to americans: who is 'uncle sam'?
448171
Uncle Sam is the cartoon embodiment of the government of the United States of America, a character who appeared in newspapers and magazines beginning in the first part of the 19th century. The commonly accepted version of his origin, or at least the best explanation anyone's been able to supply, is that he was modelled after Samuel Wilson, a meat purveyor to the United States army during the War of 1812. Known as "Uncle Sam," Wilson put his initials on his goods. The initials U.S. were also taken to stand for United States. Over the years Uncle Sam evolved into a tall, white-haired man with beard, sporting patriotic colors and a top hat. The most common modern image can be traced to his depiction by James Montgomery Flagg from 1916, for a military recruitment poster calling "I Want YOU For the U.S. Army."
763523
Uncle Sam is a fictional charater made during WWII to help recruit troops and bost morale in the States.
1117449
Yes, absolutely.  Being American is about freedom and that freedom is about questioning authority too.  I think that people who question the president may be the most patriotic people out there.
639799
which guy is "America"?? \n\nu made an interesting pt. lolz ;)
647228
Excellent question.\n\nThe single most famous portrait of Uncle Sam is the "I WANT YOU" Army recruiting poster from World War I. The poster was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1916-1917.\n\nThat is a quote from an internet article on Uncle Sam, but I can't find out yet whether it is considered in the public domain or not. Just give me another few minutes. This is pretty interesting.\n\nHere's another link about the artist, and the poster.\n\nhttp://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm015.html\n\nIt is likely to be in the public domain since the image is so old now and has been reproduced so often, and since it is a part of the history of our country now, and should therefore be accessible to every citizen. I looked but couldn't find anyplace that said specifically "The Uncle Sam I Want You poster by J.M.Flagg is now in the public domain."  \nIt is more a question of learning what that means to be in the public domain and applying it to the facts of the poster, then drawing the conclusion which I drew. You might want to go to:\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\n\nget educated about the basics and make your own conclusion which may differ from mine.\n\nThanks for this fun question.
543375
Gandhi is what George Washington waso to America. He is highly respected and he influenced people like Martin Luther King Jr, to promote non-violence. Whether he led our country to independence or not, or some foreign country, he is highly respected on my part, theres not too many people like him today.
981862
Hi, I have absolutely nothing against the Americans. I have been over there on holiday a few times and have worked a while in Kansas City, Missouri. Of course as a Brit (living in Switzerland presently),  I did notice that life in America is much more anonym, probably because of the vast size of your country and the sheer magnitude of your population.\nThe only reservation I have with Americans are their eating habits (fast food etc), and their lack of geographical knowledge..outside of the USA. (Who is perfect anyway?)\nI do not detest Bush as a person, I do not really know him,  but I have not agreed with all of his policies and decisions. Then again, the whole world is corrupt anyway. I think we have to be patient for the truth to be illuminated. Maybe one day we will find out the full truth with regard to Irak and other armed conflicts, in which the US Forces are and have been involved.\n\nI evaluate the change as a positive step for USA and for the world, but cannot make any prognosis, as we, normal citizens do not have access to all the information!.\nI was very suprised that Bush was re-elected in 2004 and not surprised at all, that the long-yearned for change of leadership is happening now.\n\nGood luck, and a good question. It shows that you think globally and are interested in outsiders' opinions!
248112
Exactly my point, my friend. The thing is, and I'll try to avoid sterotyping Americans as they so carelessly do with Arabs. It is un-"American" to strip so many of their liberty in the name of "freedom". It is un"Christian" to disrespect a fellow human the way that has been done. It is extremely naive to think that the Bush administration is trying to help, knowing that Bush's family has gathered so much wealth through the exploitation of petroleum. I don't see how people don't spend more time on questions like these. Questions that matter. Thank you very much, my friend. (BTW, I'm an American Citizen of a Christian Church)
826272
I am european, but I am a frequent visitor to america.\n\nI think that americans are generally unaware of how much they are manipulated by their politicians in terms of what they think is normal.\n\nAmerican culture is in itself militarised.  In Europe we laugh about how every worker in america has to have a uniform...and badges...and a batman type utility belt....\n\nWe also are amused at how every emergency is met by throwing as many uniformed people at it as possible.  This was beautifully parodied in 'The Blues Brothers' with all the SWATS going 'huck...huck...huck..while abseiling.\n\nAmerica is still a young culture, and the rest of the world still see it as a country full of people who are impressed by childish things, so the militarisation of your police departments is not slow...it is painfully and amusingly obvious to everyone but americans.
1181413
I'm non-biased on this subject, because I'm not American, and I have no affiliation with Americans. I admit that I think Bush is war-mongering git, but I don't let that cloud my judgement of innocent Americans!!\n: D\n\nFrom what I can see, the Bush definition of a terrorist (which is NOT exactly the same as your average American citizen's definition!) is\nTerrorist = \n1. Muslim.\n2. Non-Christian.\n3. Anyone who disagrees with the (selected by God) President of the good old U.S of A!\n\n(I say that the President of the USA was 'selected by God' because he obviously wasn't elected fairly by the hoodwinked general public of America!!!!)\n\nThe average American citizen's definition of a terrorist is more logical, although biased in favour of America ... but that's understandable and forgivable! \nTo the average American;\nTerrorist = \nAnyone who even THINKS about hurting Americans, especially if they're on American soil!\n(That's why a few Americans still have a soft spot for the IRA ... they didn't bomb America!!)\n\nAnd by the way, for Katybear's benefit ... I've NEVER heard that any of the women and children blasted to death by the American troops were wearing bombs!! But then, I don't get the American propaganda!!
1037257
Hey, do you really think the US is kind old Uncle Sam ??? The US also wants its own Empire.
80088
Robertson and Falwell are exactly what this country needs! Two men of the scripture, working together to save America from the Heathens.\n\nRemember how Jerry claimed that if he didn't get a million dollars the Lord was gonna call him home? Well, Jerry could use that same tactic and raise enough money to get our coffers back up to a surplus. Also, he would finally bring an end to the subversive teletubbies.\n\nAnd Robertson, well, he would know exactly who we should assassinate because he'd go after anyone who ruled a country and wasn't right with the lord! \n\nYes sir, these are the brightest stars American Christians have to point to as pillars of their faith. \n\nFor my money, throw in Swaggart as a special liaison with the House Ethics Committee and Jim Baker as Treasury Secretary, and THAT would be a winning government!
877093
I never called CNN "UN-American," but they do have a liberal bias. I haven't seen them call the troops "heroes" but I don't think that merely calling the troops "heroes" would automatically make you a patriot either. Further, although you are not one of them, there are many liberals, and many liberal Democrats who DO dislike (hate is a very strong word) American and think that this country is fundamentally wrong and is the perpetrator of evil throughout the world. So, I think using generalizations tends to disprove a point almost every time.
800416
A citizen of America.
1035943
He's a patsy indeed and his overthrow and demise are purely a result of rampant American paronoia. It will acheive nothing in the end other than to show America in its true light. This was a good question, thanks. Jules, lecturer. Australia.
510251
Tadeusz Kosciuszko---He was a son of liberty and a great soldier.  He helped the Americans in the Revolution and he led the (ultimately unsuccessful) fight to free Poland from imperialist neighboring states in Europe.  His will gave money to educate freed slaves.\nSam Houston---He led the Texan forces in the struggle to win independence.  His small army (which included my ancestor) defeated a much larger force in the Battle of San Jacinto.\nMy father---he loved his family more than anything else in the world and sacrificed so much for us.
765996
Un American scumbag. Someone who doesn't even listen to his own Generals and puts our troops lives in danger.  Nothing can be more un American.