Country Discussion: USA

[ArtetaMoney]

Far too many veterans having a hard time. Could it be they only respect them while they carry a gun? Same could certainly be said of UK. probably most countries so I don't want to single out the US.

Agree with the rest.

Never been there but the Americans I've met have all been lovely people.

I've only seen nothing but respect for them from the people, but yes the government in the majority of countries could and should treat their veterans better.

 

[RAFUH]

Biased of course ‘cause I went to school there (Woo Pig @RAFUH), but northwest Arkansas is a beautiful place.

I live on the surface of the sun in Houston now, but would love to get back to NWA someday. (Houston’s diversity is wonderful, but it is just too hot, too busy and has too many people for me)

How long has it been since you were on The Hill? It’s not Houston level busy/crowded, but it sure has changed.

 

[mezzrow]

I see Chico's back to churn the waters like twin Mercs on a Big Lake George flatboat. He's probably here on vacation right now.

It's good to love where you live, and I do. Hope all y'all do as well.

 

[RAFUH]

The deep South, a country within a country.

Meet the White family, God bless them.

West Virgina isn’t the Deep South. The Deep South is Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina with some potential overlap into areas bordering these states.

WV is its own category, but fits into Appalachian.

 

[RAFUH]

I blame you lot…apparently the one successful revolution has led many to believe we might want/need to do it again someday.

Lived here 49 years, 43 of them in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas (the othe 6 in New Jersey just 10 miles from NYC) and can count on one hand he number of times I have seen a gun in a public place (not counting police).

In the last few years, Ive seen hand guns in public when visiting OK. Haven’t seen any in NC.

 

[DavidH]

They pronounce "data" "d'taa" so for that I'm out.

 

[mezzrow]

West Virgina isn’t the Deep South. The Deep South is Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina with some potential overlap into areas bordering these states.

WV is its own category, but fits into Appalachian.

Take in Florida's Gulf Coast from Alabama all the way down to Cedar Key, then draw a line across the state from west to east. North of that is the Florida Deep South. The folks on the flats of the Deep South and the folks in the mountains of WV/Ky all had to work hard for a living, but that's Appalachia up there. They have their own story.

 

[RAFUH]

Am currently in Arkansas visiting good friends who have moved out here from the uk.

Lots of the stereotypes of southern US Bible Belt ring true - but have also been struck by incredible kindness and politeness, superb service and absolutely stunning unspoilt countryside and the opportunity to do stuff that would cost hundreds to do in the uk - or just be impossible because of the crap weather.

Today we got taken out on a boat on Beaver Lake and the water was warmer than the swimming pools at home. We swam, tubed, cruised, ate and drank in the sun all day. Then went to a fried chicken place which works “family style”.

There’s no menu choices. They just bring soup, mash, greens, bread and fried chicken to your table until you’re full, with refillable soft drinks constantly topped up.
Fantastic!

The other day we floated down the Elk River on canoes and kayaks and never saw another soul. Water so clear you could see loads of fish swimming clearly.

It’s just amazing out here.
Obviously there’s the gun stuff and gas-guzzling trucks, but when you come here and see the terrain and the wildlife (there are deer walking around in “urban”residential streets) you kind of get sense of why country folk are so into their guns and hunting etc.

Anyway - having a fantastic time and it’s definitely changing my long-held perspectives a bit

Now, I’m homesick.

 

[mezzrow]

In the last few years, Ive seen hand guns in public when visiting OK. Haven’t seen any in NC.

I've never seen open carry down here in Florida.

 

[RAFUH]

I've never seen open carry down here in Florida.

Oklahoma and Florida are very different places.

 

[mezzrow]

Oklahoma and Florida are very different places.

I haven't been in OK in 35 years. No frame of reference for me.

 

[Rich1878]

Only been the once

Went to Florida years ago. Loved it , and would love to go back. Seriously wouldn't mind relocating to America tbh

 

[chicoazul]

It’s the diversity in people and land that I love. Topped off by the hospitality whenever I visit, I’m really really fond of Americans and how positive they are - it’s a nice counter from the cynicism of the UK. I know there’s a jibe about so many not having passports but when you got a beautiful big continent to explore I’d prioritise that before I left.

 

[Hogwild]

Oklahoma and Florida are very different places.

Yeah, in fairness all of my Oklahoma time was in Tulsa which admittedly is not necessarily like the rest of the state

 

[RAFUH]

It’s the diversity in people and land that I love. Topped off by the hospitality whenever I visit, I’m really really fond of Americans and how positive they are - it’s a nice counter from the cynicism of the UK. I know there’s a jibe about so many not having passports but when you got a beautiful big continent to explore I’d prioritise that before I left.

I do wish more left though and not just to Mexico or the Caribbean. A lot of Americans have no clue how the US is perceived internationally. Many assume the world thinks we are the bee knees. As well as their misperceptions that US is the only or "most free" country in the world and has the best of everything.

But then, those are also the last folks I'd want out and about in the world representing the US.