The Emperor

Thanks removed - karma given too!

Curb Zone

 

Alfie

Too bad you became independent, we would've ruled the world of hockey so bad!

What I like about Sweden:
- The welfare system. You get a feeling that there's always a big brother to take care of you whatever happens. This might not be the case anymore with our new government.

- Equality. Sweden works very hard to keep rights between men, women, white, black, gay, straight, everyone as equal as possible.

- Looks. I like that we(imo) have the most beutiful women in the world, together with Norway. Probobly also the best dressed. Also probobly the best dressed men. Sweden is like a catwalk compared to some countries.

What I don't like:
- The rules/laws. I get the feeling that there's always someone complaining about something, even the most ridiculous things and it gets blown out of proportion in the media. So because of that we make new laws and rules for even the stupidest things. And often stupid laws as well, just to keep people from complaining.

- People/Culture. I love Swedes, don't get me wrong, it's just that people here are too self obsessed and not social and outgoing enough. Swedes are by rule afraid to meet other people. Which is why we drink alot, because that's the only time we dare to talk to other people. Young people are better though. And some traditions are just weird...

- Predujice/ignorance. This is mainly directed to motosport. Swedes see motosport as something super dangerous, and because of that we are not interested in it.
And we live is safe little Sweden, so anything that comes from elsewhere is scary and nothing for us.

Off the top of my head...

Choleric

Proud to be an American? Yes.

Yes, I may dissaprove of some things our governmen is doing right now, but I still stand behind the Stars and Stripes.

To follow Mike's format:

Politics:
Currently The US is fiercely divided between the left and right but eventually something will bring us together. But I only hope in '08 something can at least mend what has happened over the padt 7 years. Ever since 2000 everything has become so damn polarized, everything absolutely everything has to be either liberal or conservative these days. Hell, buy one brand of toothpaste as opposed to another and people will cry out you're a 'stinkin liberal'.

History:
History, I love American history, In under 300 years, this once tiny group of colonies has risen to the greatest nation on the planet. Simply amazing.

Welfare state:
Hehe Welfare. Well, it is innate for Americans to hate taxes, and in order to have a complete social welfare state, you need to heavily tax the people. I am proud of our partial free market system so far, I do support Social security, but do not believe in free universal healthcare. Do wish the Government would spend more on education and scholarships, etc..

The People:
I am proud to be an American, most especially a Nebraskan, we are extremely friendly people. I hte how foreigners see us in a negative light before ever getting to know us, we are great people, unfortunately there are many stereotypes attatched to Americans

The country:
America is a Beautiful land, very diverse, ranging from cold northern states to hot southern states, wet humid enviroments to dry scorching hot deserts. There is so much to see it, truly is amazing. I only wish I couls see everything there is to see.

The economy:
Well of course The US has a strong economy, one of the strongest, and I am proud to be apart of that.

Bruce

Thank you all for the interesting responses!

Matt

proud of america....hell yes. Have we made mistakes?-your damn right we have-- and we are-and we will continue too....

America is what it is because it was founded on ideals, rather than borders-On values-over common heritage. But most importantly by a people who were willing to fight and die for it. That is what makes this country so great. However the most important of these ideals-is freedom, freedom to grow economically, freedom to compete, and freedom to work hard and reap the benefits of that labor. Other countries find it better to promote equality-however america is the economic success that it is because one person is able to succeed over another-by means of his or her efforts. Its the inequality that brings about innovation and change-and forces us all to strive. Therefore we form the strongest economy over any country-with one of the highest GDPs....


And of course we have our problems-like jeff pointed out, were far to devided. Far too focused on blaming rather than fixing the problem. Of course thats partisanship in a nutshell.

Mirage77

I think Singapore has progressed so much, from being just a third world country, without any natural resources, to being a first world today, in just under a span of 50 years. That kind of growth is seldom seen anywhere else in the world, and it's all due to good governance, sound economic policies and a hardworking population. Lots of it is due to luck and geography as well, as we lie at the crossroads of the world's major trading routes.

I'm very proud of Singapore's diligence and consistency in its policies and progress. It continually reinvents itself to stay relevant, and that's what I like, a progressive society. Not a society that relies on protectionism or tariffs or what not to keep their domestic economy stable (for the short term).

Singapore also ranks as one of the richest and most developed nations in the world. Not bad for a small city state of just 4 million people.

That said, I'm not proud of some of our practices of society. For instance, we're not exactly the most courteous people around. We're unlikely to help someone who gets stranded on the road for instance. And we usually close our eyes to an elderly because we want to keep our seats on the bus and don't want to offer it to someone else. Our social etiquette leaves much to be desired but it's improving.

So, on a whole, I'm very, very satisfied with life here. But I could do with some good weather and less restrictions.

Amo

Yup, I'm definitely a proud Scotsman! Yes I know it seems as if it always rains here, but I can honestly say it isnt that bad! Combine sunny weather, and Scottish countryside and you will be breathtaken. Scotland has it's big cities etc but the rural countryside is only 10 minutes away (with great twisting roads for a bit of fun too may I add!).

And yes, there is so much more to Scottish history than told by Mel Gibson in Braveheart! Scottish history is partly what makes Scots so patriotic about our country. Then we have many groundbreaking scientists and brilliant architects. Scottish people are on the whole very friendly and accepting. We have all cultures and races now in Scotland, and everyone is accepted without too many people causing any problems.

Crime can be a problem in the big cities, but I cant really think of any 'bad' points to Scotland! Come to Scotland!



Modern city architecture and....



Beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

Va Va Voom

ummmmmmmmmm no. I live in england

Choleric

I've been there and loved it, and want to go back. It is the land of my ancestors as well.

BTW whats your stance on Scottish Independence, now that the SNP is in the majority?

Amo

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Hmmm, as for the SNP, thats a delicate subject.

Personally, I'm not in favour of them. This sounds strange to most people I say this too because they know I am proud of living in Scotland. I don't think the SNP are a very compotent party, but more importantly I don't think Scotland needs total independence. People seem to forget Scotland is already a country in it's own right. Independence would be a huge undertaking, and in my opinion, money that can be spent elsewhere. Anyway, the SNP have a majority of only 1 seat in the parliament, and I very much doubt Scotland will see independence during this term. The union is good for every country in it.

Oh, and just thought I;d show my bit of celebration - 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held here in Glasgow!

Curb Zone