Is America the greatest country in the world?
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I think it's the idea of America that makes it the greatest country in the world. America is the greatest symbol of freedom in the world. Now, there is a lot of darkness in our history (Indian removal, slavery, Vietnam, Iraq etc.), but every country has parts of its history that are dark.
Overall, America's impact on the world has been much more positive than negative.
Overall, America's impact on the world has been much more positive than negative.
- Sep 13, 2002
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I like it.
But if I'm honest about my propensity for laziness and a slacker lifestyle, I have to say some of those Western European countries seem to have a better lifestyle.
Now, I'm not saying they are better overall. And of course having a laid back approach has some downsides as well. But I can see myself being a bit happier with more paid time off, longer lunch hours, more relaxed rules regarding drinking/recreational habits etc.
But if I'm honest about my propensity for laziness and a slacker lifestyle, I have to say some of those Western European countries seem to have a better lifestyle.
Now, I'm not saying they are better overall. And of course having a laid back approach has some downsides as well. But I can see myself being a bit happier with more paid time off, longer lunch hours, more relaxed rules regarding drinking/recreational habits etc.
- Sep 13, 2002
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Certainly you can take it too far. I'm thinking you need to be like a northern European country (Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, etc.) where you balance a relaxed lifestyle with common sense and working smarter not harder. Obviously this is easier in smaller, more homogenous countries, but I personally like the concept.
One of the major problems with Greece was that they didn't even bother to try to collect their taxes!
Overall, the quality of life in Northern European countries is not surpassed in the world. But, none of those places have a vastly diverse population of over 300 million people, either. Also, those countries heavily rely on the United States. If there is a huge economic meltdown or devastating war in America, the quality of life in Northern Europe would cease to exist. The stronger America is, the stronger everyone of those countries are.
Now, yes, if we are defining great, strictly by overall quality of life, America may not even be in the top 5-10, but if we are defining its greatness by what its idea stands for and its overall impact on the world, I think it would be very hard to argue that there is a greater country in the world.
*Correction: I just looked up and saw that you pointed out it didn't mean that those countries were greater overall and made some of the same points I made. I should probably read things in their entirety before I post.
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It is the greatest country. And it could be so much more. One of my favorite quotes, which I think is dead on balls accurate, is:
The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
What other country would put up with all those who denigrate it daily? Think you would get away with that in Iran or North Korea?
- Sep 13, 2002
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Overall, the quality of life in Northern European countries is not surpassed in the world. But, none of those places have a vastly diverse population of over 300 million people, either. Also, those countries heavily rely on the United States. If there is a huge economic meltdown or devastating war in America, the quality of life in Northern Europe would cease to exist. The stronger America is, the stronger everyone of those countries are.
Now, yes, if we are defining great, strictly by overall quality of life, America may not even be in the top 5-10, but if we are defining its greatness by what its idea stands for and its overall impact on the world, I think it would be very hard to argue that there is a greater country in the world.
*Correction: I just looked up and saw that you pointed out it didn't mean that those countries were greater overall and made some of the same points I made. I should probably read things in their entirety before I post.
Ha, yeah, I was commenting just on the lifestyle.
My daughter is in the midst of a six-month student exchange in France, and she has been amazed at how they take so much time to really savor things like leisurely lunches, after dinner walks, long vacations, etc. Now, this probably isn't the best thing for your overall economy, but it makes you wonder if Americans working their assess off 24-7 is actually the BEST way to live. Food for thought, anyway.
Most of them. America isn't the only nation where you can criticize the government. Its not even the country with the most protections for those who criticize. We imprison whistleblowers and reporters here, even when they are reporting real crimes.
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In other words you are happy to be another's bitch. Think about that. You work hard so some French guy can get a paid vacation and you're happy about it? Somebody has CONned you good.
