I don't know specifically about size of economy, so I don't know who is richest. The best? This is a subjective thing...American can think it is the best, I have had more people than I can count from other countries tell me theirs is the best. A little arrogance goes a long way....yes, Americans are arrogant and it rubs the wrong way.
This is absolutely true; I agree completely. However, if I had my 'drothers,' it would be a warm, sunny climate. I've spent the first half of my life in cold,wet, gray lands. I'd like to spend the second half in something different.
You are deeply mistaken in thinking Americans take more pride in their country than do other people. This is one of the things that give other people a negative impression of Americans--their ignorance of others.
I don't disagree with you, and I have been in parts of Spain that are not overtaken by Northern European influence, however, my impression is that the areas of Alicante and Valencia have a very large non-Spanish population. As well, I first spent time in Spain in 1976. In the matter of the immigration of Northern Europeans, it is changed a lot.
This is the exact opposite of what I have found. And let me be clear, I spend all day, every day, five days a week, working closely with people from many countries around the world. Invariably, I find virtually all people to have very deep pride in their country and their culture. That pride may not translate into paying some sort of tribute to the country's flag or singing along with the country's anthem, but pride it is, and very strong indeed.
Don't take this wrong, but my impression of much of Spain now is that there are too many Northern Europeans. I don't like walking down the street of my town or village and seeing a sign outside the cafes reading "Full English Breakfast." LOL. I am definitely NOT looking for a "good English community." Not that I don't like English speaking people, it is not that at all. But I see no reason to relocated to a foreign country and then try to turn it into 'just like home.' Little Italy in New York springs to mind, or China Town. Not what I'm looking for.
I believe verbally or in writing denying the Holocaust is illegal in Germany. You are saying this is not true. It goes against what my students (Austrian and German students) have told me.
The difference is that if you move house in Vienna, you are required by law to register your new address within 3 days. If I file taxes in the States, that's once a year they have to have my address. As far as I know, there is no similar law in the States about registering your address/place of residence so the government can keep track of people and know, hypothetically, where everyone can be located.
I haven't decided yet, but I am looking. What I know so far, it will be someplace with a relatively warm, dry climate, and plenty of sunshine.... somewhere in the Mediterranean region, most likely.
I'm not thinking just about scammers. Actually, this is a topic I adapted from another site.
I am also referring to those who have a false profile on here just to mess with people, to gain their affections, to promise love, relationship, etc. People may spend months talking to someone who is a complete fake, even travel to see them, only to have that person not show up because they were a fake from beginning to end.
There was such a situation on another site (that I know of,sure it happens all the time) of a woman who was tricked like this. They guy turned out to be a complete fake, and she was able to trick him into exposing himself when she got suspicious, but that was after she spent months emailing, Im-ing, talking on the phone and falling in love. So, I don't mean just international scammers trying to trick people out of money.
You are noting if not nick picky. And usually reading incorrectly or inadequately. Did I say only Texas? You know, those who like to single out a particular poster and pick at and attack their posts...well it says something about them....probably something you wouldn't want people to think.
Oslo, another thing that comes to mind. I live in Vienna; everyone, foreigners and citizens, must register where they live. It is required. In America, this is not done and would be considered an infringement of personal rights and freedom. 'I'll live where I damn well please and don't need to inform the government about it!! Damn it! I'm an American.' However, ironically, one must have one's current address on a driver's license, so if you drive a car, THEY CAN FIND YOU! lol
There is very little difference from what I can see, living now in Europe. The one that is noticeable is freedom of speech. In Canada and sometimes in Europe, this freedom is sometimes curtailed more than in the States. For example, I think in Canada, some high profile court cases have not been allowed to be talked or written about in the media until resolved. Whereas in American, they are always played out in the media, though the judge may put some limitations on it. In German, I know, it is a crime to be a Holocaust denier. These are things that wouldn't happen in the US. Also, gun laws. They tend to be very strong in Europe and the UK, but are pretty wide open in the US. So, people want their guns and they want to be able to tote them around, especially in Texas, and they like very much to determine guilt or innocence though media speculation. As well, they like have the right to execute people.
Sojourner Forum Posts (472)
Who needs a list, just being myself is enough to annoy the whole world! 
RE: Freedoms
I'm not trying to argue. Apparently I misread your post.