10 Things I love about the USA

[mike_s]

2. Can do: Americans seem to have a "yes we can" attitude (predating Obama by many years). They'd look at a string of islands stretching into the ocean for 100 miles off the southern tip of Florida and think "hey, why don't we connect all these with a series of bridges?" - and then promptly go ahead and do it.

Go read about Henry Flagler. Very interesting stories about how he "bridged the keys".

When I returned to South Africa, I came back to a newly elected president who's defense in his rape trial was that the sex was consensual, against whom corruption charges were dropped due to technical discrepancies in the prosecution, and of who's four wives and fiancees I have no idea who the first lady is. Makes it difficult for me to admire either him or the first lady.

ahh.... reminds me of the 'good ole days' of when Clinton was in the White House

6. Public transport: I guess Americans might not agree with me but trust me, your public transport system is fantastic. Sure, there are some systems in Europe that are way better still but compared to South Africa's, yours is champagne. It may be a hassle at times with transfers and less than enjoyable bus journeys but for the most part I think it is accurate to say that you can travel between any two points on the continental USA by using the public transport system only.

what are you defining as "public transportation"? are you included Airlines that are shareholder owned? or only government run private transportation such as subways and buses in municipalities?

the US government has not "coast to coast" public transportation such as buses or trains. (yet Amtrack is propped up by the government to keep it from closing).

we do have a good "interstate system" though. (thanks to Eisenhower)

 

[Deefstes]

Yeah, I realise my definition of public transport might not be accurate. I reckoned Amtrak and Greyhound into the definition of public transport.

Either way, in South Africa you'd have a hard time just getting from your hotel to the Greyhound station. In the USA there will be some bus or train or combination that will get you to the Greyhound station.

ahh.... reminds me of the 'good ole days' of when Clinton was in the White House

That is too funny! So much for my theory of the family man being revered. Like I said, I'm not very clued up on American politics and I've wondered about this Clinton thing. He seems to be a popular ex-president. Anyone care to explain?

 

[mike_s]

Most city buses are operated by some "mass transist authority" that is part of the city/muncipality or a larger geographic multi county area. (for example in san fran they have BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit authority). In Atlanta they have MARTA (Metra Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) which operates subways and buses.

most of these at some point connect with Amtrack and Greyhound or other train/bus services which are privately operated (even if they get government subsidies to keep certain routes open).

However, most mid size and smaller cities (unless right outside a large metropolitan area) don't have any kind of mass public transit.

I guess that's why Americans are so attached to their cars for trips, etc (if it's within driving distance).

 

[Laustimus]

1. Choices: If you feel like indulging in fast food you have an endless number of chains to choose from. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, Taco Bell and the list never stops.

And the even better part is if you are smart and have good taste you can go get some real food from an inexhaustible list of places too!

 

[MattJ]

Always nice to get a fresh perspective.

If you ever get the chance, I *highly* recommend visiting Yellowstone. The natural beauty there is unforgettable.

 

[Scott]

If you ever get the chance, I *highly* recommend visiting Yellowstone. The natural beauty there is unforgettable.

I'll second that.
I find it interesting that people from all over the world will come to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, yet I have neighbors who have not visited either one and both are a mere 5 hours away.

Thank you and please come again.

 

[on_two_wheels]

but grocery shopping was an experience... yellow stuff in a can does not make it cheese guys

I agree....anyone from a country that not only has but loves vegemite has no business talking about our yellow toothpaste.


On the other hand, New Zealand is easily my favorite country. I've served my country for 20 years now and still counting. I've seen 12 countries on 5 continents (some in the worst of times). In those 20 years I've seen a country that was proud, well run and a true world power respected by it's allies and feared by it's enemies. I now serve a country wrought with corruption and greed slowly evolving (or de-evolving) into something socialist. Our government now owns the largest insurance company, many banks and the largest auto maker (hmmm...USA, Inc?). At the same time, Chinese (communist) companies are slowly buying up the largest businesses in this country. Anyone that thinks they won't collectively have influence in government is naive. I pray often that it will all turn around and return to it's former glory. I'm not overly optimistic.

I'm happy to see others coming here and appreciating what we have. I hope they can return in 20 years and be equally or more impressed.

 

[gypsyjim]

Two Wheels: hey, it's change the voters said they wanted and it's change they're gonna get!

The only consultation I can see right now is the fact that this is such a large and diverse country. The larger the ship the longer it takes to really change it's course. Quick attempts to turn may rock it, but to turn it around takes some time.

I never would have believed Americans would sit still and watch their country be re invented in some Collegiate highbrow experiment in Marxism but a bunch of amateur socialists!

My hope is that enough of the citizens begin to feel the pain all this big brother control, anti American weakness based "peacemaking" and socialism is bringing, soon enough to say, "Hey, this isn't the kind of change we wanted!" :depressed:

My son at 15 is quite aware that his country is quickly becoming a far different place than he thought that he was living in, and he can't wait til it's his generation's turn to vote for change! There may be hope yet!

 

[SEMO Scuba]

Deefstes,
Thank you for your kind observations. I read several forums and most of the time folks from other countries are slamming my good old USA. It's nice to hear a visitor from another country appreciate the good thing things we have.

 

[BTravlin]

Try to get by Glacier National Park in Montana too. Awesome.