What are Brits missing?

A simple statement as "I agree with x statement as it reflects my point of view" would have sufficed as an explanation instead of discrediting everyones Else's opinions.

On one hand, I don’t really want to perpetuate this, but I’m afraid that some may have taken I comment I made on UK-Yankee recent in a manner in which it was not intended, to inadvertent offence.

What I did say (responding to one of Paul_1966’s posts) was  “I am pleased to find a somewhat conservative political opinion so articulately presented within this forum” by which I meant that it is relatively rare to find conservative political opinion in general in the forum, and I am all the more appreciative of those that are articulate -- as I find such ‘conservative spokesmen’ as Rush Limbaugh and Joe Riley to be, generally, blow-hards.

I never said, nor did I ever mean to insinuate, that there aren’t articulate liberals represented as well.  In fact, as most who post to the forum are articulate, and I believe the majority of posters are liberal, then it follows that I find a lot of articulate liberals at UK-Yankee.

But I also find a lot of rather sophomoric dismissals of serious perspectives, admittedly from both political spectrums.  When I posted my original statement, I was piqued at what I thought were fairly juvenile attacks on some American officials’ response to yesterday’s bombings in London. 

It may surprise some that I am personally no big fan of George W. Bush; in fact, I was with the California delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, and worked to see John Kerry nominated.  Nevertheless, at a sensitive time I found some sarcastic comments about Bush’s pledge of support in the bombing aftermath to be in poor taste, and as an American who greatly valued the statements that Tony Blair made in the wake of 9/11, I realized that I also found such specious comments hurtful.

I have no doubt that sarcastic and flippant conservative remarks abound on UK-Yankee as well.  I was not, however, trying to add to them.

     ~ Mark

Ah.. but have you waded through it knee deep at Marti Gras.  After a few hurricane drinks, I don't think I cared what I was standing in.  It did take a few days to actually get my feet clean, and the Tivas needed to be bleached.  A wonderful time was had by all. 

As a native New Orleanian, all I can say is that the tourists should thank God that Mardi Gras isn't during the height of summer as the smell would be unbelievably disgusting! Most natives don't even go the the Quarter anymore because of the crime, stench, etc.

Reading this has been very informative. I'm not sure what to expect when I come over. In the states, I find that litter-free public areas pretty much differs not just from town/city to town/city, but neighborhood to neighborhood. I expect that it's pretty much the same everywhere (except I hear that Germany is overall a very clean country).

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I confir with the endorsement of the service and acknowlege the advocation by said collegues 

I really don't mind conservative viewpoints bring them in please, please ...I encourage it the more we discuss things the greater the probability we gain tolerance about others. If you believe in your ideals you should not be detered to expressed them , maybe it's because I am always a minority  any situation   I've learned to not let that deter me...that's how I gain more knowlegde about others and learn more about myself.

No problem Alicia!   I've never been known to keep my mouth shut when I feel strongly about something, but I do choose my battles.  I am very conservative, and very Catholic, two things which put me greatly in the minority on this forum.  But I'm ok with that.  I've never been one to tell others what to believe or think, and I enjoy listening to other opinions.

Paul - I too have wondered about the very liberal population here, and what that means about American immigration to the UK.  I'm sure much of it has to do with American politics, and is the driving force for some (not all) to leave the States and go somewhere else.  I think that is another thing that puts me in the minority.  I would have never considered leaving the States had I not met Simon.  I've said it before that I'm not running from something, I'm running to something.  But the liberal slant here is very interesting indeed.

~Liza

But the liberal slant here is very interesting indeed.

And for some of us -- who are sick to death of the conservative slant in the USA -- very reassuring.

 I've said it before that I'm not running from something, I'm running to something.  But the liberal slant here is very interesting indeed.

~Liza

Just because someone is a liberal doesn't mean he or she emigrated in order to run from 'something'.  I for one did not.  I stayed here for me, not for a partner, b/c I prefer the quality of life here in many ways.  It had nothing to do with politics at all.

Gimme a break!  Do you honestly believe someone would sell up everything they own, leave behind friends and families, quit a great job, and move 5,000+ miles away when it'd be far easier to move to Seattle  ?

I enjoy not having people up in my face and business all the time, who waste time caring about what I believe, the reserve of the British, the more global emphasis, the better work-life balance, etc. etc.  THAT'S why I'm here - not b/c of a few right-wing extremists, or even a partner.  I made my own decision in this.

My dad is ultra-conservative himself.  Live and let live. 

My Dad is ultra conservative (his hero is Colin Powel ) and if you were to see a picture of me back in the states you could have mistaken me to Condeleza Rice( both in image and ideals) ...so my departure to UK wasn't because of liberal ideals ..it wasn't until I lived here for 6 years that my viewpoints were shifted to what would be pigeonholed to be more liberal.

Paul - I too have wondered about the very liberal population here, and what that means about American immigration to the UK.  I'm sure much of it has to do with American politics, and is the driving force for some (not all) to leave the States and go somewhere else. 

I wouldn't say driving force and I wouldn't say I was running from something.  I will however say that as a young couple our pro and con list featured such things as no death penalty, abortion will never be a political issue, strict gun control and free birth control for all. All things we felt/feel were important to our growing family.   So perhaps you have a point. 

Signed Mrs. I will discuss my political leanings at the drop of a hat.   

I too have wondered about the very liberal population here, and what that means about American immigration to the UK.  I'm sure much of it has to do with American politics, and is the driving force for some (not all) to leave the States and go somewhere else.

If by 'here' you are referring to UKY, then I think you will find that the vast majority of people on this forum have come here for a) love, b) work or c) study.  I sincerely doubt that a liberal leaning has much to do with most UKY immigration.

That being said, looking at my country from the outside has been a shock and huge eye-opener. 

Signed,
Mrs I-don't-discuss-my-political-leanings-with-anyone-but-the-ballot-box

That being said, looking at my country from the outside has been a shock and huge eye-opener. 

I agree.  not saying one side or the other..  just  a real learning experience..

That being said, looking at my country from the outside has been a shock and huge eye-opener. 

Signed,
Mrs I-don't-discuss-my-political-leanings-with-anyone-but-the-ballot-box

I agree with said statement as it reflects my point of view

Signed,
Mrs. I ebayed my political leanings for a beanie baby.

Signed,
Mrs. I ebayed my political leanings for a beanie baby.

ROFLMAO!

Signed Mrs. I will discuss my political leanings at the drop of a hat.

LOL, Mindy.  I only 'signed' as such so that I wouldn't get pegged a liberal (or an 'anything' for that matter).  Then again, I suppose I could be called far worse. 

...so that I wouldn't get pegged a liberal...

Gasp!  How utterly horrible!