OP - Problem with you is how selective you are in your attempts to rubbish the US. Lets look at your comments one by one:
"In Europe (e.g. in Spain) gay people can marry, in the US not."
Spain becomes only the third country to legalize ‘gay marriage’ Jun 30, 2005
The measure makes Spain the third country, along with Belgium and the Netherlands, to legalize “same-sex marriage” nationwide. Considering the fact that Europe consists of 25-odd countries now, that makes your statement less than accurate
"2. In Europe (e.g. in the Netherlands) one can legally buy marihuana, in the US not. "
Yes, that is partially true. Strictly regualted coffeeeshops can sell small quantaties for personal use. They also allow pharmacies to sell medical marijuana.
Strangely enough, the US was also allowing medical marijuana usuage on prescription until the Supreme Court overturned it rcently. But it made the US one of the countries at the forefront of liberal thinking in that regard, which kind of goes against the main thrust of your thread.
"3. In Europe (e.g. in Germany) foreigners can vote in local elections."
Once again, you are using the example of one of many European contries to make it appear community-wide.
Two things to consider:
According to the German Basic Law - the nation's constitution - foreigners must spend at least eight years in the country to be eligible to vote, prove their command of the German language and "acceptance and knowledge" of the constitution to qualify as a citizen.
But even after meeting these standards, a large proportion of foreigners are still denied from becoming Germans.
Nilfur Shayegan, 34 was born and brought up in Frankfurt after her parents left Iran in the fifties. She is one of the many 'Germans' who cannot vote. She first applied for citizenship when she was 18. She was denied a German passport two more times and gave up trying.
Secondly, if one uses your selective form of writing, I could argue that Maryland,USA allows non-US nationals to vote in local elections. That is true, but like your statements about Europe, is not indicative of a national trend.
"4. In Europe 18 years old can drink alcohol. (isn't it 21 in the US?)."
Yes. So what ? Not big things to worry about. If I were you and I were wanting to "have a go" at different countries ways of life, this is a legal age limit list I would be more concerned about, rather than legal drinking age
Malta 12
México 12
Monaco 15
Montenegro 14
Morocco 15
Netherlands 12/16
New Caledonia 15
Nigeria 13
Panama 12/18?
Paraquay 12
Peru 14
Philippines 12/18
This is a selection of rather more scary "legal ages of consent" from some of the countries you decided not to criticise.
(Where two ages are shown it is because sexual activity is legal at the lower age unless the younger person subsequently complains)
"5. In Europe gay man can have gay sex, in the US not (It's true! You can actually go to prison for sodomy!)"
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that sodomy laws are unconstitutional on June 26, 2003.
"6. In Europe you can have a tatoo on your body, in the US not (I think in Utah)"
I think various posts have already blown this one out of the water.
7. In the US people can be arrested and held in prison indefinitely without charge. In Europe not. (though the US in this aspect too is similar to north Korea).
The only one I would say has some merit , although to only mention North Korea as a possible perpetrator of this is to deny the dozens and dozens of countries around the world that practice this. Also, if you were as worldly wise as you like to think, you would realise that ANY country, developed European or 3rd world, can and does make enemies of the state disappear without trace if it is in their interest.
Lastly, my list of weird laws from around the world was to show the strangeness of various legal systems, and was meant to be tongue in cheek. However, if you ever find yourself in Chester after midnight wearing a Plaid Cymru T-shirt, be aware, I am a crack shot with a compound bow.
Most shallow man,thou hath not so much brain as ear wax,and your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth.
I will most humbly take my leave of you, and breathe defiance to thine ears, for thou art like the toad, ugly and venomous.
