8.0 Rant

[Bambi]

I found this on another website:
The Associated Press: Vick 'humbled' by Ed Block Courage Award

I suppose I shouldn't be appalled by the lengths marketing teams will go to put a 'spin' on a person but this defies belief. In what way has this man shown bravery????. He did his time in jail (for a crime that he was guilty of) and then returned to his lucrative career. Not once has he actually owned up to the incredibly cruel acts he perpetrated but only says that he showed bad judgment. It simply is beyond belief that this man has ever demonstrated courage or overcome adversity.
But because he's good at sports it's all forgiven. I think I'm going to be sick.

[Michaelaw]

Yes, another sad justification based on our tribal instinct

[Marko]

Oh my pet peeps are gonna go batty over this one.

he should run for office.

[Wicked Dark]

I can't even go read it. Just your summation makes me sick enough...and I just had a great morning outdoors, so I refuse to be bummed. Uploading 160-something photos to Lightroom!

[Mad Aussie]

It's a proud moment to be American!

[Michaelaw]

One of many MA...One of many

[jjeling]

Oh boy. Im proud to be an American. I love this country dearly, and I agree that there are some issues that it has to deal with. It does allow for some things like this to happen. But it also allows for some extraordinary things to happen on the opposite scale.

It is disheartening to know the general feeling the rest of the world has about us. Unfortunately, stereotypes always have some merit to them, otherwise they would not have come to be. However, it is never good to generalize like this because it does not apply to every person, situation, etc. Maybe a small percentage of the time, but being a citizen here, its a bitter feeling. There are some awesome people here. Our government is a something of a joke, doesnt matter what side you are on, liberal or conservative.

Personally, I know some of the wealthiest and most powerful people you could ever know, and also some of the poorest and most decietful people at the other end of the spectrum. It is something I am accepting of and treat everyone equally whether you are rich and famous, or poor and an addict.

Every governement, city, and country has its own problems semantically, and individually. I pray everyday that the world over understands these acts do not represent every citizen for that country. I know the people of the Middle East are not "terrorists" and should not be treated as such. Everyone gets the same tone, and same respect. I will not kiss your ass because you have money or power, and I will not help you because you made poor decisions and arent willing to change them yourself.

Sorry, but I these generalizations hard to stomach. I dont think all Canadians are angry Frenchman and all Australians throw boomarangs and chase crocodiles. Please dont assume the same stereotypes about us Americans.

MA, no ill attent intended here. Just wanted to explain we are not all Michael Vicks, Mike Tysons, Lil' Waynes, or George Bushes.

[Michaelaw]

I like Americans JJ, a good country full of hard working, spirited, innovative people from all corners of the world. It's not the people I have issue with. Nor the people of the UK where I was born. I do however have deep opinions on both administrations of these countries. I wouldn't trust your government as far as I could throw it. It's not even a government anymore IMHO, it's owned by big business and the military industrial complex. America, if it began again under the present conditions could never hope to be as great as it was in its prime, the spirit which allowed such greatness is regulated to death and what isn't regulated is stifled with fear. It's a shame in my view and I hope one day the people of America can get their homeland back because they built it, were the backbone of the entire thing but it was hijacked by greed

[jjeling]

I agree with you MAW. The beauty of this country, our ability to speak freely and not worry about it(maybe....). Either way, like I said, there are some MAJOR problems that need to be dealt with, regardles of party, liberal or conservative. They are both wasting OUR time. Unfortunately, we have a large influence on the rest of the world, and that translates into wasting the worlds time as well. It does not have the influence it used to have, but there are reasons for that. I do believe that one day our country will figure itself out. We call this a democratic country but its a far cry from that. We were intended to be a democratic country, but that turned into capitalism with the advent of the global economy. Unfortunately, capitalism is quite the opposite of a democracy.

I like to think that our country is strong enough to pull itself out of this mess. It is a hope that I refuse to give up on. We are still relatively young at only 250 yrs. Not all of the wrinkles have been ironed out yet, but in time(maybe another 250 yrs) I think it might turn out for the better. The concept is great, but I think its going to take a while longer to happen.

Once enough of us 'commons' have been pushed down long enough, we will take the government back. I do not see it happening any other way honestly, it can't last forever. As the rich keep getting richer, it will force the people into another coup or revolution of sorts. If not, maybe you might refer to the story of Easter Island or the Mayans.

[Mad Aussie]

Don't worry JJ ... there is many a moment when I'm not proud to be Australian ... or even human.