American Greatness

1. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 6 years ago

   
   What ways is America the greatest country in the world?  Or do you contend that America isn't the greatest country in the world-why? Why not?

   replyreport
   1. 68

      ptosisposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      All I can give you is a one-dimensional rating study on justice.  All the other stuff is personal preference such as living in The Big Apple where the city never sleeps or the Big Sky of Montana!
      
      
      
      
      Perhaps having the highest child prison rate in is your idea of being the greatest country in the world, but I disagree.
      
      There are other forms of justice such as healthcare seen as a right and not as a commodity, social justice, GINI,
      
      
      Perhaps you are a CEO and think the USA is the greatest  ... in pay!
      
      
      
      You see, your definition of "greatest' would be different than mine -it's all an opinion, that's why I'm giving these charts.
      
      
      According to a U.S. government indicator now in its 70th year of existence, the U.S. economy is getting increasingly “miserable.” The Misery Index is the sum of the U.S. annual inflation rate and U.S. seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate. It was created by an economist during the Truman Administration.
      
      
      
      Below chart for 'Tax Burden Misery'
      
      
      
      
      
      Some charts are already outdated, I'm pretty sure this no longer holds true for Puerto Rico
      and why is it listed separate from the United States when it's a colony?
      
      

      replyreport
2. 68

   ptosisposted 6 years ago

   P.S. I suspect some things about the above charts. I simply do not believe that Israel is one of the happiest countries in the world. Sounds like total B.S. reporting since it has Huuuge walls for apartheid and are in a constant 'at war stance' within itself and all surrounding countries.

   replyreport
3. 70

   Aime Fposted 6 years ago

   I think that in some specific areas America is probably the greatest, like... ummm... in the sheer number of published research papers? That sounds like it’s probably true, right? And HBO. It’s hard to argue there’s a better television channel than HBO!
   
   Overall though probably not the greatest. I’d say that probably goes to one of the Scandinavian countries.

   replyreport
4. 86

   Marisa Wrightposted 6 years ago

   America's obsession with "greatness" perplexes me.  Why should America be better than other countries? 
   
   America is not better than or worse than.  It's different.  Every country has its unique good points and bad points.   America would be a much better world citizen if it celebrated its undoubted advantages and admitted (and addressed) its faults, instead of shouting about how great and exceptional they are.

   replyreport
   1. 68

      ptosisposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. Important difference between nationalism and patriotism. -
      

      replyreport
5. 68

   abwilliamsposted 6 years ago

   I take great pride in my Country. I think most people take pride in their own Country, with the exception of those desperately trying to get into this Country, both legally and illegally. I can't think of any other Country that I'd choose to live in, either legally or illegally, not that any other Country would allow me to do so...illegally that is!
   It's interesting though, no matter how much this Country gives, it's never enough. It is also interesting how many come here to escape shortcomings of their Native Country, to find more opportunity, etc., then seek change, familiar to what they've left behind. (Kind of like when Yankees come South! )
   My answer is yes it is, because America is unique to every other Country, no one ever wants to leave (although they threaten) and I can't think of any other place I'd rather be...for a lifetime!

   replyreport
   1. 86

      Marisa Wrightposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      This is the fundamental difference between citizens of America and citizens of many other countries. Americans seem to think that "being proud of their country" means "my country is better than any other country in the world".   Whereas citizens of Australia or Germany or France think it means, "my country is the equal of any country in the world."
      
      You can be proud of your country without denigrating others.  It's like being proud of your children.  You're proud of your child, but that doesn't mean you go around boasting they're the best in the class.  And that's as it should be - because it would mean you were closing your eyes that faults the child needed help with.

      replyreport
   2. 86

      Marisa Wrightposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I'm glad you are happy in America and that you love it there, but it's not true that people never leave. I've met many Americans living permanently in Australia, for instance. 
      
      That's another example of what I'm talking about.  I don't understand why Americans are so insistent that their country must be perfect.  You can be  proud of your country and love living there, and still accept that it doesn't suit some people.  Different people have different likes and dislikes and that includes which country they like to live in.
      
      As for people desperately wanting to get into America - yes that's true, but millions of people are also desperately trying to get into Australia, Germany, the UK, and Scandinavian countries.  America is not unique in that regard.

      replyreport
6. 68

   abwilliamsposted 6 years ago

   Wow and I thought I was treading softly!
   Never said it's a perfect Country, never denigrated any person (the Yankee thing was a joke) or Country. I realize that it is in vogue to tear down this Country, our President, our Symbols, Proud Patriots...but I follow my heart, not the current trends.

   replyreport
7. 79

   colorfuloneposted 6 years ago

   

   replyreport
8. 77

   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   America provides a good environment for living life in freedom which is protected by boundaries (laws) which in turn, protect freedom. Citizen's rights are foremost and are protected by a government designed to allow the people to have their say. Democracies do not work without moral laws which are voluntarily followed by both citizens and their elected officials. All countries work better when their citizens have the good will to help each other thrive and survive. America offers opportunities for all people. America offers an environment based on the institutions, progress and inventions of western civilization. America offers prosperity based on freedom of the market-place. We need to respect nature. We need to teach generosity, temperance and basic principles of spiritual living to the youth.
   Freedom is not a given. It is something to always strive toward and appreciate. It takes discipline to be free. Excess is killing us.

   replyreport