Posted on 01/27/2005 7:42:14 AM PST by tomjohn77
As I have spend a some time in this forum I found not all, but quit a few people to have a hostile attitude against Norway and Norwegians. It is strange to me since we have so much incommon. We have respect for your culture, but must be allowed to ask critical questions now and then about foreign policies. Mostly we agree on foreign policies, but some times we disagree with the US. As a country we are free to do our own decisions. Well enough of that.. I tell you that after the UK, Norway is probably the best ally to the US. If you ever travel to Europe you will find that not all people welcomes Americans with open arms like we do in Norway. I met many Americans when I lived in the US and they have been nice and open. In contrast I have seen so many people here that wish Norway all the worst. Just like some of you hope that our economy should collapse etc. I dont understand why?
I don't think anyone here really hates Norway. They'll say ignorant thinks out of their nationalism but so do every other county.
No one here hates Norway or Norwegians. Trust me on this.
Norwegians no. French? Now that is a different story.
I don't think I've ever seen a Nowray bashing thread here so I'm not sure what you're talking about.
Ah, don't take it too personally. Every country seems to have some anti-Americanism in its press, and some anti-American big mouths, and it's understandable that Americans are annoyed when we read that kind of stuff. But I don't believe anyone here thinks that Norway is the enemy.
France is another matter. There it seems to be not only the press and the government but the people themselves, or at least a disturbing number of them.
But your words are most welcome.
I don't recall any particular negative comments about Norway. The French, yes, or maybe elements of the EU in general, but not Norway.
I've never been to Norway, but I am sure I would enjoy visiting your beautiful country.
bahbah & bahblahbah the FReeper twins ;^)
I don't recall Norway bashing here...I must have missed it.
Welcome to how we feel, though, by the way. The United States has done more for more countries and humanity, in general, than any other group of people in the history of the world, and where has it gotten us?
The only time I have a problem with a foreign governement is when that government foments or supports anti-US activity (ie: terrorists) or when allies get weak in the knees. I have not been following Norway much recently but I do not recall them doing either of these things.
I seriously doubt there is a lot of hate in the US for Norway.
Anybody who eats cod soaked in lye (aka lutefisk) is suspect.
I think the hostility is less toward Norway in particular and more toward Europe in general.
The feeling of many conservative Americans is that our economy and military bear the brunt of the heavy lifting worldwide, including giving much of Europe the luxury of maintaining a minimal armed force due to the fact that they know they are ultimately protected by their fair-weather ally, the United States.
I doubt many Americans see Europe as a de-facto enemy, but many of us certainly have a hard time viewing much of "Old Europe" as friends.
I don't think I've ever run into anyone who is anti-scandinavian. I know there are many who hope against hope that you all will come to your senses and depose the heavily socialist government you have saddled your country with.
We know there are many in Europe who wouldn't welcome Americans with open arms. For the most part, we call them ingrates. With the exception of the Finns, we were instrumental in helping Europe get through WWII and its aftermath, either by deposing their dictators or defending their soil, and by helping with reconstruction after the fact. So far I have seen only Poland, and maybe Denmark, as truly welcoming of Americans. France has always had a stigma of disliking Americans, Germany was ok until recently for the most part (but watch them whine when we finally pull all our troops and their money out), Spain was on my list until they caved to the terrorists, Italy is ok, and on and on.
LOL
<<pro-Norwegian; never had a problem with Norway, which has contributed much to America.
I do however have "issues" with some other European countries.
A cold wind doth warm the vikings' blood
I don't hate Norwegians, other than this one Norwegian jerk that was in the same graduate program I was in. Had nothing to do with his Norwegian nationality, though; he was just obnoxious.
We do NOT hate anyone, but we do have a problem with those 'ungrateful' countries whom have had benefits regarding our country. Therefore, we not need an 'Eglund' to call us stingy. We have learned long time ago, that many Europeans are jealous towards us, trying to boycott our country throughout the world such as France, Germany and the like.
Tusen tak for your post.
Wouldn't think of bashing Norway. My great-grandfather and all his brothers came from Risor.
I'm proud of my Norsk heritage.
Along with the Australian Olympic Games, the Lillehammer Games were the best in history.
Long Live Norway!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.