Scott,

       There are problems but you always seem to see the negatives. Being in
the PNW, you are near to Canada, you could go up there. I hate to be so
negative, but as far as this country goes, you appear to see "the glass as 1/4
full". I busted my butt for 33 years and took advantage of opportunities we have in
the US. I doubt that many CP's in the world have that opportunity. So, the
world isn't perfect, but I am grateful for what this country provided for myself
and my family. I adopted a "special
needs" child and it costs me some bucks. But now she is a well adjusted
adult. So my view of this country is different from yours.

Bobby



> As for why people dislike the US:  We're still a nation of men that
> oppresses women.  We're still a nation of affluent whites fleeing our
> Hispanic and African American neighbors to live in lush suburban
> environments.  We're still a nation of citizens who take for granted the
> cheap gas we buy to drive our cars and the cheap, easy-to-find food.
>
> Immigrants to the US grow bitter when they're forced to start at the lowest
> standard of living an American can live in (still just as bad as many places
> in the world, sometimes).  Foreign interests hate the US because, to be
> honest, we've raped the world, bringing its resources to our beck and call.
>
> Yes, we give foreign aid.  Yes, there are domestic charities, as well.  The
> problems of domestic homelessness and poverty and shady US involvement
> overseas still exist, however.  And despite my white middle-class
> upbringing, I'm not going to live my life pretending those who are bitter
> don't have a right to be.
>