> >Other than the aeroplane, and possibly the internet (although the WWW was
> >invented in switzerland...), what great technological innovation was from
> >the states?
>
> Fortuantely, I know that you're not serious. Even you recognized how
> insincere your list was by your failure to avoid mentioning the airplane
> even in the same message.
Insincere? <L>
You said "the forefront of invention". I was demonstrating the massive
advances made elsewhere.
>
> Technologically, there are things like mass production,
> the motion picture, the global positioning system, the consumer usable
electric light
> bulb, the
> world's most powerful supercomputers.
<snip rest>
I didn't say America invented nothing. I was pointing out that of the most
important inventions, many, if not most, of them came from elsewhere in the
world. America has of course had a huge part in various areas, but to say
that America led the world for 200 years is hyperbole at best, and unfounded
arrogence at worst.
We were talking about arrogance. Ecvery nation, every group, has thinks to
be proud of, and things to be ashamed of. To be proud of your achiements is
fine, but what you don't see until you leave your own country for an
extended period is how others really see you.
I'd never really understood how Britain is viewed until I stepped outside,
and looked back, and I don't like what I see. I can't stand Brits on
holiday, for much the same reasons a lot of American tourists irritate me.
It's the unbridled arrogance of the ignorant masses. "Two world wars and one
world cup" etc etc...
Yes, I understand you were not justifying arrogance, you were pointing out
that America has a lot to be proud of. Yes, you do.
Yet you still managed to come out with some incredible pieces of arrogance,
like the statement I latched on to.
Charlie
