talking dogs

[Australian Studies Centre]

[lots of stuff re: MIB, the supposed freedom of speech in the US, American
values, etc]

Isn't this next statement a little contradictory? You have the space and
freedom but hey, don't citicise the US because its the best country in the
world? 

[quote]America is a unique place.  Why?  Because you have the SPACE to
live.
Almost every other country and culture in the world hands down its values
and says THIS IS HOW IT IS.  And you may feel America is like this too.
But in reality, in this country, you have the space to say "I think its
like this".  Rosa Parks said "I think its like this" when the rest of
America told her it was different.  If America and Americans seem to be
telling you that mindless values are not ok, say "I disagree".  [unquote]

And I think, as in most western "democracies" , some people have a lot more
space than others. In the US there are numerous people (African Americans,
Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, etc) who in reality can say "I think
it's like this" but either get marginalised, jailed, or their comments
quickly supressed. I have to admire those Americans who are willing to
criticise America. 

Mike H