(08-22-2018, 01:35 PM)michaelsean Wrote: We will see. I mean the respect part I don't really care about. I know that sounds arrogant, but it's not meant to be. money and power speak. They always have and they always will. Right now that's the US.
I don't consider that arrogant, I understand the position. There's some things to say - first, it's nice to be liked in the world. There might be a future where on travels, you'd better identify as Canadian so people don't spit in your dinner. That might be a small thing, but still.
In the bigger picture. The US won't lose its might and power, also economically, that early. I think I notice a shift, however. Made in USA used to have a better tone than "made in China". There's a reason why people drink coke, go to McDonalds, think Harleys are cool and go for US entertainment products. We don't need to do that, and getting more unpopular can have an impact on that. A possible demise won't come immediately, but I do think the groundworks are laid. Not just with our current leaders.
About the respect issue. The perception of the US is as lousy as it ever was right now, and I feel Americans don't get that at all. And it's not because we think Trump is an autocrat or opposed to US allies or in bed with Putin or has a distanced relationships to norms and insitution or the press or the judiciary etc. We do think all that as well, sure. But above all else, people here consider Trump to be utterly, totally moronic, a full-blown idiot - and in expansion, Americans. For we see a nation stunned by a complete moron, with no one daring to stand up against his attics, all shell-shocked, extradited to one awful man's moods. It looks awful, it looks weak, it looks helpless. And everyone mentions that, even people who didn't care about any of that in earlier times (even including my weed dea... ah, never mind). It might not matter, and maybe you don't care. I think it matters.
Note, that's what folks say. I happen to agree with them, but this is not about me stating my opinion.
And the leaders... well, they won't trust you any longer, as I said. That can't be a good thing.
(08-22-2018, 01:35 PM)michaelsean Wrote: Downside of course being that I'd have to learn another language so I could watch a lot of TV and movies.
Don't watch German movies.
Also, Germany... yeah fool me three times. WWI, however... OK. Thing is, most people agree. Germany in a leading role still sends chills down people's spines, and that won't change that soon too. I don't necessarily think a world leader role needs to be filled by a certain country though. The US can lose ground without anyone significantly stepping up.
(08-22-2018, 01:35 PM)michaelsean Wrote: I never heard of that limitation on cable. Are you sure?
No
I just figured.
I don't know how it works in the US. We here can book some channels that sure show porn around the clock. But on those channels I can get for free, there are laws and limitations on what they can show.