View Full Version : Things I like about America
I realise some of these will not be Universal across all states but having just got back I'm reminded about some of things that 'good' about America
1 - Right turn on red - why on earth don't we have that here in the UK (though of course it would be left turn on red.
2 - Twice weekly rubbish collection - amazing, coming from somewhere that only has fortnightly collections of normal rubbish/garbage this was a big plus (having said that they did miss the second collection in our last week)
3 - people saying have a good day/afternoon/evening and generally sounding as though they mean it.
4 - no patronising warnings on cigarette/alcohol products - just very basic warnings - we are adults after all and can make our minds up.
5 - people generally proud that their family members serve in the armed forces and Vietnam vets proud to wear a baseball cap declaring them to be vets.
6 - People generally proud to display and or fly their national flag.
Anybody care to add their favourite things??
Clearly it's a country not without some problems but there ae some very good and sensible things about the states.
ShirleyD
28-06-2009, 23:24
Car parking spaces big enough for you to open the door and get our when you park
Just asked the hubby his favourite thing, he simply answered THE FOOD [msnsmile2]
The weather[msncool][msncool][msncool]
Sandra
Twice weekly rubbish collections - don't count on it lasting, Charlotte County reduced theirs to once a week in October 2008.
chrizzy100
29-06-2009, 02:17
We don't have rubbish pick ups at all...we have to take it to the tip
I can't say the weather in the US does a lot for me north or south..but the scenery in a lot of the US is the best in the world..I love old New England homes and small town USA...
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Clare R
Twice weekly rubbish collections - don't count on it lasting, Charlotte County reduced theirs to once a week in October 2008.
[/quote]
I think I said.......
I realise some of these will not be Universal across all states but having just got back I'm reminded about some of things that 'good' about America
Weekly collections against fortnightly would be be good too though....
7 - Overtaking either side on multi lane roads - there's a third of the M25 unused because of mindless middle lane hoggers.
8 - The belief that anything is still possible if you want it enough.
9 - 'Three strikes' law.
10 - Affordable space for land and decent sized houses.
11 - Cheesecake Factory.
(There's a lot of bad things as well - but that's for a different post)
E. Cosgrove
29-06-2009, 11:21
The National Parks; Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia, the list is endless and I am working my way through them.[msnsmile]
Robert5988
29-06-2009, 12:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Overtaking either side on multi lane roads - there's a third of the M25 unused because of mindless middle lane hoggers.[/quote]
Actually that is not allowed, any more than it is in UK.
To my mind it is one of the worst features of driving in the USA.
If you are in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles, unless you tailgate the guy in front and sit a car length from his rear bumper(fender) you will be undertaken and cut up.
steph_goodrum
29-06-2009, 12:18
The numbering of the Interstates junctions with numbers that correspond to the approx mileage from the start of the Interstates.
For example if you join the I4 at junction 58 and want to go to junction 84 you know your trip is around 26 miles and know approx when to start looking for your exit rather than just have consecutive numbers as we do in the Uk. Makes the trip a little more relaxed.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Robert5988
United Kingdom
1693 Posts
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Status: offline
Posted - 29 Jun 2009 : 08:06:13
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quote:
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Overtaking either side on multi lane roads - there's a third of the M25 unused because of mindless middle lane hoggers.
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Actually that is not allowed, any more than it is in UK.
To my mind it is one of the worst features of driving in the USA.
If you are in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles, unless you tailgate the guy in front and sit a car length from his rear bumper(fender) you will be undertaken and cut up.
[/quote]
You sure, Robert? I've been driving there for years under the impression I could overtake any side.
Mo Green
29-06-2009, 12:52
12. The politeness of most people and respect shown to older people by teenagers
13. Lack of swearing amongst younger people - can't even walk down our local High Street in the UK on a Saturday without hearing the 'F' word
Mo
florida4sun
29-06-2009, 13:18
No this is not allowed to deliberately undertake. I always thought it was until I got a ticket!
The only time it is allowed is if he other lane is naturally moving slower than yours and you have no choice.
Turning right on red, only do this if you have a clear right of way and only if there is is sign at the lights saying yo can do so. It is not in effect at every set of lights.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tonish
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Robert5988
United Kingdom
1693 Posts
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Status: offline
Posted - 29 Jun 2009 : 08:06:13
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quote:
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Overtaking either side on multi lane roads - there's a third of the M25 unused because of mindless middle lane hoggers.
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Actually that is not allowed, any more than it is in UK.
To my mind it is one of the worst features of driving in the USA.
If you are in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles, unless you tailgate the guy in front and sit a car length from his rear bumper(fender) you will be undertaken and cut up.
[/quote]
You sure, Robert? I've been driving there for years under the impression I could overtake any side.
[/quote]
Katys Grandad
29-06-2009, 13:25
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
The only time it is allowed is if he other lane is naturally moving slower than yours and you have no choice.
Turning right on red, only do this if you have a clear right of way and only if there is is sign at the lights saying yo can do so. It is not in effect at every set of lights
[/quote]
Am I right in thinking that you have to actually come to a halt before you can turn right on a red signal?
steph_goodrum
29-06-2009, 14:09
I think Matin, isn't it the opposite of what you have said in that you can turn right on red unless there is a sign saying you can't?
florida4sun, Did you get your ticket on a multi-lane freeway? - If so that's very odd?
To avoid confusion I've quoted Florida Statute 316.084 - 2008 - In particular part (c). Which explains the overtaking on the right rule. I've also copied 316.075 which explains the right turn on red and surprise surprise... there are times when you can turn left on red as well !!!
In short - you can do it unless there's a sign to say you can't...
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:316.084 When overtaking on the right is permitted.--
(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;
(c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.[/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:316.075 Traffic control signal devices.--
...
(c) Steady red indication.--
1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown; however:
a. The driver of a vehicle which is stopped at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection in obedience to a steady red signal may make a right turn, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such right turn against a steady red signal at any intersection, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is erected in a location visible to traffic approaching the intersection.
b. The driver of a vehicle on a one-way street that intersects another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a steady red signal, but may then make a left turn into the one-way street, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such left turn as described, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is attached to the traffic control signal device at the intersection.
[/quote]
Katys Grandad
29-06-2009, 14:59
So you do have to stop before you can turn right. I must admit I can't make much sense of the overtaking rules but that's probably me.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Overtaking either side on multi lane roads - there's a third of the M25 unused because of mindless middle lane hoggers.[/quote]Actually that is not allowed, any more than it is in UK.
To my mind it is one of the worst features of driving in the USA.
If you are in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles, unless you tailgate the guy in front and sit a car length from his rear bumper(fender) you will be undertaken and cut up.[/quote]Robert5988, Looks to me from the law above that it is allowed... it's certainly generally accepted on the freeways and coincides with the official driving advice given to visitors? If the law was applied in the UK then you wouldn't have to sit "in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles". The idea that you're tailgating the people in front because your so concerned about being undertaken is the scary bit for me!
I was in Canada the week they changed the law from our system (1/3rd of all motorways unused while everyone queues in the outside) to the USA system - and all the queue's disappeared overnight. People became a little more considerate, relaxed and aware of both sides of their vehicle as well....<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
So you do have to stop before you can turn right. I must admit I can't make much sense of the overtaking rules but that's probably me.[/quote]OMG - Yes. they'll throw the book at you if you don't !!!!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
So you do have to stop before you can turn right. I must admit I can't make much sense of the overtaking rules but that's probably me.[/quote]You are correct you have to come to a full and complete stop-apparently the definition of this is for a full three seconds.
That said I didn't see anybody actually do this unless they were yielding to vehicles and/or pedestrians - 99% of people just seem to slow and then turn - in my experience most times if you look like you are not going to turn swiftly you will often get a sharp beep from behind as the driver behind will think you don't know you can turn.<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
Turning right on red, only do this if you have a clear right of way and only if there is is sign at the lights saying yo can do so. It is not in effect at every set of lights.[/quote]Of course - but as to the singeing - are you sure you don't mean unless there is a sign saying you can't ie
NO TURN on red.
I've never seen a sign actually saying you can -
orlandochris
29-06-2009, 17:23
I'm struggling to see how you can think that it is a bad thing!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Father
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
9 - 'Three strikes' law.[/quote]Completely disagree with this unless you are talking about baseball.
[/quote]
florida4sun
29-06-2009, 17:26
The ticket was given on the I-4 travelling up towards Universal from Kissimmee.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
florida4sun, Did you get your ticket on a multi-lane freeway? - If so that's very odd?
To avoid confusion I've quoted Florida Statute 316.084 - 2008 - In particular part (c). Which explains the overtaking on the right rule. I've also copied 316.075 which explains the right turn on red and surprise surprise... there are times when you can turn left on red as well !!!
In short - you can do it unless there's a sign to say you can't...
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:316.084 When overtaking on the right is permitted.--
(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(b) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction;
(c) Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
(3) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.[/quote]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:316.075 Traffic control signal devices.--
...
(c) Steady red indication.--
1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown; however:
a. The driver of a vehicle which is stopped at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection in obedience to a steady red signal may make a right turn, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such right turn against a steady red signal at any intersection, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is erected in a location visible to traffic approaching the intersection.
b. The driver of a vehicle on a one-way street that intersects another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a steady red signal, but may then make a left turn into the one-way street, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at the intersection, except that municipal and county authorities may prohibit any such left turn as described, which prohibition shall be effective when a sign giving notice thereof is attached to the traffic control signal device at the intersection.
[/quote]
[/quote]
florida4sun
29-06-2009, 17:30
Yes sorry, you can turn on red except when signage states otherwise. These signs will either be on the gantry above the junction or on a post to the right of the junction.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MJG
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
So you do have to stop before you can turn right. I must admit I can't make much sense of the overtaking rules but that's probably me.[/quote]You are correct you have to come to a full and complete stop-apparently the definition of this is for a full three seconds.
That said I didn't see anybody actually do this unless they were yielding to vehicles and/or pedestrians - 99% of people just seem to slow and then turn - in my experience most times if you look like you are not going to turn swiftly you will often get a sharp beep from behind as the driver behind will think you don't know you can turn.<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
Turning right on red, only do this if you have a clear right of way and only if there is is sign at the lights saying yo can do so. It is not in effect at every set of lights.[/quote]Of course - but as to the singeing - are you sure you don't mean unless there is a sign saying you can't ie
NO TURN on red.
I've never seen a sign actually saying you can -
[/quote]
Well, you learn something new every day...
Nearly 30 years I've been zipping along the three lane highways in Florida, merrilly overtaking and undertaking on both sides thinking what a great idea it was. Well, if it's not legal, it should be!
Where's my avatar gone???! I spent ages choosing just the right one.
This might help? http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_50722.asp
sammibabe
29-06-2009, 20:16
1. Refills on drinks
2. Food
3. Shopping, particularly craft shops
4. Lovely villas with pools
5. Service
Robert5988
29-06-2009, 20:34
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Robert5988, Looks to me from the law above that it is allowed... it's certainly generally accepted on the freeways and coincides with the official driving advice given to visitors? If the law was applied in the UK then you wouldn't have to sit "in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles". The idea that you're tailgating the people in front because your so concerned about being undertaken is the scary bit for me![/quote]
You have quoted the occasions when passing on the right is allowed. However you have omitted the important provision:
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Florida Statute 316.083 states:
"316.083 Overtaking and passing a vehicle.--The following rules shall govern the
overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations,
exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right
side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. [/quote]
This has been discussed many times and Martin is quite correct when he states:
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:The only time it is allowed is if he other lane is naturally moving slower than yours and you have no choice.[/quote]
and of course the exceptions you quote in 316.084
If it was allowed, why was Martin fined?
Stay Right Pass Left™
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Stay Right Pass Left™ is dedicated to the safe driving practice of always staying right and passing on the left. Always drive only in the right hand lane. Respect faster cars that want to pass by not blocking their path. Please understand and respect the fact that the left hand lane is for passing only!
The law in most areas states that you must "stay right and pass on the left". To stay right in the far right hand lane and to pass in the left hand lane is safe driving practice. It is not only courteous, it's also the law! [/quote]
Perhaps you can provide the 'official driving advice' you speak of that allows overtaking on the Right? I have seen warnings that you need to be careful that it may happen, but nothing that condones that behaviour.
The fact that it is a rule that is widely disregarded, doesn't make it lawful.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:The idea that you're tailgating the people in front because your so concerned about being undertaken is the scary bit for me![/quote]
I also take exception to your implication that I actually do tailgate to prevent being cut up. It is the fact that I leave a safe distance between myself and the car in front that means that, when in a line of vehicles waiting to overtake a truck, I will be 'undertaken' and move back down the queue.
It also means that I will be tailgated - usually by someone on their cell phone!!!
For all that most of us find driving in the USA generally easier than UK, it is a fact by any measure driving in the USA is more dangerous than UK - No of accidents per car, accidents per mile driven, any manipulation of the statistics you wish to make.
chrizzy100
29-06-2009, 20:56
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by steph_goodrum
The numbering of the Interstates junctions with numbers that correspond to the approx mileage from the start of the Interstates.
For example if you join the I4 at junction 58 and want to go to junction 84 you know your trip is around 26 miles and know approx when to start looking for your exit rather than just have consecutive numbers as we do in the Uk. Makes the trip a little more relaxed.
[/quote]
The markers now go up here at every .2 of a mile..its driving me mad already...LOL
sammibabe
29-06-2009, 21:57
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
Where's my avatar gone???! I spent ages choosing just the right one.
[/quote]
Is that the man with the hat? I wondered where he had gone!
Well five times/visits zipping up the inside and the outside on all sorts of roads and now to find it's illegal.
You do learn something new every day.
FraserLynn
30-06-2009, 02:13
I too thought this was fair game out there until I got pulled over in Feb on the I4 (although I was speeding a little bit).[msnembarrased] It was on the last day of our holiday and after giving me a really thorough telling off and threatening to impound my car and make us get taxis for the rest of our holiday (thought it best not to mention that the only journey I had left was a trip back to the airport) the policeman sent us on our way[msneek].
The worst bit was that the officer was telling me off through the passenger window on the hard shoulder and my wife (who was sitting in the passenger seat) nodded along and kept on peppering the conversations[chatter] with comments like "i keep telling him you are not allowed to undertake" and the one that I thought was especially helpful " i keep saying for him to slow down, perhaps he'll listen to you". My kids just sat in the back eating popcorn enjoying the show, although at one point my 8 year old decided that she should offer the policeman some popcorn as well.
i am sure he felt sorry for me
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
If you are in a queue of vehicles in the outside lane waiting to overtake slower vehicles, unless you tailgate the guy in front and sit a car length from his rear bumper(fender) you will be undertaken and cut up.
[/quote]
Please don't take exception Robert, I was only quoting your statement?
Anyway I stand corrected - you are quite right, technically it's not legal to overtake on the right in most States. However, when you look at all the exclusions it's must be very difficult to police, especially when the traffic is heavy or moving below the speed limit. This is probably why it's generally ignored and so many sites mistakenly say imply it's legal. Even our own uscarhire.co.uk states: "Vehicles can overtake on both sides of you on highways, look in both mirrors before changing lanes."
I also totally agree with you that driving in the USA is much more dangerous than in the UK and all the statistics show it. When you consider how many cars we have crammed onto a tiny little island then it does seem as though our driving standards have to be higher.
Surprise, surprise, my friendly traffic policeman down the pub has just told me that there is no law in the UK which prohibits overtaking on the left !!! Apparently, it's part of the highway code but if they want to prosecute it's usually done under careless or dangerous driving - so that's two things I've learnt today.
So I'll get back on topic and amend my original post to:
7 - The fact that the Police generally ignore overtaking either side on multi lane roads
Katys Grandad
30-06-2009, 09:22
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
Originally posted by Robert5988
Surprise, surprise, my friendly traffic policeman down the pub has just told me that there is no law in the UK which prohibits overtaking on the left !!! Apparently, it's part of the highway code but if they want to prosecute it's usually done under careless or dangerous driving - so that's two things I've learnt today.
There's no specific provision saying you can't run over a pedestrian either, but that doesn't mean you aren't breaking the law!
steph_goodrum
30-06-2009, 11:35
I also like that they try to protect their workers as well on the road, most roadworks have a Sherriff positioned there and speeding fines are doubled when workers are present.
Also if the Highway Patrol or Sherriff has stopped a car, all other cars should move over a lane and leave a clear lane where possible.
I like the mail system as well where they will take mail to be delivered from your mail box. Saves a trip back to post the postcards after sitting by the pool writing them.
Katys Grandad
30-06-2009, 11:55
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by steph_goodrum
I also like that they try to protect their workers as well on the road, most roadworks have a Sherriff positioned there and speeding fines are doubled when workers are present.
[/quote]
Usually because the roadworkers are from the local prison.:D
The Weather
The Diners
The Shopping Malls (Millenia)
The Parks
The Lifestyle
List is probably endless
[msncool]
mfairhurst
30-06-2009, 15:39
I agree the manners are a lot to be desired in the UK if someone does something polite we say what do they want .
We came back from Lytham near Blackpool last week and a family were crossong the road we waited and then 2 x 15 year olds boys who were not with them came to the pavement to cross as we set of to go one of them walked straight in front of us and give no eye contact and walked so slow to stop us again ( it was not on crossing so he had no right of way ) the other one waited .
It was the atitute of him that was apppalling that got us and of course no police around as usual tp report it .
It seems no one smiles in the UK anymore .
That is why we are here in Florida again[msnsmile2]
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx
chrizzy100
30-06-2009, 22:05
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by FraserLynn
I too thought this was fair game out there until I got pulled over in Feb on the I4 (although I was speeding a little bit).[msnembarrased] It was on the last day of our holiday and after giving me a really thorough telling off and threatening to impound my car and make us get taxis for the rest of our holiday (thought it best not to mention that the only journey I had left was a trip back to the airport) the policeman sent us on our way[msneek].
The worst bit was that the officer was telling me off through the passenger window on the hard shoulder and my wife (who was sitting in the passenger seat) nodded along and kept on peppering the conversations[chatter] with comments like "i keep telling him you are not allowed to undertake" and the one that I thought was especially helpful " i keep saying for him to slow down, perhaps he'll listen to you". My kids just sat in the back eating popcorn enjoying the show, although at one point my 8 year old decided that she should offer the policeman some popcorn as well.
i am sure he felt sorry for me
[/quote]
My husband does rolling stops and it give us a great laugh for him to be pulled over..he is a bit of a great I am and thinks rules are not for him..but rolling stop are major crimes where I live..he was lucky to get off with a telling off..
chrizzy100
30-06-2009, 22:10
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Father
Three strikes law.<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandochris
I'm struggling to see how you can think that it is a bad thing![/quote]Fairly simple really. It's not justice. It's just a simplistic and reactive intervention to appease the media and the masses who don't really know in detail what it involves.
I know the tabloid media love to ridicule the judiciary but in general I think the judicial system should be run by them with as little interference as possible from politicians.
(oooo, check the time of this post!)
Things I like about America.
Good manners, politeness and friendliness of most people. Not the metronomic 'have a nice day' but the smile and sincere greeting from the 80 year old who insists on bagging your stuff in Publix [msnembarrased].
The system of welfare. If you are unlucky enough to lose your job, we'll help you for a short time then you are on your own. No population of people dependent upon the state, no parasites. I simply think that the number of people milking the welfare state in the UK can't be sustained. There are whole families who have never had a job between them in their whole lives. Surely it is absurd when people say they can't afford to work, they get so much from the state?
The spirit of rugged individualism.
The old guy who sings greetings at the door of Walmart, Cagans Crossing [grin].
[/quote]
People do milk the State here..and they will even more now with all the changes making the US more like the UK when it come to welfare..
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
There's no specific provision saying you can't run over a pedestrian either, but that doesn't mean you aren't breaking the law!
[/quote]
That's because you're NOT breaking the law by running over a pedestrian... unless you've done it intentionally or by carelessness and that's a different law!!!
Katys Grandad
30-06-2009, 23:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
There's no specific provision saying you can't run over a pedestrian either, but that doesn't mean you aren't breaking the law!
[/quote]
That's because you're NOT breaking the law by running over a pedestrian... unless you've done it intentionally or by carelessness and that's a different law!!!
[/quote]
Indeed - just like overtaking on the inside lane (and it's exactly the same legislation).
sammibabe
01-07-2009, 02:00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
I like the mail system as well where they will take mail to be delivered from your mail box. Saves a trip back to post the postcards after sitting by the pool writing them.
[/quote]
Totally agree, Steph, brilliant especially when compared to ours which they keep talking about as being in crisis. Had a photobook back today and on the first page is a pic of the box outside with the flag up!
Robert5988
01-07-2009, 03:08
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Katys Grandad
There's no specific provision saying you can't run over a pedestrian either, but that doesn't mean you aren't breaking the law!
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That's because you're NOT breaking the law by running over a pedestrian... unless you've done it intentionally or by carelessness and that's a different law!!![/quote]
The point is that there are scores of actions that, whilst they are not specific named offences, will get you prosecuted.
Actual examples are: shaving while driving, applying make-up, eating/drinking, passenger and driver changing seats while driving.
So actually, we could get rid of 90% of the numerous, complicated, court filling separate laws and just replace them with one - dangerous driving. That would make things a lot quicker and cheaper?
Katys Grandad
01-07-2009, 09:56
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
So actually, we could get rid of 90% of the numerous, complicated, court filling separate laws and just replace them with one - dangerous driving. That would make things a lot quicker and cheaper?
[/quote]
We've gone a long way off topic here but your suggestion is more or less in place anyway. As Robert points out better then I have, it simply isn't possible for every instance of what we might called 'bad driving' to be specifically catered for by legislation. Therefore, a broad offence of careless or reckless driving is used to cover them.
Of course, some specific offences can be adequately covered and are - the best example is probably speeding but even then the broader offence can be utilised when more serious consequences result from driving too fast.
Anyway - back on topic...
I like the large and generally clean airports.
(It's such a shock when you arrive back at that dirty dump they call Gatwick)
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by crews
Anyway - back on topic...
I like the large and generally clean airports.
(It's such a shock when you arrive back at that dirty dump they call Gatwick)
[/quote]
I always wonder what visitors to the UK must think when they arrive - especially if they come from the US or Kuala Lumpa for example!
Anyway, I like that people speak to you in hotel foyers, lifts, queues etc instead of looking at their feet or something miles in the distance!
I like everything bout the states, but my main ones which has been said, the lack of swearing and respect for elders, and thank you sir or maam regardless of how much you spend.
chrizzy100
01-07-2009, 19:03
I miss my letter box...it is nice placing your mail into a box..but your letters get damp you get hot in the summer walking to the mail box...wet when it rains..you have to dig out the snow first thing or you don't get your mail at all..that is harder work then clearing the driveway for the mailman to walk up because of the snow plows and the amount of snow they leave at the side of the road..the cost is always going up and the letters take longer to get anywhere
Our Villa we currently own
[clap] [msncool][msncool] [clap]
jolliffee
01-07-2009, 19:45
I'm spending a lot of time in NJ and that is great too!