Fucking SWEET! I'm Buying this shit!

Wow. Nice rant.

I've been to the US.

I agree, it's a very oppressive culture. Whether you blame it on the government or religion or the fact that the two always seem to be combined --it's absolutely true, Americans have no idea what freedom is. I generally refrain from discussing politics or religion with people in the US because within minutes I'll be labeled unamerican and a heretic. I think the most tragic thing is that Americans have been trained to oppress each other, and they have no clue how miserable they actually are because of it.

//I would imagine those who don't care too much for patriotism just go about their business, ignoring the flag-waving and nationalist rhetoric.

It used to be that easy. They'd go their way, I'd go mine. Then, about a year and a half ago, something happened which sent the entire country into a complete frenzy of patriotism. The government siezed on this as an opportunity to make it very clear that "If you're not for America, you're against it." It wasn't enough, suddenly, to be mildly satisfied with where you live. To be Truly Patriotic, to be a Real American, to not be in danger of being considered Un-American (ie, Anti-American), you had to DISPLAY your patriotism. People seemed almost frantic to display just how American they were.

My tattoo artist told me he's been doing ten times more patriotic tattoos in the past year than ever before, and he did his apprenticeship in Texas of all places.

My sister called me a while ago and said, "I never owned a flag before, now I suddenly have seven. People just keep giving them to me. What am I supposed to do with them all?"

It's become exceedingly difficult to 'just go about my business' while living in this country. I feel that I have to stifle myself, watch what I say. Unless things turn in the opposite direction very quickly, things may become dangerous for me. If the current political regime tightens its stranglehold on the nation, I WILL end up in jail. I've resigned myself to it. I'm generally a 'keep yer head down and mouth shut' sort of person, but there will come a breaking point, and I think it's coming soon. It frightens me.

I will be persecuted for what I believe, and my only damn crime is thinking it's silly to be proud of being born in a certain country. I'd hate to be a martyr to the ridiculousness of patriotism, but there is a growing number of US citizens who think it's inevitable.

yep, they are

and also who gives a fuck. like dark tower wouldn't take a sponsership like that. the only reason they haven't is because who could give a shit about there souless 'white-boy' rap...it's like listening to the rap in wham' 'young guns' ........death by matrimony...i love the fact that these third rate hacks are taking shots at someone whose success they will never, EVER, even come close to reaching. it's like the insane clown posse mocking eminem...

so i take it hes sponsored by them. okay. well personally i dont think i could respect anyone who put down che fu because i like his music alot, i just wanted to know what happened.

[ http://duffeysome.tk ]

//jody guy has to be one of the most annoying cunts around

He is one of the most socially conscious and articulate rappers around.
He has is own voice and is not afraid to speak out.
He is an incredible producer, a prolific writer and a true artist.

He's out there, in your face.

If that annoys you, his quest is worthwhile- he's making you think.

Good. You should do it more often, BEFORE you start ranting.

who's the cunt now??? me, of course!!
i am also a pathetic attention seeking loud mouth who has nothing better to do than to laugh at the misfortunes of others and to point out peoples shortcomings to make up for not only my own insecurities but my low self esteem and complete failings in life. so thanks for the analysis doc but I am well aware of what i am. you on the other hand appear to me to be what is more commonly known as an uppity prick.

//i am also a pathetic attention seeking loud mouth

The word "idiot" springs to mind . . .

HA! OK, how about "lame".

Aw buddy, no need to be so down on yourself. I'm sure you're not a bad person in real life.

Hey, it was my brother watching! Plus, there are some cool shows... :)

Bummer.

your a real laugh catcher, I hope you stick around... most of the
new 'bag it all' munters don't really last ?

//Hate to say this,

Bet you didn't. Bet you relished every minute of it. Like I would have if you hadn't said it first.

// Saying you're an american is about as specific as saying you're an earthling.

I think some Americans think the two go hand-in-hand. Everyone outside the great nation is considered an alien, after all.

painnking does have a point with the 'no one here is hearing your bitchin' though -- I doubt any NZ opinion is making even a blip on the US consciousness. All the better for us, 'cos we can rant on happily with no fear of retaliation.

Related, sort of...

I'm just reading Bill Bryson's "Down Under", and he starts off the book with an analysis of media coverage of Australia in the New York Times. In 1998 there were 20 mentions of events and news from that nation in the entire year. He compared that to some other crazy stats: 24 mentions for bowling ball accidents, 30 mentions for butterfly migration stories, that sort of thing. New Zealand would rank even lower, methinks.