JGowans

I am left-leaning. However, I don't want to come across as an ungrateful foreigner living here. That's far from the case. I do have a stake and an interest in the welfare of this nation. I care also though about our role in international politics and the influence we have on the rest of the world. I think that we create a lot of our own problems, and while we have the resources and means to solve them, we don't make a sincere effort to solve them because it doesn't always jive with our over-arching mission of economic prosperity.

I didn't mean to ignore your second question. I suppose it depends on what one's priorities are. At any given point in one's life, one's priorities are different. A 25 year old has way different needs than a 65 year old retiree. However, in looking at the big picture, I think a hybrid of capitalism and socialism should be looked at. Sweden has a great social system, and takes a decidedly neutral role in military interventions. They are not without their problems. The UK is the most capitalist-like nation in Europe and one that I think has a lot going for it but for the current government's tendancy to march in step with G.W. (and could soon pay the price for it due to the current gonvernment enquiry into whether they misled the public over the Iraq war). The point I'm making is that you're right...no-one nation is perfect. However, with the vast power that the U.S. has, I think it has a unique opportunity and indeed, responsibility to help shape the world for generations to come in such a way that promotes global partnerships and establishes global guiding principles that are not designed to solely benefit the corporations of this country.

Yes, I'd say that's a fairly accurate summary of the contents.

Indeed, I think enough has been said to ascertain that you are the typical citizen that has no interest in anything beyond your big screen TV and well stocked fridge of cheap beer and salsa. There's no hope for you, but it's clear in posting to this board that there's a lot of concerned Americans that do have slightly more worthy interests.

Good points by you and RobBob. I've lived here most of my adult life, but probably won't ever quite understand the desire by most Americans to nuke other nations as a way to exact revenge. That's neither here nor there though. I do understand the well of emotion. What would I change and why? - For one, the mass media. Clear Channel communication owns most of the airwaves in this country. This conglomerate is actually run by a few guys from Texas that happen to be good buddies of GW. I'd introduce some real competition into that industry. Currently, it seems that the only source for news is NPR which is quite a sad state of affairs given that so few people bother to listen to that station. Same principles apply to TV. When was the last time we actually saw a news piece about foreign countries that wasn't about us helping them, or bombing them? No, they'd rather talk about the latest Sony camcorder (I saw this yesterday) or talk about two cute little kittens born in Seattle. Where's the news? Fuck the entertainment aspect, and give us the news. Local, national, international, unbiased, objective news where we are free to filter it ourselves. - I would reduce the amount of aid we give to Israel. Currently it stands at $4Billion a year. Surely with that level of aid, we hold enough leverage to put an end to the troubles there. - I would make an honest and sincere attempt to bridge the gulf between blacks and whites in this country. Britain has just as much of a guilty history as the U.S., yet blacks are much more integrated into society there than here. If it takes raising taxes to give them decent housing and education then so be it. - I'd implement some very stringent gun laws. Currently, the U.S. experiences some 11,000 gun deaths every year. Canada has about 60. - I'd like to see us approach foreign nations with a view to establishing partnerships versus one way highways that allow our corporations to reap their natural resources for a pittance. - I'd like us to review how we operate within the international sphere of politics. Ratifying the Kyoto treaty, signing the U.N.s Child's Bills of Rights (only Iraq and the U.S. have not signed it), signing the anti-landmine bills (again, only the U.S. and I think Iran have not signed this). I could go on, but the basic point I'm making is that we only sign bills pertaining to free trade and mock every other bill that comes our way regarding human rights, torture, executing children etc. - I could think of a few more things, but let's keep the debate going...

hahaha, and the beat goes on Trask, doesn't it worry you in the slightest that democracy was pulled from under your feet and hardly anyone bats an eyelid? If the elite of this country can get away with such shenanigans in front of 300 million Americans and a world of gaping eyes that many would claim to see America as the beacon of democracy, is it really too much of a stretch to imagine that they really don't give a rats ass about you or anyone else here that makes less than a few mill per year, and they'll do whatever it takes to push their agenda at the expense of the watching world, and the vast majority of essentially helpless Americans.

Yes, I'm Scottish by birth. Got the fucking UK passport to prove I'm a British serf, I mean subject. I came initially cos I'd never been to the U.S. I had a track scholarship. After that, when I graduated, I moved to Sweden and quickly wanted to come back because there's an energy and zeal to succeed here like no other country. However, I've come to realize that that zeal blinds all else. We purportedly live in a free nation that embodies the ideals of freedom and democracy, yet here we are being dictated to by an unelected president fuelled by a media horde that is simply not interested in presenting the news. Now, your simple answer to my criticisms might be, "Fuck off home to wherever you came from." or some such xenophobic reply, but I do love this country, and just wish that there were some things that we could change. It may be that we'll never be able to change, and indeed, the answer may well be to leave, but that's a shame because it's that very attitude that's causing such global alienation. "Fuck you all cos we're the sole hyperpower and can do whatever the fuck we want. If you don't like it, prepare to meet your maker blah blah blah." I think the educated and globally minded folks of this nation deserve much better than that.

Have you read the book?

I read a book that my brother had lying around when I was home last week. Anybody had a chance to read it? What do you think? Why Do People Hate America? Before you go on about Euro liberals berating this great nation, take the time to read the book. It's clear that the authors are definitely anti-American and it does get a bit nauseating sometimes, but if you can see beyond that, they present some fascinating facts, and draw some fairly interesting conclusions that did resonate with me. I'd recommend reading it.

Couldnt' agree more Erik. I got back from Scotland last week, and noticed more than ever how much more simple life is there. People just aren't caught up in the cycle of working for money to buy more shit. They seem to be way more happy than we are here yet they have way more modest incomes. I've spent 10 years away from Euroland, and I left being so critical of the lazy and unambitious wankers. Now, I wonder if maybe they knew something I didn't.

Anybody planning a Rainier trip in July and could use another person on their rope? I'm heading to Elbrus in August and want to get one final slog in before I go. Cheers, jason

We'll be going to Russia & Poland next month. I think we're gonna hook up with Bob in Krakow.

Polish burd from Jaworzyna Sl. (near Wroclaw) but lives in Seattle.

Scotland was kind to me. Got my green card. Got hitched. I missed you all Spent today thinking of things to say in my letter of resignation now that I can work for whomever I want. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.

"So, this guy walks up to me in a bar with his hand on his head, and says, 'How'd you like to meet Pam and her five sisters over a glass of champagne"' to which I replied, 'I think I'd rather meet Snowwhite and the Seven Fucking Dawrfs over a bed of hot coals thank you very much. Another mojito please."

Had an epic weekend on Shuksan. Hiked up to camp on Saturday. Set off at 6am on Sunday, turned back from the gully due to excessive ice, and we only had 4 pickets. Only 1 group had the balls to take it to the top up the gully. They were unroped and were very careful to say the least. There was a lot of ice fall down the gully. I saw at least 4 other groups turn back. Then, we attempted the rock climb up the South-East ridge. Pretty easy 4th & 5th class moves. Since I was with my Mounties group and there were 9 of us (I know), we didn't make it up in time. Some of us were on the last pitch when the leader decided it was too late (1 did actually summit though). Got back to camp at 9pm. Set off for the trail at 9.45pm. Got a bit lost on the trail down in the dark. Got back to cars at 2am. Tucked up in bed at 5.15am. Spraying at 3.45pm. I gotta say, although we didn't make it to the summit, it was a great alpine experience out there. That was the first time on Shuksan, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Once the fog lifted, the summit pyramid was pretty spectacular. Not to mention the views of Baker and other N. Cascade peaks.

http://www.papa-figo.com.br/Forum/graemlins/ Crap! Forbidden!

Indeed I would TLG. A tad to the left if you will. There. That's the ticket!

that's pretty sick man

CrazyFlatLander, Trask, and Erik are sitting around a campfire one night and they get onto the subject of how stupid their women are. Trask mentions that his woman went out and bought a brand new car the other week and she can't even drive. Not to be outdone, Erik rejoinders that his woman went out and bought a brand new stove and the silly sow can't even cook. CrazyFlatLander is giggling to himself, and says, "Lads, let me tell you. My woman takes the cake. Last week, she went on vacation to Vegas with 2 girlfriends. She took 100 condoms and she doesn't even have a penis!"

I am bored. Give me something abusing. The shop is too slow today, and my co worker just left. Thanks in advance.

Nay Brother Trask. Ye is blessed with North-West HC . The Oracle suggests oral, and thus one can work and play at the same time.

The oracle says ye must cavort in the nether regions of the Magical Mattress of Mirth, Merriment and Masturbation for true enlightenment. The path to your liberation is paved with eager young men pining for your company on the mattress. With Megadeath playing in the background all will be well my child. Go forth and copulate.

A classic quandry my dear fellow. Fear not though, for thoust is not the first to incur such perplexing junctures in life. Take into your employ our good friend Brother Dwayner. He will arrest your fall as you gently glide onto the Magical Mattress of Mirth, Merriment, and Masturbation. Wallowing in resplendent but musty down feathers, one can then proceed to drink one ale as Brother Dwayner guzzles the other as payment for his service, and ye can both toast to each other's good fortune.

Fuck off and die....no no no, I'm in sage soothsayer stealth mode today. Welcome to the thread of the oracle. What questions vex you my children? Ask and ye shall have the answers.