Maybe it's just me?

Kristof...I completely agree with what you had to say. Do check the definition of mandate and maybe read that first statement in quotes again. If it's me I'll appologize.

Luch, you won my respect, the worst thing Ive ever heard when you bring up actors thier famous sob story is i use to work 12/14 hours a day being a waitor or waitress until i was found...a the ripe age of 20, cry me a river.
Riley if he turns this place around, I'll send him a set of 500.00 sneakers.
And Luch, One thing that sticks in my mind that i will never forget when I traveled down there, was seeing the smiles on peoples faces, genuine in fact a smile with the sense of true happiness not happiness from a material item, the family values and friendships that i was exposed too doesnt compare to anything close here, I see your pictures all the time and thats the first thing I think about, all the people are smiling and most probably have next to nothing well 2 cars and a big house, you know what i mean....but i begged the company i worked for to transfer me down there and they wouldnt because of issues with employing within the country...but I saw what i saw and explained to these guy's that worked side by side with me making 7 bucks a day, why would you want to leave a paradise like this and go up there? For the American dream? if i had the opportunity right now and things were different i would be right there with you sipping a Polar or a Bohemia with a big smile

Hey guys, yes the Governor thing was on all newspapers this week, what a coincidence eh? now all the tabloids are into it.

As for your question, I will tell you that as you said, capitalism is the same everyworld, or almost, the difference is that what you call "the American Dream" for us is the chance to start with absolutely ZERO and then getting credits, loans etc to make something out of it... or dont as I guess finally happened in the US, and then mess the hole system.

But for many is a way of stepping up in life, here most people are doomed to what they were born with. But there's also another side to the story, and that would be consumism, it's stuck on people's head and frankly the US are the world leaders on that, maybe the japaneese too but it's a close race, people around here are really into the consumption junction thing, therefore they worship Americans for that and believe, as you do that you have the "best products in the world" and that "made in america" is a certificate of happiness, and since consumism is a non stopping thing it's always evolving.

Now on the US situation, I'm not into full detail neither know economic details, but I can give you my general thought on the thing.

I think most people live with way more of what they really need, and it doesnt have anything to do with life quality, how can life quality be affected for a 3 years older boat or car?
How is it that you turn on the TV and see those guys throwing away hundres of thousands (or millions) on parties, jewels and excentric details while so many other are in need? Dont get me wrong,I understand people worked, or daddy worked, but when does it start being too much? where is the line?
An example is an actor earning 20millions dollars for a movie, what the hell, he's only and actor!!!, it's just a movie!!! You work a hole life 24/7 and dont make that profit.
Capitalism turned into something sick, not because of people earning money, but because of people that dont, there are as many or more looser than winners and I'm not talking comunism, but a government has to take of all, at least for the most basics things on life, yes the rest is up to each one. But life is not only for those who profit.

I felt really good when Obama won, I have the sense he's a different man and I think it's a chance for the American people to change minds, and start living a little bit different if that's possible, yes that could mean sacrificies for you all. You might not agree with his policies but I doubt he will do something shameful for your nation, as were many images from the past 8 years or the latter on middle east running over the media.

Changes are scary, and nobody likes to be the one who looses in them, but then why cant you now when other's been there for years? It's still the same game, just different rules.

I hope nobody got offended, I know most people here are hardcore Americans and very proud of it, I'm wishing you the best of lucks, and I'm sure you'll all do well.


PS: Eric dont ever get me started on religions!!!

'Liberty and Tyranny' by Mark Levin

This book will never see the desktop in government school. They don't want us to know.    

BuffaloBFN wrote: I'd like to hear from Luch, Roger, Kristof, Kap... Not one of you picked up on 'restraint on gov't' What exactly does that statement imply?!!?

Perhaps it implies government is out of control? Not sure about this. I honestly believe that governments may not be out of control, but rather lacking wisdom when making decisions and creating policy and legislation.

Although not exposed to your daily life under the powers that be, if i view American politics and perception from a distance to get a broader perspective, my opinion is that the focus away from God over time is the consistent change and the reason why the state is failing. Godly wisdom from leaders require a firm foundation in faith.

I do believe that America as a percieved leading nation has an added responsibility to bring about change. I fear the government is failing dismally and other nations are following the example.

It saddens me to see this happening in my country too.

Hey Luch, any South Carolina Govonor visits in your neighborhood?

Rush Limbaugh next?

eric lavine wrote: confuse and conquer

We have 3 blank pages in a bill that's BS to start with. Have you read it? How can this be a representative government?!!?

If you really want to push the envelope, the guy taking our money at the point of a gun is a proven tax cheat himself.

Why is MJ more important than our existance? Or maybe I should say prosperity? So few want to get involved these days...and that's what they count on.

The whole reason I posted this is because I just about fell out of the bed when I heard Barney say that. For cripes sake...shouldn't a senator know the rule of law?

The Constitution gives rights to us all...not just the lousy reps we keep putting in office.

If we could represent ourselves better and lay off of entertainment tonight, then they might fear us instead of what we have now. Franklin maybe? Nope T Jefferson.

they are worried the CIA or Bushes cronies will be knocking on thier doors....like the old KGB days

I'd like to hear from Luch, Roger, Kristof, Kap...

Not one of you picked up on 'restraint on gov't'

What exactly does that statement imply?!!?

eric lavine wrote: Id like to hear some of the opinions of our fellow friends oversea's.....I bet they are chuckling

Well, I havent ran out of my daily ration of political opinions for boatforums today, so ask away before I do!

Riley wrote: Gary, that picture was taken in the rural town of Sebago, which fortunately, is still a red town.

Still funny tho Bruce I'm still laughing, were going to have a fun time at GL

Gary, that picture was taken in the rural town of Sebago, which fortunately, is still a red town.

Riley wrote: I don;t know if I dare do a V8 with this one, but it worked well with the 6.

Hey Bruce could pictures like this be the cause of the "Greens" making headway in your area?