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Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

RainingMetal (Handed A Sword) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#329001: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:51:29 PM

"I Feel Sorry for Americans": A Baffled World Watches the U.S.

A number of years ago, I had a serious case of Tall Poppy Syndrome when it came to the US of A. Mostly due to internet trolls being internet trolls, that of the boorish Eagleland type. I had longed for the moment where the United States would eat humble pie. Be Careful What You Wish For. Only in the years leading up to the Trump administration did I understand that this was mostly a Republican/Conservative attitude and most Americans are more victims of the system than anything.

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astrokitty Happiness is a cup of tea from Somewhere Out There Since: May, 2014 Relationship Status: Yes, I'm alone, but I'm alone and free
Happiness is a cup of tea
#329002: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:53:39 PM

Well, if the US really does fall apart like the Roman Empire did, maybe it'll reform into something less godawful?

Edit: I suck at history.

Edited by astrokitty on Sep 25th 2020 at 8:56:28 AM

Somebody once told me the world was macaroni, I took a bite out of a tree
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329003: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:55:05 PM

Well, if the US really does fall apart like the Roman Empire did, maybe it'll reform into something less godawful?

Plenty of fallen Republics end up as risen dictatorships.

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
RainingMetal (Handed A Sword) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#329004: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:55:14 PM

And split into two, not akin to the Civil War, but the Western and Eastern Roman Empires?

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RainehDaze Nero Fangirl (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
Nero Fangirl
#329005: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:55:25 PM

You do not want a collapse like the Roman Empire. Ever.

CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329006: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:58:00 PM

And split into two, not akin to the Civil War, but the Western and Eastern Roman Empires?

I know people who think that Red States are homogenuous. But if they did divide the USA into BLUETOPIA and JESUSLAND then I note that it will not remotely work because it's not 90% Red in Kentucky but 60% Red and that's one of the bigger ratios.

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
PhysicalStamina i'm tired, my friend (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
i'm tired, my friend
#329007: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:58:50 PM

Remind me what happened after the Roman Empire fell?

i'm tired, my friend
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329008: Sep 25th 2020 at 5:59:49 PM

A 1000 years of wealth and prosperity?

Oh, you mean to WESTERN EUROPE.

Well, who cares about that shithole.

[Byzantine fanboy]

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
nova92 Since: Apr, 2020
#329009: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:00:47 PM

Michigan state legislature passes bills that would expunge criminal records, will be heading to Governor Whitmer's desk. Detroit Free Press

Michigan's expungement reform is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of people. Lawmakers and organizations who backed the bills say the changes will remove a barrier to employment, housing and other opportunities for individuals with criminal histories who've rehabilitated themselves.


The bill dubbed as "Clean Slate" would bring on the most sweeping changes. It would create an automated system to wipe clean certain convictions after a period of time, following the lead of Pennsylvania, Utah and California. If the bill is signed into law, Michigan would be the first to automatically clear prior low-level felony offenses.


Michigan will also end the ban on food stamps for people with drug convictions. Detroit Free Press

Edited by nova92 on Sep 25th 2020 at 6:04:00 AM

DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#329010: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:01:19 PM

[up]x3 The Western Roman Empire was overwhelmed by Germanic Tribes, with only certain parts of Italy remaining Roman proper; the South was ruled by the East and the rest was owned by the Papacy. The Eastern Roman Empire was slowly eaten by Arabic and Turkic peoples, until it was essentially destroyed by the 4th Crusade and then ultimately by the Ottomans.

Edited by DingoWalley1 on Sep 25th 2020 at 9:01:48 AM

Resileafs I actually wanted to be Resileaf Since: Jan, 2019
I actually wanted to be Resileaf
#329011: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:01:25 PM

I wouldn't call what the ERE went through a peaceful 1000 years of prosperity myself.

RainehDaze Nero Fangirl (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
Nero Fangirl
#329012: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:02:40 PM

[up][up] I think you're forgetting the recurring bouts of bubonic plague that crippled the empire, the religious uprisings that carved away the Empire's breadbasket, and the near thousand years of constant war close or within the ERE until its complete demise. tongue

But in general, comparing something with the collapse of the Roman Empire is pretty catastrophic. That was a mess.

DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#329013: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:03:11 PM

Also the comparisons to either Rome have some Unfortunate Implications, especially with America's current Immigrant problems.

[up] EDIT: The Black Death certainly didn't help, but the earlier plagues didn't destroy the Byzantines. The religious revolts were mainly early in the Empire, but the differing religions did allow for the Arabs and Turks to conquer them easier. I did mention the Wars, though.

Edited by DingoWalley1 on Sep 25th 2020 at 9:07:59 AM

CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329014: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:03:38 PM

I wouldn't call what the ERE went through a peaceful 1000 years of prosperity myself.

Still, unimaginable wealth and culture compared to Western Europe for a long-long time.

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
astrokitty Happiness is a cup of tea from Somewhere Out There Since: May, 2014 Relationship Status: Yes, I'm alone, but I'm alone and free
Happiness is a cup of tea
#329015: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:04:52 PM

Apologies for making the dumb comparison and saying a really dumb thing. I'll try to put my foot in my mouth less.

Somebody once told me the world was macaroni, I took a bite out of a tree
Redmess Redmess from Netherlands Since: Feb, 2014
Redmess
#329016: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:14:54 PM

While the Roman Empire may be a stretch, breaking up into several new countries is certainly something that could happen. Other countries with a longer history will gladly tell you about just how common that is throughout history.

Hope shines brightest in the darkest times
RainehDaze Nero Fangirl (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
Nero Fangirl
#329017: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:16:11 PM

[up] EDIT: The Black Death certainly didn't help, but the earlier plagues didn't destroy the Byzantines. The religious revolts were mainly early in the Empire, but the differing religions did allow for the Arabs and Turks to conquer them easier. I did mention the Wars, though.

Well, the Plague of Justinian certainly didn't help.

nova92 Since: Apr, 2020
#329018: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:18:20 PM

[down] You're right, sorry about that.

Edited by nova92 on Sep 25th 2020 at 6:30:42 AM

tclittle Professional Forum Ninja from Somewhere Down in Texas Since: Apr, 2010
Professional Forum Ninja
#329019: Sep 25th 2020 at 6:27:26 PM

It's not offical. Still just sources.

"We're all paper, we're all scissors, we're all fightin' with our mirrors, scared we'll never find somebody to love."
raziel365 Anka Aquila from South of the Far West (Veteran) Relationship Status: I've been dreaming of True Love's Kiss
Anka Aquila
#329020: Sep 25th 2020 at 7:36:37 PM

"I Feel Sorry for Americans": A Baffled World Watches the U.S.

...*Sigh*

I truly wish I could only feel sorry for the United States, between having a racist clown of a president, a rampant disease, a police force that's practically no better than a right wing militia and ever worsening conditions it cannot be denied that this is a tragedy.

...

That said, I also cannot forget all of the heinous things the USA did to my region during the Cold War, how it treats us like a backyard, all that we lost due to playing to the usonian "Free Market" model and many more things that I won't mention here.

So I will limit myself to say I'm sorry for you. At least that's sincere.

Edited by raziel365 on Sep 25th 2020 at 7:49:53 AM

Instead of focusing on relatives that divide us, we should find the absolutes that tie us.
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329021: Sep 25th 2020 at 7:52:38 PM

I'll be honest, if I was on a jury, I wouldn't vote for a murder charge. Breonna Taylor died in a horrible accident.

An accident from reckless misuse of firearms, shoddy police work, and possible criminal intent with what they were planning at that house.

Every part of it was a fuckup but I don't believe in intent. I'd happily vote guilty for manslaughter.

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
unknowing from somewhere.. Since: Mar, 2014
#329022: Sep 25th 2020 at 7:56:08 PM

[up]I have to admit, while I feel sorry for the US, seen them finally get a taste of the knid of president Latin america have to endure make me feel a sort of Schadenfreude about it.

Not saying is right, and I really want trump out but....well...

Edited by unknowing on Sep 25th 2020 at 1:24:21 PM

"My Name is Bolt, Bolt Crank and I dont care if you believe or not"
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#329023: Sep 25th 2020 at 7:57:23 PM

I have to admit, while I feel sorry for the US, seen them finally get a taste of the knid of president Latin america have to endure make me feel a sort of Schadenfreude about it.

Not saying is right, and I really want trump out but....well...

A Jedi Knight PC I once roleplayed had this to say to some ex-Clone Wars aliens, "I don't begrudge you your retribution but if you wish it, wish it upon the guilty and not more of their victims."

Which I honestly mean with all sincerity and no belittling the tragedies involved.

I feel a lot of people hate Kentucky for Mitch but he's abusing us first. It made me really feel that line in THE FIRST AVENGER.

"Germany was the country they invaded first."

Edited by CharlesPhipps on Sep 25th 2020 at 7:58:27 AM

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
CrimsonZephyr Would that it were so simple. from Massachusetts Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: It's complicated
Would that it were so simple.
#329024: Sep 25th 2020 at 8:03:06 PM

"Also the comparisons to either Rome have some Unfortunate Implications, especially with America's current Immigrant problems."

They're actually pretty apt, since most of the greatest emperors and magistri militum in the late Empire were provincials. Rome and America's greatest strength was and is in being able to absorb and utilize the talents of newcomers.

As for schadenfreude over America's problems, I'm sure plenty of people from all over the world get a smug sort of satisfaction in seeing Trump rape the country. I've seen ostensibly liberal Canadians share "Biden and Trump are the same!" memes unironically, and I'm like, "Bitch, if Trump wins, don't you dare complain." The worst part of being an American progressive is the insincere support of foreign ideological allies, who wish us good luck, while treating the wholesale destruction of the American republic like reality TV.

Edited by CrimsonZephyr on Sep 25th 2020 at 11:14:55 AM

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#329025: Sep 25th 2020 at 9:01:15 PM

We've had people in this thread posting from Europe or so on saying "Biden's not really liberal at all, and I wouldn't vote for him". Yes, thank you for your valuable input, now please step aside so the rest of us can try to make things work.

It's been fun.

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