It seems that Uncle Sam has no other argument than "If we didn't save their asses in WWII, they would all be speaking German." I think he used up this line in about 7 different rooms. Find some new material please.

I have a question. Let's say that a Swede who speaks only Swedish and English goes to Italy. Because he doesn't speak Italian, he reverts to English, which has become more or less the universal second language. Is he as "rude" as an American because he doesn't speak Italian in Italy? Or is he a "civilized" European because he speaks a second language?

XXX,<BR><BR>You do not dispute it, you just do not wish to be reminded.<BR><BR>Interesting, I've heard that those who do not learn from history repeat it.<BR><BR>danke,

I sure hate to see how the flaming won over the joking on this thread. Must be because the jokes wen't all that good!<BR>

to the top<BR>

pca is absolutely right. Suppose the average American tourist goes to Paris once in their life. That requires that they know French? What happens if they go to Italy the next time and Portugal the next. Should they also be required to know those languages as well in order to be a "good" global citizen? I am American, and speak fluent Spanish thanks to years of study in the U.S. and Spain. I only speak a few words of French. And I get the same negative reaction in Paris whether I speak English or Spanish.

I had a similar experience while teaching American History 5 years ago...<BR><BR>I was going on and on about all the different immigrants coming through Ellis Island...what each person/country/culture contributed to us...and those kids heard about the French, Italians, Polish, Germans, Spanish, Irish, etc... and one little girl raised her hand and shyly asked, "Um, Miss W.? Where were the Americans and what did THEY do ?"<BR><BR>GREAT question from a 12 year-old that I felt immediately speechless and awestruck at the innocence and naivity of the question...<BR><BR>Of course I answered her about what being an 'American' was, but what a great question.<BR><BR>~Wendy~

It's not that Americans don't speak every language on the planet that gets me so MAAADDD. It's that they're so fat, loud & wear shorts & sneakers, don't/can't recline their plane seats, don't like children in restaurants ( except when their children are running amok in restaurants ), smoke too much/complain about smokers who smoke too much & think that theirs is the most powerful nation in the world ( it IS ???!!! ) that REALLY gets my goat ( OK I'm a Greek Farmer & I love my Goat ).

Flamer - <BR><BR>In America, we are allowed to disagree with each other. This makes for a diverse culture. Some people complain and others choose not to complain. Some of us take those rights for granted, but they are there. The only reason you hear Americans complain is because you choose to listen. This is an American domain name you are logged onto. <BR><BR>Enough of the soap box complaining... Are you an American??? By your own standards, you complain like one!!!<BR><BR>

&gt;GREAT question from a 12 year-old that &gt;I felt immediately speechless and &gt;awestruck at the innocence and naivity &gt;of the question...<BR><BR>A good question indeed. The Americans were there when the first colonists arrived and it was a sad day for them.<BR>

Soapbox,<BR><BR>You took my last post SERIOUSLY ?<BR>Now that's SCAREY !

to save the joke side of this thread.<BR>

Didn't read all the posts, but the original "joke" was just dumb and hateful.

ABC,<BR><BR>Lighten up, it was funny. Don't take it persoanlly.<BR><BR>US

It was funny. Only the insecure would take offense from it.<BR>