X-Message-Number: 19753 Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 17:07:30 -0700 From: "John Grigg" <> Subject: Differences between friends... I wrote: >... .I think the next time the U.S. builds some cool piece of >technology, we should keep it well away from the French. This >would force them to invent their own stuff, and not just steal <it from us... Talk about rude behavior!!! Olaf Henny responded: John, I like you and your generally positive posts, but where does that crap come from? (And who is rude?) (end) Many Americans come away with the impression many(but by no means all) French people are rude. I don't entirely blame the French on this, since citizens of the U.S. and other nations pour into their land each year as tourists. But than again, they don't seem to complain about all that extra money strengthening their economy! lol I had a friend tell me the French in the infrequently visited countryside tend to be very nice, but the folks who live in large urban areas(inundated by tourists) tend to be the very rude ones. It does somewhat make sense. you continue: I presume, that has its roots from your indoctrination from preschool on, that the US is the greatest country in the world, and if we all just could pattern ourselves after the American system, the world would be a wonderful place to live in. (end) We Americans are very proud of our accomplishments, and we definitely have solid reasons for it. Our military prowess kept Europe free from Nazi and Soviet tyranny, and our economic strength rebuilt it after WWII. We currently must try to gently guide Russia and China along the path of peace and brotherhood among nations. This will not be an easy task, considering both powers may turn against us and also their neighbors in the years ahead, in a quest for political and military gain. Peace with such nations(considering their histories) will ONLY come from a position of strength. I do not think other nations must pattern themselves after us. We certainly pay a high price for our emphasis on military and economic supremacy. High taxes combined with a certain amount of neglect for the poor(and middle class) are examples of this. you continue: It probably is all that by American standards, which emphasize science and technology (good for us cryonicists), martial skills and unbridled entrepreneurialism and which makes them world leaders in all those categories. (end) I am very proud of my nation for these key areas being of paramount value to us. I do admit however, that we do not care for our citizens as well as we might. A scandinavian welfare system would not be the answer, though! you continue: However other nations priorities lie more in humane treatment of _all_ members of their societies, and in that aspect the US is not only the taillight of the G7, but it lags behind the other 6 and behind all the members of the EU by a wide margin. Instead of the universal right to bear arms all the others hold up the right to universal health care. Nobody gets bumped from the right to health care because of extended chronic illness. They all have abandoned capital punishment as barbaric and unbecoming to a civilized society. It is the emphasis on preservation of life and health, which should give that set of values appeal to cryonicists. (end) The U.S. must certainly do much more regarding this crucial matter. But you must remember that nations with universal health care often make their citizens wait sometimes a LONG time for the care they need. Sometimes so long the person actually dies. So don't tell me the european approach is perfect. And we do spend billions on our Medicare and Medicaid programs. you continue: I am not saying that one system is superior to any other (although I do have a preference), but I do say, that the universe does not exactly revolve around the American system of values. That has evolved out of American history, is indigenous to the US and has a rightful place there. But that does not mean, that the rest of the world has to follow the US example. (end) The universe does not revolve around the United States?? Why, of course it does!! lol! Seriously, I am glad you are at least insightful regarding how we came to be who we are. And if not for the warlike tendancies of certain european states, WE would not even be the somewhat militaristic society we are. Please keep that key fact in mind! lol you continue: Now we come to the point, which raised my blood pressure: Just because the US is the world leader in most fields of science and technology, that does not mean, that the rest of us are STEALING it from you. There is a universally accepted patent system in the world, which is recognized and adhered to by all developed nations. If we are using American technology, we pay good royalties for it. (end) I did not intend at all to slight all European nations on this very touchy matter. BUT the fact is the French government's intelligence agencies, AND their corporations, have had a policy for years of spying on U.S. corporations and their employees. This is very well documented! The French in fact have at times gone too far in terms of breaking into hotel rooms, bribes, blackmail, etc. that corporate america has had to appeal to the U.S. gov't to exert pressure so that the French would at least tone it down. I realize many other nations engage in this(China, etc.), but the French are supposed to be our ally and European "brother!" But they sure don't act like it at times. It is now a booming business for U.S. corporate employees(especially when headed overseas) to get special training in how to deal with these problems. Olaf, thank you for giving me the opportunity to discuss these matters. best wishes, John __________________________________________________________ Win a First Class Trip to Hawaii to Vacation Elvis Style! http://r.lycos.com/r/sagel_mail/http://www.elvis.lycos.com/sweepstakes Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=19753