World's Politics or USA Politics?

[Dywyddyr]

Dwydder, the "EU" isn't a country

Hmm, and which part of YOUR statement

All-around, the USA is the biggest exporter in the world

means "country"?
"All around" is pretty catch-all isn't it?
Regardless, that STILL leaves the US in third place...

and what part of biggest exporter of goods AND ideas didn't you understand..?

Your original post had "ideas" as a tacked-on addendum.
Any figures on that or still going with personal opinion?

I've actually been to Germany, where practically everyone under a certain age speaks English.

Ah, of course!
English is an American invention. Silly me.

They also dress just like we do, in distinctively American style clothing. Culturally, the USA sets the tone for Europe these days, instead of the other way around.

:roflmao:
Riiight.

As for China, their exports are a direct result of our demand for them.

I see, so when you wrote exports you didn't mean EXPORTS.
Got it.

Still no figures?
Still supposition?

 

[WillNever]

I've explained my statement adequately and accurately and have validated it with correct reasoning.

If you're prepared to offer a counter-thesis explaining who is more important and influential than the USA and why, then go ahead and do so. If you can't do that, then it means that you actually don't think anyone is more important or influential than the USA and you're trying to play an "I gotcha" game.

That means it's time to grow up.

 

[Dywyddyr]

I've explained my statement adequately and accurately, and it's validity can be evaluated on the basis of observation, not measurement.

Ah, personal observation.
Always trumps hard figures.

then it means that you actually don't think anyone is more important or influential than the USA and you're trying to play an "I gotcha" game.

I see you don't actually think either.
I've already used the word "bull" to indicate that I do NOT consider the USA to be more important or influential.
Not stating a personal opinion does not mean I agree with you.
I used figures to disprove part of your ridiculous statement, and you've so far failed to give anything other than opinion.

That means it's time grow-up time.

Quite.
I'll still be here little boy.

 

[WillNever]

Ah, personal observation.
Always trumps hard figures.

In this situation it does. The best example is your statement that Germany is a bigger exporter of goods than the USA. To someone from another planet, that "hard figure" leads you to believe Germany is somehow more influential than the USA.

Everyone knows it isn't, though. This is clear-cut example of a situation when statistics simply don't cut it. People everywhere in the world know who Barack Obama is. Probably most people don't know or care who Germany's leader is. The same holds true for most every other country. That's your first clue that the USA is more influential than anyone else. The world is immersed in our politics, instead of the opposite.

I'll still be here, because I'm a little boy.

No argument here, so tell me when you do grow up. Til then, see ya on the flipside.

 

[Cowboy]

What is your opinion about my previous idea, Acid Cowboy:

Are those too much work or what?

To be honest, I think it could be too much work. It can also lead to confusion. For example, if a news story involves a dispute between America and Russia, which forum would it go in? I think it makes more sense to have all the news in one forum (to be honest, I even think the Politics and World Events forums should be merged).

I don't think the extra moderators are necessary, either. We have to remember that the moderators are here to make sure people follow the rules, not to ensure that certain topics are discussed or that all nations get equal time in the debates. It would make more sense to me to just get a bunch of people together who have interests in the affairs of other nations to find and post articles for discussion. I'd even help with that, although I don't speak any languages other than English and bad French.

 

[Dywyddyr]

In this situation it does. The best example is your statement that Germany is a bigger exporter of goods than the USA. To someone from another planet, that "hard figure" leads you to believe Germany is somehow more influential than the USA.

I see, and you talk bollocks as well.
Exports may be PART of the overall situation, granted.
You made a flat statement that the USA is the biggest exporter.
Wrong.

Everyone knows it isn't, though. This is clear-cut example of a situation when statistics simply don't cut it. People everywhere in the world know who Barack Obama is.

Specious bullshit.
I had no idea WHO the guy was until I saw his name repeated several times here.
Should any Germans decide to talk about their politics on this forum then I'd learn who was in charge there.
"everywhere in the world"? More USA-centrism.

Probably most people don't know or care who Germany's leader. The same holds true for every other country. That's your first clue that the USA is more influential than anyone else.

Again the centric view.
I couldn't give a toss who's in charge of the USA.
Why should we care?
And neither could the vast majority of people I know.

And you've STILL failed to back up any of your other contentions...

 

[WillNever]

I see, and you talk bollocks as well.
Exports may be PART of the overall situation, granted.
You made a flat statement that the USA is the biggest exporter.
Wrong.

Nay, it's correct. Goods and ideas together, the USA is definitely the biggest exporter. That's why our movies gross so much more abroad than they do at home. That's why the golden arches of McDonalds are almost symbolic of "America" in other countries. That's why all these multi-national corporations that once originated here are now having a hand in creating and enforcing a "3rd world" in many asian foreign hellholes abroad. That's why they watch our translated movies, listen to our translated music, and watch their spin-off versions of American television shows -- and they do, in great number. That's why they follow after our style of dress, both professionally and casually. Meanwhile, we import much less of that than they do of us.

We are the biggest globalizing force in the world, for better or worse. That is why most people on this supposedly international website are either (1) American or (2) somewhat fixated on America either in a positive or negative way.

Specious bullshit.
I had no idea WHO the guy was until I saw his name repeated several times here.

I'm not sure as I believe that.

Again the centric view.
I couldn't give a toss who's in charge of the USA.
Why should we care?
And neither could the vast majority of people I know.

Not sure as I believe that either.

 

[Dywyddyr]

Nay, it's correct. Goods and ideas together, the USA is definitely the biggest exporter.

But you can't give any figures...

That's why they wear follow after our style of dress, both professionally and casually.

Yeah right.
Try saying that in Paris...

That is why most people on this supposedly international website are either (1) American or (2) somewhat fixated on America either in a positive or negative way.

Or maybe because Americans seem to have more many than most (disposable income) and therefore are more likely to own a PC.

I'm not sure as I believe that.

So what?
You beliefs don't alter facts.
Why the hell should I know who Obama is?

Not sure as I believe that either.

Exactly.
You're American therefore America IS the world to you and can't comprehend non-Americans not thinking the same.

 

[WillNever]

But you can't give any figures...

You're showing limited thinking again, dwydder. You need to go back to my example of hard figures meaning very little.

Or maybe because Americans seem to have more many than most (disposable income) and therefore are more likely to own a PC.

That's another good point. We're also more easily able to connect to others abroad -- through the internet. Thank you for that.

So what?
You beliefs don't alter facts.
Why the hell should I know who Obama is?

Well, why do you know? The answer: because he's one the most powerful people in the world, if not the most powerful. He's the president of the USA, the head of the strongest military and the largest economy in the world. How could anyone who keeps up in foreign politics not know who he is? People everywhere know who Obama is. You can say that about maybe two other countries.

Exactly.
You're American therefore America IS the world to you and can't comprehend non-Americans not thinking the same.

They do think the same, though. You not seeing it doesn't change that.

 

[Dywyddyr]

You're showing limited thinking again, dwydder. You need to go back to my example of hard figures meaning very little.[/.quote]
Except for the fact you're wrong on personal observation outweighing figures.
And just exactly how extensive is your experience abroad? (Which, by the way, doesn't happen to agree with my observations abroad).

Well, why do you know? The answer: because he's one the most powerful people in the world, if not the most powerful.

Wrong. I know because he was the topic of several threads.
Much the same way that the LHC has been, or MZ3Boy's motorcycle keys.
In other words that's exactly how important Obama is to me: as much as (actually now I think about it: LESS) than MZ's keys.

How could anyone who keeps up in foreign politics not know who he is?

Why should I keep up with foreign politics?

People everywhere know who Obama is.

Assumption.

They do think the same, though.

No we don't.

 

[superstring01]

Is there actually a debate about the influence of the USA?

The US is the most powerful single nation on Earth as demonstrated by being:

1. The largest importer
2. The most powerful military
3. The largest creditor
4. The largest economy
5. Largest agrarian exporter
6. The largest industrial engine
7. Largest "invention" engine
8. The largest cultural exporter in music, movies, TV series (you don't see Bollywood films or French films the same way you see Hollywood films / TV series exported around the world) including cultural icons like: McDonalds, CocaCola
9. The home of and lead benefactor of the UN
10. The home of and lead benefactor of the World Bank

Other important factors include:

1. Veto on the UN security council
2. Strong alliances with the EU, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Saudi Arabia
3. Large nuclear stockpile

While there is a debate as to the stability and morality of these facts, as well as a debate about how much longer this will endure, the fact remains that at this time the USA is the dominant cultural, industrial and political power on earth.

~String

 

[WillNever]

Is there actually a debate about the influence of the USA?

Apparently he or she seems to believe that the USA is not more influential than all other countries. He also seems unwilling to put forth a counterargument to this; that being, if he disagrees, what country then is more influential...?

He won't say. I wonder why that is.

 

[Dywyddyr]

Apparently he or she seems to believe that the USA is not more influential than all other countries. He also seems unwilling to put forth a counterargument to this; that being, if he disagrees, what country then is more influential...?
He won't say. I wonder why that is.

On the other hand he or she provided actual figures which wrecked your specious personal observations...
I wonder why that is?

And String actually managed to qualify his remarks: most powerful. Yes.
That's numerically verifiable as opposed to the "personal observation" bollocks you provide.

For example American "fashion".
Oh right, where would rather have a suit from? The USA or Italy (or maybe a Savile Row tailor)?
US fashion my arse....

 

[WillNever]

Your figures didn't wreck observations. They were contraindicated by my very real and very verifiable observations, however. As for fashion: blue jeans.

Now that that is out of the way: just so we're on the same page, do you dispute that America is the most influential country in the world..? If so, what country is more influential..?

Are you unwilling to say?

 

[kira]

Nay, it's correct. Goods and ideas together, the USA is definitely the biggest exporter. That's why our movies gross so much more abroad than they do at home. That's why the golden arches of McDonalds are almost symbolic of "America" in other countries. That's why all these multi-national corporations that once originated here are now having a hand in creating and enforcing a "3rd world" in many asian foreign hellholes abroad.

McDonalds is everywhere, so what? It is junk food, after all. People buy that because it's cheap. Most popular car in the world is Honda; most popular fashion brand in the world is Versace; best beer, wine, and cheese in the world are produced in Europe; etc etc.

Perhaps your country is influential because it doesn't stop to have war with other countries, so that it constantly get headlines. Everyone get to pay attention and be alert all the time. When your banking system like Lehman Brothers got bankcrupt, most part of the world goes into financial crisis. Yes, very influential, indeed.

 

[superstring01]

McDonalds is everywhere, so what? It is junk food, after all. People buy that because it's cheap. Most popular car in the world is Honda; most popular fashion brand in the world is Versace; best beer, wine, and cheese in the world are produced in Europe; etc etc.

No doubt there are "quality" issues to discuss. BUt the fact is, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and a host of other American stuff is all over the world. CocaCola is the world's leading, and most recognized, brand label. That it is unhealthy is inconsequential (and the subject of another debate).

Perhaps your country is influential because it doesn't stop to have war with other countries, so that it constantly get headlines. Everyone get to pay attention and be alert all the time. When your banking system like Lehman Brothers got bankcrupt, most part of the world goes into financial crisis. Yes, very influential, indeed.

We never said it was right, were bragging about it, or attempting to posit it as a morally good thing. A fact, even a bad one, is still a fact, Kira.

~String

 

[kira]

No doubt there are "quality" issues to discuss. BUt the fact is, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and a host of other American stuff is all over the world. CocaCola is the world's leading, and most recognized, brand label. That it is unhealthy is inconsequential (and the subject of another debate).



We never said it was right, were bragging about it, or attempting to posit it as a morally good thing. A fact, even a bad one, is still a fact, Kira.

~String

Okay, so it doesn't matter for you whether it is giving influence in good or bad or even destructive things, as long as it is influential. Your military is great because you allocate hugh part of your country budget for it instead of for good health care as compared to many EU nations. Perhaps other country's military, say, China, aren't that great because they don't feel the need to be the world's police? Your national debt clock is also outstanding. Then someone here is even mentioning petty matter such as eyelid surgery of some freak Chinese to justify that your beauty is the universal standard. Funny, that.

 

[kira]

We never said it was right, were bragging about it, or attempting to posit it as a morally good thing. A fact, even a bad one, is still a fact, Kira.

~String

And by the way, yes the other guy (WillNever) indeed bragging about it before you step in, implying that the rest of the world is insignificant. And I did not deny any fact. What I said is that some of your facts are bad.

 

[WillNever]

McDonalds is everywhere, so what? It is junk food, after all. People buy that because it's cheap. Most popular car in the world is Honda; most popular fashion brand in the world is Versace; best beer, wine, and cheese in the world are produced in Europe; etc etc.

You need some help separating good/bad judgements from fact. McDonald's being junk food doesn't stop it from being immensely popular on a scale so far above and beyond any foreign company can compete with.

Perhaps your country is influential because it doesn't stop to have war with other countries, so that it constantly get headlines. Everyone get to pay attention and be alert all the time. When your banking system like Lehman Brothers got bankcrupt, most part of the world goes into financial crisis. Yes, very influential, indeed.

Yes, that is influence.

 

[WillNever]

Okay, so it doesn't matter for you whether it is giving influence in good or bad or even destructive things, as long as it is influential. Your military is great because you allocate hugh part of your country budget for it instead of for good health care as compared to many EU nations. Perhaps other country's military, say, China, aren't that great because they don't feel the need to be the world's police? Your national debt clock is also outstanding. Then someone here is even mentioning petty matter such as eyelid surgery of some freak Chinese to justify that your beauty is the universal standard. Funny, that.

Actually, China has the largest standing army in the world. I repeat: China has more people in their military than other country in the world. Maybe they are a bunch of war mongers. Or, maybe they're hoping another country will decisively help to alleviate their overpopulation problem in a war, by mowing the little freaks down by the thousands.

And yes that eyelid surgery is definitely growing in popularity. It's already quite popular among Asian-Americans.