Declared independence from ___?

**Odd** · 07-02-10, 07:49 PM

Nope, not China.

The 26% doesn't surprise me, but some of the demographics did. The gender gap and age 18-29 plummet stand out.

7/2: Don’t Know Much About History?

There’s good news for American education. About three-quarters of residents — 74% — know the U.S. declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776. The bad news for the academic system — 26% do not. This 26% includes one-fifth who are unsure and 6% who thought the U.S. separated from another nation. That begs the question, “From where do the latter think the U.S. achieved its independence?” Among the countries mentioned are France, China, Japan, Mexico, and Spain.

**MacLean** · 07-02-10, 08:23 PM

Oh good lord.

**Five-0** · 07-02-10, 08:52 PM

Did we quit when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Never!!!!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI[/ame]

**CTR man** · 07-03-10, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Odd

Besides what has been previously mentioned, I would be interested to see a further breakdown of the racial percentages into ethnic groups. Such as White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American. All they list here is White and Non-White. The non-white percentages of 56% for Great Britain and 44% unsure or other answers is appalling but not surprising. I'd be willing to bet that a good portion of that 44% are foreign born. The United States gained it's independence from Mexico? --- Give me a freaking break!

Then there are those who say that the US stole the southwestern part of our country from Mexico, but that is another story entirely. Also in that group are the Native Americans who might view this question entirely different since they had their lands taken from them and they were here first.

**Autumn2009** · 07-03-10, 11:59 AM

Seriously.

I knew someone once that was surprised when I told her there 50 stars on the flag each representing a state. She didn't believe so she found a flag and counted the stars. Dur.

**Tango Zulu 22** · 07-03-10, 01:37 PM

Independance Day - it's the opposite for me - July 4th is my Wedding Anniversary

**cajunguy** · 07-03-10, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Autumn2009

Seriously.

I knew someone once that was surprised when I told her there 50 stars on the flag each representing a state. She didn't believe so she found a flag and counted the stars. Dur.

Well don't forget that we have a President who said we have 58 states.

Double dur.

.

**MacLean** · 07-03-10, 02:46 PM

There was a story here locally the other day on the news where a vet bought a plastic flag at a dollar store, to discover it had 60 stars on it.

Made in China.

**CTR man** · 07-03-10, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Autumn2009

Seriously.

I knew someone once that was surprised when I told her there 50 stars on the flag each representing a state. She didn't believe so she found a flag and counted the stars. Dur.

That's OK, Autumn. Those kind of people are out there. Hell, Obama said that he had been to 57 states with one left to go and that's not counting Alaska and Hawaii. So I guess in his mind, we have 60 states. What a doofus.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws]YouTube - Obama Claims He's Visited 57 States[/ame]

**cajunguy** · 07-03-10, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by MacLean

There was a story here locally the other day on the news where a vet bought a plastic flag at a dollar store, to discover it had 60 stars on it.

Made in China.

Saw that on the news.

. . . AND the stars were upside down on it.

Must be a Chinese conspiracy of some sort.

.

**CTR man** · 07-03-10, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Tango Zulu 22

Independence Day - it's the opposite for me - July 4th is my Wedding Anniversary

That's OK Brits, banter all you want. We know you guys still have a heart.

Thank You!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m24KmSCBbxM]YouTube - Americans outside Buckingham Palace[/ame]

This clip tears me up every time I watch it.

This interesting caption under the video caught my eye.

The day after 9/11. Stranded Americans congregate outside Buckingham Palace in London, England. They can't go home because a no-fly order is in operation. The Queen orders the Guards to play the Star Spangled Banner as a sign of the UK's sympathy for the USA. Even Prince Andrew can be seen stood to attention.

An astonishing departure from tradition, Brits are also moved to tears when this clip is televised.