Your country has problems? Just blame America!

[ditchdj]

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25840690/

Ignorant idiots. That's it. I DEMAND that the United States pull OUT of NATO as well as the UN!

[the_std]

Uh... Colour me confused.

I know my fellow countrymen were being very disrespectful with that little display, but how were they blaming anything on America? Or is there a tongue in some cheek that I'm completely overlooking?

[protege]

I'd rather "Blame Canada" instead. *cranks up South Park*

Seriously though, the US has been blamed by many people around the world...for all the problems currently going on. Quite a few people are pissed about what our *government* does, yet us "common folk" get all the crap for it.

[ditchdj]

And that ain't the first time that has happened up there....

http://espn.go.com/nhl/news/2003/0320/1527086.html

http://www.tonyrogers.com/news/canada_0403_2003.htm

[Jadedcarguy]

It looks to me like the fans were angry at the prospect that the Canadian anthem was not going to be played rather than being angry that the US anthem was played. Looks like more of a faux pas from the organizers to me.

[AFPheonix]

So what? How many absolutely stupid things to Americans say about other countries on a regular basis?

Yay for freedom of speech and all.

[Boozy]

Meh.

National anthems are ridiculous in general.

I've never "booed" when the US anthem is played at sporting events, but to be frank, that's out of respect for the musicians. Offending the delicate pride of Americans isn't really a concern for me. I don't always stand for my own anthem, either. I'm really against the whole idea of nationalism and all it's ridiculous trappings.

[ditchdj]

So what? How many absolutely stupid things to Americans say about other countries on a regular basis?

Yay for freedom of speech and all.

Yeah? Well what do you think would happen to me if I went down to Disneyworld where there's a lot of French and British tourists and I started burning the UK and France flags???? Here you'd be arrested and thrown in jail in a hurry.

[the_std]

The only reason you might be arrested for burning those flags is arson, is it not? Or being a public danger or whatever. I don't think there's any laws against burning the flags of other countries. However, if I'm wrong, please do correct me.

This all ties back in to what Boozy was saying about nationalism. I think it sticks peoples' heads up their own asses, getting into a huge frenzy just because some people from another country booed your national anthem. If you truly believe America is so great, why do you care about what other countries think of you, hm?

[Boozy]

Yeah? Well what do you think would happen to me if I went down to Disneyworld where there's a lot of French and British tourists and I started burning the UK and France flags????

Honestly? Probably nothing. Most European countries are moving away from the sort of nationalistic fervour that has gotten them in trouble so many times in the past. Canada is not too far behind.

That's not to say they wouldn't be offended. But I think you'd be surprised by the lack of rage. Nationalism is slowly becoming a quaint and outdated idea in many parts of the world.

[ditchdj]

If you truly believe America is so great, why do you care about what other countries think of you, hm?

Mainly because our country throws tons of money at everyone in the world while it allows its own people to go with nothing. I remember a few years ago when Iran had a huge earthquake and the US government sent workers and aid to them. There were quite a few people here that were pissed about that, and I dont blame them. Now, IF it was PRIVATE charities doing this that would be fine with me. But this is MY tax dollars that take away from resources in MY state that affects me to help and serve people that despise ME for being American. That's like me being forced to help my brother out if he was ever to need it without any say in it even though he despises me. I'd be pissed too. I only have compassion and respect for those that choose to reciprocate.

[AFPheonix]

To be fair, the Iranian government may be anti-West but the populace in general is very pro-Western. Don't be guilty of blaming an entire populace for its government's actions. Isn't that what we ask of other countries whenever our administration does something idiotic?

And why shouldn't we help other countries in need? We are, after all, the richest country. You sound like you have a definite problem with your local government if they aren't taking care of your county's needs properly. Fortunately, local government is more easily affected by your advocacy than federal levels. If you want change, get in on the action.

[Rapscallion]

Yeah? Well what do you think would happen to me if I went down to Disneyworld where there's a lot of French and British tourists and I started burning the UK and France flags???? Here you'd be arrested and thrown in jail in a hurry.

Actually, you're on private turf, so their rules stand - not the first amendment. I'd expect the burner to be first subject to fire extinguishers and then to ejection by the company and prosecutiong thereafter.

Rapscallion

[Boozy]

I only have compassion and respect for those that choose to reciprocate.

I suspect this is why many people in this world have no compassion or respect for America.

It's this attitude that gets everyone stuck in a cycle of violence and hatred.

[daleduke17]

Mainly because our country throws tons of money at everyone in the world while it allows its own people to go with nothing. I remember a few years ago when Iran had a huge earthquake and the US government sent workers and aid to them. There were quite a few people here that were pissed about that, and I dont blame them. Now, IF it was PRIVATE charities doing this that would be fine with me. But this is MY tax dollars that take away from resources in MY state that affects me to help and serve people that despise ME for being American. That's like me being forced to help my brother out if he was ever to need it without any say in it even though he despises me. I'd be pissed too. I only have compassion and respect for those that choose to reciprocate.

Thank you, ditchdj, for saying this. I agree completely.When Myanmar's government originally said "No thanks" to the help after the cyclone, every US ship en route would have been turned around, along with every single cent of US money. You want to do it on your own? Ok, here you go. Enjoy.