Osama Bin Laden is dead

[Never_Scurred]

My son is American, its not a hate thing. America does a lot right, but not often the right way or for the right reasons. I could argue just as many points against the UK government. But unfortunately our government doesn't have as high profile as yours. Everything that has happened to the USA in the past 20 years that is bad, is because of hate/jealousy or revenge. I can assure you none of it came from the UK. Think of it like your little brother giving the bigger brother some advice. As far as the UK is concerned, we watch the US do a lot of shit from here. We admire you (most of the time) but not for one second are we clouded by American patriotism and sometimes that gives us a clearer head to see things in a way you can't. From my own perspective I often wonder why the US can't leave Israel/Iraq and Afghanistan alone. So what if they kill each other, they have done that for 2000 years. By joining a fight, you invite the war.. America just does it because they feel they can win it.. and they usually do.. But its the poor people of 911 that got the death penalty, not some big high browed politician sitting in the white house.

OBL probably didn't want a war, in a parallel universe he is probably living a respectful life in his own religion. The only difference is that in that universe, the USA left his people and beliefs alone. We all live by the rules of our country and traditions. Sure some of them are evil and screwed up, but by challenging them the evil is aimed at you instead. I am just glad that I can have an opinion on such matters and it not affect me. I try to steer clear of the news as much as humanely possible, just so that I can be ignorant to most of the shit going on in this world. I just want peace and would feel much happier if America created less news. I fear reprisals, and I fear even more what America will do after a reprisal. Again, I will spectate and judge.. But I don't like seeing it period.

Hey I was with you but I was reminded of this....

Coalition of the willing, no?
I agree with you that the US are/were some shitkicking, newsmaking, gas hogging, warmongering sonafabitches, if our previous reputation over the last 10 years are anything to go by. But, lets not pretend the UK wasn't one of our biggest cheerleaders.

[antron]

osama didn't want war? baaa haahahahah!

[Never_Scurred]

osama didn't want war? baaa haahahahah!

Yeah, he was only fighting the Soviets for kicks.

[antron]

osama didn't want war? baaa haahahahah!

Yeah, he was only fighting the Soviets for kicks.

9/11 was just bait. we should have shown more restraint, and forgiven those in the arab world that supported the attack. then do what we just did.

[Never_Scurred]

osama didn't want war? baaa haahahahah!

Yeah, he was only fighting the Soviets for kicks.

9/11 was just bait. we should have shown more restraint, and forgiven those in the arab world that supported the attack. then do what we just did.

Yup.
Cause that would've been the classy thing to do.

[Randorama]

Sorry but:

America is one entity, the USA is another entity, the people of the USA another one as well. Also, the US administrations seem to be a completely different entity altogether, much like the administrations of any country around the sun. Asking "why people hate America" is an oversimplification that invites drivel and conceited answers (not from me). If I were to hate indiscriminately, to be honest, the block USA&UK would be a no-brainer. Never_scurred posted a picture explaining why.

Also, people are people. If some want to cheer because ObL is dead, that's up to them. Are they damaging someone's well-being by doing so? If someone wants to say "yes", he would have to prove that other people's non-causal behavior magically deals damage to someone else. Say, that if you lunatics mention tacos on this forum, then somehow I get sick in the liver, or something like that. Getting disgusted by the masses' reactions for the administrations' "shadowy" actions strikes me as pointless reaction, sorry.

[GaijinPunch]

Sorry, but I can't take anyone seriously who's country prior to this weekend was content with forcefeeding the rest of the world this...

...as if it was actually newsworthy.

Oh, it was newsworthy...

[GaijinPunch]

Asking "why people hate America" is an oversimplification that invites drivel and conceited answers (not from me).

Not necessarily. People (non-Americans) that hate America generally hate them b/c their exposure is limited to either what they see on the news, in their own language, and subject to that media's biases, *OR* our unofficial ambassadors who are by and large low-level military personnel. So... it's not a really big mystery. High caliber expats such as myself are a rare breed.

[Never_Scurred]

Sorry, but I can't take anyone seriously who's country prior to this weekend was content with forcefeeding the rest of the world this...

...as if it was actually newsworthy.

Oh, it was newsworthy...

Well played, sir.

[Randorama]

Not necessarily. People (non-Americans) that hate America generally hate them b/c their exposure is limited to either what they see on the news, in their own language, and subject to that media's biases, *OR* our unofficial ambassadors who are by and large low-level military personnel. So... it's not a really big mystery.

Yes, and that's what I meant by "invite". In general I abhor the use of the label "America" on both sides. A quick remark I do to anyone who uses this label in my presence is whether they include Canadians and Argentinians, when they use it. Whether a US citizen asks why people hate "America", or a non-US citizen says why he hates "America", it is a generalization subject to conceit, for those who care.

Even if you focus on US "hate", I am still puzzled on both sides. Even when you have total neo-fascist imbeciles who, say, always agree with Limbaugh (a neo-fascist imbecile), I see as a deeply coward attitude to point an accusing finger at them, for the crimes that the various US administrations have done and keep doing so far. If a I have a grudge towards some policy, I aim my grudge at the ones who apply it, not at the ones who endorse them.

High caliber expats such as myself are a rare breed.

*ahem*...weren't you from Texas? [/trollbait]

[GaijinPunch]

*ahem*...weren't you from Texas? [/trollbait]

That wasn't my fault. And, I left, didn't I ?

Sometimes I do post on other people's FB walls, "Sometimes you wake up glad to be an expat... this is one of them".

[louisg]

*ahem*...weren't you from Texas? [/trollbait]

That wasn't my fault. And, I left, didn't I ?

Sometimes I do post on other people's FB walls, "Sometimes you wake up glad to be an expat... this is one of them".

Word. I fled the small town I grew up in. BAY AREA, SUCKERS!

[brentsg]

*ahem*...weren't you from Texas? [/trollbait]

That wasn't my fault. And, I left, didn't I ?

Sometimes I do post on other people's FB walls, "Sometimes you wake up glad to be an expat... this is one of them".

I lived in Waco, top that!

[Randorama]

Gee guys, I apologize, now I am feeling very guilty, also because I derailed the thread

Anyway, I just read on wikipedia (I know, crappy source...) that Al-Qaeda was facing a sort of internal crisis and several factions within "Islam" put the organization under scrutiny. My guts feelings tell me that Osama's death indeed benefitted a few opposing groups.

[neorichieb1971]

The reason there are corners of the world that hate America (or USA) are simple. But because politicians use fancy terms such as "attack on freedom", it simply doesn't sink in to the average US Citizen. So the US wants to go into any country it feels fit, take what it wants without any negative feedback or it will use the terms "attack on freedom". Granted, its a British past time.

Even being British I hear things like "US Americans have a divine right to cheap fuel". Hahaha.. That is so funny its reassuringly offensive to hear. I am baffled why the word "God" and "America" are nearly always spoken in the same sentence.

If 10,000 Americans turned up on my door step, raised temporary tents, barracks or buildings, started drilling or mining minerals and oil right next to my doorstep. I would ask "what MF is getting rich out of this?" Unfortunately its so few of the natives that get rich its a joke. If the Americans built a 120 storey building and a city to go round it my thoughts might be a little different. Most countries are rotten apples already, but if the US finds some nice juices they use it to fuel what is already a rich power state. This from the eyes of a poor git living in a country suffered by 20 years of war will see the US having too much already, yet they want more and more. All I am saying is that a better showcase of power could be made.

don't show me that cunt Tony Blair. He is the middle East envoy, where the hell is he now? I am surprised he hasn't been made a scapegoat for the US up until now. Tony Blair's face on its own disgusts me, as does Bush's. If countries like the US and UK want to show good face, lets build countries like Hong Kong (as an example). Raise standards from the bottom up where ever we go. Other nations might even invite us then instead of wage war against all our capitalist beliefs.

There is an attack on freedom right now. Its fuel prices, debt and shit like that. Most people affected are most likely victims through no fault of their own. If OBL's death has done one thing, its let US citizens forget for a day or two that their country is in the worst shape its been in for 80 years. I'm actually quite concerned what kind of politician will take office next over there. The more desperate Americans get, the more likely we will see more faces of terror from across the globe.

[GaijinPunch]

I lived in Waco, top that!

I used to drive through it on my way to/from University.... without any firearms!

So the US wants to go into any country it feels fit, take what it wants without any negative feedback or it will use the terms "attack on freedom".

A la Rando's post, you might want to clarify the term "US". I believe you were a resident when we invaded Iraq, and I'm sure you'll recall the dichotomy resulting from those wanting to go versus those that didn't.

"God" and "America" are nearly always spoken in the same sentence.

Yep. "God, these fucking Americans are cock suckers..."
I hear it all the time.

will see the US having too much already, yet they want more and more.

Is this not human nature? What entity past or present says, "You know what... I'm fine just the way I am." It's human nature to want to better your situation. The fact that there are plenty of poor people in the US means there will always be justification for "bettering" the country, or at least the perception of doing so, whether it be through resources or wealth. As to whether that's right or not is another story, but it at least explains it.

[louisg]

Neorichie, your posts don't make sense. I think you must be jealous because here in America, we have TV, cars, and Christmas and all that other stuff you foreigners are missing out on. It's really sad, when you stop to think about it. Please stop attacking our freedoms.

[neorichieb1971]

Neorichie, your posts don't make sense. I think you must be jealous because here in America, we have TV, cars, and Christmas and all that other stuff you foreigners are missing out on. It's really sad, when you stop to think about it. Please stop attacking our freedoms.

This is exactly the point. Your freedoms come at other countries expense, either directly or indirectly. The correct phrase you could possibly use is "I think you must be jealous because we have BIGGER TV's, cars and Christmas trees". But then I would argue you have bigger storms as well

I enjoy those freedoms as well. Perhaps I just have a conscience about how such freedoms are obtained.

As for not making sense. I am establishing with the fellow US citizens here if they understand why OBL exists in the first place. Even though GP has his way with words I am encouraged that he hasn't challenged me with typical Americanisms. Its just a debate.

I feel more free in the UK than I ever did in the USA. I had more money in the USA but to get it I had to work 200+ days a year. I only work 160 here in the UK. Freedom is a mirage of hope. Nobody is really free until their mind is free of concern. Could you say that?

[BPzeBanshee]

GaijinPunch to the rescue!
I LOLed at that still, seriously.

Bit late to the party due to political shitstirring that I couldn't care less about, but I agree with Skykid on this one.

I don't particulary trust the government. Not the United States government, and not my own.

Especially not my own, unless it's Kevin Rudd talking.

I suspect there's stuff not being said about Osama Bin Laden's relation to 9/11 besides the obvious "he made Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda did it therefore it's Al Qaeda's fault", though I think by now it's a bit of a moot point.

I don't need any evidence to back up my opinion and I want to see some goddamn photos however gruesome they are, and then throw a party with nachos and Coca-Cola and Iced Coffees and Shmupping and headbanging to Motley Crue and more Shmupping and more Iced Coffees and Coca-Cola and maybe more nachos and <add whatever I like here>.

Also doesn't stop me from cracking the Osama/Obama/Dubya jokes either when I actually remember one.

@Richie: That last post actually made complete sense to me. As I recall Osama made Al Qaeda to get rid of the Soviets funded by USA, though that's a rather inaccruate shortening of what DID happen and even I can admit that.

Not that it's relevant but I reckon we should be learning about stuff like how Osama came to be how he was within schools (secondary schools, Grade 9 minimum for maturity's sake) instead of some of the useless crap like Shakespeare, Religious Instruction and rainbow snakes creating the world (Aboriginal Studies) that we're currently being taught. Stuff that's happened from World War II onwards through the Cold War till now are certainly relevant and are helpful in a person understanding just what's going on in the world beyond what the media reporters will spoonfeed into you.

[neorichieb1971]

Changing the subject a bit. Did anyone get the bounty? I heard there was a tip off!

[Skykid]

Nobody really hates America and its United States of.

The Bush Administration spent nine years ruining the country's image. Prior to 2001 the only real stereotype that stuck was that the population was largely obese.

[GaijinPunch]

I feel more free in the UK than I ever did in the USA. I had more money in the USA but to get it I had to work 200+ days a year. I only work 160 here in the UK.

This is a little hard to take seriously... unless you work about 13 hours a day of your 160 days. As someone who lives a decent lifestyle, I will say that it did not happen accidentally. I worked my balls off for it (the last year being particularly gruesome).... way more than 200, including my vacations.

Freedom is a mirage of hope. Nobody is really free until their mind is free of concern. Could you say that?

If you have no concerns then you must be in lala land. Even someone living on a beach has to worry about predators and tsunamis. Concern is a party of anyone's life. Happiness (the true mark of freedom) is not.

Prior to 2001 the only real stereotype that stuck was that the population was largely obese.

I used to assume English were all thin and girly men until I got to know many of them here... then visited and got in touch w/ the English excuse for a diet. We may have country fried steak and grits, but you guys got some nasty (and horribly unhealthy) shit on your menus, too.

You're not exactly trend-setters

[Skykid]

Prior to 2001 the only real stereotype that stuck was that the population was largely obese.

I used to assume English were all thin and girly men until I got to know many of them here... then visited and got in touch w/ the English excuse for a diet. We may have country fried steak and grits, but you guys got some nasty (and horribly unhealthy) shit on your menus, too.

You're not exactly trend-setters

Lol, don't take it out of context, it's not a fattie war.

[`Throwdown]

There is no doubt, that there is a high level of hatred towards Americans on these forums. I've really never seen anything like it, and it's even more funny that these are people who come from nations who are our "friends and allies".

Osama is dead. We are happy. Who cares about what terrorists like or think... oh well, people partied... as a matter of fact, I would have desecrated Bin Ladens corpse.

[dcharlie]

I used to assume English were all thin and girly men until I got to know many of them here... then visited and got in touch w/ the English excuse for a diet. We may have country fried steak and grits, but you guys got some nasty (and horribly unhealthy) shit on your menus, too.

it's pretty embarrassing when the English get on their high horse about food - inevitably they show pictures of what i can only describe as "disgusting fucking slop" and then have the balls to brag about it's apparent greatness. lol.

English food is mostly garbage, the default when you go out for a meal is "it will be perhaps inoffensive". The worst in any country i've ever been to - yet we manage to be fat fuckers?!

That really does take a special talent.

[charlie chong]

lol uk is just a lapdog to the u.s. anyway so anyone who thinks our country is any better is deluded. i hate all these moneygrabbing planet rapists the same.

[dcharlie]

well, i judge each individual on thier own merits, ignoring where they are from.

You aren't where you are from - it's as simple as that.

as the phrase almost goes : "no, i'm not! ..... some of my best friends are English....!"

[charlie chong]

also note i'm not angry or upset at americans partying just amazed at the stupidity. you aint won shit but a load of bad karma

[Skykid]

Let's just everybody relax and take a break.

[charlie chong]

HEY GUISE OVER HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE DEAD OVER SOME BULLSHIT BUT MOST OF THEM ARE MUSLIM SO THEY DON'T MATTEUR
WOOH LETS PARTY