Something I wanted to say

[mike001]

I know where you are coming from Miss Z and I must say it's been a long time since I've read anything so well put.Thanks for a great post.

[Bengalz]

I agree - this is a well written and well thought out post Miss Z. You have clearly stated your feelings in a mature and sensitive manner. We all have opinions and those opinions will differ from time to time. Your clarification is a good example of how mature discussions should be handled - respectfully.

Thank you,
Betty

[borzoimom]

I agree - this is a well written and well thought out post Miss Z. You have clearly stated your feelings in a mature and sensitive manner. We all have opinions and those opinions will differ from time to time. Your clarification is a good example of how mature discussions should be handled - respectfully.

Thank you,
Betty

AMEN!

[Twisterdog]

That was a good post, and one to get us all thinking.

I usually don't get involved in politics too much, because to me it is usually a "lose/lose" situation. But if I ever do make an offensive remark about another's country of origin, religion, political views, etc. rest assured it is not intentional. Speaking for myself, I'm sure I sometimes do present a completely "American" view of things, simply because I am an American. We all speak from the experience we have, and from what we know. I do try, as I think most of us do, to see the world from a different perspective, but we all have a limited viewpoint to some degree.

I guess, though, that if I posted on a site based in, and comprised mostly of citizens from, England or Russia or France ... I would expect an almost strictly English, Russian or French point of view ... however well one definition of "point of view" can fit an entire country, especially one as large and diverse as America.

[carole]

All i can say is we have so much to learn from one another,listen with an open ear.)

[sparks19]

One thing I thought of while watching TV lol

I don't think anyone is harder on Americans than... Americans. We constantly disagree with one another and are constantly questioning not only our governments decisions but our own as well. so while you think "we" are rough on your country and make blanket statements.... you should see the things we say about ourselves.

[Karen]

Thank you for your post, Miss Z! It is always welcome, and good to hear the viewpoints of people from somewhere else.

Do not let any single American poster represent our whole country in your mind, please. We are as varied as can be - even though politicians talk about "red states" and "Blue states" at election time, each and every state contains people of every political stripe - our states, indeed our country - is more plaid than solid-colored.

And of course, we all value our freedom of expression - even when it leads to disagreements.

And here on Pet Talk, I hope we can always be civil even in our disagreements, as well. Your post was carefully and thoughtfully written, and I applaud that!

By the way, I had a great-great Aunt Emma, who emmigrated here from England with her sister - my great-great-grandmother, when they were young women and to the end of her life told everyone she hated it here, and wanted to go back to England, but never did. I never met her, she died before I was born, but whenever I was showing older generations pictures I found cleaning my Great Aunt Bertha's house out, to a person, each would say "Oh, that's Aunt Emma, she hated it here, and wanted to go back!" and that's pretty much all I know about her!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I agree that one of the nice things about Pet talk is that we get to share ideas, stories, and photos with people from all over the globe.

And, I can see how sometimes, people have a tendency to be a bit egocentric. I know Americans have a particular reputation for that, so if anything, instances where it may be true may do little but confirm a stereotype. I know you are not suggesting that, but there are many Americans in real life and on pet talk that value other cultures and other ways of doing things...I actually think people who seem to be intolerant on this board are in the minority but perhaps more vocal.