HBO's The Newsroom: "America Isn't the Greatest Country in the World"

[Jailblazers7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIffq85zMI4

[Nick Young]

You cant believe everything you hear on TV, sport.

Defensive spending ftw, other countries can't do shit to us.

Oh yeah, and not just Yosemite.

Yellowstone too, niccaz

[Jailblazers7]

It's a good scene and I thought I would share.

Full episode available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U4ZhFDFYvE&feature=related

[Nick Young]

Did aaron sorkin write this?

[BlackWhiteGreen]

You cant believe everything you hear on TV, sport.

Defensive spending ftw, other countries can't do shit to us.

Oh yeah, and not just Yosemite.

Yellowstone too, niccaz

You're saying it is? :roll:

[Jailblazers7]

Did aaron sorkin write this?

Yeah, I think he did. Not sure if he will be writing all the episodes tho.

[Nick Young]

You're saying it is? :roll:
Yeah.

Who's greater right now?

China and their legions of children slaves that make the economy function where human shit floods the streets and coal dust floods the skies?

Sweden. Switzserland and Norway, rich countries ignored by the rest of the world? They aren't great. Merely content. No one is talking about these nations as super powers. They just have low populations and distribute the wealth more.

[RaininTwos]

These arguments are just bullshit. I do think there are differing tiers in terms of countries, but I don't see what would put the United States ahead of Canada, the U.K. and a host of other awesome countries.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Yeah.

Who's greater right now?

China and their legions of children slaves that make the economy function where human shit floods the streets and coal dust floods the skies?

Sweden. Switzserland and Norway, rich countries ignored by the rest of the world? They aren't great. Merely content. No one is talking about these nations as super powers. They just have low populations and distribute the wealth more.

Probably any country that can function under a central government, really. What's good about having individual state laws? What's good about being the most obese county in the world? What's good about having the most people in jail per capita? Oh right, because you have some Team America shit in your head, probably, and you spend a shitload on defending your country because its so awesome. Awesome, bro.

[Nick Young]

These arguments are just bullshit. I do think there are differing tiers in terms of countries, but I don't see what would put the United States ahead of Canada, the U.K. and a host of other awesome countries.
The UK awesome, lawl did you forget about the riots that just happened?

Canada awesome, lawl wjere are you from kid, they are basically just one of America's states anyways.

[RaininTwos]

The UK awesome, lawl did you forget about the riots that just happened?

Canada awesome, lawl wjere are you from kid, they are basically just one of America's states anyways.
You've got the wrong one sergio.

I'm from all over, just trust me that I know Americana

[Nick Young]

Probably any country that can function under a central government, really. What's good about having individual state laws? What's good about being the most obese county in the world? What's good about having the most people in jail per capita? Oh right, because you have some Team America shit in your head, probably, and you spend a shitload on defending your country because its so awesome. Awesome, bro.
Whats wrong with keeping people in prison, it just means we're keeping crime off the streets, unlike UK where people get like only like 3-5 years for rape and other f*cked up crimes.

[Nick Young]

You've got the wrong one sergio.

I'm from all over, just trust me that I know Americana
oh, you're canadian, no wonder you think they the best country in the world.

Greatness-canada fulfills none of the requirements.

[RaininTwos]

oh, you're canadian, no wonder you think they the best country in the world.

Greatness-canada fulfills none of the requirements.
If you could read, you would realize that I said that no country was the greatest.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Whats wrong with keeping people in prison, it just means we're keeping crime off the streets, unlike UK where people get like only like 3-5 years for rape and other f*cked up crimes.

Think it says a lot more about the people than it does anything else. A higher %age of Americans are rotting away in jail than anywhere else, but America is the best country in the world? OK, kid. I love how in the US it's considered OK to fatally shoot a guy because he looks suspicious, but you keep crime off the street! I didnt actually argue that the UK was any better, anyway, but I'd much rather live here, thanks... And if I remember right, didn't you choose to come to uni here? Why wouldn't you stay in the greatest country in the world?

[Nick Young]

Think it says a lot more about the people than it does anything else. A higher %age of Americans are rotting away in jail than anywhere else, but America is the best country in the world? OK, kid. I love how in the US it's considered OK to fatally shoot a guy because he looks suspicious, but you keep crime off the street! I didnt actually argue that the UK was any better, anyway, but I'd much rather live here, thanks... And if I remember right, didn't you choose to come to uni here? Why wouldn't you stay in the greatest country in the world?
I had to spread the doctrine of American greatness to the dark outreaches of the third world.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

I had to spread the doctrine of American greatness to the dark outreaches of the third world.

:applause: Even though it's obvious you're trolling, I think I'll take this as proof of my point. :cheers:

[johndeeregreen]

One thing he's right about, our current generation is pretty goddamn pathetic.

[IGOTGAME]

One thing he's right about, our current generation is pretty goddamn pathetic.
Boomers got to you.

[AlonzoGOAT]

Think it says a lot more about the people than it does anything else. A higher %age of Americans are rotting away in jail than anywhere else, but America is the best country in the world? OK, kid. I love how in the US it's considered OK to fatally shoot a guy because he looks suspicious, but you keep crime off the street! I didnt actually argue that the UK was any better, anyway, but I'd much rather live here, thanks... And if I remember right, didn't you choose to come to uni here? Why wouldn't you stay in the greatest country in the world?

Until they hang everyone in in the royal family I'll put the UK in the top 10 :applause:

[DFish]

We are the undisputed winner when it comes to technological invention and scientific/medical breakthroughs and discoveries. American innovation is unrivaled.
We have among the highest standards of living throughout all developed nations.
Our currency is the world currency and has been for quite some time.
Our language is the world language and has been for quite some time.
American culture is followed, copied and embraced everywhere; including sports.
The U.S. military is one of the best in the world. We saved countries' asses in numerous wars; World Wars included.
We're the financial capital of the world. The biggest and most successful companies on Earth list on our stock exchanges. Shit, most of them happen to be American companies.
Several of the most renowned and distinguished universities are American ones.
Our median income levels and GDP per capita are among the highest in the world.
We're a free-market democracy with a balance of government that is pretty damn near perfect. Freedom of speech, right to bear arms, etc. Did you know that the UK just made it illegal to troll online?


We might not still hold the #1 spot on all rankings, considering the fact that subjectivity plays such a big role in those. But to imply that we are anywhere outside of the top 5 is entirely incorrect.

[Big_Dogg]

[LIST]
We have among the highest standards of living throughout all developed nations.
Our language is the world language and has been for quite some time.
We're the financial capital of the world. The biggest and most successful companies on Earth list on our stock exchanges. Shit, most of them happen to be American companies.
Our median income levels and GDP per capita are among the highest in the world.
We're a free-market democracy with a balance of government that is pretty damn near perfect. Freedom of speech, right to bear arms, etc. Did you know that the UK just made it illegal to troll online?


* Is that why more than half your country can't get proper health care, affordable housing and decent wages?

* You do realize you didn't invent English right?

* Your median income levels are so high because you have the most overpaid CEO's and financial criminals in the known world which causes a great imbalance in the figures

* FYI, if you think you live in a democracy and have a damn near perfect balance of government you're even more deluded than everyone thought you were

** Thanks for allowing me to troll your post, enjoy :lol

[Punpun]

America is indeed n

[AlonzoGOAT]

* Is that why more than half your country can't get proper health care, affordable housing and decent wages?

* You do realize you didn't invent English right?

* Your median income levels are so high because you have the most overpaid CEO's and financial criminals in the known world which causes a great imbalance in the figures

* FYI, if you think you live in a democracy and have a damn near perfect balance of government you're even more deluded than everyone thought you were

** Thanks for allowing me to troll your post, enjoy :lol


I make a good salary so therefor U.S #1


MERICA! MERICA!

[JtotheIzzo]

Saying any country is the greatest in the world is useless, it is all about perspective, and people are going to crave the food, culture, people and ideals of their home country.

Only blowhardy self-indulged people (Colin Cowherd types) like to think one place is better than another, everywhere has their own pros and cons, it depends what you want.

Speaking of blowhardy, I really wanted this show to be good, but so far it is almost painful at times with its preachiness and self-indulgent tripe.

Pity.

[Nick Young]

* Is that why more than half your country can't get proper health care, affordable housing and decent wages?

* You do realize you didn't invent English right?

* Your median income levels are so high because you have the most overpaid CEO's and financial criminals in the known world which causes a great imbalance in the figures

* FYI, if you think you live in a democracy and have a damn near perfect balance of government you're even more deluded than everyone thought you were

** Thanks for allowing me to troll your post, enjoy :lol

It's a capitalist system where the government doesnt baby you and pander to your every need. I know so many swedes and and english people freeloading off the state, not even looking for work, happy to recieve their benefits check for the rest of their lives.

In Sweden or UK if you want to be lazy, it's ok the government will still baby and protect you and give you free money to get drunk 3 times a week as well as free money to buy a decent enough flat.

In America, the government doesn't baby you, if you want to be lazy and do nothing, well you're going to live a shitty life.

What's wrong with obesity? Back in the day, obesity was seen as high class, it meant you could afford to not work+get fat.

If some peasant from Europe 200 years ago came to America today he'd say we were the richest country ever.

Let people be fatasses if they want to.

* FYI, if you think you live in a democracy and have a damn near perfect balance of government you're even more deluded than everyone thought you were

LAWL. It's a more balanced democracy than a nation like England for example, where the House of Lords, a house of people BORN INTO POWER WITH NO TRUE MERIT, still have political power and control.



Why do Euros even pretend to hate America? They love our music, they love our movies, they wear clothes we design, they learn english, all of them I talk to want to visit or live in New York, why do people deny it?

Hell, in London right now the #1 fashion seems to be wearing American flags. EVERYWHERE. In every UK clothes shop you walk in to, the american flag is slapped on to everything-tshirts, pants, thongs, wallets, bootyshorts, shoes, purses, everywhere you go you see dumb english kids covered by the american flag. It was similar when I went to Latvia, but more people wore aberccrombie ripoff shirts with names of stupid places in america like North Dakota University.

Oh yeah don't forget UCLA clothing, an American university, and all those idiots in Norway and UK who wear it and brand themselves with it, thinking its a cool american brand when really it's just initials to a university.

Face reality, America is dominating. Even kids from other countries are covering themselves in our flag on a daily basis.

[gigantes]

These arguments are just bullshit. I do think there are differing tiers in terms of countries, but I don't see what would put the United States ahead of Canada, the U.K. and a host of other awesome countries.
you don't see what it is? okay, can i point you in the right direction, at least?----

economic leverage. the dollar. a past history of being in the top position of military manipulation, the confidence of knowing that the world accepts you as the #1 superpower whether they actually despise you or whether they count on your regular support, regardless of how paper-thin the margin of difference might be. and on and on and on....

[step_back]

Americans seem really insecure about this issue (Not all). I think they're the only country who ram their "greatness" down other peoples throats. U.S wake the **** up no one cares.:facepalm

[Nick Young]

Americans seem really insecure about this issue (Not all). I think they're the only country who ram their "greatness" down other peoples throats. U.S wake the **** up no one cares.:facepalm
If people didn't care they wouldn't bitch and moan about America so much and always try to discredit it's greatness:roll:

[step_back]

If people didn't care they wouldn't bitch and moan about America so much and always try to discredit it's greatness:roll:

Who bitches and moans? The people I see here complaining about America seems to always be Americans. Which is an obvious statement. The majority of people don't care about a pointless argument such as this. It seems certain people like you want others to validate your argument by saying how great your country is. Why do you even care?

[Nick Young]

Who bitches and moans? The people I see here complaining about America seems to always be Americans. Which is an obvious statement. The majority of people don't care about a pointless argument such as this. It seems certain people like you want others to validate your argument by saying how great your country is. Why do you even care?
Why are the people of London currently covering themselves with images of America's flag?:confusedshrug:

[step_back]

Why are the people of London currently covering themselves with images of America's flag?:confusedshrug:

It's my favourite actor Daniel Day-Lewis from Gangs of New York. He's also an English actor. Wonder why the casting agent couldn't find a suitable American to play the role?

[Nick Young]

It's my favourite actor Daniel Day-Lewis from Gangs of New York. He's also an English actor. Wonder why the casting agent couldn't find a suitable American to play the role?
LAWL, I didnt even notice that your avatar has an American flag in it:roll: :roll: :roll:

What I'm talking about is all the kids and girls and guys walking around in UCLA hoodies, American flags on their purses, American flag converses, American flag t-shirts, American flag tights, American flag booty shorts, why is it everywhere? Why are the people of the UK who apparently don't care about America covering themselves in America's flag as a fashion statement? Walk into Top Shop, New Look, Next, why do like half of all the clothes have something to do with an American flag or some random place in America like Flagstaff Arizona?

Why do all of the kids in London wear Baseball caps, part of the uniform of an American sport that they dont even watch, with logos of American cities branded across them?

Why does Abercrombie in Westfields have lines to get in on the weekends so people can buy overpriced shirts with names of American cities?

[Thorpesaurous]

I'm not going to get into any nationalist dialogue.

But I have watched the show with mixed feelings. It has it's moments. Sorkin is so identifiable in his dialogue. And there are times when I really like the overly melodramatic, but there are moments in this that are cringeworthy. It reminds me in tone to Sportsnight, one of Sorkin's earlier shows, that I always sort of liked. But I find it hard to swallow all of Sorkin's perspectives while he's at the same time making his characters emotional high schoolers. And worse yet, it seems to be getting worse.

[step_back]

LAWL, I didnt even notice that your avatar has an American flag in it:roll: :roll: :roll:

What I'm talking about is all the kids and girls and guys walking around in UCLA hoodies, American flags on their purses, American flag converses, American flag t-shirts, American flag tights, American flag booty shorts, why is it everywhere? Why are the people of the UK who apparently don't care about America covering themselves in America's flag as a fashion statement? Walk into Top Shop, New Look, Next, why do like half of all the clothes have something to do with an American flag or some random place in America like Flagstaff Arizona?

Why do all of the kids in London wear Baseball caps, part of the uniform of an American sport that they dont even watch, with logos of American cities branded across them?

Why does Abercrombie in Westfields have lines to get in on the weekends so people can buy overpriced shirts with names of American cities?

It just the current trends. And fashion has never been anything but what looks good and is considered popular. I doubt the people wearing American branded clothes actually give a damm where it's made and what inspires it. I guarantee if I went up to someone here in London who was wearing a NY cap I doubt they would realise it's a logo of a baseball team.

Most people follow trends they don't set them.

[Nick Young]

It just the current trends. And fashion has never been anything but what looks good and is considered popular. I doubt the people wearing American branded clothes actually give a damm where it's made and what inspires it. I guarantee if I went up to someone here in London who was wearing a NY cap I doubt they would realise it's a logo of a baseball team.

Most people follow trends they don't set them.
Do you know that American modern art like Jackson Pollack was also a trend created by the CIA? The CIA says that modern art was the reason they won the cold war.

Us indoctrinating every nation in the world with our art and culture is one of the main reasons we are the world's greatest super power, whether you realize it or not.

[Rnbizzle]

Some of you Americans are ridiculous.. So busy claiming you're the best country in the world and thanking god for it. In the meanwhile kids are shooting up high schools and people are starving.

You want to know what the 'best' countries in the world realistically are?

Right now I'd say Germany and some of the Scandinavian countries probable. Stable economies, great educational systems and overall happiness seems to be pretty great.

[rufuspaul]

Did you know that the UK just made it illegal to troll online?



You'd best not go to the UK then.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f80/rufuspaul/bobby.jpg

[Nick Young]

Some of you Americans are ridiculous.. So busy claiming you're the best country in the world and thanking god for it. In the meanwhile kids are shooting up high schools and people are starving.

You want to know what the 'best' countries in the world realistically are?

Right now I'd say Germany and some of the Scandinavian countries probable. Stable economies, great educational systems and overall happiness seems to be pretty great.
Scandanavia, where white supremecists are busy shooting up summer camps? Norway has only 4 million people. USA has 311,000,000. And not a single American has gone on a mass killing spree as big as that Norwegian guy did.

You see what I did there?

Germany and Japan are USA's only legit competition, and our military is what gives us the edge over those two.

[RaininTwos]

Scandanavia, where white supremecists are busy shooting up summer camps? Norway has only 4 million people. USA has 311,000,000. And not a single American has gone on a mass killing spree as big as that Norwegian guy did.

You see what I did there?

Germany and Japan are USA's only legit competition, and our military is what gives us the edge over those two.

I never understood this military trash, what does that have to do with day to day living? I've lived in America for most of my life and not once did the massive overspending and the sheer size of their military improve my day.

Living somewhere isnt just about comparing money and guns, you have such a simplistic view of life Serg. When is it going to click up there? You've been immature for as long as I've been here...look around dude. Everyone else around our age has grown up, you still type and act like a 16 year old. Your arguments induce headaches, try to create thought next time.

[Nick Young]

I never understood this military trash, what does that have to do with day to day living? I've lived in America for most of my life and not once did the massive overspending and the sheer size of their military improve my day.

Living somewhere isnt just about comparing money and guns, you have such a simplistic view of life Serg. When is it going to click up there? You've been immature for as long as I've been here...look around dude. Everyone else around our age has grown up, you still type and act like a 16 year old. Your arguments induce headaches, try to create thought next time.
We were talking about the greatness of a nation in comparison to other nations and you suddenly seemingly shifted the subject to where you personally would rather live.

[johndeeregreen]

I never understood this military trash, what does that have to do with day to day living? I've lived in America for most of my life and not once did the massive overspending and the sheer size of their military improve my day.
That's a pretty narrow minded and overly simplified way to look at it. What does improving your day constitute? Because if your day is improved by not having to worry about foreign militaries ****ing with you on your own turf, then one could argue that the "massive overspending and sheer size of the military" has actually improved every day of your life.

There are plenty of arguments against US military spending but this one is childish and (deliberately?) ignorant of the possible complexities involved in the statement.

[RaininTwos]

That's a pretty narrow minded and overly simplified way to look at it. What does improving your day constitute? Because if your day is improved by not having to worry about foreign militaries ****ing with you on your own turf, then one could argue that the "massive overspending and sheer size of the military" has actually improved every day of your life.

There are plenty of arguments against US military spending but this one is childish and (deliberately?) ignorant of the possible complexities involved in the statement.

That wasnt even an argument against military spending, it was an argument against using that to determine a countries greatness instead of valuing day to day life more. I don't understand where you even got that from. I would think the greatest country in the world wouldn't have shitty health care and education but maybe that's just me. Yeah.

Either way, I've learned over the years you can turn whatever that's said into something you frown upon. Continue this tradition please. I welcome it.

[johndeeregreen]

That wasnt even an argument against military spending, it was an argument against using that to determine a countries greatness instead of valuing day to day life more. I don't understand where you even got that from. I would think the greatest country in the world wouldn't have shitty health care and education but maybe that's just me. Yeah.
And I wasn't arguing the country's greatness either.:confusedshrug: I was saying that your statement, that your life has never been affected in a positive manner by the US military's massive presence, is completely oversimplified and ignorant because it's impossible to quantify. You've never had to worry about a foreign military coming into your home, so the obvious counterpoint to that would be that the American military's might actually has improved your day-to-day life. I'm not going to argue that point, because it may or may not be true, but your statement on its own merits is plainly ridiculous.


Either way, I've learned over the years you can turn whatever that's said into something you frown upon. Continue this tradition please. I welcome it.
Providing possible counterpoints to a biased statement = turning "whatever that's said into something you frown upon"? Yeah that makes perfect sense.:rolleyes:

[-p.tiddy-]

Every day people literally die trying to get into the US, can that be said about any other country?

Also, the US is the only place on earth where the poor people are fat and the rich people are skinny, yes that shows we are spoiled fcks, but that also shows how great we have it.



Obviously it is all opinion but I don't think anyone could argue that the US isn't at least "one of" the greatest countries on the planet.

[johndeeregreen]

Obviously it is all opinion but I don't think anyone could argue that the US isn't at least "one of" the greatest countries on the planet.
It's a completely subjective argument anyway. "Greatness" can't be quantified because there is no universal criteria for it. It boils down to what people value and prefer individually.

Personally, if I didn't live in Canada, I would live in the US. Having lived in both places, I do prefer Canada for a number of reasons, but I enjoyed the years I spent in the States too.

[RaininTwos]

And I wasn't arguing the country's greatness either.:confusedshrug: I was saying that your statement, that your life has never been affected in a positive manner by the US military's massive presence, is completely oversimplified and ignorant because it's impossible to quantify. You've never had to worry about a foreign military coming into your home, so the obvious counterpoint to that would be that the American military's might actually has improved your day-to-day life. I'm not going to argue that point, because it may or may not be true, but your statement on its own merits is plainly ridiculous.

People in the other great countries of the world don't have to worry about invasions either, plus they dont have the defense budget of the United States. I dont understand what you are even talking about here. You are making no sense. I am sure people in Norway aren't fearing invasion maybe their ignorance is bliss. Maybe the US is protecting them too. Who knows?


Providing possible counterpoints to a biased statement = turning "whatever that's said into something you frown upon"? Yeah that makes perfect sense.:rolleyes:
How is my statement biased when I've lived most of my life in the United States? Please, enlighten me.

[DFish]

I dont understand

That's abundantly clear.

[johndeeregreen]

People in the other great countries of the world don't have to worry about invasions either, plus they dont have the defense budget of the United States. I dont understand what you are even talking about here. You are making no sense. I am sure people in Norway aren't fearing invasion either.
In keeping with your tendencies, you have also produced another cut-and-dried and completely oblivious statement.

Firstly, comparisons with any other country are really irrelevant when it comes to military spending, and here's why: no other country in the world has spent the last 70 years making enemies literally EVERYWHERE. I'm not justifying that, but I am saying that a lot more people have a serious axe to grind with the USA than Norway, or any other country in the world for that matter. Nobody's flying 747's into skyscrapers in Sweden for a reason.

Secondly, I'm not claiming to be right. But I am claiming that you haven't even begun to look at the issue objectively or make a conclusion based on logic rather than just personal feeling. Your posts in this thread make it clear that you look at things one way (your way) and leave it at that.


How is my statement biased when I've lived most of my life in the United States? Please, enlighten me.
I don't mean 'biased' in that you hate the US or anything, I mean it's just outright biased - as in it weighs only your personal feelings into account without even exploring the possibility that you may be wrong.

[RaininTwos]

In keeping with your tendencies, you have also produced another cut-and-dried and completely oblivious statement.

Firstly, comparisons with any other country are really irrelevant when it comes to military spending, and here's why: no other country in the world has spent the last 70 years making enemies literally EVERYWHERE. I'm not justifying that, but I am saying that a lot more people have a serious axe to grind with the USA than Norway, or any other country in the world for that matter.

Secondly, I'm not claiming to be right. But I am claiming that you haven't even begun to look at the issue objectively or make a conclusion based on logic rather than just personal feeling.


I don't mean 'biased' in that you hate the US or anything, I mean it's just outright biased - as in it weighs only your personal feelings into account without even exploring the possibility that you may be wrong.

I've been looking at this objectively the whole time. :biggums:

I'm well aware of what you said but it doesnt make sense when you look at the origin of what I said.

I was responding to sergio's claims. The US is great because of a lot of reasons, military might being one of them but that's not all there is to living in a country and there are examples that I could include to show that. I dont think that they are good enough for you though.

Now somehow you've accused me of not looking at this objectively. People have huge axes to grind with UK and their piracy of the last 500 years, yet whenever I talk to my family, they aren't fearing invasion or retribution for sins of the past. Wait...is that another "oblivious statement"? Because when you do it, it's a counterargument, but when I do it... I'm being emotional and biased. Both countries have been attacked by terrorists recently as well.



My point was that claiming a country is the greatest due to the size of their military is simplistic and really a disservice to all of the great things that has come out of America. There are so many other examples to choose from.

[Nick Young]

I've been looking at this objectively the whole time. :biggums:

I'm well aware of what you said but it doesnt make sense when you look at the origin of what I said.

I was responding to sergio's claims. The US is great because of a lot of reasons, military might being one of them but that's not all there is to living in a country and there are examples that I could include to show that. I dont think that they are good enough for you though.

Now somehow you've accused me of not looking at this objectively. People have huge axes to grind with UK and their piracy of the last 500 years, yet whenever I talk to my family, they aren't fearing invasion or retribution for sins of the past. Wait...is that another "oblivious statement"? Because when you do it, it's a counterargument, but when I do it... I'm being emotional and biased. Both countries have been attacked by terrorists recently as well.



My point was that claiming a country is the greatest due to the size of their military is simplistic and really a disservice to all of the great things that has come out of America. There are so many other examples to choose from.
You aren't talking about greatness, you're talking about comfort, and your own personal happiness.

In Roman times, there were probably alot of places more comfortable and easier to live in Rome, places that you personally would have enjoyed living instead of Rome (because you keep bringing your own personal happiness into this) but there were not alot of nations that were greater than Rome

[Legend of Josh]

These arguments are just bullshit. I do think there are differing tiers in terms of countries, but I don't see what would put the United States ahead of Canada, the U.K. and a host of other awesome countries.

LOL, no one gives a shit about Canada, guy. Did you just seriously rank Canada ahead of the US? Your native pride is sickening. Just, augh. Really?!

Personally though, I think Greenland is the shit. I love the colorful houses. Dope as fu*k.

[step_back]

Every day people literally die trying to get into the US, can that be said about any other country?

Also, the US is the only place on earth where the poor people are fat and the rich people are skinny, yes that shows we are spoiled fcks, but that also shows how great we have it.



Obviously it is all opinion but I don't think anyone could argue that the US isn't at least "one of" the greatest countries on the planet.

It's this type of moronic shit that gives you guys a bad name. Are you ****ing serious mate? No one can be that dumb:facepalm

P.S Serg, what does modern Art and winning the cold war have to do with proving your point?

[EnoughSaid]

This is a great show BTW. HBO has been going strong. Game of Thrones S2, VEEP and now the Newsroom. Great stuff. And then Boardwalk Empire later this fall. :bowdown:

[Nick Young]

It's this type of moronic shit that gives you guys a bad name. Are you ****ing serious mate? No one can be that dumb:facepalm

P.S Serg, what does modern Art and winning the cold war have to do with proving your point?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/modern-art-was-cia-weapon-1578808.html

Educate yourself.

The fact that our culture is beloved and spread throughout the world is the key to our greatness.

Face reality, as much as they suck, McDonalds and burger king, especially McDonalds, are everywhere, and as much as everyone everywhere complains how shitty their food is, they are always full, I been to McDonalds in Turkey, latvia, Canada, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Egypt, Spain, India, and the McDonalds have always been packed.

Our mass media like movies and TV are everywhere, other countries eagerly await for the next Hollywood film release.

People try to dress like how they see americans dressing in these movies and TV. For example, the baseball cap, Yankees caps, random ass white euros try to dress like Jay Z and 50 cent, girls wearing American flag booty shorts while carrying american flag purses, everyone getting fake letterman jackets designed to copy those in American highschools.

Our music is popular everywhere.

All over the world English is taught as a second language, not because of the UK, but because of America.

Alexander earned the nickname "the great" for doing what America has done only on a much much smaller scale.

How can anyone say we aren't great is beyond me.

[step_back]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/modern-art-was-cia-weapon-1578808.html

Educate yourself.

The fact that our culture is beloved and spread throughout the world is the key to our greatness.

Face reality, as much as they suck, McDonalds and burger king, especially McDonalds, are everywhere, and as much as everyone everywhere complains how shitty their food is, they are always full, I been to McDonalds in Turkey, latvia, Canada, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Egypt, Spain, India, and the McDonalds have always been packed.

Our mass media like movies and TV are everywhere, other countries eagerly await for the next Hollywood film release.

People try to dress like how they see americans dressing in these movies and TV. For example, the baseball cap, Yankees caps, random ass white euros try to dress like Jay Z and 50 cent, girls wearing American flag booty shorts while carrying american flag purses, everyone getting fake letterman jackets designed to copy those in American highschools.

Our music is popular everywhere.

All over the world English is taught as a second language, not because of the UK, but because of America.

Alexander earned the nickname "the great" for doing what America has done only on a much much smaller scale.

How can anyone say we aren't great is beyond me.

Culture! The United States is what 236 years old, you don't have any ancient history and I don't ever hear someone wanting to visit the US for a history lesson.

McDonalds and Burger King are everywhere, so are most cuisines. Moot point.

English is taught everywhere because of how vast our empire was. And it was an English writer who shaped much of the language we use today. Although I'm sure they don't teach you that over there.

Keep re-writing your own history if it makes you feel better. America is the superpower, But best place to live it is not.

[-p.tiddy-]

It's this type of moronic shit that gives you guys a bad name. Are you ****ing serious mate? No one can be that dumb:facepalm

P.S Serg, what does modern Art and winning the cold war have to do with proving your point?
it was a question




and on a related note, I think non-Americans are much more touchy about this subject than Americans are.

[Nick Young]

Culture! The United States is what 236 years old, you don't have any ancient history and I don't ever hear someone wanting to visit the US for a history lesson.

McDonalds and Burger King are everywhere, so are most cuisines. Moot point.

English is taught everywhere because of how vast our empire was. And it was an English writer who shaped much of the language we use today. Although I'm sure they don't teach you that over there.

Keep re-writing your own history if it makes you feel better. America is the superpower, But best place to live it is not.
"No one visits the US for a history lesson"
WHO THE F*CK CARES? Why does this matter? Is Andorra greater than America because it has more old buildings? You aren;t making any valid points.

Moot point? How is it a moot point when it's one of America's most visual signs of global dominance? Bozo. What other nation has a business that is as widespread and internationally popular as apple, coca cola, mcdonalds, google?

Nobody. GTFO clown.

English is not taught everywhere because of the British empire, ass clown. You live in dream land if you actually believe that.

[Legend of Josh]

LOL, it's cool Nick. Far too often the British let their national pride cloud their logic and rational reasoning. At one time their so-called "empire" did control much of the world, but those days is over, and never again will their POS country resemble anything of greatness. I just wish they'd step up their dentistry game. Way too many crooked moufz. We also know the UK has a reputation for being frail softies. It's bloody madness.

[MMM]

"No one visits the US for a history lesson"
WHO THE F*CK CARES? Why does this matter? Is Andorra greater than America because it has more old buildings? You aren;t making any valid points.

Moot point? How is it a moot point when it's one of America's most visual signs of global dominance? Bozo. What other nation has a business that is as widespread and internationally popular as apple, coca cola, mcdonalds, google?

Nobody. GTFO clown.

English is not taught everywhere because of the British empire, ass clown. You live in dream land if you actually believe that.

English was thought in many places due to the British empire. For example there are a number of African countries that have English as an official language due to their past.

Also, yes McDonalds, BK, Coca Cola, etc are wide spread but the negative impact of american culture on the rest of the world can not be ignored as well.

[step_back]

The amount of rubbish you guys are posting is ridiculous.

Serg you said how great your culture is and how it has affected the world. Much of America was built of other societies. You are not indigenous people and have been around for less than 250 years but what does that have to do with you being the "greatest country" anyway. You're using brand names to prove what exactly? That you're the best place to live? How does that relate I ask?

P.Tiddy much of Europe has huge problems with illegal immigration as do other parts of the globe. People all over the world are attempting to break into other countries. It's not just Mexicans hopping across the border into the States. You were asking a genuine question so I apologise for being rude.

LOJ Weak post from a weak man.

[-p.tiddy-]

Mexicans aren't the only ones dieing to get into the US...just sayin

I believe that Mexicans make of 60% of the illegals here...40%-other countries

[step_back]

Mexicans aren't the only ones dieing to get into the US...just sayin

I believe that Mexicans make of 60% of the illegals here...40%-other countries

I know. But the U.S is not the only country people are dieing to get into. So you can't really factor that into why it makes the U.S the "greatest country" in the world. That was the point I was trying to make.

[LJJ]

America is up there. Tons of other great countries though.


Nick Young, if you think America is so awesome why did you spend so much time living elsewhere? Is it because you can't take care of yourself, or is it because you don't like America as much as you say on here?

[Legend of Josh]

LOL @ the "weak" remark. Mate, bloody madness there huh, mate? Yeah yeah yeah so your people at one time sailed the many seas and basically tried to enslave the entire world. It's really an apples and oranges comparison, but when all is said and done, the United States will be regarded as the greatest nation in the entire world's history... not the UK, ummmm k?

It's cool you have pride for your country. Everyone should, but come on man, if an eighty pound dude named Gandhi can defeat the British Empire single handedly, that screams frail softies. I do love Dido, but that's where it stops. Mel Gibson taught us that the English are poopie heads. The Patriot should be watched by everyone, everywhere. You guys used to always invade random countries, rape women (Braveheart) and pillage anything and everything.

All great nations eventually fall... however we're (the US) positioned to run shit for many, many years to come.

[Legend of Josh]

That video is legitimately awful if someone is trying to make a point by it. "We fought for moral reasons. We passed laws for moral reasons." I literally laughed out loud when the guy said that.

I can't recall that line from the movie (The Patriot)? ... I'll have to re-watch it and see. I think Mel did tap his dead wife's sissy. Speaking of lines... my favorite in the movie was that little ginger kid saying "I'mma kill me some red coats!"

I do have to admit, the villain in the flick (can't recall the butthead's name) was a badass. But Mel was obviously the ultimate badass. "My sons were better men" ... then he put that mutha down.

[Mr Know It All]

That video is legitimately awful if someone is trying to make a point by it. "We fought for moral reasons. We passed laws for moral reasons." I literally laughed out loud when the guy said that.

Ya the Newsroom fell flat on its face at that very moment (Sadly it was the 2nd part of the opening scene of the whole god damn show). Romanticizing the past is typical of Sorkin and his style, and he goes on to slam religious people and the current young generation as well sounding like a grumpy old man.

The show is preachy, self-righteous, and completely full of itself, as is its main character. The attitude that the USA was one day such a beacon of light, such a paragon for the world, is absolutely absurd. Nations do not make "moral" laws or "moral" decisions or wage wars for "moral" reasons. Like the people running them states are self-interested.

Thought Aaron Sorkin could write a better show than this. I adored the Social Network but really didn't ever give the West Wing a chance (I like Martin Sheen though). Moneyball was good but overrated. Either way, I can't see this show lasting beyond a 2nd season.

[Jailblazers7]

That video is legitimately awful if someone is trying to make a point by it. "We fought for moral reasons. We passed laws for moral reasons." I literally laughed out loud when the guy said that.

Yeah, that moment is pure cheese and the show has it fair share of moments like that. I wasnt trying to higlight the specifics of the video but more of the overall tone of "its time to take a long hard look in the mirror." I was hoping it would start more of a discussion and less of a shouting match but i guess that was naive.

[Balla_Status]

I guess all these american bashers would rather speak German.

[johndeeregreen]

I was responding to sergio's claims. The US is great because of a lot of reasons, military might being one of them but that's not all there is to living in a country and there are examples that I could include to show that. I dont think that they are good enough for you though.
So far none of this is relevant to what we're actually discussing here.


Now somehow you've accused me of not looking at this objectively. People have huge axes to grind with UK and their piracy of the last 500 years, yet whenever I talk to my family, they aren't fearing invasion or retribution for sins of the past. Wait...is that another "oblivious statement"? Because when you do it, it's a counterargument, but when I do it... I'm being emotional and biased. Both countries have been attacked by terrorists recently as well.
You are being oblivious. When you say something with absolutely zero regard for the other side of the situation, it is ignorant. And the comparison you just made really isn't relevant to the United States' situation either, for numerous obvious reasons. Pretty sure you're aware of that fact, too.

BTW, let's not act like the UK are misers when it comes to military funding either.


My point was that claiming a country is the greatest due to the size of their military is simplistic and really a disservice to all of the great things that has come out of America. There are so many other examples to choose from.
If this is your entire point, I 100% agree and think you should have just said it in the first place. But you didn't, and made a different point entirely, which is where my contentions come from.

[Lamar Doom]

I just skimmed through a bunch of surprising criticism from people I thought would really like the show. Not without it's faults certainly but the best show on TV right now methinks.


The Patriot... I do have to admit, the villain in the flick (can't recall the butthead's name) was a badass.

Jason Isaacs. Shared a scene with your boy Lamar Doom this year. Jason Isaacs, Fez from 70s show, and Doom. Emmy shit son.

[miller-time]

LOL @ the "weak" remark. Mate, bloody madness there huh, mate? Yeah yeah yeah so your people at one time sailed the many seas and basically tried to enslave the entire world. It's really an apples and oranges comparison, but when all is said and done, the United States will be regarded as the greatest nation in the entire world's history... not the UK, ummmm k?

this is the problem. no country is the greatest. we live in a global community and we all provide and take things to and from every other country. i don't think any country can be completely proud of its history, but they can be proud of their achievements - of which america has many. but like every other country before them, they are standing on the shoulders of giants.

[B-Easy8]

I guess all these american bashers would rather speak German.

If we were playing that game we should all be speaking Russian not English.

[InspiredLebowski]

I like Sorkin a lot, but it's because we agree so much politically. That said, this show is just not very good. Overlook the blatant politics. Which're REALLY blatant, The West Wing was clearly a leftist show but not to this degree, nowhere near. I'm pretty much a liberal's liberal and this shit is just tiresome. I bet the feminists are going apeshit about how just downright weak and dependent all the female characters are, and I wouldn't blame em. This whole concept of reliving immediate history in your perfect hindsight view with after the fact context and facts is just unfair.

It's honestly a shame. Pretty much the entire cast is destroying their roles, especially Bridges. That dude wins an Emmy I have no problem with it. But holy shit, it's like the DailyKos wrote a screenplay. You don't get a pass because you keep saying the main character's a "registered Republican."

[Thorpesaurous]

I like Sorkin a lot, but it's because we agree so much politically. That said, this show is just not very good. Overlook the blatant politics. Which're REALLY blatant, The West Wing was clearly a leftist show but not to this degree, nowhere near. I'm pretty much a liberal's liberal and this shit is just tiresome. I bet the feminists are going apeshit about how just downright weak and dependent all the female characters are, and I wouldn't blame em. This whole concept of reliving immediate history in your perfect hindsight view with after the fact context and facts is just unfair.

It's honestly a shame. Pretty much the entire cast is destroying their roles, especially Bridges. That dude wins an Emmy I have no problem with it. But holy shit, it's like the DailyKos wrote a screenplay. You don't get a pass because you keep saying the main character's a "registered Republican."


I like Sorkin too, and I actually fall on the other side of the political spectrum most times. I couldn't watch The West Wing because of it. But mostly I like Sorkin for the snappy dialogue. I feel like he writes dialogue with this obviously supernatural refined approach. No one talks like his characters, but then again they're characters. His characters seem to talk like they've already had time to think about what they want to say way way ahead of time, and I find it interesting.
I also like his behind the scenes look at stuff. And my interest in this had a lot to do with it's parallells to his early Sports Night stuff. It's sort of these overly dramatic personal relationships layed over some high stress scenario and location (I suppose The West Wing is really the same thing).

However ... this has gotten increasingly worse as time has moved on here. You're completely correct about the female characters. They're just awfull. It's like how these people behave professionally vs. how they behave personally are completely 100% unrelated, which makes no sense, and the characters come off as completely bipolar depending on which side of their persona they're in the middle of.
Will McAvoy is just way way too preachy and comes off as the worst kind of know it all smart ass, and if you don't like him, a lot of the show is lost. He's apparently heavily based on Keith Obermann (who I dislike for a lot of the same reasons, and whom my friends saw at Roger Waters show at Yankee Stadium last week, while he walked around with a 25 year old girl wearing a skirt about as wide as a paper towel, who appeared to not know, nor cared to know, who Roger Waters was). In fact I'd go so far as to say the only really likeable character on the show is Jim, the puppydog producer chasing Maggie.

I still find myself watching it. I often find myself laughing at stuff that I'm probably not supposed to be laughing at. But I can bite enough into the melodramatic relationships to get through the season. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone though.

[RidonKs]

wow. if this show only gets worse after the pilot, i'm not bothering. that was not up to sorkin par by any stretch. everything thorpe said above is exactly the way i feel. no character consistency, crappy overacted banter, and even the message, which i really appreciate because a good mainstream knockdown of american exceptionalism is hard to accomplish, was horribly executed by starting with the BP oil spill. that barely even makes sense. how does making the miraculous decision to dig into an offshore oil spill highlight the downfalls of reporting unpopular truths? that's just a breaking news story that deserved attention and only didn't get it because that's the way sorkin's plot device had to make it happen to add to all the drama. and pulling it off with 75% of your staff quitting that afternoon! what a climactic spectacular load of crap.

[rufuspaul]

I'm posting a pic of Olivia Munn. Just sayin.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f80/rufuspaul/Oliva-munn-4.jpg

[TheMan]

You cant believe everything you hear on TV, sport.

Defensive spending ftw, other countries can't do shit to us.

Oh yeah, and not just Yosemite.

Yellowstone too, niccaz
Says the guy who lives in the UK...

[Stuckey]

this show sucks

cant stand the woman who plays the EP

[guy]

Been watching this show. Its kinda stupid, but for whatever reason I keep watching it. The "romance" aspect of this show is really ridiculous. The relationship between the two main characters who are both like in their 50s is like some stupid shit I saw from Saved by the Bell back in the day. Its like the adult/newschannel version of a high school teen drama. Alot of overacting I would say as well.

[Thorpesaurous]

I'm posting a pic of Olivia Munn. Just sayin.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f80/rufuspaul/Oliva-munn-4.jpg


She was a good case last week. A brilliant economist who looks like an underwear model and has enough charisma to appear on live TV, but so socially retarded that she can't set up a friend on a functional date, and doesn't know what to do at a relatively tame company New Year's Eve party? And then when Will questions her about setting him up with the crazy Catherine Hahn character, she sputters like sophomore talking to her senior football boyfriend and actually says that she's good at economics but not social life stuff.

Certainly people have strengths and weaknesses, but smart people are smart people, and they don't go from brilliant economists to retarded high school sophomores in the middle of conversations.

[rufuspaul]

She was a good case last week. A brilliant economist who looks like an underwear model and has enough charisma to appear on live TV, but so socially retarded that she can't set up a friend on a functional date, and doesn't know what to do at a relatively tame company New Year's Eve party? And then when Will questions her about setting him up with the crazy Catherine Hahn character, she sputters like sophomore talking to her senior football boyfriend and actually says that she's good at economics but not social life stuff.

Certainly people have strengths and weaknesses, but smart people are smart people, and they don't go from brilliant economists to retarded high school sophomores in the middle of conversations.


tldr too busy studying her tits.

[Mr Know It All]

Honestly one of the worst shows I've seen on HBO in a long time. Worse than Luck, worse than True Blood.

The speech to being with was pretty crap. Bashing religious people (I'm not religious but it was a pointless low blow), bashing the current generation (because of course Sorkin's boomer generation was so perfectly wonderful:lol ), and then the pathetic romanticizing of the past by Jeff Daniel's character.

The show itself is filled with overly witty banter and ridiculous dialogue. Sorkin is just a terrible writer, and that is a sad realization because I truly enjoyed the Social Network and didn't mind Moneyball. He's a big blubbering ******, and makes himself look just as bad as the conservatives he criticizes.

Anyone who calls the guy a good writer should check out this gem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S78RzZr3IwI

[Thorpesaurous]

Honestly one of the worst shows I've seen on HBO in a long time. Worse than Luck, worse than True Blood.

The speech to being with was pretty crap. Bashing religious people (I'm not religious but it was a pointless low blow), bashing the current generation (because of course Sorkin's boomer generation was so perfectly wonderful:lol ), and then the pathetic romanticizing of the past by Jeff Daniel's character.

The show itself is filled with overly witty banter and ridiculous dialogue. Sorkin is just a terrible writer, and that is a sad realization because I truly enjoyed the Social Network and didn't mind Moneyball. He's a big blubbering ******, and makes himself look just as bad as the conservatives he criticizes.

Anyone who calls the guy a good writer should check out this gem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S78RzZr3IwI

I don't remember where I heard this, but I did, and I totally agree with it. But Sorkin's big issue is that he really needs a strong director to edit him down. That seems to be a big part of why I also enjoyed Moneyball and The Social Network. Both of them have moments where you can really hear the characters sounding Sorkin-y, but it's not so pervasive as it is here, or even on his other shows, where he has a stronger grip on what's being done.

[Mr Know It All]

I don't remember where I heard this, but I did, and I totally agree with it. But Sorkin's big issue is that he really needs a strong director to edit him down. That seems to be a big part of why I also enjoyed Moneyball and The Social Network. Both of them have moments where you can really hear the characters sounding Sorkin-y, but it's not so pervasive as it is here, or even on his other shows, where he has a stronger grip on what's being done.

I agree completely. It was Fincher who made The Social Network great, and I still think he was robbed of a best director Oscar for what turned out to be a truly excellent film (Better than King's Speech).