Is America really the greatest nation on Earth?

[Toe Jam]

I hear this a lot and I was wondering what some of you think.

Yay or nay?

[ixcuincle]

Yes. We're fine in everything except math, science and cars. The rest of the world has us beat there.

[Koolblue13]

Stay Medium.

[GoSkins561]

Yes, by far, the greatest nation on Earth.

[Prosperity]

Yes it is.

It's the only supra-ethnic super-state

with a decent medium between freedom and central authority

[Thiebear]

I've only been to Frankfurt Germany, Sinop Turkey, Seoul Korea, Taipai China, Venice Italy.
For extended periods of time.. I love me some United States.

I'd live in Australia or some equator islands though...

[mardi gras skin]

If you don't like America, you haven't seen enough of it. No matter who you are, there is some place in this county you will absolutely love.

[Toe Jam]

I like America. We have some issues. But who doesn't? Nobody's perfect.

Anyone want to be the voice of dissent? I haven't been anywhere but the United States. So maybe I'm just a homer.

Kind of wondering if anyone has a differing opinion and why.

[GhostofSparta]

Any country that has history-old ethnic and religious enemies living in the same city block without ever having a nation-wide race war break out is a pretty damn special place.

[Destino]

In general... yes I do think it is the best. If I didn't I'd leave. I don't think where you live your life ought to be like homers treat the home team. Go where you enjoy life and can best raise your family. Once you choose love it and work to make it a better place.

[DeanCollins]

In most ways yes, but we've slipped in a lot of other ways, definitely on education, life expectancy, heath care. Right now, I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[SonOfWashington]

If you don't like America then you can git out. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT0OqHr3wHQ)

[haithman]

No other country is even close

[Burgold]

Yes, but the gap is narrowing.

[RammsteinSkins]

Nope. It isn't bad though, politics are about to drive me crazy.

[dg28daman]

Nope. It isn't bad though, politics are about to drive me crazy.

And the fact that we can argue politics openly is just one of the many reasons why, indeed, the USA is the greatest nation on earth.

[Destino]

People should note where else they have lived for a significant period of time. After all saying "The US is the best" without any knowledge of any other part of the world is somewhat less than convincing.

I've lived in South America, Chile specifically but have knowledge of other south american nations. Life in the US is better for low to middle class... as far as upper class, it is arguable which is better. You certainly feel the high life more in other parts of the world. Driver, maid, etc etc is more common among the upper class that enjoy a far higher standard of living in general.

[GhostofSparta]

Nope. It isn't bad though, politics are about to drive me crazy.
Well now you have to answer the question: Who is?


I'm not trying to be an ***, I'm actually curious.

[Destino]

And the fact that we can argue politics openly is just one of the many reasons why, indeed, the USA is the greatest nation on earth.Not an uncommon thing in the western world. It's 2009 not 1709.

[HailYeah]

I object to the question. We are pretty much the only people who would ask the question and answer it in the definitive, no questions asked. Of course, its all relative. Its easy for all of us to discuss, as Americans, why America is the greatest, especially if we've never lived anywhere else or had constant contact with people from other countries. Not so easy to make the case to those people from other countries who love where they live. But for me, USA is home. And I love it. At the same time, I'm open to the possibilty that other countries are equally great.

[Toe Jam]

Well now you have to answer the question: Who is?


I'm not trying to be an ***, I'm actually curious.

Hint: It begins with a G and ends with a Y.

[GhostofSparta]

Hint: It begins with a G and ends with a Y.
I suspected as much, I just wanted to see if he'd say it. NO HELPING! ;)

[Braxford]

Yes America is the greatest nation on earth because of freedom to be who you want to be and oppurtunity ( while not equal if you get lucky and work hard the sky is the limit). There are major cracks developing in our standard of living like education, economic performance and oppurtunity.

[grhqofb5]

Hint: It begins with a G and ends with a Y.

What does being Gay have to do with this? We treat gays pretty well here.

[HailYeah]

Not an uncommon thing in the western world. It's 2009 not 1709.

Exactly.


One thing that irks me a little bit is that Americans have this tendency to believe the rights and privledges we enjoy here are somehow unique to the planet. Its just not the case.

In a lot of ways I believe we have helped promote basic freedoms for much of the world, and that is something to be proud of even if we have acted primarily in our own interest - nothing surprising or evil about that. But this doesnt mean enjoying freedom and prosperity is somehow exclusive to the US. Some people assume it is.

[Bang]

We have the potential, that is for sure. We are much more open than most, and we do offer everyone opportunity.
we got our ticks and problems, but I think we also have the mechanisms in place to make the ideal of our nation sound.

We get a bad rap, many times from people who live here and compare it to elsewhere. the grass is always greener... right over the septic tank.

I get tired of hearing how we're lazy and selfish. We offer more charity per person than any other nation on earth, whenever there is tragedy or cataclysm in the world, we're right there with the most aid, the most equipment, and the most concerned citizens trying to help.

I'm an American, and I am definitely proud of it.

~Bang

[SkinsHokieFan]

The ONLY other place on Earth I'd live is Switzerland

[Jofizz]

Absolutely.

Take a college course in U.S. history, and you'll see that the World we live in today would be WAYYY different than it is now. Especially after our merits during WWI & II, and into the Cold War.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

Why does it matter?

It says something about the US that we even have this discussion here.

[AsburySkinsFan]

Based on what?

This thread reminds me of the scene from "Thank You For Smoking."

Son: Dad, why is the American government the best government?
Dad: Because of our endless appeals system.
Dad: Are you familiar with the term "BS"?
Son: ********
Dad: Yes. Exactly. BS, if I may, is what questions like the one your teacher posed are made for. Coz even if America had the best government, there's no way to prove it. How many pages are you writing?
Son: Two pages.
Dad: Two pages, definitely not on two pages.
Son: So, what am I supposed to write?
Dad: You can write whatever you want.
Son: OK.
Dad: Write about... write about America's amazing ability to make profit by breaking down tariffs and bringing American jobs to third world countries. Or how good we are at executing felons. They're all correct answers.
Son: I can do that?
Dad: That's the beauty of argument. Cause if you argue correctly, you're never wrong.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

Bill Hicks was once again correct about everything:


"I was over in Australia and I was asked, 'Are you proud to be an American,' and I was like, 'I don't know. I didn't have a lot to do with it, you know. My parents ****ed there, that's about all.

You know, I was in the spirit realm at the time. "**** in Paris! **** in Paris!" but they couldn't hear me, cos I didn't have a mouth. I was a spirit without lungs or a mouth or vocal cords. They ****ed here. OK, I'm proud.

I hate patriotism. I can't stand it, man. Makes me ****ing sick. It's a round world last time I checked, OK? You know what I mean?

I hate patriotism. In fact, that's how we could stop patriotism, I think. Instead of putting stars and stripes on our flags, we should put pictures of our parents ****ing. Gather people around that flag and see your dad hunched over your mom's big four-by-four butt. See if any boot rally mentality can circle round that little ****ing image.

[Toe Jam]

What does being Gay have to do with this? We treat gays pretty well here.

:doh:

I meant Germany.

[rincewind]

I object to the question. We are pretty much the only people who would ask the question and answer it in the definitive, no questions asked. Of course, its all relative. Its easy for all of us to discuss, as Americans, why America is the greatest, especially if we've never lived anywhere else or had constant contact with people from other countries. Not so easy to make the case to those people from other countries who love where they live. But for me, USA is home. And I love it. At the same time, I'm open to the possibilty that other countries are equally great.

Best answer so far... along with the Bill Hicks quote.


Absolutely.

Take a college course in U.S. history, and you'll see that the World we live in today would be WAYYY different than it is now. Especially after our merits during WWI & II, and into the Cold War.


You can say the same generic quote for most countries... even Germany. Ask a British or Russian person who the key army in WWII was.

[Midnight Judges]

Yes, it is IMO. But if you run around saying it all the time you end up looking like a dumbass.

[AsburySkinsFan]

Bill Hicks was once again correct about everything:

Christian author Stanley Hauwas has a similar quote although not as graphic, he says that patriotism is like loyalty to the electric company and wouldn't it be silly to be asked to go kill or die for the electric company? The book "Resident Aliens" really helped shape my view on this issue.

[Heisenberg]

I think it should amost be a requirement to have lived in at least one other country before you can even comment somewhat fairly on this.

IMHO far too many people say we're the best country on earth or insult other countries based on what they've been told or whatever.

[STBonecrusher21]

http://rlv.zcache.com/fighting_eagle_mousepad-p144645929040297858trak_400.jpg

Need I say more?

[Vicious]

Americans far and away the best nation on earth. It's not very good though. Not anywhere near what it could be.

[RDSKNfaithfull]

How can one say if they haven't been to all the other countries? Most people who reply in this thread have most likely never been outside of North America other than a cruise. One thing is for sure we are the most arrogant country. All that said its good enough for me. I'm happy here.

[Midnight Judges]

How can one say if they haven't been to all the other countries? Most people who reply in this thread have most likely never been outside of North America other than a cruise. One thing is for sure we are the most arrogant country. All that said its good enough for me. I'm happy here.

The question is not "Where is the greatest place to live?" the question is "Is america really the greatest nation on earth?"

So the greatness has a lot to do with accomplishements IMO. And America has acomplished quite a bit in our relatively short existance. From kicking Hitler's ass at the same time we kicked the Japanese em pire's ass to inventing a bunch of stuff to putting a man on the moon, we've done some pretty good things.

Certainly, quality of life is a strong factor in the equation. And I think our quality of life is comparable to many countries in Europe. But what we've accomplished makes us great IMO.

[mardi gras skin]

I think it should amost be a requirement to have lived in at least one other country before you can even comment somewhat fairly on this.

IMHO far too many people say we're the best country on earth or insult other countries based on what they've been told or whatever.

Lived in Germany for 3 years.
I've spent at least a week in England, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.
I've been over the Dominican Republic on a couple of week long trips.

Europe is so OLD that it carries a feel we can't come close to replicating. We had friends in Germany whose house was built on a foundation laid by the Romans...before the discovery of America. Its just their cellar, no big deal to them. They don't have the suburban sprawl, the signs and advertisements bombarding them, or the Disney-esque plastic entertainment mindset. I liked all that.

But the diversity of America just can't be matched. Chunks of the US were shaped by different ethnic groups, climate variances, geography, and technological advances as we pressed westward.

Our country is just so unique. Someplace, somewhere in America should be on your top 5 places in the world no matter who you are or what you're in to.

[WVUforREDSKINS]

Yes.

We're the top dog and even more than that. Now that im living in another country (albeit a western one) whenever I go out to bars and clubs the people rant and rave about American music (even though I think most of it sucks balls)

Everthing original comes from America. I can't say that for the rest of the world, but I can say that for Aussie Land. The TV shows, the music, and pretty much everything else that was meant to entertain was from America.

The point of life is to live it and be entertained right? Thats how I see it. America (dispite all its flaws) kicks some ****ing ass

[mardi gras skin]

The point of life is to live it and be entertained right? Thats how I see it. America (dispite all its flaws) kicks some ****ing ass

Ha! One of the things I liked most about Europe was the lack of mindless entertainment. :)

[deejaydana]

I think you need to live abroad or travel abroad to speak to this question intelligently (or with some authority). I love people who go on and on about the great aspects of this country (and admittedly there is much to recommend the USA) or, on the other side, dog the US out, but they've never actually ventured outside los Estados Unidos. America does have this weird insulated quality due to our geography whereas in Europe you have literally dozens of diverse cultures within a relatively small geographic area (they're culturally blessed in that respect). If the United States does one thing incredibly well (and don't laugh here) it's how wonderfully tolerant we are collectively.

[WVUforREDSKINS]

http://www.mccrappy.com/media/TryAndStopUs.jpg

[Jofizz]

http://www.dinglebum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/the-world-according-to-americans.jpg

[Drockvb]

Of course it is.

Where else can one pay $650 a month for a high deductable health insurance policy? That means, you go to the doctor for a simple check up, and the co-pay is still $100. So i pay $650 a month, then one day go get my blood pressure checked and still have to pay $100.

What a great freakin country. :|

[Perky72]

Based on what criteria? What does "greatest" mean?

We're clearly the strongest military and economic country. Have the strongest influence in the world. Our mulitculturalism is probaby the greatest. We're not the greatest in peaceful noninterventionism. Or taking care of our poor or indigent. Our government might not be the greatest--again depends on what greatest means. Our amount of work hours: recreational hours isn't the greatest.

I don't know if we have the greatest freedoms. Marijuana is illegal, gays can't serve in the military openly or marry, abortion is under constant threat, there's a push-pull between businesses, unions and employees that varies by state, sometimes with employees losing out on their freedoms. And some people want freedom of expression like flag-burning to be made illegal.

Various countries are the greatest at different things. We're great at a lot of them. But until it's more clear what kind of things make a country great, we can't say any country is the greatest.

[ljs]

Yes. We're fine in everything except math, science and cars. The rest of the world has us beat there.
this wasn't a "which areas is the US the best" question- overall question.


Nope. It isn't bad though, politics are about to drive me crazy.
then how about you go live where you think its best? I don't get people who live here and then complain how bad we are. Don't like it, leave.


What does being Gay have to do with this? We treat gays pretty well here.
HAHA. that was a good one.

I don't care if I offend anyone by saying this, and no I haven't lived in other countries. I don't need to, and it doesn't make me uneducated to say that I feel America is the best. If I didn't think so, I would go live somewhere else. And if you don't like it, you are free to leave. Let me know if you need help packing.

Edit: Jofizz has the best post, that picture is hilarious!

[WVUforREDSKINS]

I don't know if we have the greatest freedoms. Marijuana is illegal, gays can't serve in the military openly or marry, abortion is under constant threat, there's a push-pull between businesses, unions and employees that varies by state, sometimes with employees losing out on their freedoms. And some people want freedom of expression like flag-burning to be made illegal.


Well, we could just stop paying attention to the hardcore religious...but I suppose America doesn't have time for rational answers. Everyone is always in a rush!

[Dan T.]

http://www.dinglebum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/the-world-according-to-americans.jpg

I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some-a people out there in our Nation don't have maps and I believe that our education such as South Africa and the Iraq, everywhere like such as...


...what was the question again?

[Perky72]

I don't care if I offend anyone by saying this, and no I haven't lived in other countries. I don't need to, and it doesn't make me uneducated to say that I feel America is the best. If I didn't think so, I would go live somewhere else. And if you don't like it, you are free to leave. Let me know if you need help packing.

Well, you've certainly contributed evidence that American citizens may not have the greatest attitude or tolerance for dissension.

And for your argument's sake I sure hope you consider Idaho the greatest state in the nation; Otherwise maybe you should start packing yourself. Should probably do some research on the greatest county and city too, since the only reason someone would want to live somewhere is based on its greatness level.

[ljs]

Well, you've certainly contributed evidence that American citizens may not have the greatest attitude or tolerance for dissension.

And for your argument's sake I sure hope you consider Idaho the greatest state in the nation; Otherwise maybe you should start packing yourself. Should probably do some research on the greatest county and city too, since the only reason someone would want to live somewhere is based on its greatness level.

you and anyone else are free to say what you want, as am I. And if you had any idea who I was, you would know I'm not 'from' Idaho and moved here recently. And guess why? Because I liked it better than the town I lived in, in Washington state that is only 20 minutes away. So yes, I did move where I liked it better. now what?

I'll add that the ability to move from state to state, on a whim is just another reason why our country is so great. And next year, or whenever, if I want to move again- I will. I've lived in every part of this country except far Northeast (about 10 states in various regions) and I've traveled to 42 of the 50 states. So I'm not an idiot when it comes to understanding or experiencing what our counrty has to offer.

[WVUforREDSKINS]

Well, you've certainly contributed evidence that American citizens may not have the greatest attitude or tolerance for dissension.

And for your argument's sake I sure hope you consider Idaho the greatest state in the nation; Otherwise maybe you should start packing yourself. Should probably do some research on the greatest county and city too, since the only reason someone would want to live somewhere is based on its greatness level.

:hysterical::hysterical:

ljs is a cool girl, but that was hilarious.

[ljs]

:hysterical::hysterical:

ljs is a cool girl, but that was hilarious.


I was hoping someone else would take that. I'm already having to fend off some weirdo on this board who figured I was a woman, and now wants to date me over PM. I finally had to "come out" to him...poor fellow.

[WVUforREDSKINS]

[QUOTE=ljs;6996911]you and anyone else are free to say what you want, as am I. And if you had any idea who I was, you would know I'm not 'from' Idaho and moved here recently. And guess why? Because I liked it better than the town I lived in, in Washington state that is only 20 minutes away. So yes, I did move where I liked it better. now what?

I'll add that the ability to move from state to state, on a whim is just another reason why our country is so great. And next year, or whenever, if I want to move again- I will. I've lived in every part of this country except far Northeast (about 10 states in various regions) and I've traveled to 42 of the 50 states. So I'm not an idiot when it comes to understanding or experiencing what our counrty has to offer.QUOTE]

I could point out the irony here.....:doh:

[Hunter44]

Not to get in the way of all the "high fives" but, some interesting things to note, at least I found them interesting. It didn't take me long to find this info....

Life expectancy rank: 50 Puerto Rico comes in 42
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy

Preventable Death: WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - France, Japan and Australia rated best and the United States worst in new rankings focusing on preventable deaths due to treatable conditions in 19 leading industrialized nations, researchers said on Tuesday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN07651650 (http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN07651650)

Poor in America in 2008: 39.1 million people

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States

Newborn mortality rate by country: 33

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_infant_mortality_rate


Quality of life: 13th

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality-of-life_index

International crime rates by county (murder): 24th
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur_percap-crime-murders-per-capita

[Perky72]

you and anyone else are free to say what you want, as am I. And if you had any idea who I was, you would know I'm not 'from' Idaho and moved here recently. And guess why? Because I liked it better than the town I lived in, in Washington state that is only 20 minutes away. So yes, I did move where I liked it better. now what?

Your retort implies that if someone doesn't think America is the best country on Earth, they should move to another country. Plenty of people may choose to remain in America because of financial reasons, family, or because they like America or their status position in it while still not thinking it's the greatest nation on Earth. There's also language-learning to consider.

"Love it or leave it" is definitely not the greatest attitude a nation's citizens should have.

[STBonecrusher21]

http://www.tradeseven.com/files/America_the_beautiful.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHsDa9_HSlA

[SkinInsite]

I wouldn't mind to live in Barcelona for a few years then maybe a year in Auckland or Durban.

But America would still be home.

[ljs]

Your retort implies that if someone doesn't think America is the best country on Earth, they should move to another country. Plenty of people may choose to remain in America because of financial reasons, family, or because they like America or their status position in it while still not thinking it's the greatest nation on Earth. There's also language-learning to consider.

"Love it or leave it" is definitely not the greatest attitude a nation's citizens should have.

I get that, but at the same time questions like what the OP wrote bring out the ***** and complain mode of people. They want to laundry list all of the negative things about America. What I am saying is, if you don't like it, then leave. But guess what, one thing that makes it so great- is that we can complain with out getting our heads chopped off.

I'm uber patriotic. I would join the military again in a hearbeat if I could (injuries/surgery prevents it), I would die in a heartbeat for this country. I'm in no way saying we are perfect, but there is no other place I rather live- no other place that gives us the kind of opportunties that does America. We have a lot of improvement, yes- but I still think we are overall the best.

Again, if anyone thinks that life in another country would be better, I encourage them to go find out, or go move there.

[GhostofSparta]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhnUgAaea4M

America, **** yeah!