whats wrong with c++?

it has namespaces, better standard libraries, a plethora of modern conveniences, and all of c's functionality.

if you don't like objects don't use them

if you want to feel like a programming badass and do everything low level then learn assembly

>>20
In contrast the best programmers really don't care which language they use because what they touch turns to gold.
Right, then go write golden code in PHP 4.

>>22
To be honest, compilers are so complex that all those layers of optimization might introduce security issues even if the initial code is perfectly standard-compliant.  An assembler is far smaller and easier to check for errors.