[J-Man]

For what it's worth, I'm going to be honest and say that I'm aware of what is going on, but I'm not going to act as if though I know it all. In my own personal opinion I think several leaders of every county have made mistakes. For those of you who are not US citizens, remember that the United States is made up of every single nationality in the entire world. To point us out and say that we are "uncharacteristic" you are speaking about every one who represents the US - including your own race who reside here. Everyone has a voice in the US. We are a country where we have the freedom of speech, the freedom of choice and the freedom to live how we please. Yes we do things differently, because that is our own individual choice. We fight amongst ourselves (isn't that right Chase and Uncertain? LOL) because we have our own opinions and are not dictated to. That is what is great about this country. We have the freedom to express ourselves without being stoned, mocked, killed, etc. Take this board for example - what does it do for you? It gives you the choice to voice your opinion and to do so openly and freely and how does that feel? It feels f'ing great!!! I'm a US citizen and I can only speak from experience. I will not judge you because I don't know what it is like to walk in your shoes. So please do not judge us Americans as a whole for something you may not agree on. Keep in mind that we too do not always agree with what our leaders want us to believe. And what is great about this country is that we can view our points and disagree w/ our leaders and have the power to vote them out.

Countries that have leaders that dictate the lives of others is sad and someone mentioned here that Americans are brainwashed, let me tell you that some are simple minded and will not bother to do the research, but there are those who do bother and will educate themselves on matters that move them. Unfortunately in several other countries, they are only fed certain information because their leaders truly want to control them. Some countries will not allow certain music to be played, certain movies to be shown, only allow access to certain internet sites, books, religion, views on sex, etc. To say that we are ignorant is an ignorant statement in itself. Don't try to dictate, but do try to educate yourselves and trust yourself to the point where you can express what you believe, but keep in mind that not everyone will agree with you. That is what makes us individuals. America is about being who you are without being condemed, unless of course it threatens the lives of others. We do care about life. We are compassionate people so much so that we give so much of ourselves to assist those who cannot help themselves, yet we are judged for it. We are a melting pot of each and every one of you.