[The Lithium]

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chase)

The environment does need saving. No question. I'm right there with you. However, it's not George W. Bush's fault that the planet is in environmental state that's in. If he's been in office since the Industrial Revolution, then you may have a point. However, since he hasn't... then you have to look at the overall picture. Don't sit there and applaud uneducated musicians who are mouthing off at Bush and America. The picture is much larger.

Absolutely, it's not Bush's fault, but he sure ain't helping! Can you imagine what'd it be like if Al Gore, (who actually won, am I right?), would be president right now? The U.S. politics would have, hopefully, speaking about the war and the global warming issues, been a lot different from what Bush has done. I know Al Gore weren't that into the climate issues when he ran for president, though. I know that much!

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chase)

I've encountered A LOT of people who hate Bush for ill founded reasons. They don't know why they feel the way they do. If you're going to spew an opinion about issues, at least be able to back it up. And in all honesty, I don't think most people can. Why do I say that? Because I've met people from all over the world who can't give me factual reasons as to why the American people should've elected Kerry over Bush.

Yeah, I hear ya - most people just follow the majority. Personally I can't understand the way he handles politics. "I'm a war president. I always have war on my mind" --George W. Bush. And face it, the guy doesn't seem too bright. I mean, there are things you just shouldn't say if you're the president of the worlds only supernation.

I didn't really like Kerry either, but it would've been the least of two evils. Shortly after Bush won over Kerry Bush said that he wanted to forbid abortion. And that shit scares the crap out of me. The U.S. is supposed to be a democracy which means "free choice". It's these kinda statements that makes me anti-Bush. And speaking about your democracy and political system. Don't even get me started about racism there!

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chase)

I'm assuming that Live Earth is for the cause of making people aware that our planet is in peril, environmentally speaking. It shouldn't be used as a platform for slandering the foreign policies of the U.S. or President Bush.

Yeah, it is. But I guess, at an event like Live Earth, people aren't too happy about Bush, 'cause he hasn't done anything about our problem with global warming. And we need American to be in, we honestly can't do it without you guys - it's a fact! That goes for things like the U.N. as well. You're very important and you tend to use that for your own good.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chase)

Your country, Sweden, is the cleanest place I have ever been in my life... and you guys should be damned proud of how clean you are. But you know what, my home state of California is roughly the same size of Sweden geographically... but you only have about 9 million compared to our 30 plus million. The U.S. has over 300 million. I would hope that a country as small as Sweden (in terms of population) would be a hell of a lot cleaner than America. But then I've been to your eastern neighbors like Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. They're smaller than Sweden, but WAY MORE polluted. What does that have to do with the U.S.? I've been to Russia, and it's a pretty dirty country which is nearly on the same level as the U.S. in terms of global impact. That has nothing to do with the U.S. The U.S. isn't responsible for other countries like China or Russia. So if you're going to say that we're "killing" you... look at some other nations. Then, look at American states on an individual basis. California has a lot more emissions standards than other states.

Yeah, but people are still people right? Doesn't matter if you're 10 million in one town or 100. People will always be throwing trash and candy-bar rappers on the streets. Unfortunately that's the way it is.

Like I said; The U.S. is very important when it comes to politics. And quite often I get the feeling that you're attitude is; "fuck the rest of the world and if they have problem with us! The U.S. roooocks, yeeeah!!". And I think that is what annoies people. The picture is much larger than that and with the war in Iraq, for example - it's not only about you anymore. It's about all of the world! With great powers comes great responsibilities. (spider-man, yeah! )

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chase)

For the record, the reason why I brought up the racism problem in countries like Sweden... is because the bands at Live Earth found it necessary to go on a tangent on say that President Bush is taking "away our freedom." And you can't tell me that Sweden isn't racist. I've seen bouncers not let people into clubs and bars because of their ethnic backgroung, because they weren't white. That happens a lot and NOBODY seems to step up and stop it.

Swedes are cowards! No question about it. And I ain't proud of it! In fact Sweden is becoming more and more like American everyday and I honestly don't like it. We're always the first ones to complain and always the first ones to break the rules when no one's watching. Just look at the "tvättstuga", (laundry room) for example. The biggest demonstration in Swedens history was when coffee was about to be forbidden. How sad is that?

And yes - there is A LOT of racism in Sweden and there ARE people who tries to stop it. Politicans. Mostly "Miljöpartiet", and "Vänsterpartiet", if you're familiar with them. But as the cowards we are we elect "Moderaterna" over those, because all people cares for is lower taxes!

Sweden is supposed to be the worlds most equal society in the world. And still we have a lot of racism, way too much racism. Now THAT'S fucked up! But hey - Sweden is fucked up! There's no hiding it! But I guess every country is in their own way.