Not saying it's right, but it's certainly not unique to North America.

Actually I think the Brits have probably got the worst history of all when it comes to flattening native cultures.

I like American and their nation very much generally.  It just saddens me to see the two parties divide the nation by sabotaging each others poilicies rather than recognizing the common good in each others approaches.  The stirring that's occured about Obama's origins is just damaging as he is clearly commited to the idea of a United States.

The impression that the two party system gives doesn't look very much like democracy to an outsider it just looks like an outgrowth of a civil war that happened over 150 years ago.

I just wish y'all started looking out for each other a bit more, not taking care of that aspect looks to me as an outsider like a bigger enemy to the country than any other outside influence could ever be.

I'd say don't diss the 'other' guy he's your brother, just show him where what you got is better.  If there is a negative in the sum the result will always be a negative.

History is always written by the victors.