Something I wanted to say

[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.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Great post!

There is good and bad in every country and different rights and wrongs all over the world....

[lizbud]

Miss Z,

I have just finished reading the thread you referred to in the original post.
(all 7 pages of it) I wanted to say I do understand what you meant now.

I think is is remarkable to hear such a mature, thoughtful post from one
of our younger members & I applaud you for it. A lot of our adult members
could learn a lot about style & grace from you.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Miss Z,

I have just finished reading the thread you referred to in the original post.
(all 7 pages of it) I wanted to say I do understand what you meant now.

I think is is remarkable to hear such a mature, thoughtful post from one
of our younger members & I applaud you for it. A lot of our adult members
could learn a lot about style & grace from you.

I couldn't agree more. I have just re-read the entire thread myself.

Zara, as others have said, you are an amazing young woman. I admire you greatly. I would love to meet you sometime

[Miss Z]

I have to say how glad I am that all the wonderful people who replied to this thread have kept it very civil and I am so happy that you have found it in your hearts to understand. I know to many here my views may seem obscure and thought I might receive a little backlash for it, but you are all so amazing when it comes to listening to others concerns. I would love to meet ALL of you in person one day!

I now feel that I can read more political threads without cringing or biting my tongue, and I thank you all for that. I am quite happy to read about American views where American politics is involved, I know that in that type of thread my place is to sit out and learn more about different political views. I hope that from now on I will feel more free to post my own political views in certain topics.

I was browsing a few threads and have actually found a few where American views have been discriminated against, and I just want you all to know that I feel just as wronged about that as I do for my own country.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Miss Z....I think maybe nationality is like family....I can complain and gripe about my mother or my sister...or whoever...all day long...but if someone else (including my husband ) says something critical of my family....thems fighting words!!!!!!

Well done....