Explore international views about the United States of America.

I continue to want to learn more about how the international community thinks about the U.S. I learned a lot from all of you who are a part of this team. And, those who were outside of the team, I was grateful for thier input, too. Just because I’m marking this accomplished, doesn’t mean I’m no longer interested in discussions.

Over the past week I have had many conversations with friends about the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina.

Here in Canada people are very critical of the US Government and the fact that it took so long to get help to those who need it.
Many Canadians were offended by George Bush’s comments that the US would look after itself. The Canadian government immediately offered to help by sending a Navy ship full of supplies and military personnel, but the offer was initially declined. Now, finally the US has accepted the offer and the ship is on its way.
There is a general sense that the US has failed its citizens by not accepting whatever help was available. What are people in other countries saying about this?

...that made me think.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0508/S00100.htm

This is the sort of thing that gives America/Americans a bad name.

We all know about it, I’m sure. I don’t like that it exists in the world! That, I am sure of as American, human being, woman, etc. I can never knowingly support anything that was from a work of terrorists. However I’m becoming increasingly unsure about how it’s being approached by our government. So, I just want to know how others are viewing the “war on terrorism” from their individual perspective, first…then from the “generalized” perspective of their countries.

In the outset of this goal, a few mentioned Americans as large people…I assume this means overweight? While a majority of Americans probably are overweight, it was amazing for me to read that as something most identifiable about my country. So, I’m opening up the discussion about this topic, what do my teammates (and interested others) think about this situation?

You must know the soap opera called Friends,it is great,I like the actors,enjoy their performances.

I just woke up within an hour ago and immediately heard of the attack on London. I am very saddened, outraged about this. This may not be the appropriate place to share this, but I want those in London and the U.K. to know my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to them at this time. I’m also praying that other countries and cities will stay safe.

Birth of People’s Republic of China
http://www.astrologie.ws/china.htm

The whole intro of China
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107411.html

We’re currently in our Independence Day weekend here. For any of the international people who don’e know what that is (and I doubt that anyone wouldn’t know), it is on July 4. It’s a day that remembers July 4, 1776, when we became our own country.

So, one of my 43T friends said has already said that Canada has Canada Day.

But, I’d like to turn the tables on this goal for a bit and learn more about other countries’ national holidays. What is the day called and how do most people usually celebrate it? And, when is it celebrated?