This does create a negative impression of the U.S. when someone first lands here although, after being here for a while, you realize that this style of speech seems harmless for the most part and could just be a cultural thing.b) The bigger puzzle for me is why politicians and the media overwhelmingly portray the police as wonderful people who sacrifice so much for society, etc.

There are a lot of cultural nuances that would come into play as well.  

That Irish dust from the 1800s is nasty.Had you told people this from the start you would have that loan by now.

Clearly stated expectations eliminate ambiguity and miscommunication; they help to create a culture of accountability that will serve to increase efficiency and avoid problems. 

Yep, Springfield is the cultural center of the Ozarks (LOL) within about 100 miles of 4 of the top 10.

Eddie made a very good point about European culture and the EU in another thread that I can't find.

This is especially true with our payment myopic society and the spend-till-it-ends culture.

It's just not socially acceptable in our culture.

The smell is probably not going to ever go away from whatever they are cooking, and the last landlord allowed them to move in probably not knowing or caring anything about their cultural cooking habits.

I think it's a cultural thing where a lot of them prefer to hand me the rent directly and receive a receipt.