and outsiode the US. The government doesn't produce this stuff private companies, silly musicians and third rate actors and directors are responsible for the stuff they see. That isn't America or the American Way it is fiction .
Foreign countries aren't fed anything. They buy it by the tons because they like it. The people peddling it are their own stores and countrymen trying to make a buck.
The American Way and the Deviant American Culture are not synonymous. :eusa_doh:

Regards to all,

J

 

[jamespowers]

Rick, not only is that quote of Maj. Gen. Butler's extremely wise, it can be applied to any organization wielding great power and accessing great amounts of money.






Well, I'll tell you what. The sooner that Wendy's starts to pay its workers better and offer them more benefits, the sooner that English-speaking (or even bilingual!) people will apply for a job at Wendy's.

In-And-Out pays its workers better than any other fast food chain around here. I've been to many of their chains, and never once have I seen a worker there who couldn't speak or understand English well.

You get what you pay for, folks.







Again, blame DELL, an American company, for not being true to "the American way" and contracting tech support outside the U.S.A.



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How interesting and extremely hypocritical. Let's see when Americans go abroad they should learn the country's culture and language so they don't appear like the ugly American foreigners but when the shoe is on the other foot you blame corporations instead of the foreigners within America who are responsible for learning the language and culture of America so they don't stand out and appear "ugly." I see there is an American Standard and thent here is the rest of the world. Great.

Regards to all,

J

 

[jamespowers]

that the some of the rest of us are off topic. Because you have the tap in one hand and a rag in the other you can use your Powers unfairly. Your implicit threat gives you an unearned advantage in the discussion. In effect, you are able to clear your throat, tell us to "move along, nothing to see here", and stifle any dissent against your particular viewpoint.

Hahahhaah! Good one. Actually not anymore anyway. I don't tend this forum therefore I can get canned out of it just as you can. I have no powers here. I am just Clark Kent here not Superman.

Regards,

J

 

[matei]

"In and Out"? What is that, a fast food chain?

Is it new? I've never heard of it...

 

[matei]

This is what I like about the lounge...

... this is a pretty divided subject, and there has been some spirited back and forth - but so far everyone has been civil and mature. :eusa_clap

Hopefully it will stay that way! (touch wood)

 

["Doc" Devereux]

"In and Out"? What is that, a fast food chain?

Is it new? I've never heard of it...

Best burgers in California: they've been around for a while.

Do they still toast the buns?

 

[matei]

Very interesting thread...

I usually avoid such threads, but this time I will chime in with my .02 pence.

For me, the US is a fun place to visit (it is also a hassle thanks to immigration and DHS, but I won't go into that). There are lots of things to see and do, and the people are very friendly - especially to foreigners. We always have a good time when we're in NY, and we always look forward to our visits.

That being said, I wouldn't want to move back and live there. It is just my personal opinion, it is just not the place for me. My wife feels the same. Personally, I feel less "free" in the US than I do in Europe. Different strokes for different folks. Life isn't perfect in the EU, but it suits us a whole lot better.

I can say that the today's US is a different country than the one of my youth. It is hard to put a finger on it, but something seems to have fundamentally changed in the last 15 - 20 years or so. When you visit as frequently as we do, it is a bit easier to see than if you live there full time.

I think that the current gov't and foreign policy have tarnished the US' image abroad. The people in charge seem to be a bit heavy-handed, and often act without fully gauging the situation on the ground. They also seem to be a wee bit out of touch with the times.

Is the "American Dream" still alive? I don't know. In my opinion, if you want to work hard, sacrifice some time getting established and making the effort, you can do very well in the US. I know people who have done it. It is a place where hard work, sacrifice and drive can be rewarded. It depends on what you want... I like my basic 30-day annual leave, bank holidays and socialised health care too much to do that!

Lest anyone label me a Euro-centric who doesn't know what he's talking about, let me state that I was actually born in the US - in Noo Yawk, and went back and forth between Europe and the Big Apple growing up. I can see the positive and negative points about life on both sides of the pond. I went to high school in the US, and even enlisted in the military to pay for university.

I feel that my experience gives me a better perspective on life in the US than your average joe.

 

[Lincsong]

In the 30's people believed that the "American Way" was broken. The country was in the midst of a depression, Gang violence was out of control, the rights of workers and fair wages were a very hot issue, the police and local governments were corrupt and the Federal government seemed unwilling or unable to do anything about it. During this time Superman represented the everyman, standing up for truth and justice, taking the law into his own hands, in a world that had let him down.

And the police and local governments aren't corrupt today? Come to the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York, and New England and witness corruption in action. But, hey as long someone's getting a welfare check those areas are happy. The motto for these areas is; we wants jobs but not employers, we want homes but hate developers.:eusa_doh:

 

[Hondo]

When I was growing up and lived in Texas and then moved to California the American way was a strong statement that stood for the good that other countries saw within the US culture. It truly stood for truth and justice, in my mind that was what the US was all about. This is the place where millions flocked and still do. Today the reference seems to carry a tint of arrogance… We can be arrogant… we are the most powerful nation in the world and if we want, can push the ruler out of any other country and takeover… though with the spirit of many Americans changing from the "proud to be", to the "I don’t care" I think the Phrase Truth Justice and the American way has gained a tarnish that I don’t want to spread.

I think it’s time to shine it up a bit. My country was founded on those who wanted freedom’s they couldn’t have in others. Of course there are problems here and there, though rather than live in South America or Canada or Europe or Asia or Australia I choose the US as my home base. Yeah I’d love to live in Paris or London, though the US is my home.

I dislike the term Homeland security… forms a Nazi impression in my head… what happened to Civil Defense?

I dislike policing the world by sending our troops everywhere to put out fires… do we have to do this to stop bigger conflicts… I don’t know, maybe, though it smacks of an imperialist nature.

I do however know that this is the country where dreams can come true. Are we losing our middle class? Yes! I think a large part of that hastening is being caused by the internet. It changed the world allright… It’s a giant inflationary vehicle that is driving competition out of the US… we can’t compete when you can see the same product sold over her sold over there at half the price, and you can buy it from the factory… puts mom and pop out of business… even affects Wal-Mart.

Though I still believe that here is the place where anyone can succeed.

I believe in Truth Justice and the American Way!

I may be wrong about my belief... what do you think?

Hey Matt your not wrong, I agree 100%, there’s no other country I’d rather live and breath in than the U.S.A. The “Homeland” security thing reminds me of a sister of Russia (Motherland term) I hate the Homeland term; let’s go back to Civil Defense.
No other countries as lived and prosper for over 230 years of freedom than America, for those who seek freedom, than any country they were originally born in.
I do believe that the U.S. constitution needs to be updated (changed) to fit the times, keep the under desirables out (see terrorist’s seeds) who seek to under mind our values out and destroy this beautiful land, our country, sure we have good and bad but no bodys perfect, it will take hard work, honesty, and reform the Government (just a bit) to get back where Europe, Asia, South America and others once respected us and wanted our friendship. I see so much anti-America from aboard its sad, most of it directed at the Government not its people, that’s where fault lays square at the foot of the U.S. Government (Stupid leadership, holding up corrupt dictatorships, secret deals, supplying arms, waste of tax dollars ect…) some of these the general public are not aware of, and we must work hard to do this peacefully to change return to Truth, Justice and the American Way.

 

[Hondo]

Very interesting thread...

I usually avoid such threads, but this time I will chime in with my .02 pence.

For me, the US is a fun place to visit (it is also a hassle thanks to immigration and DHS, but I won't go into that). There are lots of things to see and do, and the people are very friendly - especially to foreigners. We always have a good time when we're in NY, and we always look forward to our visits.

That being said, I wouldn't want to move back and live there. It is just my personal opinion, it is just not the place for me. My wife feels the same. Personally, I feel less "free" in the US than I do in Europe. Different strokes for different folks. Life isn't perfect in the EU, but it suits us a whole lot better.

I can say that the today's US is a different country than the one of my youth. It is hard to put a finger on it, but something seems to have fundamentally changed in the last 15 - 20 years or so. When you visit as frequently as we do, it is a bit easier to see than if you live there full time.

I think that the current gov't and foreign policy have tarnished the US' image abroad. The people in charge seem to be a bit heavy-handed, and often act without fully gauging the situation on the ground. They also seem to be a wee bit out of touch with the times.

Is the "American Dream" still alive? I don't know. In my opinion, if you want to work hard, sacrifice some time getting established and making the effort, you can do very well in the US. I know people who have done it. It is a place where hard work, sacrifice and drive can be rewarded. It depends on what you want... I like my basic 30-day annual leave, bank holidays and socialised health care too much to do that!

Lest anyone label me a Euro-centric who doesn't know what he's talking about, let me state that I was actually born in the US - in Noo Yawk, and went back and forth between Europe and the Big Apple growing up. I can see the positive and negative points about life on both sides of the pond. I went to high school in the US, and even enlisted in the military to pay for university.

I feel that my experience gives me a better perspective on life in the US than your average joe.

You’re doing fine, exactly what I mean in my previous post, the Government seems to have forgotten “We The People...” NOT we the Government every 4 or 8 years under what ever political party, leadership.

 

[Hondo]

In and Out

"In and Out"? What is that, a fast food chain?

Is it new? I've never heard of it...

Yes sir another Fast Food eatery (think burgers N fries), not for my taste unless I'm really hungry and theres nothing else better, a so called 50'ish style.
Its your basic cheapo place to eat, Popular with school kids, place to go other than the malls.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I can say that the today's US is a different country than the one of my youth. It is hard to put a finger on it, but something seems to have fundamentally changed in the last 15 - 20 years or so.

I feel the same way. I think the American people are sliding into a general malaise -- despite the lack of stagflation, a recession, a depression, or what have you.

We keep being told that the economy is fine, that productivity is up, that business is healthy, etc. Yet we, the people, don't feel so great. We have less confidence than ever in our leader(s), we're locked into a clean-up / peacekeeping job in Iraq that has no end in sight and just seems to inspire more terrorism over there, our health care costs and fuel costs are rising and rising, and our middle class is going nowhere fast.

I think that America is slowly sinking into an era "of quiet desperation". At the very least, we feel uneasy.

.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

The people in charge seem to be a bit heavy-handed, and often act without fully gauging the situation on the ground. They also seem to be a wee bit out of touch with the times.

It's The American Way or The Highway.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

We're in that uneasy quiet before the storm. The next few years wil heat up, I think, and I'm not referring to global warming.

.

 

[RedPop4]

Like more of what happened in Bombay yesterday?

I'm sure that's Bush's fault, too, right?

**Not Directed at Any Particular Poster**
**this Disclaimer has been approved by Counsel **

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Like more of what happened in Bombay (sic) yesterday?

No, I was thinking more about a general movement against the political "business as usual" of the past 25+ years.

I'm sure that's Bush's fault, too, right?

Do you think so? I think that what happened in Mumbai yesterday was the fault of the cruel men and women who planned and executed it.

.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Well, from what i hear, the fault lies at the doors of the Indians, Pakistanis and Kashmiris who refuse to settle their differences in a civilised manner ...

Is The American Way synonymous with The American Dream? I'm not trying to start a ruckus, i'm just not sure. My views on this will be skewed by the answer to this question. If they are not one and the same thing, i'm going to need a little help on the meaning of The American Way.

bk

 

[jamespowers]

:eusa_doh: There is an old phrase that my grandfather used to use when his friends used to complain about America. The door is open you can go whereever you want. They usually shut up after that because they knew how good they had it.
For those who have a problem you have two choices either work to fix it or pick a better country. I am staying and the truth is I could dump everything and move anywhere I want. Thw whole world is unfair just not one country. It is just the way it is. Nothing will ever be equal. It just can't be done and that is the failing of Socialism/Communism.
I brought up how the new Superman omitted the American Way from his Truth, Justice and the American Way from the movie. I wouldn't go see it just from that point. Part of that American Way allows us here to use this forum to discuss the good and the bad of America right here without censorship or fear of prosecution. Try that in a few other countries and see what happens to you.
The American Way is an ideal but no less a standard to be measured against. We can measure ourselves and others by it. The Founding Fathers gave us a Republic not a Democracy. Lets remember that. We don't always blindly follow the majority and forget the rest. Sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many. None of this two wolves and one sheep voting to see who gets eaten for dinner. There is plenty of opportunity here for those who want to work hard. If you can't find a job you can even invent one for yourself. Create a business, own property, be protected by the law, not be subject to harassment from government without repercussion and have the right to defend yourself when necessary.
Our Bill of Rights gives us more individual freedoms than 90% of the countries in the world. Of course the rest of the world doesn't particularly like us. They're JEALOUS. They wish they had what we have here. We are a lone Superpower. A giant among nations. If we were to open our border to the world without any restriction the land mass of the US would sink under the weight of the onslaught of people. It is who we are it is what we represent that is always there like a needle sticking into the side of despotism. They will hate us but they will always come running, hat in hand, crying for help every time they need us. Will we ever say no even to the most egregious haters? No and that is part of the American Way.

Through it all:

Regards to all,

J

 

[Marc Chevalier]

"The American Way" is one of those terms that gives Americans a good feeling, but is hazy beneath the surface. It means whatever you personalize it to mean.

It's much like the term, "family values". What exactly are family values? Is there any single definition? And yet, this term gives folks a warm, fuzzy feeling whenever they hear it said. Reaches the heart without challenging the brain.

Politicians love this kind of stuff -- and so do advertisers. Think of the advertising terms "zesty" and "hearty", applied to food. What exactly do "zesty" and "hearty" mean? Nothing much ... and yet they give us a warm, fuzzy feeling.



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