"World Turning Its Back on Brand America"

[GreenPartyVoter]

The US is increasingly viewed as a "culture-free zone" inhabited by arrogant and unfriendly people, according to study of 25 countries' brand reputations.

The findings, published online today, will add to concerns that anti-Americanism is hurting companies whose products are considered to be distinctly "American".

"The US is still recognized as a leading place to do business, the home of desirable brands and popular culture," said Simon Anholt, author of the survey. "But its governance, its cultural heritage and its people are no longer widely respected or admired by the world."

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0802-02.htm

[wli]

1. just now? ISTR world opinion of the US not being high before Bushler

Nowadays they just say we're a fascist dictatorship outright.

[beausy]

3. Not a Dictatorship

Not true- you are seen as a theocracy.
The democrats are losing in America because they cannot relate to the lowest common denominator. Come on guys, keep the goals and the ideas but give America a shiny spoon to look at. Really it's as simple as that. If you ever reclaim power- then you can educate the country better- until then...this is really your only hope.
Oh and somebody somewhere alert the creators of this site to make this website more appealing, learn to play the Conservatives game or watch your country go bye bye.

[wli]

yes, it's really a hybrid plutocratic/theocratic oligarchy

Going on strike in sufficient numbers doesn't look feasible, though. Still too many people duped by the neocon propaganda.

[beausy]

10. You are being discredited

Believe me- the world is rooting for the Democrats. We need you people to win- for our safety. But you are losing the ideological struggle so badly right now, it is almost mystifying. The media has deserted you, your opinions and beliefs are basically delivered on the comedy network and no matter what-the Republicans out spin you every time. Play dirty, resort to antics, magic shows, swearing, supporting the war, I don't care- just do something.
It's not just neocon propoganda...to the outside world the Republican spin looks more and more like an attempt at the complete atomization of the Democratic party. They are turning the mass against you. Five years of ridiculousness and still you aren't winning. Propoganda?... are you sure you are not becoming the societal equivalent of the capital O other?
The Yin to their Yang?

[wli]

11. that wouldn't surprise me, either

It was time to flee for my life 5 years ago. I'm just too stupid to override my SO's veto of my emigration plans.

[beausy]

12. Not stupid

You should stay. It is smart to stay. America is a great country, it's just a wee bit crazy right now. Stay and fight the good fight, you don't want "the melting pot" to expand into politics. One party, one nation? That is what Democrats should fear. It's not a conspiracy, it's the road of reality you are on.

[wli]

13. Peak Oil, economic crisis, etc.

The US is the epicenter of it all. That's why to run. The politics (in fact, industrial society in general) are unsalvageable at this point.

[beausy]

14. Ha

Oh such a defeatist statement. The canadian economy was once so far in the toilet many actually considered Cuba as an option:)
Industrial society? The G8 countries no longer rely on, nor need to be, too industrial. We live in "service" economy my friend. We buy cheap goods from other countries so we can go out and spend our money on the service industry. I am not ignoring the GDP, I am merely stating that we are well-beyond industry alone.
Politically, you are at the epicenter b/c for some reason the U.S refuses to stand fast to it's isolationist historical roots. What happened to those good old days? Ha!

[wli]

15. could be, but I think a lot of people underestimate Peak Oil's gravity

Maybe I overestimate it.

[beausy]

16. Nah

You are right about oil. But it was bound to happen anyway. The war has merely sped the process up...oh and of course, China's expanding need for oil. But hey who can blame them, they are just trying to get their share.
Oh and that reminds me...can you explain why Cuba is under sanctions and China is not? Unless the embargo is not due to "ideological underpinnings"...which I doubt.

[wli]

19. not entirely sure

It's fait accompli but it didn't have to be this way; preparing for the end of oil should have started the moment it was realized to be a finite resource. Mass famine and poverty are going to be the result, and I'm not sure I want to know what Bushler et al's plot to avoid being overrun by starving hordes is.

[beausy]

20. no plan

no plan- they will be gone. Besides, that group comes from money...money will be able to beat back the starving hordes for a little while....

"preparing for the end of oil should have started the moment it was realized to be a finite resource"

have you ever known people to be that smart?

[wli]

21. Like Paul Newman's regret

"Sometimes, not often."

[beausy]

17. why canada sometimes just has to laugh at the U.S

Friend sent me this.

Canada's "Hide and Seek" team

Check this out. This is factual, as you will see in the video clip.
Here's the background;

Three friends decided to go to New Orleans for a football game.
One of their fathers works for Roots Canada and gave them each a Canadian
Winter Olympic jacket to wear. With that said, they decided that when people
ask them about the Olympic jacket they would make up a story & tell them
they represent Canada's "Hide and Seek" team, a new Demonstration Sport.
Well,.... they bull-shitted enough to get interviewed on National TV (ESPN)
CLASSIC, way to go ESPN nice work!

http://www.big-boys.com/articles/hideandseek.html

[texastoast]

2. I can just hear the pukes

"Who needs 'em?"

"Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just."

- Thomas Jefferson

[Lannes]

4. This soda is very big in the middle east as an alternative to coke

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. 10% what?

[Lannes]

6. Charities

http://www.mecca-cola.com/en/press_releases2/9.php



Islam sells for Mecca-Cola founder in the Middle East



Agence France Presse English; 1/20/2003


Agence France Presse English

01-20-2003


"Mecca-Cola" inventor Tawfik Mathlouthi is bringing his popular product to the Middle East, confident that in troubled times a politicised soft drink will sell in the heart of the Islamic world.

After shifting more than 2.2 million bottles in Europe in just two months, he has signed a deal with an Emirati firm, Mojarrad General Trading (MGT), to build a production plant in Dubai with distribution rights across the Middle East.

"Saudi Arabia has already ordered five million 1.5 litre bottles," said Mathlouthi, a Franco-Tunisian radio journalist.

The new outfit, Mecca Middle East Co., with capital of four million dollars, hopes to bring the plant on line before the end of the year at the Jebel Ali free zone, the biggest in the region.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Well that's a good thing

[Lannes]

8. I agree

Wish more US companies would take that approach with certain issues.

[Moderator]

18. Lannes

Per DU copyright rules
please post only four
paragraphs from the
copyrighted news source.


Thank you.


DU Moderator

[queeg]

9. We already shipped all the good products overseas

anything that was once quality made in america is now made overseas. All the stuff that's left that is made in America kinda sux.

really can't blame them