What is Digg?409 Comments
- VocalFX, on 10/10/2007, -13/+55Just to clarify. We don't hate the american people, just the poor choices that your government has made in the past few years and that you still stand by them.
- kazamx, on 10/10/2007, -5/+33I think Germany is one of the best countries to lecture to corrupt american government. They are the country that know better than any other just how easy it is to give away all your freedom in return for security.
Hitler promised to protect the German people from the Jews (who were blamed for losing WW1) All they had to do was give up their freedoms. They were so scared that they would be destroyed and have their country run by Jews that they gave up all their freedoms to protect their way of life.
today the Americans are giving up their freedoms to protect their way of life from the muslims. Sounds like your on the same path. maybe you need to learn from history, listen to what the germans have to say. - unknownpoltroon, on 10/10/2007, -10/+32I travel a lot. I have a simple answer: " I'm more disgusted you could ever be."
- drumpat01, on 10/10/2007, -8/+28I wouldn't have a problem over there because i hate most of Bush's policy too. I'd just say, "yea your right, he is crazy."
- inactive, on 10/10/2007, -16/+35Tell them your from Canada.
- mgnyc11, on 10/10/2007, -39/+58Ask them to explain Germany's policies in the 1930s and 40s to us. Germany is the last country in the world that should be asking anyone to defend their government's policies to anyone.
- DruSam, on 10/10/2007, -7/+25Any german digg users here? I'm an American, I love you guys. Hug me.
- misterjangles, on 10/10/2007, -0/+17Almost every other American I know HATES Bush and even the one's who voted for him feel like they were lied to. We vote every year, but only certain offices expire. The last election, Bush's Republican party lost all the majority power it had mostly in response to Bush. Since then I think people only dislike him more.
Bush will be gone in less than 2 years.
The problem is that the "lame duck" president as we call a president who is serving out the remainder of his term after losing an election. That period of time when they know nothing matters - that is usually when they do all of the worst ***** because it doesn't matter. They pardon criminals, pass controversial laws. So, I am waiting with disgust thinking about what Bush is going to to do. - SpykerSpeed, on 10/10/2007, -11/+27I think this story says more about the German people than it does Americans or their country's foreign policy.
- jmpeagle, on 10/10/2007, -8/+24judging by the pic in the article http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,grossbild-929069-496731,00.html
it seems Europe and Muslim countries hate us the most, but African countries and Asian countries like us. The question is how long will it take to reverse the negative attitides of the Middle East, Europe, and Muslim Asian nations after Bush is gone. Billions of dollars in aid to indonesia and relief from the military and thousands of college kids from the U.S. going over there to rebuild after the Tsunami didn't make a dent in their disdain for us. It's an uphill battle. - imnojezus, on 10/10/2007, -1/+16I think the reason Americans are taken to task so much more than Chinese or Arab students is that the Americans are supposed to have the power to CHANGE the policy when it's wrong. Of course, it's unrealistic to place that kind of responsibility on a single student, but ultimately, it is OUR problem
- nasalspray, on 10/10/2007, -4/+18It's not always about throwing money at a problem.
Money won't erase attitudes, which have either festered or been fostered for years and years.
It's also not about controlling the problem. Sometimes it may be best to quit trying so hard and to focus on our own issues here. That, at least, is part of the German perception of us in the US - that we can't even handle our own problems yet we inject ourselves into the problems of others?
I'm afraid that the negative perception will be here for a long long time.
Amazing how far we've come in the world in just six short years, huh? - chroto, on 10/10/2007, -5/+18This article made it seem that to be American in Germany is to be constantly blindsided by accusing questions. If this is really the case, then I wish Germans would stop hiding behind the "we love Americans but hate the government" Just admit you have the social stereotypes of Americans as being fat, lazy Bible thumpers. Cause we know that you do.
btw, I don't care what people in other countries think of how we live our lives or if we eat organic or not or who we vote for. This is our country and you have no idea how it is to live and work here. I just wish Americans abroad wouldn't bend over backwards to apologize to people. - Pilot85, on 10/10/2007, -0/+13Thats just it. A rather small minority still do, but the vast majority of the nation does not. And if the rant and tirade comes at us, people who already agree with many of your positions, then it is counterproductive.
- marcomc2, on 10/10/2007, -16/+28yes there are german digg users here.
first of all, someone said germany should shut up cause of what they did in the 30s, 40s.
that we shouldnt be talking, that YOU, the USA has learned from us.
Really? Are you sure? Do you know what your country has become in the last 6 years?
The gov can open your mail, listen to your calls, label you an 'enemy combatant', arrest you
without a charge, put you away in a ***** camp, and after july 17th of 2007, take your property
and your person without due process.
WHAT THE ***** IS THAT PLEASE. Youve learned?
I dont think so - fluffythekitten, on 10/10/2007, -7/+19i'll try, but my hands won't probably meet behind your back ;-Þ
- jmpeagle, on 10/10/2007, -1/+13"Amazing how far we've come in the world in just six short years"
it isn't just other's perceptions of us to, but our perceptions of others. Prior to 2001, a majority of Americans had a positive view of the French, but when they opposed us in Iraq (which turned out to be the smart idea, although some will argue that they had business interests there) our view of them plummeted and sinc they have been vindicated in opposing Iraq, our pride left a majority of Americans still disliking them. - Calcularius, on 10/10/2007, -1/+12The Germans know good and well what their policies were in the 30's and 40's and they are intensely ashamed of it.
If they were asked to explain it, they probably would, and then ask why America hasn't learned anything from it. - noahhoward, on 10/10/2007, -1/+11In the democratic system, like it or not, Washington's policy IS our policy.
Regardless of their actions there is a method for us to correct them. Every law can be repealed, every executive order can be blocked, every crooked politician can be removed and it is our responsibility to do so. If our rights are stripped, if our nation goes to war, it is our fault.
At current Washington's policy can only be 'justified' as our failure. - leogodin217, on 10/10/2007, -5/+15Why are Europeans so obsessed with America. Europe has it's own troubles do deal with. How about taking less time insulting Americans and spending more times ensuring religious freedom, free speech, sustainable economies and other things that Europe is quickly losing.
- kazamx, on 10/10/2007, -2/+12but your filled with Krispy Cream
- kazamx, on 10/10/2007, -1/+11I think this is the key point. I don't think you need to pump money into countries, blow ***** up or bring democracy. What the world wants to see from America is some humility.
Europe sees America as a troubled teen. You have all this energy, strength and power, but its new and your not wise enough to use it. You are young and feel like your the greatest there has ever been. you stomp around the world expecting everyone to love you and not careing about their feelings. you feel your way is always the best way. if anyone says no to you, you sulk and start with the hate.
If America could just admit it screwed up Iraq, its cost half a million people their lives and destabalised many other countries, we could move on. The rest of the world could come and help you get out of Iraq and help with the rebuilding. But you won't, just like a teenager you will pretend it never happened and will never say sorry. To make it even worse you will try to hide your failure by making a bigger mistake Iran - kazamx, on 10/10/2007, -4/+13Almost no German alive to day had anything to do with that. Those that are alive were small children at the time. You were not one of the brave men who stopped the Nazi's. You are living on your fathers and grandfathers honour. its not your honour to tressure. Just like the discrace of the germans fathers and grandfathers is not their discrace.
If you want to look back into history, then the American people committed one of the worst genocides the world has ever seen. They pretty much iradicated the Native Americans. Pot calling the kettle black?
We each make our own mark on the world. Where our fathers might influence where we start its up to us where we end up. - DruSam, on 10/10/2007, -0/+9@bfullergwu
geez, he was joking...However, I'm a skinny American believe it or not. :P - inactive, on 10/10/2007, -14/+23Yeah tell those 16 year olds why their great grandparents were *****! That will show em! Yeah. Go U S A !!!
You know they are probably asking the US kids why THEIR parents voted for a Republican, and why on earth would anyone in the 21st century vote for Bush? - inactive, on 10/10/2007, -4/+13"Just to clarify. We don't hate the american people, just the poor choices that your government has made in the past few years and that you still stand by them."
***** you, this is the same thing the article is talking about and I've lived overseas and yea, many people are just jerks over there, and no, I know the difference between cultural nuances and jerks, so it's not just a misunderstanding. A lot of people like to have simple political talks which is something they do so ok... but there are even more people over there just want to find any American they can and vocally crucify them.
Many Americans are well educated and are against Bush, yet no matter how much they hear it these jerks don't believe it..."SURE SURE SILLY AMERICAN! AGAINST BUSH RIGHT! Here let me tell you about the evils of your government which you might be unaware of living in ***** America..." Then when you leave, "I'll bet that ***** voted for Bush."
The truth is, not everyone voted for Bush, and if they did, not everyone supports what he is doing or what his campaign has become. AND...AND even IF someone did vote for him, and believes that we are truly out there on a mission to kick ass and take names, relax we'll call in the democrats next year and fix it all up, and then bury it in the trunk like watergate, vietnam, etc. I remember the days of Vietnam, and that was incomparable to this *****...yes we are over there when we shouldn't be, and yes some people like to compare it to Vietnam....but ***** them, they obviously wern't old enough to remember Vietnam, this is bad, but not that bad. - jasoninoakland, on 10/10/2007, -1/+9It's true that Germans' guilt makes them all the more self-righteous now that they're country has learned from the Holocaust. They've heard decades of criticism from other countries (mostly other European ones), so now they feel they can do the same. They are right.
- banjokelly, on 10/10/2007, -0/+8From my perspective, this story reflects the day to day feeling in Europe very closely. I've met Americans who have to pretend to be Canadian just to get past this need we Europeans have to launch endless questions at US visitors. I'm not sure if we do this because we genuinely want to understand you and why you re-elected an extremist, or if we secretly enjoy the leader of the world being taken down a peg. Probably a bit of both - still, I for one don't want the US to fail. I don't know anyone who hates Americans by the way. People know it's the administration - but we still look to you as individuals to get your house in order. So instead of inventing personal rules confused for universal truths like "you don't have to defend your admitted failures" - read the article again - there's a whole lot of US visitors to Europe doing a lot of hard work on your behalf, trying to bridge the divide the government you elected created between us, and I think they deserve your attention and respect.
- jasoninoakland, on 10/10/2007, -1/+9You have to understand that most Americans are self-centered and almost childlike in their ignorance about the rest of the world (keep in mind I'm an American, but who has spent 7 years of his life living abroad, in 3 different countries). This aspect of the American national character is, ironically, the wellspring of creativity, but it also leads to a profound ignorance of where we stand with respect to the world. Anyone watcing Sicko will understand this.
- toketeeman, on 10/10/2007, -8/+15What I see revealed here is a huge population of Germans who are adequately informed and politically aware of the American situation - as opposed to the great masses of ignorant young voting-age Americans who don't read or listen to the news, cannot identify their state's U.S. Senators, or don't even know who Alberto Gonzales is - which is pretty much why a moronic fascist was elected to the Presidency of our country in the first place.
- aptmunich, on 10/10/2007, -4/+11Substitute "Germany" for "Western European country" and continue discussion.
This has nothing to do with any World War's or the holocaust. - bobzibub, on 10/10/2007, -1/+8True. In general, young Germans live down their history and believe that government should place a high priority on doing the ethical thing. They know full well where militarism and authoritarianism lead.
Living in the US, I had to explain Canada's position (not joining the war on Iraq) a number of times. The words "stupid" and "disaster" and "civil war" were used even back then. - DephexTwin, on 10/10/2007, -1/+8So, you voted for Bush in 2000, but were disappointed because he was so "socialist", and then at the next election your voting was based on spite?? Listen, um, if you are kind of busy on election day 2008, just don't worry about it so much.
- inactive, on 10/10/2007, -5/+12I would also like to add that many of the policies, and executive orders and yet still unknown secrete executive orders, that have been implemented by this administration is on par for 1930's Germany. So maybe that's why they are concerned!!
- jmpeagle, on 10/10/2007, -2/+8because Germans travel a hell of a lot more than Americans
- blacklist, on 10/10/2007, -6/+12So my father risked his life during the Berlin airlift, the American people spent millions of dollars to help Germany. Now I am supposed to go over there and say I'm Canadian, so I don't get lectured? No I'm American, proud of my father, proud of what my country did. I will not lie about my heritage.
- vertinox, on 10/10/2007, -2/+8Are you responsible for the murder and starvation of millions of native Americans since 1789?
Are you responsible for the forced labor of the millions of african americans?
No? Why not? You're an American! Same difference... There is hardly anyone alive today who wasn't simply a kid during WWII.
Hell... Even the pope was a member of the Hitler Youth. - vertinox, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6Best reply ever: "Hey, but at least you don't have to live there!"
- dview, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7Read up on history. Hitler applied scare tactics, and named the Communists after the Reichstag fire, as the ones who threatened national security. When Hitler was elected dictator, he put restrictions on personal liberties, the right of free expression of opinion, including freedom of the press, on the rights of assembly and association, and violations of the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications. The Reichtags, consisting of almost 40% of Hitler's party, agreed for over two-thirds with his plans.
I think the current situation in the US is somewhat similar; If the US is attacked on American soil, I would certainly not be surprised if another, new war is declared and martial law is put into effect. - bakshi, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7Your assessment is excellent. I believe this is one of the best comments in this thread!
- vertinox, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6Umm.... Learn some damn history. WWI was started between Austria and Serbia. The chain of alliances got everyone else involved. Germany took the lead of their alliance because the Austrians were so damn incompetant.
Secondly, had the Allies not been such dicks about Versailles treaty then Hitler would never had gotten into power. - bdlang, on 10/10/2007, -2/+8You're free to leave. In fact, I'd prefer it.
- inhaler, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7In comparrison to Rio - the sesspool of South America? Why not the pacific islands, where children are forced into prostitution? That ***** America...
Instead of getting pissed because you can't stop consuming our homogenizing Western culture, drinking up our exports of entertainment/fast food/consumer electronics/fashion, you should promote a more isolationist attitude for your own nation, and start doing things there to bring change for the better. Complaining about America is another convenient misdirection - it allows people to ***** on someone else from a distance without having to confront the problems that are right next to them. - bkubiat, on 10/10/2007, -3/+9First of all, you should learn some history, World War 1 .. Austria.
Second, we are not fighting now, but US are.
Third, our wars were on our continent. US fights anywhere and anytime they please, for reasons that are made up on demand. They arrest people outside their region of sovereignty, which is basically kidnapping. - CoryTrevor, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6Dude, step back to the middle at bit so we can talk.
- codye, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6Because ragging on Americans is more emotionally satisfying?
- Pilot85, on 10/10/2007, -3/+9no one wonders why everyone dislikes us so much. Anyone who does has been in a coma the past 6 years.
- misterjangles, on 10/10/2007, -5/+11I think on the evil scale, Hitler rates a 10, where as Bush, maybe I would give him a 6.
But, I don't think Germans should "shut up". However, they should look at their own history and understand that the leaders do not always necessarily represent the citizens and they can use the media and such to trick them. - kazamx, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7So you think your a hero because your dad or grandad fought. no my friend your still a slob living in your moms basement. I will not show you honour for that which your father did. I won't look down on a German who had nothing to do with WW1 or WW2.
- BarneyF, on 10/10/2007, -0/+5Several points: 1) Germany doesn't need or even really want American money.
2) Germans (or Europeans in general) do NOT hate Americans. That's Republican propaganda. In fact, just after 9/11 there was a demonstration in Berlin - 2 MILLION people were out on the street in a pro American sympathy demonstration. It was one of the biggest demonstrations in the city's (crazy) history.
3) Germans do care about peace and sensible foreign relations, two things the Bushies hold in contempt. This is the result of 50 years of intense propaganda, and of course the horrors of a war Americans can't even imagine.
4) Germans are often interested in talking about America & American politics. Sometimes it's just interest and curiosity, sometimes it's because they are upset about Bush's nuttiness, sometimes it's an attempt to find some justification for the behavior of the country they admire, and sometimes it's point scoring. Depends upon the person ( and in the last case, the amount of alcohol). -
Show 51 - 100 of 388 discussions
The Digg Toolbar for Firefox lets you Digg, submit content, and keep track of Digg even when you're not on the Digg site. Download the official 
© Digg Inc. 2009
— Content created and posted by Digg users is