British Couple Reacts to Is the United States a Country?

[@glennallen239]

Millie is on the right track. That is why America is called The United States of America. Each State united to form the Country.

[@michaelmcgowen8780]

We're called the United States of America because that is the name used in the Declaration of Independence. Only the Original Thirteen States created the United States. The subsequent States were created and recognized by the US Congress, with the stipulation that those subsequent States enter the Union as equals with the Original Thirteen.

[@PatricenotPatrick]

@@michaelmcgowen8780 with Texas being the only to join by treaty and not annexation 🤠

[@jimgreen5788]

@@PatricenotPatrick , after 9 years as a country. Our country is a real patchwork, isn't it?

[@RexFuturi]

No, people originally said "these United States". And the United States was originally formed as a confederation, an alliance of sovereign states. The US under the Constitution blurred this concept by implementing federalism, but people still considered the States separate sovereigns and were legally considered partially sovereign.

[@billhicks6449]

@@michaelmcgowen8780 which at the time was really more of a way to band together to gain independence then later, to keep it. However many Americans, especially at the of the revolutionary war saw themselves as citizens of their state much more than the country. Except in times of war.

[@righteousgod8376]

As a lawyer, I can tell you that the video's statement that "'Federal law always wins over state law" is simply not true. There is no universal 'federal pre-emption' rather the ultimate law is the US Constitution which actually delineates federal power and the deferment to state laws on a whole host of questions and issues. The states themselves have their own constitutions. The civil war did not 'solve' this 'problem' but in fact our federal structure is a key feature built into our structure of governance. This person completely over simplified the complex, interlocking nature of US federalism.

[@clevel20]

Oh yeah, definitely. I've worked in state govt for 20+ years, and knowing who's got jurisdiction for different situations becomes second nature. Had more than a few conversations with feds over the years where it's either a shared issue or either could choose to take precedence. That's when it really helps to have healthy working relationships and good lines of communication. Ditto for Tribal relationships.

[@circedelune]

Thank you. I was going to comment the same thing.

[@tvc184]

It is called dual sovereignty.

[@righteousgod8376]

@@tvc184 Correct. In fact, the states preexisted the creation of the federal government. They gave up a portion of their own sovereignty collectively to create the 'United States' and not the other way around.

[@tvc184]

@@righteousgod8376 When I discuss American history, I appreciate July 4 as the claimed birthday of the USA but in my opinion the country we have now was created is more appropriately March 4, 1789 when the Constitution went into effect. Certainly a person could argue March 1, 1781 when the Articles of Confederation went into effect. Either way, the colonies then retitled states, existed a few years after the Declaration of Independence but before the federal government as we know it today was put in place. I always like the Preamble as pretty much describing it and putting it on the line.

[@patrickstracener5329]

"The individual States are granted a considerable amount of power on their own by Congress..." Wrong! It's completely the opposite. The individual States granted certain powers "TO" the Federal government and are enumerated and codified within our Constitution, specifically, the XVII clauses of Art I Sec VIII. X Amendment--"The powers not delegated *to the United States [Feds] *by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it *to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people." At any time, the individual States can convene an Art V Convention of States and completely revoke those granted powers with a 2/3rds vote, thus, dismantling the Federal government altogether.

[@NoOneLikesVegans]

Yes! This is exactly right. And short of abolishing the federal govt, they can use the same mechanism to bypass Congress and amend the Constitution.

[@easein]

And from my view out the window, we should probably dust off that bit of law off and place it on the table for all to see.

[@kaltwies]

Facts! 🙏🇺🇸!

[@amydevol8224]

THIS!!!

[@cindy844]

@@easein my view looks the same 👁👁

[@tbolt2948]

I am part Native American from two Tribes, each of my parents having different tribal ancestry. I'm from Missouri but my duty is first and always to the United States and the Constitution, I am an American. Anyone who says differently needs to remember we give honor to the flag of the United States. Anyone who becomes a Senator or Congressman or joins the military or other Federal office swears upon their sacred Honor to support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, not the state they happen to come from. We had a big war about that, the Civil War. Guam has been an American territory, along with Gitmo and Porto Rico since 1898 because of the Spanish-American War. America paid the butchers bill for Guam and the Marianas again in WW2. Least some forget, it is the American flag on a soldiers arm and an American flag on the coffin of one that died, not a state flag. As you can see I have rather strong feelings on the subject. As an aside, I love your channel and get a kick out of it.

[@Julant80]

There is also the entire backstory of what the colonizers did to your ancestors, and how we ended up with federally recognized Tribal lands. That's a topic I'm sure most people outside of our country aren't fully aware of.

[@tbolt2948]

@@Julant80 Yes, it's complicated, my German ancestors came to the Colonies just in time to fight in the French and Indian War. I also had ancestors fight in the Cav. against my Native American ancestors out West.

[@Teresia12]

National pride should always come first I love the beauty of my state but will always love my country more. I'm a veteran and the widow of a veteran. Both our families fought in every war. I had nephews in Afghanistan. We swore allegiance to the United States of America. Not to our state. It upsets me when former military speak out against us and trash their uniforms. Once in a while freedom of speech is on the verge of treason in my opinion. It is also my opinion that too many ignorant people are given platforms to spew their ignorance to much of the population. God Bless You.

[@nyneeveanya8861]

Bless you and stay safe as you made it possible for us to be safe.

[@edwingonzalez3184]

I respect the USA and grew up in the Boston area but I was born in puerto Rico and have family that fought for the USA without stepping foot on the mainland one of my cousins died in korea his body was never found yet on the island We can't vote on the president so it's not that easy we are American but we are Puerto Rican first made up of a mixture of Spanish African and taino Indian.

[@BuntTheBlunt]

Imagine if the EU as a whole made laws for each European country… it doesn’t always work. That’s why state law and government is very important here in the U.S

[@PatricenotPatrick]

That’s a really good way to put it actually. I’m going to use this 😁

[@AzaleaLala]

Until you get governors like Abbott in Texas and DeSantis in Florida who make up laws taking rights away from people and criminalizing things like being LGBTQ or taking making voting harder for certain people or taking away a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body. Then there needs to be a definitive Federal law to stop them from doing this.

[@civilwarguy4740]

@@AzaleaLala oh governors make laws now?

[@BuntTheBlunt]

@@benchoflemons398 it definitely was! It’s probably a good thing europe has steered clear from it. It causes many problems and I’m sure the English would hate it if a French majority was setting laws for England lol. P.S I know England just left the EU.

[@waterloo32594]

@@benchoflemons398 probably because our government cares more about regime change over seas and lining their pockets then taking care of the people and nation they are supposed to be focused on.

[@danielgorz7594]

Each state has its own constitution, and there is a sentence in the US Constitution that makes thing even more complicated; The new Tenth Amendment stated: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

[@dr.strangelove9815]

Exactly.

[@NikoDoesIt]

This is also where the idea of "Limited Government" comes from. Our founding charter (Constitution) is structured to only grant specified powers (derived from the consent of the governed) to the Federal Govenment. It is next up to each State Constitution to define the specific powers of each state Government (once again derived from the consent of the governed) as long as those powers are not previously defined at the Federal level. If these powers are not specifically defined at the Federal or State level they are returned to the people for their free exercise. This is known as the 10th Amendment or The Federalist Amendment. The whole idea is in our Constitutional Republic the individual reigns Supreme but each individual cedes certain powers to our Government to provide Domestic Tranquility. Of course I am no scholar and some of these ideas are up for debate to this day. Love the reactions.

[@SomeoneSomewhereOutThere]

That was to tie up any possible loose ends. Prevent government overreach.

[@shelleytorok1406]

Very interesting info I'm Canadian and find it fascinating that there are so many differences between the states themselves and state vs. federal laws

[@KaedonVik]

Also if you look up ig when grump got elected 4K Canada signed a potion for us to become a new Providence 😂😂 no joke hi from mn

[@tvc184]

@Shelley Torok I don’t believe it is much different from the US federal government to state governments than you will find in Canada with the federal government which passes laws and then the provincial governments which can pass their own laws that only applies in that province and then the municipal government which can pass their own laws. We sometimes use different terminology like states or reservations instead of provinces and territories. In reality it is all the same thing. Like the old saying goes (attributed to Sir Bernard Shaw), Americans and English are two people separated by a common language. That applies to Canada also.

[@davidcosta2244]

50 different "experiments" to paraphrase Ronald Reagan.

[@sct3339]

and double the taxes

[@treetopjones737]

Like there are differences in Europe of the countries. For example California & Texas are 180 Deg from each other in thinking ( which could change if Texans finally vote out republicans running it ).

[@jamesjones8482]

Loved your reaction to the size comparison of Guantanomo Bay, to Jersey! It was obvious neither of you knew it was coming. Really enjoy your videos. ✝

[@knowledgetracker]

Yes, you're right. We're basically 50 little "countries", but we unite for the greater good when it comes to defense and infrastructure. (If you notice, foreign countries are often referred to as "states".). Unfortunately, our federal government has been allowed to take more control of our country, than it was intended by our Founders.

[@tannercollins9863]

3 or 4 states are global economic superpowers the rest of the states mooch of the federal government and dont contribute to anything. Most of the states are not self sufficient and wouldn't qualify as countries.

[@knowledgetracker]

@@tannercollins9863 - I would agree now, but they are capable of producing and did many years ago. The fact they don't know is a function of left wing politics.

[@tannercollins9863]

@@knowledgetracker this is a ludicrous take, you're probably from one of the mooching states so that makes sense.

[@GGGboi]

@@tannercollins9863 there are countless countries who aren’t “self sufficient”….even though that has nothing to do with qualifying as such anyways😭 you’re slow

[@tannercollins9863]

@@GGGboi Russian Bot

[@lawrencenull]

No the US is a constitutional republic of states. This means each state is a country that has agreed to be governed by the constitution. He is also incorrect, any power not expressly granted to the federal government is reserved for the state.

[@ryanrmcshane]

“Or the people.”

[@DoremiFasolatido1979]

You've never read it, have you?

[@bradhartliep879]

100% FALSE. YES, the United States - and all individual states - is a #Constitutional #Republic [ Article IV, Section 4: "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government .. " ] NOT a #Communist "democracy" { a #Republic of Laws , as defined by a #Constitution , that apply to ALL people equally [ INCLUDING Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians, Women, and Gays ] is and always has been Far Superior to a mob-rule { rule by the #Rich #Elite } Democracy } .. But read the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution; ratified on 15 December 1791 : “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” .. #Democrats have inconveniently FORGOTTEN that the #DemocraticParty 100% Supported #Slavery, #Torture , the #KKK , #JimCrowLaws and denying Black Americans their RIGHT to Be Free and their RIGHT to Vote and their RIGHT to have Equal Paying Jobs and Equal Opportunities and that it was the #REPUBLICANS - NOT the #Conservatives and NOT the Democrats - who protected and defended the Equal and Civil Rights of Black, Latino, Native American and Asian Americans from 1776 until 1988 ..

[@jam3sbarry198]

Yep... I lived in Guam for 4 years... so BEAUTIFUL there !! It's just a lil island in the middle of the ocean... I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT !!

[@erinmetcalf1844]

I had never thought about the fact that Native American Territories would confuse people from other countries. But if nobody ever explained it then of course it would be confusing. Glad you know now.

[@Poleet1971]

Reservations are considered lesser states and bound by Federal law.

[@Rune-Thorne]

@@Poleet1971 they are bound by Federal Law, but can have laws outside of Federal Law that is based on traditions and heritage. Casinos are just passing gambling laws in states and territories because States can make laws in absence of federal guidelines and laws.

[@BaronEurchild]

Grew up on the Rez. We had, practically speaking, all the same local laws, but the cops never came through so most things didn't get enforced. On a state and federal level the taxation and some other things are different, but I haven't lived there since 18 so I can't really give you much detail.

[@gregorypecaut7164]

Legally, reservations are separate Indian Nations. Some even have banks that you can set up "off shore" accounts with. Actual handling of the law depends on how that reservation's treaty is written.

[@BaronEurchild]

@@gregorypecaut7164 What part of the US are you in? What are the nearby nations?

[@zacharyliles8657]

moral of the story is that the United States is much more complicated than outsiders think it is. I always find it more accurate to compare the US to the European Union than to other individual countries.

[@robertrodgers1423]

No, at 7:15 the Federal government is only given certain powers laid out specifically in The United States Constitution. That is the extent of Federal power. That is why we are unique in the world. Each state has a constitution establishing their governance. We are UNITED States following an agreed upon limited Federal constitution. Y'all should do a reaction to "What is a Democratic Republic". USA, aka America, is not a democracy.

[@kaltwies]

Preach! Amen! 🙏🇺🇸!

[@amydevol8224]

Exactly. And specifically in the US Constitution, the first ten amendments - referred to as the Bill of Rights - are those powers that reside in the people that the federal government CANNOT infringe upon and block, although they do try. Within this group of modifications to the original constitution document are such things as the freedom of speech and religion (1st Amend.), the right to bear arms (2nd A.), etc. The final amendment of this first set is the tenth amendment which states that ANY governmental power not specifically granted to the federal (central) government in DC by the Constitution is retained by the States. As someone else has stated, when the thirteen colonies declared themselves free and independent states, separate from Great Britain, they considered themselves separate states/countries and ceded only certain of their powers for purposes of mutual interest - common defence, interstate commerce, and such. One of the rights they *thought* they had retained was the right to secede(sp?) and remove themselves from the Union. This, along with the issue of slavery, was at the heart of our Civil War. Not sure whether the issue of secession was fully resolved by the outcome - note the video's mention of secessionist movements in some of the states - but many (most?) feel that the Civil War determined that states cannot leave the union.

[@treetopjones737]

@@amydevol8224 They cannot legally leave the union. The South wanted to secede because they wanted to continue OWNING SLAVES after the federal govt. abolished it.

[@nadeau]

@@treetopjones737 Slavery was legal when the South succeeded. Missouri and Kentucky were slave states that did not leave the Union.

[@eklypse0]

@@treetopjones737 There is nothing in the Constitution which enables the Federal government to force the state to remain within the union. Enforcement of state inclusion is simply not a power listed. So, since it is not enumerated as a power reserved to the Constitution, nor prohibited by the state, leaving the Union is Legally allowed, based on strict Constitutional reading. The problem is that the Federal Government uses military force, and not Constitutional Law to enforce inclusion.

[@jamesparker1813]

My sons mother was born in Puerto Rico, and came to the US when she was 5. She was able to do this because it is technically part of the US. Puerto Rico is defined as "a US commonwealth ". But because of that, Americans and Puerto Ricans can travel between countries without a passport.

[@mer8795]

You can travel to any US TERRITORY. They also have US passports.

[@cheeseninja1115]

the saying is that the UK is a country of countries, but I think this just showed the US is more so a country of countries in the legal sense XD

[@santiagoperez5431]

I live in California and I agree

[@cyndybutler7330]

Agreed

[@NoOneLikesVegans]

More things to consider: > Prior to the Civil War (1861-1865) the documents would say "these United States". Afterward they started saying "the United States" > States regularly refuse to enforce federal laws (think of immigration, marijuana, and gun rights laws) unless the feds try to apply economic pressure (which is fairly rare) > Despite the President and Congress, the States themselves can alter the nation's Constitution via calling a "Convention of States" and voting for a law by getting 38 State legislatures to approve it. Most foreigners (and honestly Americans for that matter) don't really understand how decentralized our country is, nor that it's still more centralized now than it was ever meant to be. One of the worst amendments ever passed was to change the vote for Senators to the state popular vote rather than being left to the State legislatures as originally intended. As such, senators don't represent the state interests NEARLY as much as they used to.

[@garyballard179]

Yes, democrats pushed for that amendment in order to take away the States' voices in DC. That makes it easier for the federal gov't to run roughshod over the States.

[@drakedbz]

100% this. States have lost so much power, and it has only resulted in more chaos and less unity. You can have united peoples without forcing them under the same laws. Our current system has made it so people have to deal with laws not suited for them all the time, and it's really contributed to the tensions of late.

[@CaseyinTexas]

FYI: The only time the "Convention of States" was used was to ratify an amendment was the 21st amendment to repeal the 18th amendment (prohibition). This method was used because despite everyone realized prohibition was a huge mistake and problem, so Congress and state legislatures could claim innocence. Once the Convention was called, Congress proposed the amendment and the Convention delegates voted for it.

[@Rowgue51]

Your first bullet point is just patently false and easily debunked by reading the US constitution itself. It is filled with references to "the united states" and also repeatedly refers to "the several states" but is entirely devoid of even a single use of the phrase "these united states".

[@NoOneLikesVegans]

@@Rowgue51 Apparently you're unfamiliar with there being more than one or two documents from the Confederation period through the Antebellum years. Yes, it was very common vernacular to refer to them as "these" rather than "the". The Emphasis was on the big S - not little s - States because prior to the war the relationship of the States to their people was much, much stronger than their bond to the collective.

[@richardables6561]

Well I currently live in between the 2 largest native American reservations in the country. About 30 miles south of the Navajo nation and 20 miles north of the white mountain apache reservation. The apache reservation boarders the San Carlos apache reservation. They are very much a nation within a nation. It takes about 6 hours to drive across the Navajo rez, Its huge. The irony is that the tribal conflict between the two tribes actually pre dates the united States. They really dont like each other at all haha. The Navajo rez is the only reservation that overlaps their ancestral homeland. So the land is family land that can not be sold and is passed from family member to family member for generations. Many members still find it diffacult to speak English. If you want to learn some neat history you should look into the history of the Navajo code talkers. Basically the only code that was never broken because the language had no written history until the 1960s

[@josephpadula2283]

Just for the record they not only spoke in Navaho over the radio but had a code too in case they ever got hold of a man who spoke Navaho but was not part of the Code Talkers network.

[@stevenjohnson3997]

I live by the Navajo Nation, and yes they’re like there own country, they have there own congress, president, courts, there own police force and even there own militia. The Navajo nation crossing 4 states. That is where “the 4 corners” is.

[@grumpylimey4539]

Another thing to consider with Federal vs State law, the Federal government typically lacks the manpower to enforce law within the states without thier respective support, let alone if they were hostile to Federal interference.

[@ShonnMorris]

Yep. California and Texas are two such states which can often have an adversarial relationship with the federal government.

[@deepcoder1845]

Totally not true. Federal law AWAYS overrules state law. If you disagree you are not an attorney my friend. One example where 15 states have made buying weed legal and its still against federal law. Feds can bust them any second plus the weed sellers can NEVER deposit their money in any bank. When the feds come in for a drug bust they "might" ask for rear support from locals but with DEA,FBI,and about 5 other federal organizations with 3 letters local are not needed. Most of the time feds do not trust the locals as feds think they will tell about the raid.

[@unknowncomic4107]

@@deepcoder1845 Ignorant much?

[@georgeappleby6868]

@@unknowncomic4107 he's not wrong because the federal government controls America's banking system and insurers it also.

[@unknowncomic4107]

@@georgeappleby6868 Again ignorance. Know what it is you are talking about before putting your foot in it.

[@thegreatalyssa]

I’m a citizen of a US Indigenous nation. (Learn about The Trail of Tears. My ancestors suffered through that experience.)

[@ibekingape]

In my opinion the key is "united" which is to say that the union itself is the nation. Also the country itself has a tenuous focus on state vs federal since its foundation because they didn't want a monarchy but they needed a central power. So, Imo, it's almost purposefully gray for the sake of their philosophy upon independence.

[@alanlight7740]

So, the same way that the European Union - which also has the notion of Union in the title - is a single country?

[@probably_afk]

11:12 "It's almost like Africa!" Beesley and everyone watching: _5 seconds of dead silence and confusion_

[@williamking5506]

No, that made perfect sense. We're a massive landmass full of dozens and dozens of 'countries'. Totally apt analogy, unless you view everything through a racist lens.

[@probably_afk]

@@williamking5506 Just stop. It was a funny moment and we all knew what she wanted to say. No one needs your baseless hot takes.

[@11679MRT]

When I was in High School a friend was fishing and unknowingly crossed into an Indian reservation. The police of that reservation confiscated his boat, trailer, and truck - he tried to get them back but failed. There was nothing the state or federal government could do.

[@kvhvtke1935]

I'm part of the Muscogee Creek Nation tribe we have our own police force our own courts judges we have our own passport to travel around the world with we always say We're a nation inside a nation

[@jscott1213]

Maybe United States of Turtle Island would be proper.

[@deannaledford1270]

The American Indian was given the shaft and I don't care who knows it it's true and this is speaking from someone who has no negative blood at all in her

[@8erttownsk]

If there are videos on the WinStar casino, you should react to one. It's the largest casino by land area. It's broken down into countries by section and decorated to look like each country. It's INSANELY huge for a casino.

[@Dragonstalon1001]

The Video got it wrong. The Federal Laws ONLY have 'Supremacy' when they are created in Pursuance with (in accordance with) the U.S. Constitution, and this is pointed out in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution clause 2. They also got the fact that the U.S. Federal Government was Created out of a Compact (Contract) of the States, which means LEGALLY the States have more Power than the Federal Government since something CREATED by Others can NEVER have more 'Power' than the entity that created it. The Federal Government also has a list of Enumerated Powers in Articles I, II, and III that is their Domain, and anything that doesn't fall within those Enumerated Powers should be a States Jurisdiction (10th Amendment). Just because Political Parasites in Washington D.C. and Judicial Activists in the Court System have VIOLATED their SWORN Constitutional Oaths and passed things that Violate the U.S. Constitution does not make it Right or Legal. For example the Federal Government passed 'Civil Asset Forfeiture' (Police confiscating people's personal Items, without a Criminal Charge or needing any Evidence that the Owner committed a Criminal Act) which violates the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but is enforced by Police since the Supreme Court has FAILED in their Constitutional Duty to strike it down. If we really wanted to get Technical, a County Sheriff has the Power/Authority to throw out the Federal Governments 'Agents' from their County PERMANENTLY!

[@kaltwies]

Bingo!!! Bullseye!!! 🙏🇺🇸!!!

[@Emin3m1589]

thank you, this video is honestly terrible

[@CalKingOnyx]

I was just coming here to point that out.

[@lizd2943]

Incorrect. The original states ceded sovereignty to the federal government. They ratified the federal Constitution saying that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Every state since the original 13 was created by an Act of Congress. And that last part was just straight up sovereign citizen BS.

[@Dragonstalon1001]

@@lizd2943 Wrong, The Federal Government is ONLY allowed Authority/Power when it is accordance with the U.S. Constitution, which is why there are Enumerated Powers that the Federal Government has Authority over, everything else is a State Issue/Power. State Sovereignty was NEVER ceded to the Federal Government, which is why the State Legislatures can tell the Federal Government to go to Hell when the Federal Government oversteps it Authority. I'd love for you to list where you get your Information from, since I get mine from the U.S. Constitution itself, the Federalist/Anti-Federalist Papers, and a Constitutional (Washingtonian) Scholar/Lawyer (and no, it's NOT Alan Dershowitz, that Pedophile!!). You know, the Founding Documents and a Constitutional Scholar who FOLLOWS the Original Documents of the Founding of the United States as they were Written and uses the Founding Fathers OWN WORDS!! Not an Interpretation or a Federal Supremacist Poser!!

[@eventuallyeverafter7277]

My sister was born in Guam. My dad joined the Navy and we were stationed at the base there. I lived the first two years of my life on the island. It even confuses people in the United States because she was told to go back to her country to get proper documentation to get her driver's license.. LOL she was born to American citizens on an American Military Base... On an island that is considered US territory 🤣🤦

[@hovis62]

I comprehend the correlation between Native American Reservations and African Tribal Territories. Please do more in this regard!

[@gamm8939]

2:40 its more like you to Indonesia

[@dstamour625]

The excitement from the shout out of Jersey has made my day

[@casketman14]

Also the first shoutout to PuertoRico. Nobody gives Puertoricans credit but we have fought in tons of wars and attributed a lot into culture. Maybe a few reactions on PuertoRico? 🇵🇷

[@richardovercast2258]

It's named the United "States" for a reason. The US was founded to be a republic

[@billolsen4360]

Yes, a Federal Republic which is rather unique. The states still all have the right to manufacture their own license plates.

[@dona4him942]

What about our Democracy? Our Democracy is what makes America free! Think of that.

[@MRFLESHSTORM]

most people do not know or ignore the United States is a Republic not a Democracy..

[@MRFLESHSTORM]

@@dona4him942 Republic

[@MRFLESHSTORM]

@Murals and Music are it for Me i knew only us what get that.

[@vincemac2223]

I think its funny how you said "we aren't gonna give away our location" on an island that small if someone wanted to find you a few days traveling around the north they would likely see you walk in or out of your home. LOL

[@rxibot]

Millie is right on a lot of what she sees and needs to be more confident in her assumptions.

[@Nhoj2244]

Not in her Africa beliefs though. Africa would be the equivalent to all North America including Canada, Mexico, and many more countries. The US is just like the UK where different territories with their own mindset make one country

[@harvbegal6868]

@@Nhoj2244 Until you overlay a tribal map over Africa. Then it becomes like the tribal reservations map in the US only much larger and covering multiple countries.

[@jovetj]

6:44 Wrong! The states are granted a considerable amount of power by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution outlines the limitations on the federal government (what it can, and more specifically _cannot_ do) and each state has its own constitution as well.

[@t.mendous7922]

Alaska does have a great independent bent to it. That one reason many people decide to live here

[@jueneturner8331]

The Original 13 former-colonies were countries (a.k.a. States) who formed a Union of small countries or States. One of our national mottos means "Out of many (States a.k.a. Countries), One (Nation)".

[@ManiacGamer1988]

Originally, "state" and "country" were the same thing, and when the US was established, it DID function much like the EU, except with a central government existing to resolve disputes between states and maintain certain standards under which all states in the US should function. Unfortunately, the powers of that central government have increased significantly over our history, as they have insisted that they should have control and/or say in many matters that would have been far beyond the scope of their power originally. This has created a more modern definition of "state", and leaves us with more political similarity to the UK than to the EU, though notably the UK government still acknowledges the country-hood of at least some of its parts, while the US government typically does not. Also, I think it's despicable that we exercise political control over territories that do not have any say in our government. This was literally one of the core reasons we broke away from the UK in the first place.

[@zacheryvorse8130]

Vote Puerto Rico for statehood! I agree with this action 🇺🇲

[@davidburlington3659]

Well said, MG1988. It is indeed despicable that folks from US territories have no say in their government. Considering the objections WE raised to Britain back in 1776, we of all people should be VERY sensitive on that subject!

[@garyballard179]

For one thing, the residents of the territory first need to *want* to be admitted as a state in the union. Puerto Rico fails this, as only half the voting population is interested in statehood.

[@zacheryvorse8130]

@@garyballard179 of course democracy is great, just personally I think it would be a wonderful part of the Union, they would have the USA's enormous benefits, more then they currently do, and would be offered more opportunities and the economy would increase. Oh and they would have representation on the government that governs them

[@zacheryvorse8130]

Plus you never know what the future could bring the voting population could increase

[@jacquesmassard9226]

I knew that this video mentioned jersey so i was very happy to see you react. I am just going to send any mail to you guys addressed to the "top" of jersey.

[@brianvoiles6261]

Your reactions when they showed Jersey made my day.

[@googleblockedme5543]

One of the things that they got wrong was they said that Congress grants the states their rights. The Constitution grants the Federal government specific powers and those that are not specific to the Federal government are retained by the States and the People directly

[@sld1776]

I lived for a year at Guantanamo Bay as a refugee. It's surprisingly arid. And apparently Jersey-shaped.

[@the_cruz_shooter]

I love how excited y'all got when Jersey was mentioned.

[@Kaybri0526]

The US is essentially a bunch of smaller countries but we all just collectively use the name THE UNITED STATES

[@whoishim2998]

The name of USA literally explains what we are lol

[@daveh6424]

Its like the EU but not full of bitches. I'm proud of the UK for leaving.

[@Kaybri0526]

@@whoishim2998 you’re right 😂

[@colonelb]

The relationship between the federal, state, and native American reservations is similar in a way to Jersey and the UK. I don't know much about Jersey so I may have this a bit wrong but from what I understand, Jersey has it's own constitution and Chief Minister, but it doesn't have it's own military and doesn't have it's own representation in the United Nations, in that way, "the UK speaks for Jersey" in international matters and it'd be the UK's military that would defend Jersey in the case of an attack.

[@awake8794]

I am an enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe and am a descendant of the Nez Perce tribe. I live in the Nez Perce Reservation and I'm married to a Nez Perce tribal member, also my children are enrolled Nez Perce. It's a reservation in Idaho. We do have our own governments that are Sovereign Nations but most just adopt their state and federal laws. We vote in our chief and council (government) just like a presidential vote. We have our own courts and police. We're the most policed people in the country. Because we've have our own tribal police, city police, county police, state police and federal police, all over us.

[@CaseyinTexas]

While the territories don't don't have official voting representation in Congress, they do elect non-voting members to the House of Representatives who do caucus with and advise congressmen on the positions of the territories. Guantanamo Bay is a naval base so, along with the constitution, Military Rules, Regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) also apply.

[@mikepipes1693]

I am so freaking happy to see my native folks actually given attention in this 🙂 BUT to add, most folks around me can careless for the fed government and more so about the state and relate to their states more so then USA. I have always seen the states as their own countries and the feds was just like a UN body for our foreign issues first before dealing with internal issues of our states.

[@laudiculbertson5586]

Actually, United States Constitution says that anything not mentioned in the Constitution, is in the domain of the states, rather than the federal government. So on these matters, the individual states' laws are supreme and not under federal jurisdiction.

[@livvyweimar7362]

Our "Country" is actually a Federation. That means each state retains some autonomy from the Federal government hence marijuana being legal in several states. This also means that territories have little to no say in anything because they aren't a state of the Federation. Within each state is multiple Counties. Each County can hold several cities or be just a part of one. They each have their own laws and rules. They have to abide by State mandates and regulations but are allowed to adopt stricter regulations. Then there's the City government (in huge cities it can be equal to the County government or even more powerful). They pass additional laws for each person living in the city. These are generally related to Police forces, school zones, and property taxes. This system is why it's so hard to calculate a final tax and just show it on the tag of the item you are trying to purchase. Each City, County, State, and even the Federal government applies a tax. It's not that hard to navigate if you are used to it, but it can trip you up when traveling inside the contiguous US let alone from another Country. Good luck lol

[@treetopjones737]

Like during Covid, a city or county could enact stricter rules to keep the virus from spreading more.

[@martinhafner2201]

@@treetopjones737 Sometimes, depending on the state. Arizona passed specific laws that made it illegal for cities and counties to create covid regulations beyond the state regulations. The state typically oversees the creation of the cities and counties, so it more or less owns them. However, the state constitution specifies the division and precedence of state versus city/county jurisdiction, so it is a bit like the U.S. constitution when it limits the state's power. Changing the U.S. constitution requires a very strong action from the states, while state constitutions can typically be amended more easily. The feds have a weaker control of the states as they are peer members, not federal subsidiaries.

[@rwbimbie5854]

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS can simply LEGALIZE POT & SECESSION in violation of Fed Pot & Secession bans and the *fed bans cant supersede state law allowing pot & secession* ? If states Legalize violating Pot Bans of Congress, then other states can legalize violating GUN BANS of congress, right?

[@martinhafner2201]

@@rwbimbie5854 The states are skating a thin line. The feds could enforce the pot laws, but they don't really have enough federal agents, so they need state law enforcement participation, which they don't tend to get from states that disagree. But if they care enough they can do it. So they pick the fights they care about more, such as gun laws. Biden was trying to push a bunch of money so the ATF could afford to go solo. I'm not sure if he got it in the compromise bills.

[@rwbimbie5854]

@@martinhafner2201 How to pay for more DEA ASSET SEIZURE agents- Have feds bust the STATE CARTEL BOSSES, seize governors mansion, state capitol, and state money accounts ...the exact same DEA AssetSeizure feds do to citizens accounts cars property paid for by illegal drug money (aka Tax on pot growing/distributing/selling). Busting the state BOSSES & fed auctioning state buildings will PROFIT DEA greatly

[@Col_Crunch]

2:45 The 2 points furthest away from one another in the UK and Egypt are about 3300 miles apart. So the distance between Guam and the US Capitol is more than double that distance. The distance from Guam to the US Capitol is 1,196 miles further than the distance between the northern most point in the UK and the southern most point in Africa.

[@jdanon203]

Marijuana is fully legal in 16 states - mostly out west and in the northeast. The other states are a mix of medicinal and decriminalized. Only a handful of states follow federal law and keep it fully illegal.

[@williamking5506]

Indeed, just four still fully criminalize it: Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina. All the others allow SOME form, even if it's just CBD.

[@anthonyjaster4905]

Loved your reaction to Jersey getting called out. That is how I feel when Wisconsin gets a shout out. You two are doing a great job keep up the hard work.

[@joyannwesson]

This is a very interesting video. I've learned a lot. A lot more people need to learn about US native American lands and sovereignty. I work at a native American casino and people think they can do what ever they want there. Nope. It's on sovereign land. It's like private property. What I say goes. If not Tribal police will be called. The can prosecute you under state or federal law. Native Americans are what people in other countries call indigenous people.

[@ryanjustice2670]

☑️ Millie's pure joy when they compared Guantanamo's size to Jersey.😁

[@dragunsrage8039]

Had to rewind a couple times to watch millies reaction to that “shout out “ 😂

[@dbqdude75ify]

I did the same for James...it was funny.. 😆

[@chrisallen8139]

Hey y’all!!! Just found you guys and love the content. Was cool to see you get excited about the Jersey shout out. I live in the middle of Oklahoma. We dont get shout outs much either.

[@joeyjohnson4826]

The United States is a republic in which each state according to its population is divided within congressional districts where it represents the population of the state in the house of representatives. Each state is represented equally in the Senate each state no matter the population has two Representatives. Each state is part of a federal constitutional republic through the contractual agreement known as the United States Constitution. Anything not found in that Constitution lies within the jurisdiction of the state or the people respectively. We are a nation we are a republic we are a representative Republican which it has a federal government with equal and proportional representation but each state also is independent outside of the Constitution with its own government and legislature anything not found in the Constitution lies within the hands of the state and the people of the state. Any questions 😁

[@PaulsWanderings]

I love your reaction to Jersey being mentioned!!!

[@christophermckinney3924]

US to Guam is like UK to the Falklands

[@scooterpp]

This video prompted me to wiki the Jersey Island...fascinating and I knew nothing about it, especially your unique relationship with the British crown....but you are so close to France! Very interesting.

[@valg.3270]

I just looked up Jersey while watching this video. I too was surprised at how close Jersey is to France.

[@shelleytorok1406]

Milly---- very good viewpoint trying to put into terms that you can understand/relate to

[@miker.9138]

On marijuana: I know there have been a few instances where the Drug Enforcement Agency, which is a Federal law enforcement agency, has raided marijuana operations that were actually fully licences in their own state. These raids have been unpopular, and to the best of my knowledge it's been awhile since one has occurred.

[@Roh_Echt]

Yeah, I initially thought it was strange that some, from elsewhere, might not have known about reservations here. Reservations came about in the mid 1800s...and not to benefit natives, but contain them. Reservations are not a great part of the history here, and worth exploring if just now learning of them.

[@jdanon203]

Love their reaction to the comparison with Jersey.

[@bigtex741]

Millie gets it. One of the things that I find fascinating about Europeans is that they compare the U.S. to their own country. It is probably more accurate to conceptualize the U.S. more like the E.U. This is why one of the confusing facts about the U.S. for Europeans is the various sales taxes, and other state centric laws. For example you don't find it unusual that the taxes in France are different from Switzerland. Or the drinking laws different in Germany and Belgium. Like the E.U. the U.S. was first a lose group of States before it became a union. In fact, no where in the laws governing the U.S. does it state that once a State joins the union that it cannot leave. This unfortunately had to be settled by the U.S. Civil War. Lincoln did not attack the South following succession, he waited until the South attacked U.S. Federal land: Fort Sumter.

[@bfun4615]

It is interesting being Native American in the United States. My personal experience with this whole which law applies is when the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) came into law requiring you to have health insurance or pay a fine. I remember having to submit my tribal documentation to the federal department of health and human services and the ACA (Obamacare) and for tax purposes the law didn't apply to me. I was in the doctors office at a hospital reviewing my insurance (based on income) and interestingly the person that handles the insurance claims was in awe that the ACA mandate (at the time) didn't apply to me a United States Citizen. The insurance person had to make a phone call to the Department of Health and Human services (federal) to verify this. I remember the call since it was on speakerphone. Since I submitted the Tribal paperwork to the DHHS that also applied to the IRS when filing my tax returns. I also utilize both private insurance (provided by my employer) and the IHS (Indian Health Service) to meet my medical needs. For the big things I do go to a regular doctors office and utilize my private insurance. For smaller things and routine dental I usually utilize care through the IHS.

[@bradenaliaster4652]

Shoutout from Oklahoma gotta love it! Also im from a Choctaw nation I would love if y’all got into the Indian nations more it’s pretty interesting to learn about. Also teaches you about why they should have their own nations. After stripping land and taking lives of Indians.

[@jfdavis668]

I like how they said that the distance from Guam to Washington DC is similar to England to Egypt. No, it similar to the distance from England to Guam. Almost exactly the same.

[@themourningstar338]

Yes! Washington DC - Guam: 7,920 miles London - Guam: 7,476 miles London - Cairo: 3,497 miles Distances are according to Google

[@jameslawson3020]

Now that I e seen this I’m convinced we have a complicated country. You both are tons of fun with these videos. Thank you from Florida. You should do a detailed historic tour of Florida.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

11:39 you are absolutely correct. I know in the video it said the civil war settled the debate on who hold the power but technically the states hold the power over the federal government. We were set up to govern ourselves at state level and the federal government was supposed to deal with international issues. Each state also has their own constitutions. That’s why weed is legal in some states and I think Wyoming never passed a seatbelt law.

[@jdub8325]

Love you guys! Prayers for Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏 ❤️

[@CaptainFrost32]

08:37 The Federal law prevents companies from doing interstate banking, leading to cash-only transactions and no payment through Federal accounts. If you cross state lines to a more strict policy, you could face the state penalties and risk federal charges on top.

[@chago4202000]

The Confederate leaders weren't tried in court after the war. The Union leaders were worried a court would find that the Confederate states were acting within thier rights to secede. The war DIDN'T decide for good that a state can't secede, only that it didn't work THAT time. It wasn't taken to court. As recently as 2020, Democrat strategists were willing to call for secession if Trump won the election. LARGE portions of the country right now are okay with breaking off. It's not a settled issue.

[@drakedbz]

Yeah no kidding. Both sides of the political spectrum have had people calling for this. I'd prefer the US stays together, as we can be stronger together, but we really need to backtrack some of the nationalization of laws, as it's tearing us apart.

[@chago4202000]

@@drakedbz Yes. The federal government is too big and addressing too many issues that should be handled at the state level. Something I always thought was a positive about this country was the fact that we have 50 states to choose from, each with a unique way of doing things. You could find someplace where you like how they do things. This country is far too large and diverse in cultures to govern with sweeping, one size fits all policies. The Constitution lays out the limited role federal government is supposed to play. I would like to us to move closer to that limited role.

[@Signal85-0]

It’s really 50 tiny countries who work together relatively well

[@fredandersen9873]

Tiny?!? TINY!!? Speak for your own damn state. Texas is in NO WAY "tiny".🤠

[@carolconnors8689]

This video is incorrect about succession. A convention of states can put to Congress a forced vote of 1 per state. It is a simple majority. A convention of states is at least 2/3 of the state's. The constitution was a work of genius. As I watch the troubles we are going thru as a country the last 22 years I see that "ol tattered parchment" and pray my thanks to God for those men he sent to sign and DIE so we could be free from tyranny.

[@wadeenyart9676]

the Jersey shout out segment made me think as a American from Oklahoma I would love to see a video of a tour of your island with you keeping your home out of it (understandably), or you may have already done this if I dug through your old videos. IDK. love your channel

[@redictat3]

Her when the US beside Europe shows up: Wait!? Me watching this: Yes, that is an accurate size comparison.

[@KaliCush]

Reservations are taught in schools like the ones I went to (some, not all) surprised not many people know about them.

[@jamescook9974]

Some of this is a little misleading. 1. Territories have easy travel and trade with the mainland. They are also protected by our military. PR isn't a state because of their massive debt and the imbalance in political power it would cause. 2. The Constitution is what sets powers for federal and state governments. The 10th Amendment specifixally gives states power which is not explicitly given to the federal government. 3. There is no federal crime for possession of Marijuana or any drug. Just importing. The Constitution gives the feds control over trade. States legalized it because of the 10th Amendment.

[@SaraPfeffer]

According to the 10th amendment, each state has rights independent of the other states and is given equal sway on the federal government. Each state is supposed to be able to make and enforce their own laws, regardless of the federal laws, as long as they follow the constitution and bill of rights. That isnt how things are playing out now. But it was how things were pre-civil war and more solidified post WW2. We used to be the United States in America, now we are the United States of America. It's a small distinction, but its huge in how it plays out. It used to be that the federal government was there to deal with invading adversaries, and sometimes natural disasters, but was mainly hands off when it came to what you could or couldn't do within a state's boundaries. Now the federal government dictates what can be done where and its extremely partisan depending on which party is in office or carries majority in that state. IE: California allows unfettered illegal immigration and sanctuary, but denies the 2nd amendment, similarly to Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, etc, those states have no allowance for firearms, but in many other states you can openly carry your firearm at all times. It is an complicated and at times confusing collection of contradictions, and we had to learn about it and try to understand it in school as part of civics.

[@SuStel]

That's not what the 10th Amendment says. The 10th Amendment says that any powers not granted to the federal government or prohibited by the Constitution are reserved to either the states or the people. That is, since the Constitution does not mention that the federal government has the right to regulate purple people-eaters, the power to regulate purple people-eaters is possessed by either the states or the people. The 10th Amendment doesn't say anything about each state getting rights equal to other states, and it doesn't say anything about being able to enact laws regardless of federal laws.

[@tvc184]

@@SuStel I think the 10th Amendment might be one of the most misunderstood in the Bill of Rights. I see so many explanations of what people think it means like the one in the OP. I think my opinion is like yours, if it is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, a state can do what it wishes. Such as….. What is a city or county is not in the Constitution so a state can define it as it wishes. Rules for doctors, lawyers and police officers are not defined in the Constitution so states can set their own rules for those professions…. and so on.

[@quickhistory8637]

In technical definition America is a federation

[@ohmightywez]

The United States is a Nation with a democratic republic central government, and is made up of individual states, each of which has their own constitution, their own bicameral governments and their own standing military which operates under the command of the governor of the individual state. We have joined together for the common good, with the purpose of the union of states outlined in the preamble to the Constitution- We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

[@non-wx8qm]

We are NOT a Democratic Republic. We ARE a Constitutional Republic. There is a huge difference between the two.

[@daniel_sc1024]

It's a specious argument. Regardless of their location, their status, or the ability of the states to create their own laws (applicable only in those states, btw), they all fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

[@daymianlombardi5508]

It's my country

[@jtcash2005]

There are 102 casinos in Oklahoma, all on tribal land.

[@97ember40]

You guys should definitely try to find a video about the trail of tears if you’d like to learn more about some of the history between Native Americans and the United States

[@tbolt2948]

To me there is no difference between Andrew Jackson and Adolf Hitler/Joseph Goebbels. They all committed racial genocide. If you mention Jackson to me you're likely to get an earful of explanatives for the next hour.

[@dbqdude75ify]

Hi Guys......this makes my head hurt and I live here..lol 😆

[@HistoryNerd808]

We're more like 50 different countries in one, plus our territories(which besides Puerto Rico, we don't really about much) and DC. You can kind of it like the EU, just with a federal government that is a lot stronger and a singular national identity(plus state identity generally being weaker than the national one.)

[@HistoryNerd808]

Just noticed I missed the word think twice. *besides Puerto Rico, we don't really think about much* and *you can kind of think of it like the EU.* Jeez.

[@JoeBoKnows]

And DC and Guam....

[@JoeBoKnows]

And the US Virgin islands

[@HistoryNerd808]

@@JoeBoKnows I said territories which cover Guam and the USVI and I also explictly mentioned DC

[@JoeBoKnows]

@@HistoryNerd808 i missed DC, but i am sayong people think about those regularly.... anyone with military in their family thinks of guam, and anyone who takes cruises thinks of the USVI regularly

[@gladbag2005]

lmfao .... I spit water everywhere when Millie said " let me clarify , I'm not stoopid"

[@snowflakehunter]

This guys definition can easily be challenged. The United States is a country and is recognized as a country by every other country in the world.

[@bigd7481]

You missed the point. The guy even said it at the very beginning... does the USA meet the exact definition of a country.

[@SuStel]

@@bigd7481 You missed Some Texas Guy's point: this definition of country can be challenged. It's too simplistic.

[@DeepDeepSpace]

the US is a Union of countries that when combined can function as a single country.

[@snowflakehunter]

@@bigd7481 Look up the definition of country. Iy does meet it.

[@snowflakehunter]

@@DeepDeepSpace The United States is a union of former countries that are now states. Geography 101.

[@adotbesnappin]

That channel really has the best content! I’ve watched pretty much everything lol

[@TheBeesleys99]

Love That!

[@yadarehey1130]

Prior to 1861 the phrase was “The United States are . . .” That is grammatically correct. After 1865 it changed to “The United States are . . .” What was between those two dates? You may ask. The American Civil War. It changed how we viewed ourselves.

[@rightoftheline6521]

Prior to that most people would call themselves a Virginian, a New Yorker etc. rather than an American.

[@SuStel]

Actually, this is just an English-language change that affected the plurals of groups in general. In England one still says "my family are," while in the United States one usually says "my family is." It has nothing to do with the United States seeing itself more as a singular entity.

[@brianvandy4002]

Federal Law overrides State Law only in those areas defined in the constitution as the pervue of the federal government. For instance, the federal government cannot pass laws regarding how much a building permit costs, as that is not granted to the federal government by the constitution.

[@donaldharris3037]

It's more like 50 countries under one flag I'm from Tennessee and we are totally different than say people from New York or California

[@jnlaf]

I lived in 22 different states AND yes there are difference between states and the people who live there..But in reality, we are more alike than you think.

[@donaldharris3037]

@@jnlaf I don't disagree with you but I was trying to be a little more simplified for people who are overseas and never have visited here

[@JustARandomGamerTV]

10:38 as an Oklahoman and a native I can confirm this for instance I've seen people do donuts in a casino parking lot get chased by Tribal Police to the edge of the parking lot and the normal police outside the parking lot do nothing because it's technically happens in another country

[@ElainetheGARugrat8815]

Some days I would actually like if some states, like New York and California, became their own separate Countries and leave the rest of us alone and in peace. lolol. Well, honestly just parts of New York and California.

[@tomdowling638]

You might like to visit Wildwood, New Jersey. It's a shore town with a Boardwalk. As a kid and adult we rent bicycle's and ride on the Boardwalk till 10 am. Lunch and then the beach, dinner and then a walk on the Boardwalk at night. Roller coaster's rides and other rides, games of Chance. Seafood, Pizza, Philly Cheese Steaks, Waffle ice cream sandwich. Fishing and crabbing.

[@codygates7418]

I would to make clear most states (ESPECIALLY SOUTHERN ONES) feel more connected to their REGION I’m from Kentucky but, I only connect with people from say the west coast or New England because we’re Americans while I mostly identify as a southern to my fellow Americans. I hope that makes sense lol 😂 the south is one of most distinct regions with a unique culture and dialect that has shaped the south for centuries we see ourselves SOUTHERNS FIRST AMERICANS SECOND

[@iamjamesmix]

"the south is one of most distinct regions with a unique culture and dialect that has shaped the south for centuries" - That is not distinct at all as every region in America can say the exact same thing. "we see ourselves SOUTHERNS FIRST AMERICANS SECOND" - Only when you're talking to other Americans. Travel to another continent and you're American first as 99% of the rest of the world has no f'n clue what Kentucky is. When I was in Asia, no one knew what Minnesota was. One guy finally understood a bit because he watched basketball and knew the Timberwolves but he had no idea where Minnesota was within the U.S. This is why the South isn't taken serious in the States. You all think you're the "center of the world" because you've never been anywhere else. This rhetoric is all to familiar. You are not distinct or unique or special when considering America itself. You are distinct within America just the same as every other region. Get humbled.

[@codygates7418]

@@iamjamesmix Um okay I don’t know why you attacked me. I’m a southern FIRST to my fellow Americans but, I’m a proud American outside of the states as well as in general. Also yes regions are VERY distinct. The south has a COMPLETELY different culture compared to say the West Coast or New England. But, we’re all you United as being fellow Americans.

[@iamjamesmix]

@@codygates7418 Attacked you? I didn't attack you. I called you out in that BS you stated originally. This response you gave me is the truth and waaaay more humble as it should be. You said "one of the most distinct" in your original post. You aren't one of the most distinct regions as every region is equally distinct. That's my point. You aren't "Southern first American second" either and I showed you why you aren't. That's not attacking you ya goof. I hear this nonsense from southerner's all the time though. You straight up lied/didn't know any better in your first post because of Southern Pride. I called you out on it. Now I guess I'm attacking you? Just be humble. It's these types of comments (your original post) that lead to ethnocentrism which is a problem in the South.

[@codygates7418]

@@iamjamesmix Okay why can’t I be proud of who I am and where I’m from? I’m a proud American, I’m a proud southern, I’m a proud Christian. These things are what has shaped me into the good person I am today. Also what I mean by distinct is of course all regions are different but, dialects are very different in the south or some mannerisms and that isn’t just in the south it’s in other regions but? I’m proud of where I come from and I think all people should feel that way. I’m proud of my southern roots, American roots, and Christian roots. My family has raised me to be a person of God and show respect to all people. I am very fond of learning about different US regions and have been studying them for sometime. Yes they are all very different and have unique cultures that go back to the original people who settled there and at times isolation from other regions. I also have been interested in learning where certain dialects came from. I’m from Kentucky and it is the south but, many people call it the Upland South which is the southern Appalachias, Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of Virginia and North Carolina. This region is different because of some isolation from the early settlers that came through the Appalachian Trail and the Ohio River. Our accents and dialects of this region come from Scottish, Scot-Irish, German, and Northern England. Many of the words used today in this region go all the way back to our ancestors and I’m proud of that. Everyone should be.

[@iamjamesmix]

@@codygates7418 Holy hell you're only making this worse for yourself and I just....I don't know. "I’m a proud American, I’m a proud southern" - Therefore completely making my point that you are an American first and Southern second. "These things are what has shaped me into the good person I am today." Thank you for letting me know you're a "good" person. That has nothing at all to do with where you grew up but how you grew up. Again, I've heard this same rhetoric from the South over and over again. There is no affiliation of "goodness" dependent on where you grew up. "Also what I mean by distinct is of course all regions are different but, dialects are very different in the south or some mannerisms and that isn’t just in the south it’s in other regions but?" - No. You didn't mean that. I already stated in my previous post why that is the case. STOP lying. You directly posted "one of the most" inherently stating that your region is above others. "I’m proud of where I come from and I think all people should feel that way." - Why? That's exactly where ethnocentrism begins and it's super dangerous. You're "proud" because you were born in an area and grew up in it? What the hell are you talking about? Pride comes from something you have accomplished. Not something you naturally grew up in. "Our accents and dialects of this region come from Scottish, Scot-Irish, German, and Northern England. Many of the words used today in this region go all the way back to our ancestors and I’m proud of that." - But opposed to what? You're proud of your heritage I get that. But what heritage would you not be proud of? Do you understand my point yet? What country, culture, society would you NOT be "proud" of within your ancestry? It's the most pointless comment as that's every single person on Earth.