in terms of Christian values/social conservatism they probably do exceed the U.S in several ways."?

Your own statement is totally unclear, unjustified and without any real meaning.

I merely stated the observable fact that Russia is measurably more conservative/right-wing than the United States. All one has to do is look at their laws to make that determination. I made zero mention about whether this is "good" or "bad". Again, merely a fact.

Also, Koala, I have to ask. Do you hold some sort of grudge against me? It seems no matter what I say or how I word it you find cause to take exception.

Edited 12/8/2015 17:24:15

I guess your own measurably statement is based upon your own subjective observation? Hence sorry Eklipse but it is not a solid argument at all. Russia more conservative? Do you know that much about Russia to say this? Do you have at least some (reliable) sources that could confirm your own statement?
One simple question: If Trump was elected would you consider the US as more or less conservative compared to Russia represented by Putin?

And no, I have nothing against you, here again I just retorted it because of your statement about specifying things since you yourself stated a vague argument not supported by any blatant evidences and sources. I also realized about you whenever we talk about 'America' if we have a discording view of it you cannot just tolerate it. Listen I dont care if you are a patriot or a nationalist, it's fine, but just respect different opinions of people not always agreeing with you.

I think America is in a great position to lead the world in a free republic.

Well you think incorrectly.

i know people are to stupid to release that we are being stripped down on our rights

Russia more conservative? Do you know that much about Russia to say this? Do you have at least some (reliable) sources that could confirm your own statement?

It should be common knowledge to anyone who pays attention to world events. Just look at the almost non existence of gay rights in Russia, the extreme political power wielded by Vladimir Putin, and the treatment of political opponents (Although leftist countries can also be guilty of the latter two, so perhaps I was off on that note). One could look at this information in a number of ways, and once again, I made no statement as to whether Russia is good or bad, but it is certainly right-wing in several aspects.

Also, it's funny how you demand sources from me while you yourself provided no reasoning behind that blanket statement about the U.S being bigoted.

here again I just retorted it because of your statement about specifying things since you yourself stated a vague argument not supported by any blatant evidences and sources.

I wasn't even trying to make an argument. Another user asked other Americans for their feelings about Russia compared to the U.S. I responded with a personal observation. Yet for some reason you're blowing up and make a huge deal over this as if I insulted Russia or something.

I also realized about you whenever we talk about 'America' if we have a discording view of it you cannot just tolerate it.

Just because I disagree with you doesn't make me "intolerant". If I feel my country is being unjustly criticized I have the right to make my own counterpoints. It's you who often seems intolerant of anyone who doesn't jump on the "America is evil" bandwagon.

but just respect different opinions of people not always agreeing with you.

You should take your own advice. You're frequently hostile and dismissive of people who disagree with your worldview.

As a final note, we're both sitting here accusing each other of the same crimes, and it's looking more and more like a big pissing contest. Shall we agree to end it? We're not contributing anything with this.

You see things always escalate quickly with you Eklipse.

"common knowledge" isnt something that would really convince me, you are still very vague, and sharing your own "knowledge" is really not enough.

What do you mean by "right wing"? Do you really believe being authoritarian is inherent of right wing parties? This is how you see things?

Now that you gave your own opinion I will give you mine: I think Russia is not more or less conservative compared to the US (particularly if the Republicans win the next elections) this is not the proper definition, I would say they are just more authoritarian yes, but being conservative is not necessarily being authoritarian, I hope you get what I mean.

The fact that I stated that the US were more into "bigotry" compared to Russia was just to make you reacting about how your own arguments were weak and subjective, and you see it worked.

Was I criticizing your country Eklipse? I was even defending your country compared to mine if you paid attention in the beginning of this thread, what I criticize is not your country, but your own subjective comments not supported by any sources.

And I agree with you we are not contributing anything in this, but again i dont see why you are offended about the word "bigotry". You stated that it was obvious Russia is more conservative, well I would reply to you it is also clearly obvious that the US is a more bigoted nation compared to Russia and even I would say most of the Western World's nations, and if you need some figures or sources I will provide some later.

Edited 12/8/2015 21:51:31

One reason I like playing this game is that there are players from all over the world. I often wonder what the perception of Americans overseas is.
I feel that my country is falling apart. I feel that we are creating more terrorists than we can ever "destroy" (to use the words of both Obama and the far right Republicans) due to killing civilians via drone strike. Nothing makes me more ashamed of my country than to know that the CIA is knowingly killing civilians via drone. And yet the rank and file citizens believe, or pretend to believe, that "they (radical jihadis) hate us because of our freedoms." Our citizenry is getting fatter and stupider. We pay banking CEOs and NBA and NFL stars 10s of millions of dollars per year while paying teachers almost nothing. We will destroy ourselves long before ISIS, ISIL or any terrorist-of-the-month club will. And yet, people do still want to come here. Immigration is high. So perhaps there is reason to hold out hope there is inherent goodness in this country.

Am I just bitter? Or is there any reason to hold onto a shred of hope for my country?

With love and respect

Merc.

There is always reason for hope, my friend. As for this specific case, "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else." {W. Churchill} I think that US are in the process of trying out all the wrong things. (See: War on drug/terrorism/crime Perhaps they will realize that war needs to be a thing of the past.)

However, in terms of Christian values/social conservatism they probably do exceed the U.S in several ways.

No. The government is secular and persecutes faith as much as the next institution. The folk is majority irreligious or apatheist, and a very big bit of it that does practise faith is Islamic and non-major faiths, not just Christianity.

Tell me if gay marriage was allowed back in the time of the USSR (atheist state)?

Was actually a divided theme in the beginning, but Stalin then decided for himself and the rest, except Gorbachyov, did not really change attitude (and Gorbachyov was just less extreme about it).

Also, Eklipse may be wrong or idiotic, even, but Angry Koala is attacking and doing arrogance. I guess your own measurably statement is based upon your own subjective observation? Hence sorry Eklipse but it is not a solid argument at all.

You see things always escalate quickly with you Eklipse.

Only because you provoke it. You incite escalation by being arrogant and dismissive, then act as if you're the better person if the opponent has any reaction.

what do you mean by "right wing"? Do you really believe being authoritarian is inherent of right wing parties? This is how you see things?

I stated in my post that leftist countries are often guilty of being authoritarian. You and I might get along better in these discussions if you read the entirety of my posts instead of cherry picking things and misrepresenting my words.

Was I criticizing your country Eklipse?

Not in this thread, and I didn't say you were. We were talking about threads in the past, hence you even said "whenever we talk". I was responding to my reactions in general whenever the U.S actually is being criticized.

but your own subjective comments not supported by any sources.

And that's any different from what you always do? I can't count the number of times I've seen you make blanket statements without providing any back up for them. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Practice what you preach.

but again i dont see why you are offended about the word "bigotry". You stated that it was obvious Russia is more conservative

Bigotry carries negative connotation, conservative does not.

In addition, I wasn't even offended. All I did was ask you to specify, because I had no idea what you were talking about. Instead of answering the question you exploded into tirade of personal attack against me. That is the point when I got offended.

I'm happy to discuss political topics with anyone, and I don't care if you have a different view point. However, I don't like it when people assume the moral high ground and act arrogantly towards their opponent(s).

Both left and right wings have their more Authoritarian and their more Libertarian versions. Stalin was aggressively left wing, while Hitler was more right wing. In the USA, almost ALL our politicians fall on the right wing authoritarian part of the spectrum. Notable exceptions include Ralph Nader and Ron Paul.