Sogi-Ya: got laid off, splitting up with my wife, can't find work, running out of money, our lease runs out in a month, and last week my wife told me that she found someone she wants to date even though we are still living together.

CrowTRobo: I appreciated the support. It was out of line.

CrowTRobo: Really? We were having a conversation and simply because my opinion is different he/she throws out the "we are better than you" nonsense.

You can't have an intelligent conversation on the internet. I should already know this but I can never seem to learn. I never once put a label on Germany or badmouthed Germans. I explained what I learned of the German government welfare programs from my professor, which I ended up finding out weren't fully accurate, and explained my views on welfare programs. Hell, my major complaint which I stated more than once was the US tax system. But I guess I'm not allowed to have my own opinion. In typical internet fashion, if my opinion doesn't match the other person's opinion, the "superior" attitude comes out. Thinking you or your country is superior to any other person or country is the exact opposite of "high-civilization". People with that type of attitude, American, European, Australian, whatever, piss me off. And before someone makes a comment "well so many Americans feel they are superior" - like I said, they shouldn't and it pisses me off. Lots of people feel superior, we have a perfect example of the same thinking in Europe right here.

Just in case: I don't feel superior to those who are capable of working but don't. I would not call someone a freeloader, slacker, or whatever. I just don't want the money I worked hard to earn to go to them as a free hand-out. I work hard each day and because of my bills (mostly student loans), I only have a small amount left to spend on myself. Why should even more of that be taken? <-- my OPINION. If you think otherwise, that is fine, but don't you dare call me inferior.

Dischord: A general bitch about life in general might be that somehow, some groups, feel the need to be superior to another group, without understanding that all may contribute to the good, or the bad, of humanity as a whole.

This transcends nationality, color, belief, or anything else we put into the equation: both good and bad can come from all, even to the tiniest element; the individual.

The good that comes from a culture does not exalt them, and the bad does not denigrate them. It is the human reach, and search which binds us all. Borrow what you need, give where you can, all as equal players wanting the best, without forgetting the rights of others to think and live differently within this morass known as humanity.

In my simplistic way of thinking, only those that want to force their ideas upon another are a threat.

Telika: HOWEVER THERE ARE GROUPS THAT DO THIS MORE THAN OTHERS

Soccorro: ....David duke...

jjsimp: Are you really going to go down this road of trolling. Using one asshole of a figure, that I haven't heard mentioned anywhere in the last ten-twenty years, to try to put down our country. I have one word to say to you that will make any evil America has done seem rather tame compared to your country...Hitler. I'm sure we are so uncivilized in comparison.

monkeydelarge: It's obvious, this is a reply to the discussion I was recently involved in so that is why I'm replying. I see your point. That not everything is black and white but I disagree The bad that comes from a culture should be criticized, belittled etc. We shouldn't turn a blind eye to a culture simply because it contributes something good to this world. Should we refuse to denigrate rapists because I'm sure they do some good for this world, once in awhile. Maybe they always pay their taxes. Maybe once in awhile they donate money to orphans. This kind of thinking is dangerous because it promotes being tolerant to all that is evil simply because not everything in this world is 100% evil. And sometimes people have to force their ideas upon another for the greater good. All human beings on this Earth should actively be fighting for or at least be an armchair warrior for a world that is more civilized. And what I mean with the word "civilized" is "humane". The best offense is a good defense, after all. Sitting around and doing nothing with a let everyone think and live the way they want to mentality is a good way to ensure the world turns to shit. I don't want to say this but you leave me no choice. Your way of thinking is very naive and it's obvious you've never truly been a victim of a horrible culture to a point where death is seen as a sweet release.
monkeydelarge: Do you know what trolling means? Obviously not. And keep in mind, the Germany of today and the Germany of Hitler are two different countries. What you are doing is similar to saying Italy is evil because a long time ago, Italy was the center of the Roman Empire...and Caligula was the Emperor.

monkeydelarge: Do you know what trolling means? Obviously not. And keep in mind, the Germany of today and the Germany of Hitler are two different countries. What you are doing is similar to saying Italy is evil because a long time ago, Italy was the center of the Roman Empire...and Caligula was the Emperor.

monkeydelarge: Well, I believe if the big decider is someone or a group only interested in a world that is more humane. A world with tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, especially for the suffering or distressed. Then I see no good reason why people should be unhappy with this. It seems, the only people who would be unhappy with this are those who enjoy the suffering of others or those who are insanely selfish etc. And what they want should not matter.

jjsimp: My point exactly. When have you heard of David Duke? It was twenty some odd years ago, it was a different time back then, and no one in this country even listened to him back then.

monkeydelarge: Sounds pretty and wonderful but most have to play in the real world? I don't understand.
monkeydelarge: He wasn't saying, the USA is the land of David Duke. Of course, David Duke doesn't represent the USA. Socorro was criticizing the USA for putting up with David Duke. In Germany, he was arrested. Personally I see this as a bad example from him because not arresting people for sharing their thoughts is a PLUS in my book. I see no reason why the police should be involved in something like that. They could of easily dealt with him in a less aggressive and demeaning way. But Socorro's message still delivers a true point.