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Originally posted by Thomas Crowne
First off, Matrix, I applaud you for having your country under your name. I find that to be very commendable as compared to those who prefer to lip off and not even identify their origin.
So, are you Belgian or America?
Why do you prefer to vote, and why do you think that living in the Bronx for a few years and Boston intermittently for a while makes you knowledgeable and one who can pick a good president for a country that you don't even have an interest in, if you are a Belgian?
So, because I was in Germany for 5 solid years, that gives me the credentials to wisely help choose their leadership?
I think not. Sounds to me like there might be a risk that you might have Belgium's interests at heart, wouldn't you agree? Regardless, if you are allowed to vote, then what can I say, other than pick well, as I and my fellow countrymen are the ones who will pay one way or another, but most certainly with our tax money. Come to think of it, vote twice, you might do better than many people who will decide who to vote for on the word of some spaced out, air-headed actresses' recomendation. Regardless, you couldn't do worse.
TextThe comments OIMD made - and to which I spoke - was concerning Campaign 2004 Issues forum.
Originally posted by Thomas Crowne
Cargo, that response is ludicrous. Would you like me involved in your politics? I assure you, you do not. I have as little understanding of your history, government and politics as you do mine.
The fact that the "election effects the world" makes this no more your election than it would any other way. Free to force our opinions and influence on others?
Ah, I think I see, you are one of the ones who are irked that for once, America is fighting for her own safety, rather than shedding her youth's blood for others' situations. I get it, now. Again, not your election. But still, pop off, I can ignore it or read it.
Originally posted by thematrix
I vote with the interest of the world in mind. Having been online for over 10 years now and having traveled the worlds outer reaches, I've moved from being a person that sees things from the viewpoint of nations to a person that sees the world in its whole. But on actions made by a country, I have to talk about what that country did, with my view being that of what this 1 country's actions did to the common good of the world.
Originally posted by cargo
]
Now we are getting to the ludicrous. You assume a lot. But remember this, your country has never shed her youth's blood for my country. But there have been times where Australia has shed the blood of her youth for yours.
Originally posted by onlyinmydreams
...
For ATS Americans... How would you feel if some foreign group began to run TV ads supporting a certain presidential candidate? How would you feel if foreign factions/writers began to publish newspapers in the US WITHOUT identifying themselves as non-americans? How would you feel if foreign factions began to support one political candidate through financial means?...You'd feel that you were being cheated, subverted, lied to... wouldn't you? You'd feel that your nation... your democracy... was being influenced by outside forces that may NOT have your best interests in mind, wouldn't you?
... the time has come for non-american ATSers to STOP passing themselves off as americans. America is a free, independent country... and, so, when a non-american poses as a member of American society, and tries to influence our vote through trickery... a major act of national subversion has occured. They have every right to express their opinions.... but, to maintain a semblance of honesty, they MUST state that they are not Americans.
... These people come on ATS and write long posts about what's wrong with America... but have probably never even visited America. Sure... they have the right to express their opinions... but they should not be given an easy pass to say whatever they want without challenge, here. They should -- for the sake of honesty -- confess when they are merely repeating what they have heard or what they want to believe in.
Yes, this sounds McCarthyesque... but the fact is that the American electorate is being tricked online by fake Americans. Such misrepresentation influences Americans who may vote this november. All I am asking is that the non-American ATSNN writers and non-American "Issues" forum writers identify themselves as non-americans. I am NOT saying that they should be censored... what I AM saying is that they should admit to their credentials.