Things you like about America

slither12

It's a popular pastime to make fun of America but I wonder if they'e some things people admire about the place compared to here. I have to say I like how waiting lists are virtually non-existent for medical issues (provided you're not lower class of course). My cousin there who has ADHD and Aspergers struggled immensely with the ridiculous HSE until she moved there. Within 7 months, she got proper medication, therapy, and was offered some paid clinical trial.

The other thing is how easy it is to make money. Sell your sperm, donate blood, etc..

French Toast

Bull riding, monster trucks, ice hockey, the band Alabama.

Fr Tod Umptious

I lived there for 6 years, l loved it.

The people are very friendly and helpful.

On two occasions my car broken down and the number of people that pulled over genuinely offering help was great to see.

I broke down in this country and was 25 minutes watching cars pass me by before someone stopped to help.

Plus work wise you really get rewarded for putting in the extra effort, working a second job or doing overtime is far rewarding tax wise than here.

The availability of consumer goods is great too, as are the variety in food options.

Riddle101

The scenery. There are so many places you can visit in America where the scenery is so beautiful and uplifting, whether it be the Florida Keys or the mountains of Montana, Mammoth Creek in California, or even the desert landscape of Nevada. A lot of great places to visit and explore.

I also like the highways and roads in America. Nice open highways and roads that are wide and spacious and go from state to state. Great for if you ever want to go on a road trip somewhere on a motorcycle or whatever your preferred mode of transport is.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

So they pumped her with meds to make her easy to handle and paid to do experiments on her.... they have some nice landscapes, but they are very occupied in destroying them, so no can say I see anything to recommend them.

Starfire20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

if you don"t have good enough insurance, you better believe you're going to be paying through the nose for any treatment.

you also better hope that your hospital, and doctor, is "in-network" or the insurance middlemen won't cover treatment.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

....maybe you should spend some time over there, its really not as easy as that in many places, in many places, if you arent a part of the more wealthier classes, you re generally fcuked, in regards your health care needs, there actually has been links to some mass shootings in america, and those disorders you mentioned, so........

Thelonious Monk

The fact they have wilderness is great, makes you realise how domesticated Ireland is, every last inch of Ireland is a farm pretty much. Last time I was in the US we drove out of Boston to Vermont, and about an hour out of Boston it's just endless forest, never saw anything like it before. The fact you need a car to do pretty much anything puts me off the country though.

dxhound2005

About 65% of Ireland is in farmland. Around 11% is managed forestry, up from 1% at the foundation of the State. Another 7% or so would be trees not in forestry. Hedgerows, bogs and rough ground are also substantial.

Thelonious Monk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291396#Comment_120291396

nearly all of that 11% is sitka spruce farms for profit

Cluedo Monopoly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291341#Comment_120291341

I did a long road trip in USA a few years ago. Managed to take in 13 states in 2 weeks - mainly east coast. I have to say I wasn't that impressed - all the towns looked the exact same and the local people were very boring/dim. Shopping seemed to be the most popular pastime.

What did I like? Maybe the forests. Not much else. NYC was cool but I wouldn't go back to USA in a hurry. Perhaps the Rockies or Montana/Dakota.

The food portions were just wrong. Cops were just rude.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291526#Comment_120291526

...tis changing though, more is being developed for long term use, cant see how we can have forestry in the country without an element of for profit

Strumms

The fact that every state is different, has its own character, landscape, architecture, history…

I toured the east coast in a car going back and it was an experience.

no identikit towns and cities… everywhere had charm, culture, character, space, nice landscape, uniqueness, not like the cheap identikit BS that passes for towns here, here our architecture and both residential and corporate business that passes our planning ‘laws’ here…laughable… ‘sure if it won’t fall down, it be grand’ is the seemingly inevitable mantra 😅👍🏻

was staying in New York but was driven to and through as well as stayed in Delaware, New Jersey, Virgina, Maryland, Washington State / Washington DC…

it was an experience.

much better value and service to be had eating out, in clothing stores etc…and shopping in general.

small stuff like in a restaurant and refilling soft drinks for free, here in some places you are charged about 3.50 for a regular coke…

if healthcare was better I’d have examined the possibility of a move..

elperello

The way they invite you to their house and mean it.

Nigel Fairservice

I travelled across the US by myself for the bones of 3 months over 10 years ago. Took in 27 states on the trip, big cities and small towns. I'm not the most social person but people there were exceptionally friendly and chatty. When people found out I was travelling by myself I had some offers of places to stay. Didn't take anyone up on the offers but they were kind to offer all the same. Got some great local advice about things to see and so as well.

There's some amazing scenery there too from the forests of New England to the desert of California.

dxhound2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

I would prefer to do the etc.

Mister Vain

The hospitality and the buckets of fries with melted cheese.

Tell me how

It's hard to make a general statement about America, given the size of it and the very different things such as environment, climate and economy which massively impact so many things.

On the east cost, (most of it) there is generally a good work and business environment if you are in any way hardworking and have a good head on your shoulders. Like really good opportunity. I understand that this is the case in places like Texas, some of the mid-west and California also, but definitely not the case everywhere.

There isn't the same level of begrudgery that we are used to experiencing in Ireland. Think part of Irelands in this respect is the fact that so many people know everyone in their community and that leads to more comparison going on (even subconsciously) and because of that, the begrudgery seems to always be in the air somewhat.

Again, if you live in an appropriate area, you can do so so much of a weekend without having to think about it until Friday afternoon. But, again, such appropriate areas is a very small area of the country so that has to be considered with respect to that statement also.

Agree with comments about healthcare, good quality, pleasant experience, once you're able to access it. Not the case if you are not. Out of pocket cost for a GP appointment of less than 15 minutes cost me 250 before I had insurance available.

It's no different to any other country in that there are pros and cons about the place. Some days it feels like more pros than cons, next it flips around. I've always felt that if I had children, I'd like to give them the opportunity to experience it, but I'm not sure I'd like to raise children here either.

corner of hells

The choice and variety of serial killers they have.

Fr Tod Umptious

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291597#Comment_120291597

This

This is the type of genuine friendliness I mentioned earlier.

Now obviously there are all sorts in America like anywhere else but by and large they do come across as very genuinely hospitable.

hoodie6029

Milk Duds

Junior Mints

York Peppermint Patties

Ubbquittious

Big cars

Cheap petrol

Lots of guns available that you wouldn't even be allowed to look at in the EU

I also admire their friendliness and enthusiasm and the way they don't think anything of chatting someone up in a supermarket and going on a date. If you tried same here you risk being vilified in the community for it. Their whole dating culture is a lot more open and accepting, although that may be changing now that people are used to the apps.

BrianD3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291762#Comment_120291762

Can legally own one of these in the US if you have lots of money and are willing to jump through various hoops.

https://youtu.be/QOta2isADdE

Bobblehats

___________________________________

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291732#Comment_120291732

I'd imagine being white and Irish counts a lot though.

Eating out, shopping, definitely, scenery yes but that's a once off. Struggling to think of anything else tbh.

thebaz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058286016/things-you-like-about-america

I like a lot about America , lived ther , but the medical system would not be one of things I would be highliting , people bemoan the HSE , but the Amrican health system is appaling to non existent for about 40% of poplulation , much worse than HSE , you only have to look at backlash to Obamacare that would have helped so many who really needed it , that was orchestrated by the tiny influential wealty elite.

Things I liked about America - music, the Arts and culture, the weather, the democracy to doing things and getting good pay, most people are pretty friendly

Pherekydes

Like: Football, Jazz.

Dislike: Evangelical Christians, Trumpers

Danzy

Very friendly people, incredibly helpful, especially when you get away from the big cities.

Amazing scenery and wildlife.

Eoinbmw

Car culture and women!

odyssey06

We have been entertained and pre-occupied by their cultural output and politics. Its never boring whichever side of the fence you are on!

The America of Trump is also the America of Biden. It is vast and contradicts itself. It is Jack Daniels and it is Prohibition.

Lets be honest we have pretty much spent our lives like this...

Watching America.

https://youtu.be/V9NhncU5_CE

dxhound2005

They got all their variety from Europe, Africa and Asia. The Asians were there before the others, but the Europeans wiped most of them out.

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292230#Comment_120292230

Well lets put it another way if every country in the world was to be destroyed except one ... then from a global perspective if it was America it would preserve the most of the previous world in diversity of people and culture.

Thats something to be liked about them.

wotzgoingon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291808#Comment_120291808

Those drum clips aren't very reliable and are prone to jamming which is why no modern gun has them. The tommy gun would be the most famous gun with it. If you look at the provo's in the early days where they were using official/old IRA guns which many were tommy guns they used a standard clip rather than a drum. Yes the drum holds way more bullets but jams quite often and not good when you are shooting at someone in a life or death situation. Fine if you are at a shooting range like that fella and it doesn't matter if the clip jams.

Hangdogroad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291808#Comment_120291808

Why would you want to own one of them, legally or otherwise?

Hangdogroad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120291811#Comment_120291811

Ozzys English.

realitykeeper

What I like about the United States is what it was in the past. What I don`t like is what it is now. The US is now trying to provoke war with our Chinese friends just as they did with our Russian friends.

wotzgoingon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292372#Comment_120292372

I agree they are sending US war ships and planes very close to Chinese territory. I was reading the articles and the articles read as if it was the Chinese who was at fault for sending out planes to warn them to not come any closer. You never hear a Chinese warship sailed up to New York or Chinese planes flying close to the US main land. You just wouldn't see it but it's ok for them to be doing it to other countries.

Deja Boo

I struggle to see anything I like with America, very shallow, cold place. Strip malls and 'shop till you drop' is their primary culture. No community whatsoever.

Gregor Samsa

There are no cats in America.

50HX

Vegas

Pancakes

Steak for breakfast

Wide/proper car park spaces

Extremes of weather

Hospitality

The difference in people/nature/cities in West Coast v East coast

They way they'd look at you when you decline a doggie bag...esp west coast

Guns,hunting and massive national park

TooTired123

I cannot think of one thing.

CalamariFritti

I've been to the US many times but mostly just to 2 or 3 places over and over again cos business trips. But not entirely. What I like most about it are the people I've met. Some of my US colleagues have become almost friends.

Open to strangers from other places. Also if you're American you're American no matter what you look and sound like. It's obvious they have racism too but I've never seen that first hand. First hand I've only seen the exact opposite.

Nature is incredible especially compared to Ireland which has little to almost no 'untamed' land.

Other than that the cities and towns are all a bit samey. Same hotels same malls same shops same restaurants. There are exceptions but mostly same same same. Towns are a bit weird. Businesses mostly seem to be estate agents and nail or yoga studios.

Definitely dislike a few things too.

US foreign policy. Treat the whole world as subservient and can be messed with whichever way they feel like. Probably not a popular thing to say here but US is probably the single country that has brought the most suffering to other countries since WW2. And yet they portray themselves as the moral high ground guys the bringers of all things good and free and democratic and prosper etc. For a lot of people in the world they do and have done the exact opposite.

Also very cut throat within their own society. Not in any other place I've ever been I've seen so many really old people looking miserable working menial jobs like McDonalds, hotel cleaners etc. Health care very cut throat too. If you are middle class and above and have health insurance then its to a high standard but if you don't well then tough luck go die somewhere else please.

corner of hells

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292317#Comment_120292317

And there I was , just about to buy one.

thanks for the info.

NSAman

Ok.. lived here for quite a while now. Have been to 48 of the states.

someone said all the towns are the same, that’s BS.

people are friendly. Good friends would literally die for you here. Yes people invite you over and mean it. Communities are stronger than in Dublin (much like the west of Ireland).

roads are obviously better. Cars are cheaper and the quality of cars is far superior. the level of trim/spec is the highest anywhere. Purchasing a car is simple and easy. Oh… and deals are always to be done… including the price of the car and the interest rate should you need financing.

eating out..unless in a large city, the food is generally crap. Same oulde same oulde.

entertainment,,,amazing. Simply amazing! Concerts, music, musicals, shows, all are the best and much cheaper than Ireland. Unless you are a Taylor swift fan 😀

speeding…you can do 5mph over the limit without issue. Do 10mph over and you are asking for trouble. Have never received a speeding ticket in the states, yet in Ireland got quite a few for being 5kph over.

wages and taxes. Higher than Ireland, less tax. Sales tax varies normally between 8 and 10% depending on state. Unlike 23% vat. Real estate tax can be high depending on where you live and the value of your home. Normally 2000-4000 per annum in mid states….but can be 400K in other states.

health care… private obviously. Most employers pay a portion so it’s not too bad. I pay (company pays) 1400 per month for mine, and have to say services are far superior compared to Ireland. Doctor visits just call, next day normally if not same day. Hospital costs depend on your deductible. Mine is $250 a year, most are $5000 per annum. Hospitals a numerous and no waiting.

Attitudes. People are NOT begrudging like Ireland. There is an open-ness to new ideas and giving people a chance. Results get rewarded. Failure is seen as part of success.

variety of landscapes. Midwest can be flat. Parts are not and are beautiful. Deserts mountains lakes are all here.don’t forget the USA is bigger than all of Europe.

things that are bad in the states….

many uneducated and materially driven people.

lack of culture.

show off mentality.

parts are dangerous.

guns and idiots don’t mix.

Strip malls and homogeneous looking outskirts of towns and cities.

phone internet and tv costs…can be crazy.

CalamariFritti

someone said all the towns are the same, that’s BS.

I've said that but I also said that I've not seen a great number of them. Not been to 48 states. But where I've been, mostly east coast and mid-west, they were all the same. Main street, chain restaurants, malls malls malls and estate agents, nail and yoga studios. Then the obligatory city hall from 1885 and the football field.

But like I said limited experience, I've only seen a small part of the US in maybe 4 or 5 states. So while thats my impression and you can only talk about what you know I'm sure it's not true overall.

wotzgoingon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292625#Comment_120292625

Don't forget the American flag hanging outside schools and some businesses.

Manic Moran

Been here over 20 years (mainly California, but now Texas), love it. No intention of returning to live in Ireland.

I'm one state behind NSAMan, I don't recall setting foot in Vermont, North Dakota or Oklahoma, though I do intend on doing the latter this year.

"Wilderness" has a specific legal definition in the US, just over 2.5% of the lower 48 has that designation. It is a vehicle-free area, not even bicycles are permitted, let alone anything with a motor. You're either on foot, or on horseback.

Much though I appreciate the car culture (and I've three V8s, good luck with that in Ireland), there's another vehicle that the US does which you have to tip your hat to. Trains.

Waiting for a two-mile-long double-stack to pass you on the grade crossing may be infuriating if you're in a hurry, but you have to admit, the Americans know how to make trains, and trains made the US. Every Irish locomotive from the 1960s 121 class onwards was built by General Motors. Europeans don't often think about it because it's not a passenger-centric system, but in terms of raw ton-miles, ton-miles per capita, even ton-miles-per-gallon of fuel (CSX averaged 500 miles to the gallon for a ton of freight, including shunting/idling), the American rail network is a feat of engineering.

General Aviation is also very well supported in the US, I'll observe.

NSAman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292625#Comment_120292625

I get what you are saying. Strip malls destroy the towns/cities.

yes the courthouse is the centre of most towns. It’s the administrative building for tax collection, licensing etc. many host the court, the police and fire department offices, town maintenance etc etc…

small town america is and has been destroyed in many cases by larger population centres and strip malls. I’m lucky in that chains are banned by ordinance in my small city. It is beautiful where I am and very unique. The other thing to remember is that driving through (a misnomer) many towns you don’t actually see the towns. You by-pass them, so the outskirts of towns are very homogenous.

schools, football pitches and basketball/baseball and volleyball are what keeps towns coming together with Friday night football etc..etc. hence the pitches are everywhere.

cj maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292680#Comment_120292680

What state are you in ?

Kaybaykwah

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292625#Comment_120292625

The outskirts of towns may be repetitive, but towns are not less nor more repetitive in the US than in Ireland, even within a given region.

Mad_maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120292591#Comment_120292591

Americans are known for their low expectations and standards when it comes to cars , way below Europe