Re: American Attitudes (was Re: Hard working?)

[Dan Minette]

----- Original Message -----
From: Charlie Bell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 4:23 AM
Subject: RE: American Attitudes (was Re: Hard working?)

> You said "the forefront of invention". I was demonstrating the massive
> advances made elsewhere.
>

Actually, he said, at the forefront of invention"


>
> 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.
>

Actually, at the forefront, as I understand the American usage, is a claim
that the US has not been a second tier country with respect to inventions.
Several countries can reasonably and accurately claim to be at the forefront
of inventions if they all have a high, comperable invention per capita
ratio.

Maybe this is another case of the US and UK being seperated by the same
language?

Dan M.