Gennifer Flowers.

[hollodero]

(10-09-2016, 12:22 PM)Dill Wrote: In Germany and the Scandinavian countries, most students come out of the Gymnasium reasonably fluent in English and easily able to watch our media and read our news reports.  So they are very aware of how media filter news through differing national perspectives, and often maintain an interest in international news long after school. Relatively few Americans can follow foreign language press.  So what they know of the world is filtered largely through our media and our interests--especially regarding Middle East politics.  Doubly filtered if Fox is your primary source, explaining why "they" hate us today. The higher the level of development, political democracy and education, they more "they" seem interested in us.

If you see important political or economic connections between the U.S. and Europe which can be affected by U.S. elections then the question of what "they" think of us becomes very interesting, sometimes concerning. Everywhere I have traveled, I have met people who know a lot about the U.S. but take it for granted that Americans don't know much about their culture or their region. That ignorance and incuriousity seems to be an internationally recognized trait.

Interesting point... but don't forget, we as people are probably more alike than you'd guess. We have our national media with their various filters either, and we too don't speak French or Spanish. We can follow you, but honestly, we would not expect you to follow us just as closely. It's not condescending to assume that, and it probably really isn't meant that way in many instances.
Why would you follow all of our countries? 
I hardly know what goes on in, say, Portugal and wouldn't recognize the Dutch Queen. We are not that different people here. Some of "us" educated people (well, those who speak English and know how a LAN cable works) might additionally surf around and find themselves more interested in US media and politics for there's more at stake and it's the culture that influences us more via film, music and tv than maybe our own does. 
But that's that. Do not overestimate people's compulsion for news and education here. Plus, being somehow "informed" is certainly not a broad movement. Just look at some of the folks or ideas many people in our countries vote for. And those who don't aren't necessarily all smarter.

(10-09-2016, 12:22 PM)Dill Wrote: PS are Austrians our "allies"? They aren't NATO signatories.

Yeah no, we are not. We are not allowed to. We gained our independence in 1955 based on the condition that we commit to eternal neutrality. That was the idea of the four super powers. So basically it was you who commanded us not to be anyone's ally and never join any club like NATO.

I would instantly try to get rid of that stupitidy should I ever rise to power. And then probably get shot by a pacifist for that. And his message will be "bad things happen when good people do nothing".
We believe in this BS and turned it into a peaceful white dove, plus it's actually quite handy, so it's not just your fault. But nope, no allies, sorry folks, not possible.