Is America the Greatest Nation in the World?

2015-05-06T01:02:39-04:00

Regardless of yes or no, what metrics did you use to come to that conclusion? This isn't a simple answer and a simple yes or no just indicates a lack of effort or passion. Think first, answer later. This isn't about Patriotism, it's about rational thought and discussion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 2:13 AM

2015-05-06T02:13:56-04:00

I truly believe we are the most free people in the world. The Bill of Rights, while they have been whittled away some, list many freedoms you won’t see in many countries. America truly is the land of opportunity for ANYONE that wishes to achieve success. Those that fail either gave up too soon or never tried.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 2:29 AM

2015-05-06T02:29:10-04:00

When you ask a question like that, it's meaningless without defining what we mean by greatest.

There are countries with more economic opportunity, there are countries with more individual liberty, there are countries that beat us in almost every meaningful measure of things that make a country great... despite that, compare any country in the world today and ask few simple questions: What is their economic, technological and cultural impact on the world?

We are far from perfect, and we need a lot of work... however IMO, no one else even comes close.

Response by TSgt David Holman made May 6 at 2015 3:00 AM

2015-05-06T03:00:18-04:00

I actually kind of agree with the video (I was appalled at first, but then I watch the entire thing and listened critically). There is a mix of both good and bad within this nation. I obviously care enough for my country that I am willing to give my life in defense, but we are not the greatest (not that I can even think of who that would be)... but we can be.

What makes this country great is that there are those wiling to fight for what they believe. There are those that will take the struggles of their fellow man, and do their best to make them go away. There are those who will lift their neighbors up in times of need, rejoice with them when times are good, and give them a shoulder to lean on when times seem their darkest...

Unfortunately, we also have a growing population of people who seem to think that life owes them anything and everything. We are seeing more and more people worried about first world problems, when the person they passed on the street hasn't had a hot meal in who knows how long. We see greed, we see violence, we argue about petty stuff causing bigger issues to go unsettled. We complain when things don't go our way, we complain when it doesn't change, and then complain more when it is changed but not in our favor.

We have a nation that can be great. We have some of the brightest and best minds, we just need to foster them. We as a nation, we as leaders, we as men and women need to take a stand, draw a line, and not back down. To quote Casting Crowns "we could be the generation that finally breaks the chains".

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 6 at 2015 3:48 AM

2015-05-06T03:48:48-04:00

Watched this several dozen times and it is spot on!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 5:33 AM

2015-05-06T05:33:46-04:00

As stated before, the question of 'Greatest' is one of circumstance. If you are talking merely statistics, China the has greatest Agriculture system (higher production/output rate), Industrial output, and largest police force than any other country in the world. However, they are also the largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions, probably due to the country also hosting the largest population.

England is the leading country in tourism, with London being the most visited city on the planet, so if that is what defines the greatest country, then they win.

Purely based on Statistics, the US is the reigning champion in consumption, whether oil, natural gas, or general market consumption. We also are the proud title-owner of the number of privately own firearms (both in total, and per capita), and largest firearms exporter. However, we also boast the highest number of immigrants.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-05-06T09:13:27-04:00

America is still the greatest opportunity, but there are things we have given up as citizens that we will never get back.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 6 at 2015 9:50 AM

2015-05-06T09:50:21-04:00

We lead the world in robust individual liberty. That's the most important metric to me.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made May 6 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-05-06T09:51:28-04:00

A couple stats where we are "the greatest": #1: Number of legal immigrants allowed per year. #1: Private donations to charity. #1: Government to government assistance funds. #1: Ending world wars.

And a note on pre-selected stats...when anyone can pick a statistic and search for an answer, the number of individual statistics grows without end, and becomes meaningless. GDP growth rate, education, infrastructure, medical care, inflation, disease rates, trade balance, military power, social influence, voter turnout rate, patent submission rates, number of "women's studies" programs...the list is endless. What is truly important about a nation?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 10:46 AM

2015-05-06T10:46:37-04:00

It's the greatest because: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mshynjpVJLQ

Also this
“You can always judge a man not by his friends, but by the quality of his enemies. A good man will never have enemies who are anything but petty and childish. A bad man will have enemies that are legion. Who it is that dislikes a man reveals much about the man himself.” ~ Wicasta Lovelace

"This is My Country"

1,000 6th graders from Fairfax County Public Schools performed at this year's All-County Chorus Festival. Their music moves us! Lyrics: "This is My Country,"...

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 6 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-05-06T10:52:57-04:00

I think the acid test is looking at where people want to go. People vote with their feet and the US still has more people lined up to get in than anyone else as well as an illegal immigration problem out the wazoo. People come here because they know they have the best chance to make it here.

The speech given in the movies was the typical "America sucks" speech. Just look where people go/want to go. Are we number one in every catagory? Not by a long shot but that isn't what makes us great. It is the opportunity to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made May 6 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-05-06T10:58:53-04:00

As far as being the greatest the Newsroom clip is basically spot on.

We have a lot of work to do but we still lead the world in entertainment, social culture and overall influence. The universal business language is English, the world currency is based on the dollar, and we have the biggest economy.

We are the only superpower left and even with the drawdown that won't change anytime soon.

That doesn't mean we should just say "Freedom and Freedom". We should absolutely put Education back into state hands and get rid of no child left behind. Put resources into NASA and science and research, etc.

We should also get our finances in order but that will likely never happen since we are the reserve currency.

We have work to do, and I hope this type of debate is discussed during the election cycle. We have been far too involved in foreign policy the last 15 years for it to be a top concern.

We need to put the focus on our home for once.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-05-06T11:07:00-04:00

We have the greatest potential of any nation that ever existed. We have the benefit of historical knowledge of past successful cultures, the benefit of ever increasing scientific discovery, and the freedom of self-determination. What we do with these benefits and potential is a story for another time.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 6 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-05-06T11:54:05-04:00

I loved that show

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-05-06T12:53:43-04:00

I would say we are! We are the land of opportunity, where people look for the American way of life. Anyone can start a business, and be successful if they have the heart and devotion to it. We all know that doesn't happen over night but the possibilities are ENDLESS. If one doesn't have the "American Spirit" and drive you may not be that successful but if you put out the work and effort often times you will do well...

We have the best defenses in the world, people look to us as help, or direction.
Sure like we all know we aren't perfect but compared others I would say we are head and shoulders above the rest.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 6 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-05-06T13:00:03-04:00

I don't really think there is the "greatest nation in the world', however if there was at least a list of the top nations, America would be up there. There are some things that other nations have the America does not, and vice versa.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-05-06T17:42:02-04:00

Greatest requires parameters. Like the instances in the clip, the actor points out multiple places where America is "sub-par." That being said, if you include countries that are able to socialize their entire system and tax their people at 50% due to the sheer might of the United States of America which acts as an umbrella to their nations, then we are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to comparison. Comparing Canada to the United States would be ludicrous simply because they are the "younger skinny brother on the playground." Their big brother who is always close by is larger and (historically) more aggressive than anyone in the schoolyard. This allows the younger brother to focus all his GDP on things that the USA can't. The umbrella we hold over the bright nations of freedom in the world only exists because we exist. It is only held aloft if we hold it. Under our hand, the world has prospered (if you are on our team). Russia used to try and do the same for those under it's influence. There is no altruism in international affairs however, and I'm not implying so. We do this for our gain. Our might...our greatness...enables those who trail in the wake we leave in international affairs, to reach their own levels of greatness by focusing on those things they otherwise would not be able to achieve.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 6 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-05-06T22:06:29-04:00

The greatest country is still fighting guerillas wearing sandals for over a dozen years.

Response by SFC Jason Porter made May 6 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-05-06T22:29:20-04:00

Let us ask ourselves if we are not the greatest... Then why do so many people want to come here.....I was reading a lot of the responses goods ones too. I would like to say we could be but then again the media clip you use sir is an eye opener. If we want to be the best, well a lot of things need to change quick! Look around lately...the nation is horribly split...

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-05-07T12:01:55-04:00

We are the #1 country in number of lives laid down to protect the freedom of other countries. In fact, I don't even think there is a close second.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-05-07T13:30:47-04:00

I've seen this clip on Youtube a few times. The speaker forgets that the US is also #1 in a few minor things like, I don't know, Gross Domestic Product.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made May 7 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-05-07T14:07:14-04:00

When the free world is in peril, they look to the USA for leadership, regardless what the star of "Dumb and Dumber" says. Keep in mind that many of the European and other nations of the world who tout to have enormous social advances, low poverty, low this and that.. that they do so without a fraction of the cost that the US spends on national defense. They do that because they know full well they cannot defend themselves fully against an onslaught by any enemy so they rely on the US. No... it does not take a rocket scientist to realize we are not number one in every particular category you can dream up.. but all the sum parts equal a country able to again and again fight for what is good and decent. We have our flaws but if an alien landed on this planet tomorrow and asked a majority of earthlings which country should they deal with to the benefit of the whole planet... I'd like to think the US would be that country.

Response by SrA Diego Alvarez made May 7 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-05-07T14:53:05-04:00

The answer to that is relative.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-05-07T14:59:10-04:00

I think this whole video missing out the point what exactly US is great in. I was born in Moscow, Russia. Obviously I don't even have to tell you the giant lecture of how "Free Russia" is or what kind of "Democracy" it is running (there is none compared to US), but of the world's largest nations US have stood strong, regardless of thick and thin it went through. Is this great or greater country for me after I earned my citizenship compared to shitty studio, sized apartment in Russia and 28,000 Dollars a year average household salary? Hell yeah, that heck of improvement than living under dictatorship, where money is the main source of justice and power.
In US this might be the same to degree, but it never seemed to be as bad as Russia.

So yeah, US is the greatest country in the world for me.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-05-07T17:52:43-04:00

Col Joseph Lenertz beat me to all the good positive examples, so let's consider the other side of the coin. Who is the nutjob in the collage at the beginning of this post? Given his carefully chosen "statistics", I assume he's a liberal nutjob.

7th in literacy? Well, since there are 190 countries in the world, that puts us in the top 4%. Is that so bad? And let's not forget that the children of illegal aliens are counted as residents, which pulls down our average. So tell me, Mr Nutjob, are you in favor of kicking all illegal immigrants out to bring our average up?

27th in Math and 22nd in Science. Yep, I'm not happy about that. But who is at fault there? It wouldn't be our curriculum, managed by liberals who want there to be more soft studies and less "White-Male oriented, actually able to earn a living" studies, would it? Yep, it's always terrible when there are more people earning their own living and less looking to the government for a handout, isn't it Mr Nutjob?

Infant Mortality rate, 178th? What is your problem, Mr Nutjob, do you want more babies to die? Closer to the bottom is GOOD, it means lower numbers of deaths.

Now we get to an interesting tell, "Number of adults who believe in angels." This one tells me that Mr Nutjob is unhappy because he isn't allowed to force people to believe the way he believes. There's nothing more annoying that someone insisting that their belief is better than yours. This country was founded on the concept that people can believe or not as their conscience dictates. Name another country that started that way, Mr Nutjob? Better yet, move to Iran where you to can force people to believe what the state tells them to believe.

Incarcerations? Sure, that's high, but this is supposed to be a country of laws. There are plenty of countries where crossing the border illegally can get you KILLED, not get you a work permit, social security, and free medical care. And speaking of medical care, the US is NUMBER 1 there at 17.9% of GDP. Meanwhile I wonder what our ranking is regarding how severely you can harm someone else (rape, murder, grand theft, etc) and get away with it?

The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $49,800. (That's right, Mr Nutjob, Number 1.)

Yes, we do spend more on defense than the next 26 countries combined. Why? Well, we are the number 3 country in size, and the number 3 country in population, but in terms of defense spending per capita, we are 9th. (Behind South Sudan, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Jordan and Algeria.) But we are also a generous people, willing to spend our money and our blood to give others a chance at freedom, and that is something that we are unquestionably number 1 at.

Mr Nutjob, you said you don't know what I'm talking about when I say we are the greatest, and that's symmetry, because you don't know what you are talking about either.

But I'll tell you what, Mr Nutjob. I will personally start a foundation and make the first donation to it, to buy you a one-way ticket to whatever country you think is better if you will GUARANTEE you will never return. So tell me, Mr Nutjob, where do you want to go? And please take Monica Lewinski's ex-boyfriend's wife with you.

Response by SFC Steve Douglas made May 7 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-05-07T18:46:17-04:00

What is lacking is a sense of duty by morons like Mr. Daniels. I would kindly invite him to leave

Response by SGT Greg Gold made May 7 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-05-07T20:27:39-04:00

Are we the greatest? It depends on how you feel about where you're from. I believe in American exceptionalism the same way the English, French, or Canadians believe in their exceptionalism. What America is is an expression of limitless possibilities. It is still the only nation in the world where anyone can immigrate to and become a citizen without feeling ethnically excluded from their fellow Americans. Try that in Russia, Germany, or any number of other nations. I'm not knocking other places, but try moving to Japan and 'becoming' Japanese.

My one big beef with that movie clip is it seeks to shame the viewer into believing that the US is somehow steeped in mediocrity. That we should somehow be embarrassed over what others find objectionable. As others have pointed out, the US used it's economic strength to prop up the western world for fifty years during the post WWII era. Without the US there would have been no NATO, SEATO, or any other O that stood up to the USSR. It was American economic might that won the cold war, and freed half of Europe to decide their own destiny. Does that make the US the greatest nation on earth? I don't see why not.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-05-07T22:21:22-04:00

We are the number one at using our imperial powers to promote democracy.

Response by CW3 Todd Rinehart made May 8 at 2015 1:15 AM

2015-05-08T01:15:33-04:00

What makes us the greatest nation in the world is the PEOPLE. The founding fathers knew how to set it up the right way. The United States is the only, let me repeat, the only nation on the planet where EVERYONE has a say. We may not agree with what everyone else is saying or what the majority is saying but we do have our say. We have a system and rights that allow us to challenge everything, and as you can clearly see we do challenge everything.
We have a Judicial system that although it is skewed in favor of the rich, it is, for the most part, more fair than any other system in the world simply because you are innocent until proven guilty.
We have amendments that enable us to stop tyranny and oppression, something unique to the United States alone. Others say they hate us but continue to enjoy our freedoms and constantly vacation and buy property and businesses in the U.S..
Bands sing about how terrible we are, but they are singing in the United States and if they were singing in other countries, the same thing they were about our government, they would be locked up.
Just ask yourself one question......If the United States is so terrible and not the greatest country on the planet, why does everyone want to be there and talk about it non-stop? Remember what mom used to say, "If they are talking s*#@ about you then they are jealous!"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 1:28 AM

2015-05-08T01:28:02-04:00

He is an actor! This is his 2nd Twenty minutes of fame.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-05-08T06:21:33-04:00

I don't mean to sound rude or condescending, but I think this question is equivalent to asking, "Is blue the greatest color in the world?" I think its assumptions are arbitrary and subjective beyond the ability to rationalize.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-05-08T07:20:40-04:00

The U.S. earned the right to call themselve the greatest country in the world, when our farmers fought and won a war against the strongest nation in the world. Then we continued to earn it when every nation got a boo-boo we were there to put a band-aid on it.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made May 8 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-05-08T07:46:11-04:00

A few others have harped about this question/statement and so will I.

You give no definition for America. The problem with this is that America is a group of land masses and not a country. Though most would take offense at this because it does not fit with everyone's perceptions about the United States.

Now for my answer. No matter the statistics of the selected metrics that a number of others have espoused, the simple answer is that the United States is the nation that appears to have the most individuals that desire to live there, whether they are able to or not. I am also sure that there is a metric out there somewhere on this selection.

Response by SGT Joe Hemmelgarn made May 8 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-05-08T09:43:50-04:00

I agree with several responses that used the fact that people still want to come here to start new lives with the hope of prosperity. With our Constitution people have the ability to do whatever they love to do with the idea that they will be more productive that way. Unfortunately, too often we are told we cannot do something in our current culture and that we are the bad guy around the world. it also seems congress and the administration would prefer to limit us in so many ways with new laws that degrade our individual rights. There's little doubt in my mind that America is slipping and may have already completely become dependent on government. what follows dependence on government? Tyranny and slavery

Response by LCpl Barney Gaumer made May 8 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-05-08T10:12:57-04:00

I was until we put dipsticks like that in charge. It can be again if we clean house and replace these lefty morons with people who care about this country!

Response by SFC William Crews made May 8 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-05-08T11:10:55-04:00

More statistics to define US. They don't define me. If you want them to define you, go right ahead. I served and live in the greatest country on earth. No doubts here, for better or for worse. We could debate this for hours against all kinds of stats, metrics, etc. but to what end? Where does your loyalty lie?

Response by SSgt Mark Steed made May 8 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-05-08T11:50:11-04:00

I think it's notable that America still attracts an extremely large number or emigrants. So, depending on how you measure it, America is great. Where I think we are failing is in long term vision and policy. We are selling our future. Who will America help when it becomes a has been? We desperately need visionary leadership. We need policy that controls the influence of special interest. The American experiment seems to be cracking around it's edges. It has been said that America sort of mirrors the Roman empire. The Western empire failed due to internal forces that opened the door for external forces. The Eastern empire really never fell. If you go to Turkey even today you will see Byzantine Empire flags still flying. I've been there and seen them. I am optimistic. This thing can be saved. Not in the paradigm of the past but, with a new vision. Voters need to stop jumping on the band wagon of a party that really doesn't care about the unwashed masses that actually make this thing work. By the way, neither party really seems to get anything beyond the special interest that foots the bill of their campaign. That is a huge threat to our future.

Response by PO3 Steven Hunter made May 8 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-05-08T12:20:27-04:00

This is a simple answer. Yes, America is the greatest nation in the world. This isn't about patriotism, it's about diversity. You can compare the Mojave Desert to the Gobi. The Rockies to the Swiss Alps. Hawaii to Tahiti. New York to London. We may not be "#1" on a specific data point but no other single country can compete with us on every data point. Our people are as diverse as our land. We promote individual freedom to live very different life styles. Remote or Rural, Suburban or Urban in very different environments. We as a people are diverse individuals living within an indivisible brotherhood. Yes, you can point out single exceptions but overall we continue to be the greatest NATION in the world. When I was growing up, children sang folk songs like America the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land. These songs highlighted our great diversity. I am not sure if the young ones have heard the lyrics or the message of greatness found in these simple songs of my youth. Try viewing them on You Tube and you may find the answer to the question as simple as I did.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-05-08T13:21:37-04:00

I'm not certain where some of these statistics are coming from or how they are concluded. I'd like to take education for instance. If we are talking about high school and below I would tend to agree with the statistics. However, when you look a the college education system we have people from all over the world itching to get in. Its not like the education just suddenly gets better in the US post HS, in fact there are plenty of colleges outside the states that one might receive a better education, but foreigner's still come in droves to our colleges because believe it or not companies want American training. Lets face it, when business is conducted in this country things get done at lightning speed, and is done legally. Projects done by Americans boast a low casualty rate and higher safety ratings than most other countries. Businesses from other countries can ill afford not to "play" with us. Can we do better all around? You bet we can and we should strive to, always! Our country may not be the best in every category that one can think of, but given the world I have seen, In my opinion we ARE the Greatest. Anyone who believes otherwise seems to me to just be laying down and accepting it, rather than fixing it. We come from generations of great men and it would behoove us to keep making them proud.

Response by LCpl Barney Gaumer made May 8 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-05-08T14:18:45-04:00

Here is the whole clip from that post, In context it is interesting... wonder that move that's from? It was a movie, right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zZxBNRTkd4

Jeff Daniels - America is NOT the greatest country anymore

Same video that's been floating around YouTube only edited slightly for some content and language so that it could be more widely shared with a broader audie...

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made May 8 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-05-08T17:47:47-04:00

I've seen this video and totally liked it, we as Americans can get way too cocky at time. So here's what I think, It's not the greatest country in the world. I am of Mexican background and even Mexico is far more advanced in certain things. For example the new credit cards issued out today for extra protection have bee in use in Mexico years ahead. A job in Mexico (equivalent to a U.S. Company) offer greater benefits; for example:
1. Matching contributions for a home mortgage down payment after say 5 years.
2. Yearly based on company earnings the company distributes these earnings to its employees.
3. If an employee gets fired, or let go they give that employee a severance payout.
4. Social security in Mexico is treated as a 401k type plan where you can also make additional contributions and it's not treated like a spending account like congress likes to do so.
This is just our neighbors to the south, yet they value employees. However, these are people that require at least a high school education and unfortunately most lack that education. Speaking on labor relations The USA is behind sadly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 2:24 AM

2015-05-09T02:24:38-04:00

The photo sums it up. We're not, based on just about every metric imaginable. Furthermore, I'd argue that we're trending farther away instead of closer. The reason for that is hard to pinpoint, but I think there's a very good argument to be made for the polarization of the government being most influential to that trend.

Response by COL Ted Mc made May 9 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-05-09T13:08:02-04:00

An interesting question.

Now for the next interesting question "Which is the best flavour - Chocolate or Vanilla?".

IOW "greatest" depends on "taste" and what may be wonderful to some people absolutely sucks for others.

That being said, "The American Ideal" is one of the best restatements of what the vast majority of people would like to have their country be like ever to come along. The basics of it were valid in 10,000 BC and will still be valid in 10,000 AD - and people will still be grumbling about our inability to actualize it.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-05-09T18:34:25-04:00

My answer: A resounding yes.

Why? When people around the world talk about their dreams and where they would like to live, do they want to go to England? France? Iraq? Afghanistan? Iran? China? Russia? (Ask Mr. Snowden) Nope, I'm pretty sure it's the USA that tops that list.

And when the world has a crisis to deal with, who is just about ALWAYS there getting it done? America. That's who.

Response by SFC Steve Bracero made May 10 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-05-10T23:21:57-04:00

I guess it depends on what is being quantified as being "great". Yes, we can talk about GDP and contributions in the world circle. In my opinion, what makes America great is our presence in the world. Good or bad, there are many aspects that could be debated but ultimately our combined contributions in the world is what makes us great. What we stand for. What we accomplished. Maybe this answer also lacked effort, but I don't think it required such.

Response by Capt Ron Sherlock made May 11 at 2015 2:09 AM

2015-05-11T02:09:36-04:00

I don't have time to look at all the stats so I will go with two I know of offhand. In 2012 we took the most gold in. Forty six. More than any other country. Also in that year we managed land a rover the size of a Mini-Cooper on Mars. American brains and brawns like no other in the world. USA! USA! USA! :)

Response by SPC Angel Guma made May 11 at 2015 3:19 AM

2015-05-11T03:19:12-04:00

We beat the British twice, had a quasi naval war with the French, took on Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, checked the Chinese in Korea, killed Russia's global communism.

Gut check: Iranians are fleeing here, not the other way around. No one goes to North Korea for retirement. We give chances to new.immigrants.

If we go by other metrics, of course we aren't perfect. But never forget it was the Army in Europe that allowed all these great countries to mot build credible militaries of their own. None of what they are saying couldn't have been possible ha we not bailed Europe out in ww2. But for what it's worth, we have things we can b proud of

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-05-11T08:04:09-04:00

The TV show in the picture does a darn good job of demonstrating how we are not the greatest country in the world.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-05-13T18:35:54-04:00

No it is not. I can think of other countries that are far better. Political correctness and way too many laws have ruined it. If I had the resources, I would leave in a heartbeat.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 28 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-05-28T14:17:10-04:00

The beautiful thing about statistics is that we can aways use them to quantify the points we are trying to make. If we can't use them, we can change the parameters of the question until they do fit. How does anyone define "the greatest" anything? Even when we can point out the positives and negatives on anything, it clearly depends on what our priorities and values are. China has a better math system for their students. Good luck trying to get me to relocate to China. Does badmouthing our own country make us unpatriotic? Not at all. We can be angry at a lot of things but still love our country and many will sacrifice their lives in defense of our freedom. I do find it annoying when a politician gets up and says "America is the best country on earth" when they have hardly been outside their own country. Every country has something awesome about it, even places like Iraq. Iraq has some of the most ancient history of the world whereas our vast country is relatively infantile in regards to history. However, I'll eat my gun before I choose to live in Iraq. Japan embraces satoyama "living in harmony with nature." It is absolutely beautiful......and gets nailed with so many tsunamis and earthquakes that hardly anyone visits their own gorgeous coastline. My own wife is Japanese and the day that she landed there on vacation they had a 6.4 earthquake. She can't wait to come back to AZ. I have seen enough of the world to proudly state that despite our MANY problems, I consider myself very lucky to be an American.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 29 at 2015 1:56 AM

2015-05-29T01:56:19-04:00

Focusing just on the comments on education. True we do not run in the top 5 or even 10 in single disciplines in education, but what we do excel in is teaching our kids to think and problem solve. I have worked with colleges from many nations, in some cases I have observed primary and secondary education in those countries, and the thing I see that really sets the US educated apart from many other is the ability to think and problem solve. It is only an observation. I would like to see a university do a study to verify or bust my theory.