What makes the United States great?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

given our current economy, loss of moral high ground, focus moved from internal growth to international adventures, nations around the world really getting their act together, loss of manufacturing base, growth of a service economy...


What makes the U.S. great? Not talking about my grandfather's generation that built the U.S. over the last 100 years +-, but what makes us great NOW and going into the future. What are our strong points? Where do you see the U.S. in 10 years?

[kach22i]

Greatness is overrated.

[legion]

It used to be that you could pursue your dreams with minimal intervention and hassle from Big Brother.

Not so much anymore.

[Hugh R]

We're running on momentum right now and not much else.

[MRM]

Dollar menus at fast food joints.

[kach22i]

Dollar stores.

[911teo]

The people. Tanken individually Americans are one of the most welcoming, most enthusiastic and positive people in the World.

America as a whole is a different story unfortunately.

[silverc4s]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

given our current economy, loss of moral high ground, focus moved from internal growth to international adventures, nations around the world really getting their act together, loss of manufacturing base, growth of a service economy...


What makes the U.S. great? Not talking about my grandfather's generation that built the U.S. over the last 100 years +-, but what makes us great NOW and going into the future. What are our strong points? Where do you see the U.S. in 10 years?

Shaun,
Go live and work in a few other countries for a while (say a year or two at a time), and I bet you will be able to answer your own question. I could answer it for you, but you would not believe me, so why bother? I am not that good a typist...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

[MichiganMat]

I fear if US gas prices reach the levels of the rest of the world, this country, with all its open space and freedom, is going to see a fundamental restructuring of its entire way of living. Driving Americans, with our car-centric thinking, our excessive appetites for personal space, convenience, and fast food, are going to have to rethink everything.

May we all live in interesting times.

[Gogar]

We're sexy.

And that's very important. No really I'm serious.

[911teo]

In Europe gas is expensive because of taxes, not because it really costs more. It's funny but people accept it much more than an increase in income taxes.

I am afraid taxes need to go up in the US, and since is political suicide to hike income taxes the $$$ will have to come from somewhere...

You are very right... interesting times lay ahead for all of us.

[gprsh924]

Our endless appeals system



Bonus points for anyone who knows the movie

[Super_Dave_D]

Thank you for Smoking

[MichiganMat]

Originally Posted by 911teo

In Europe gas is expensive because of taxes, not because it really costs more. It's funny but people accept it much more than an increase in income taxes.

I am afraid taxes need to go up in the US, and since is political suicide to hike income taxes the $$$ will have to come from somewhere...

You are very right... interesting times lay ahead for all of us.

I've been thinking about ways to invest in the market in anticipation for higher prices but I've yet to find a good play. I checked out Harley Davidson, believing that higher gas prices will drive American's to buy "that motorcycle they've always wanted", but recent reports say HD has cut its forecast and sales are down. That seems counterintuitive, maybe HD is seen as a luxury item.

I've also considered commercial bus mfg's and train mfg's to invest in public transport, but BlueBird isn't traded. I don't see Amtrack or Greyhound profiting, only getting squeezed. Airlines as well, might be a good play to short them.

Who makes money and profit when everything is grinding to a halt? Netflix and Budweiser?

[Gogar]

Exxon.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

What makes the United States great?

Simple. Las Vegas.

[Rikao4]

Many things make America good and 'great'. I feel that way, then again I have resided in numerous countries.
Easy test.
Leave the US, stay / live with the locals & work. No need to go to bum f5ck Egypt either.
If upon your return while flying by 'the Lady' you don't feel thankful...
you don't need to leave the plane..keep going PLEASE.
Rika

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Moses

Simple. Las Vegas.

So it Tabs makes Vegas great, does that mean Tabs makes the U.S. great?

[gprsh924]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave_D

Thank you for Smoking

Yes...I really like that movie