Thread: In Italy a prosecutor can appeal an acquittal? WTF?

Originally Posted by Luna Tick

You're probably right. Sex sells. In this case it sold a news story.



That's an extreme position. You'll miss out on seeing some amazing things in other countries then. Next summer I'm going up to Lake Winnipeg. I look forward to enjoying its unique beauty and doing fun things there. I'm confident the Canadians aren't going to arrest me and falsely convict me of a crime. Last winter I went on a cruise in the Caribbean. It was well worth it and I plan to do it again. Jamaica was beautiful and the snorkeling was fun. I will admit there were some scary things about Cozumel, Mexico. I saw the Mexican military on the streets armed with assault rifles. I have no plans to hitchhike through Mexico wearing short shorts and a halter top.

You don't have to ever leave the country if you don't want to. It's up to you. However, it is possible to safely travel abroad and have a great time if you want to. You just need to know what you're doing. There's a big beautiful country to our immediate north that's generally friendly to Americans. Maybe give it a try.

I feel better when I see the Mexican military on the streets. At least they will be there to shoot back if something erupts. Every one of them I have talked to have been very polite too.

Originally Posted by Luna Tick

You'll never see the beautiful castles of Germany, Switzerland, and France then. That's a shame. Those are all amazing countries. You don't have to agree with all of their politics to enjoy them. I'm fine with people visiting the US regardless if they agree with all our policies. Foreigners often come here and find out that Americans aren't the evil imperialist ignorant bigots that stereotypes have lead them to believe we are. Visiting another country is usually a positive experience. I've never regretted going to any of the places I've visited.

I'll see them in photos and video. I'll have the opportunity to review the floor plans and architectural diagrams in books. I'm sorry, but I cannot enjoy visiting a place whose politics are that contrary to mine. Hell, I have a hard time visiting Boston or NYC for the same reason.

I'm nowhere near as fine with those foreigners visiting the United States. I never have been. Maybe because I AM one of those evil, imperialist bigots that their stereotypes are based on. Probably part of why I have no interest in going over there either.

Originally Posted by Luna Tick

I agree that no one should travel to any country in ignorance. You've got to know where you're going to protect yourself. There are countries I would not consider going to. North Korea and Iran are among them. It's not that I think everyone from those countries is evil. I just think it would be difficult to travel in safety without knowing anyone there and without speaking the language.

Well, a great deal of Europeans travel here in ignorance. Just ask any member of a waitstaff that has enjoyed the "pleasure" of dealing with them at their table only to be totally stiffed on a tip.

My comment about NK and Iran has more to do with the fact that we keep having Americans captured by these nations and the US Government gets pressured to "save" them. They made their bed, let them lay in it.

Originally Posted by Luna Tick

Actually, they have the right to bear arms in Canada. In fact, the country has a very large gun ownership. I don't think they have the same concealed weapons permits that some states in the US have, but Canadians do have the right to bear arms.

No. They have the right to OWN certain types of firearms (not including handguns) and to use them for a very limited range of purposes. They have no right to carry concealed weapons as residents of all but two US states do (WI and IL). Nor do they have an intrinsic right to self-defense (neither do most Europeans).

Originally Posted by Luna Tick

Canada's also our biggest trading partner one one of our best allies in the world. I'm grateful that they're our northern neighbor and not some country like North Korea. They have a market economy much like our own. In fact, our economies are interdependent. I guess you think their health care system is socialist like that of England, but it's not. It's not owned by the government. Almost all medical practices are privately owned. The government only handles the health insurance part of it. You don't have to agree with that approach, but it would be a shame to never see that country just because you don't. I plan to have a great time at Lake Winnipeg. Maybe I'll come in here and post photos. Again, you don't have to visit there if you don't want to. However, maybe consider another viewpoint -- that it might be worth going to see. You could have a great time and it won't turn you into a socialist. I promise.

I don't believe we have any allies outside of our borders (and far fewer inside than we should). I'm also an Isolationist. The government has no reason to be involved in health care at all, at any level. Not here, not in Canada or in Europe. Again, I go out of my way to avoid supporting areas whose ideology/philosophy does not mesh with my own. I know Canada is a gorgeous country, as are many other places. I was there twice in my youth for short periods of time. I just have no desire to ever go back.