Yes, America is a great country and as an american we often take our freedoms for granted. However, I am embarassed over the world's view on our arrogance. Our President has destroyed our reputation and has caused divisiveness within our country. I wish we were a more caring and would focus on doing good rather than destruction and greed.

— Deanna, West Covina, Calfiornia (8/18/2007)

the only real way to see America for what it really is,you need to go to other countries.I served in the u.s navy in the early 70's and I saw how other people live in other countries.I am African American ,born in the 1950's and I saw jim crow.s colored only signs,seperate but so call equal.America is like the people who live next door.They can say all of the right things but when it comes to put what they say in action then the real person comes out and you see who they really are.America is full of bigots and they pass it on to their children.the darker you skin the less value they place on your life.American has come a long ways and it has a long ways to go.American has been involved in other countries politics by getting rid of their elected officials and put a mean dictaror incharge to do America's bidding.This person kills off the opposition and the people live poorly and America doesn't care as long as they get what they want.When the people of that country over throw's that mean dictator they throw him out they throw America out with him.That is what has happened in Iran and it is going to happen in Nigeria.They keep doing the same thing and the same thing happen over and over again.Why they would think the out come would be different is insane.I love America and I am happy to be here.If we keep having policies that say what in it for me..........who ,in their right mind would truly say that they are our friends.They average person who likes hamas does so because hamas hospitols and try to feed them,YOu can make more friends with bread and butter than you can with guns and bullets.America is a great country who politicians need to have the morals that they keep telling us they have.Greed and selfishness is our greates enemy.American corporations would sale their moma for a dollar.If it came down to a dollar and an employee's life that guy is dead and they settle it with his next of kin.In the mean time they have made enough money to cover it because after the wrongful death law suite they come out ahead,The politician keep us devided along color lines while they steal the place blind.And us poor blacks and poor whites are stupid enough to let them keep getting away with it.Poor blacks poor whites are in the same boat and as a group they seem not to understand the mess we are all in and that they folk on the upper end of the food chain don't give a damn about any of us.When the POOR wake up and come to their senses there is going to be hell to pay.

— lee, houston texas (8/31/2007)

I believe that as a country we need to learn to be more open-minded to other cultures and nations. While Americans have the right to vote, I believe that it is of the utmost importance to actually receive that right, because America truly does have power over other countries, no matter how obscure the manner. The Bush Administration is foolish for ignoring the impending disaster of global warming, yet I believe that to balance out the options it is impertinent to watch the economy, which could possibly crash should the oil companies be shut down as a result of changes made to adjust to global warming. A single vote could change the world, so it is undeniable vital to vote for our beliefs.

— Caitlin G., Boston, MA (9/6/2007)

I believe that people who have never been to the United States should not be commenting on the characteristics of America and the people who live here. Most of what these foreign people know is from the news. However, the news in their country is most likely biased towards their home and against America, like most countries are.

— Denise, Medfield, MA (9/6/2007)

I think whoever believes global warming truely isn't a problem, then that is rediculous. There are documented effects of what the greenhouse effect has already done to the Earth, such as melting of the polar ice caps, drowning of polar bears, and the significant increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The US is trying to help save the planet, so I do not understand why other countries are blaming us for it. Also, countries that are saying we are greedy might be true, but at least we're not afraid to admit it and all other countries have their fair share of problems too, America's are more out in the open.

— Lexi F, America (9/6/2007)

I think that the thoughts of ignorance directed from one country towards another should be a two way street. Just as Americans think of Arab culture and others only in a political or economical way, people around the world may think of America in only a certain fashion, deciding that all Americans are ignorant. Just like world wide cultures have something to offer to Americans other than those we know, Americans are not all as ignorant as we seem.

— Noah G, Boston (9/6/2007)

I truly believe that growing up in the United States is a wonderful thing. Yes, we may be under-educated on some foreign affairs, however we are higher educated in many other areas that will allow us to excel. Different countries governments stress different core values and just because we have a reputation for being affluent and naive, foreigners blame our unawareness for much of the problems. I don't think this is right because you don't see the U.S. putting labels on other countries like ones that are put on us. The United States is a great place and you are crazy if you think otherwise.

— meg, MA (9/6/2007)

I think that these people who expressed their feelings about America are right in some ways. They are right when they say how America is rich and sometimes take things for granted. However, I think these people are wrong when they say we do not care about issues like poverty and the HIV problems in Africa. I know that as an american I can strongly say that I care about these issues but i find it hard to help. I also wonder why all these countries are getting mad at the US for not helping them. I feel like most countries depend on our help if they have problems. I want to help them but why should it be our job to help them?

— Kayte N, America (9/6/2007)

I believe that other countries are being too harsh on the U.S. Every country has its flaws and instead of worrying about their own problems they choose to bash our country. Just because our government views things differently does not mean we should be blamed for everything that goes wrong.

— Megenn, MA (9/6/2007)

I would argue that South America has has been a leftist country since the beginning Escobar's time. Where the government would accept blood and drug money without hesitation. I don't understand how city's like Cairo can receive more money then any other city in the world from the U.S, yet they still hate us. People say we need to butt out of other nations business, however when ever anything bad happens we are expected to provide the most support. It seems mildly ridiculous that country's can blame us for invading Iraq, which although isn't a decision i agree with, they can criticize us for not entering Darfur. If you want us to stop whats happening in Darfur then you can't immediately criticize us for starting a war. It is one way or the other. Also it is the United nations job to dictate peace, not just the U.S job to maintain the world peace. People say that we shouldn't try to police the world yet at the exact same time if we don't more tragedies will happen. People call us ignorant yet we don't believe that every problem can be solved immediately and without problems. Terrorism is just using a belief to justify mass killing, which in everyones book should be unacceptable

— john, Mass (9/6/2007)