Yanks get their fair share of bad press regarding exported problems. The world's tribulations are often slated home to the perfidious influence of the Evil Empire. In fact, here in Straya, a regularly tendered reason not to do something is, "God no! We don't want to be like America!"
In short, the Yanks do plenty of good. Although, there's really no excuse for Entertainment Today.
Occasionally, though, the boot's on the other foot. During the California gold rush, for instance. The Golden State had their fair share of imported trouble makers.
"Australia sent us a swarm of bandits who dedicated themselves exclusively to robbery and assault."
It's nice to get one back.
Vallejo went on to accuse Chinese immigrants of being "harmful to the moral and mechanical development of the country."
Naturally the French imports were a bunch of "lying men and corrupt women." Plus ca change ... and all that.
However, these sins comprised a mere bagatelle compared with ...
"All these evils became negligable with the swollen torrents of shysters, who came from Missouri and other states of the Union.
These legal thieves clothed in the robes of the law took from us our lands. And without the least scruple, enthroned themselves like so many kings.
Figures they would come from Missouri. It is the "Show Me State," after all.
Posted by: vague | 30 December 2004 at 05:15
I love that name. Some of the others are pearlers too ...
http://www.netstate.com/states/tables/st_nicks.htm
Believe it or not, I actually know what a Sooner is.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 December 2004 at 15:16
That is, for lack of a better term, way cool. Tennessee is clearly the best, as the "Hog and Hominy State." I defy any state to top that. Also, I notice that there seems to be some dispute as to whether Colorado or West Virginia is the "Switzerland of America." I assume in Colorado's case the name stems from the mountains, while in West Va's case, it's probably to do with the state's utter insignificance in national politics and events. In neither case could it possibly refer to banking. Georgia as the "Goober State" and Illinois as the "Sucker State" are both aptly named.
Posted by: vague | 30 December 2004 at 20:59
Way cool, indeed, Vague. Not even slightly bogus, dude.
Personally, if I lived in Newport R.I and someone called me a Little Rhody, I'd punch them in the face.
And there must be a lot of clumsy kiddies tripping over and scraping their knees for South Carolina to be called The Iodine State.
Posted by: Tony.T | 31 December 2004 at 12:10
Totally tubular, bra.
I guess South Carolinians' excessive palmetto-based pride must be an elaborate effort to detract attention from their iodine-like ways. They all sport palmetto trees on every surface that will tolerate a sticker, and every local business has the name "Palmetto _________" [insert "car wash," "flooring," "used auto," "adult video," "child labor," etc. here]. None of that would be so glamorous if it were, say, "Iodine Adult Video."
Posted by: vague | 31 December 2004 at 18:56
Although, to be fair, "Iodine Iodine Supplies" might just cut it.
Posted by: Tony.T | 01 January 2005 at 17:14