Just watched one of the funniest Top Gears (bbc2 11/02/07) in ages but it did highlight something I've become aware of about the US in the last few years.

America is not - at least in certain areas - subject to the rule of law.  Or at least the social mores of modern western civilisation.

The jaunt through Alabama showed what happens when you combine a lack of irony with a mouth breathing populace and the continued squalor in New Orleans
makes a mockery of the drive to spread democracy worldwide.  

No wonder the 'Axis of Evil' doesn't listen when America beats its chest, the US can't even clean up its own mess.

Is this just down to eight years of Bushism or is it a deeper seated problem?

Quote from: StumpydaveIs this just down to eight years of Bushism or is it a deeper seated problem?

What, exactly, do you think the problem is and what, exactly, would you do to fix it?

Quote from: John MorrowWhat, exactly, do you think the problem is and what, exactly, would you do to fix it?

Dude, the only winning move here is not to play.  (EDIT: By which I mean, just let this thread drop off and die.)

Quote from: fonkaygarryDude, the only winning move here is not to play.  (EDIT: By which I mean, just let this thread drop off and die.)

I'm not trying to win.  I just like to see the thinking behind comments like this.

I love it when people in borderline 2nd-world burgeoning police states think they understand how things are here in the States.

Next time you walk past a CCTV camera, give it a wave for me, will ya?

Quote from: WerekoalaI love it when people in borderline 2nd-world burgeoning police states think they understand how things are here in the States.

Next time you walk past a CCTV camera, give it a wave for me, will ya?

Now, now.

What stumpy is referring to was a little disturbing, but considering past form was probably at least partially pre-scripted (i'm a sceptic). Three English blokes breezed through Alabama with cars daubed with provocative slogans such as "Hilary Clinton for President", "Man love is great" and "Country music is rubbish". At a garage, some angry locals were a bit threatening and rocks were thrown. New Orleans was shown as pretty much totally untouched by any rebuilding efforts.

I doubt Top Gears honesty in this sort of thing as it's more about having a laugh and being 'lads'. This episode, i thought was a bit snobbish about the US and provocative to boot. Still fucking funny, but still...not the programmes greatest moment IMO.

So they called a lifer's mom a whore and then complained when they got shanked? Is that basically it?

Quote from: One Horse TownNow, now.

What stumpy is referring to was a little disturbing, but considering past form was probably at least partially pre-scripted (i'm a sceptic). Three English blokes breezed through Alabama with cars daubed with provocative slogans such as "Hilary Clinton for President", "Man love is great" and "Country music is rubbish". At a garage, some angry locals were a bit threatening and rocks were thrown. New Orleans was shown as pretty much totally untouched by any rebuilding efforts.

I doubt Top Gears honesty in this sort of thing as it's more about having a laugh and being 'lads'. This episode, i thought was a bit snobbish about the US and provocative to boot. Still fucking funny, but still...not the programmes greatest moment IMO.

Oh. So it was designed to deliberately reflect the U.S. in the worst possible light?

Thank goodness we're allies, eh?

:rolleyes:

Quote from: WerekoalaOh. So it was designed to deliberately reflect the U.S. in the worst possible light?

Thank goodness we're allies, eh?

:rolleyes:

Quote from: WerekoalaI love it when people in borderline 2nd-world burgeoning police states think they understand how things are here in the States.

Next time you walk past a CCTV camera, give it a wave for me, will ya?

With friends like you, who needs enemies?

Quote from: WerekoalaOh. So it was designed to deliberately reflect the U.S. in the worst possible light?

Thank goodness we're allies, eh?

:rolleyes:

Get a grip. It's a motoring programme!  We all love you really. Just release your cockpit videos a bit quicker

We are brother nations, linked by Simon Cowell from now till Judgment Day!

HUZZAH!

Hey, I don't recall starting this particular discussion of "mouth breathers" and "places where the rule of Law dosn't apply". If you've got a problem with it, take it up with the OP.

WK: The only winning move is not to play.  Someone wants to stir shit, why risk getting it on you?

Doesn't matter if you're from Tuscaloosa or Nice; make a value judgment about a nation based on what Clarkson tells you about it and you're one ignorant son of a bitch.

You're right, of course. Why should I care?

On to more pleasant things?

Man douche.  Discuss.