Zone1 Why is the US the best country in the world?

[Godboy]

You're right. I should have phrased that better. Jingoism and patriotism lead to fascism.

If that was true, youd see conservatives rioting constantly, but only unpatriotic democrats do that. Wrong again.

 

[Dr Grump]

If that was true, youd see conservatives rioting constantly, but only unpatriotic democrats do that. Wrong again.

Jan 6. Nuff said

 

[Southern Dad]

I’ve seen a fair bit of the world—first as a military officer deployed to various corners of it, and now as a truck driver hauling loads across every state in this country. From dusty bases overseas to endless interstates here at home, one thing stands out: people don’t risk their lives crossing scorching deserts, treacherous rivers like the Rio Grande, or even oceans on makeshift boats because they’ve heard our military budget is the biggest or that a handful of billionaires own most of the yachts. No, they endure dehydration, drowning, cartel threats, you name it—thousands have died in the attempt over the years because this place, flaws and all, still represents a chance at something better: safety, work, freedom from daily violence or grinding poverty. The line doesn’t form for the debt ceiling drama or income inequality stats; it forms for the opportunity that’s still real enough to gamble everything on.

Sure, our debt’s massive, and wealth distribution’s lopsided, fair points. But when folks from everywhere are literally dying to get in (while very few are dying to sneak out), it suggests America’s got qualities that go beyond GDP bragging rights or firepower. We’re not perfect, not by a long shot, but we’re apparently the imperfect destination worth the ultimate risk. That’s not arrogance; that’s just observing what the desperate votes with their feet (and sometimes their lives). So yeah, we’ll keep saying it’s pretty darn great—because the evidence keeps showing up at the border, often in flip-flops and hope.

 

[Dr Grump]

I’ve seen a fair bit of the world—first as a military officer deployed to various corners of it, and now as a truck driver hauling loads across every state in this country. From dusty bases overseas to endless interstates here at home, one thing stands out: people don’t risk their lives crossing scorching deserts, treacherous rivers like the Rio Grande, or even oceans on makeshift boats because they’ve heard our military budget is the biggest or that a handful of billionaires own most of the yachts. No, they endure dehydration, drowning, cartel threats, you name it—thousands have died in the attempt over the years because this place, flaws and all, still represents a chance at something better: safety, work, freedom from daily violence or grinding poverty. The line doesn’t form for the debt ceiling drama or income inequality stats; it forms for the opportunity that’s still real enough to gamble everything on.

Sure, our debt’s massive, and wealth distribution’s lopsided, fair points. But when folks from everywhere are literally dying to get in (while very few are dying to sneak out), it suggests America’s got qualities that go beyond GDP bragging rights or firepower. We’re not perfect, not by a long shot, but we’re apparently the imperfect destination worth the ultimate risk. That’s not arrogance; that’s just observing what the desperate votes with their feet (and sometimes their lives). So yeah, we’ll keep saying it’s pretty darn great—because the evidence keeps showing up at the border, often in flip-flops and hope.

All true.But I could say the same of Europe, and Australia (where I live).

 

[Southern Dad]

We suck. But would i live somewhere else? No.
Many European countries would be better imo, but then you think about your financial well being and everything goes away.

Back in the late ’80s/early ‘90s, I lived in the Netherlands as a military officer. My Dutch neighbors were dead certain Americans were all filthy rich—two cars? Driving everywhere? They stared like I’d grown a second head. They had one car they rarely used, biked to the store, and rode spotless trains. Cute, efficient, very European.

But that “free” healthcare and dreamy 35-hour work week? Funded by eye-watering taxes: income tax 35-50%, social security on top, and a 21% VAT slapped on literally everything; groceries, bikes, your morning stroopwafel. They get more from government, sure, but a whole lot less stays in your wallet. Financially better off? Not when the taxman takes his cut first.

Would I trade America for tulips and 21% sales tax on coffee? Nah. Europe’s got charm; America’s got the breathing room in your paycheck. Trade-off accepted. You are spot on with your financial well being point.

 

[TNHarley]

Back in the late ’80s/early ‘90s, I lived in the Netherlands as a military officer. My Dutch neighbors were dead certain Americans were all filthy rich—two cars? Driving everywhere? They stared like I’d grown a second head. They had one car they rarely used, biked to the store, and rode spotless trains. Cute, efficient, very European.

But that “free” healthcare and dreamy 35-hour work week? Funded by eye-watering taxes: income tax 35-50%, social security on top, and a 21% VAT slapped on literally everything; groceries, bikes, your morning stroopwafel. They get more from government, sure, but a whole lot less stays in your wallet. Financially better off? Not when the taxman takes his cut first.

Would I trade America for tulips and 21% sales tax on coffee? Nah. Europe’s got charm; America’s got the breathing room in your paycheck. Trade-off accepted. You are spot on with your financial well being point.

Yep. I have a buddy in portugal. The taxes he pays is insane as he owns a restaurant.
I also have a buddy in the UK. The govt takes over 60% of his check every week. Of course, thats taxes, healthcare etc. But my gawd. I would rather keep my money and take care of myself.
But the culture, history etc is undeniably attractive.

 

[Southern Dad]

Yep. I have a buddy in portugal. The taxes he pays is insane as he owns a restaurant.
I also have a buddy in the UK. The govt takes over 60% of his check every week. Of course, thats taxes, healthcare etc. But my gawd. I would rather keep my money and take care of myself.
But the culture, history etc is undeniably attractive.

As someone who travels this country every week, I can say that the United States has a history and culture, as well. I live in the smallest incorporated city in the state of Georgia, population of 240. We are just over an hour east of Atlanta. People around here still leave keys in their cars and don’t lock their houses. I can contrast that with places that I visit where someone gets out of their car to run into a store, not only locks the doors but sets the alarm to be gone for two minutes.

I’ve traveled Route 66 seeing all the motels and gas stations of a bygone era, the vast open deserts with RVs parked all willy nilly across New Mexico, to the bustling traffic of Los Angeles. There’s just so much to see here.

 

[Godboy]

Jan 6. Nuff said

The one time in history that conservatives rioted? Youre going to point to THAT?!!!

Democrats had HUNDREDS of riots, just in that same year alone you hypocrite. How clueless do you have to be in order to forget that? Your party constantly riots. It never ends, then you have the nerve to whine about Jan 6th? Your idiocy is annoying. What is wrong with you people?!!!!!

 

[Correll]

Jan 6. Nuff said

SIX years and counting.

 

[Dr Grump]

The one time in history that conservatives rioted? Youre going to point to THAT?!!!

Democrats had HUNDREDS of riots, just in that same year alone you hypocrite. How clueless do you have to be in order to forget that? Your party constantly riots. It never ends, then you have the nerve to whine about Jan 6th? Your idiocy is annoying. What is wrong with you people?!!!!!

Not my party. You have given it false equivalency. Your party's riot was to overthrow a govt. The BLM etc started off as people sick of kicked around due to the colour of their skin. If you can't see the difference...

 

[Dr Grump]

Back in the late ’80s/early ‘90s, I lived in the Netherlands as a military officer. My Dutch neighbors were dead certain Americans were all filthy rich—two cars? Driving everywhere? They stared like I’d grown a second head. They had one car they rarely used, biked to the store, and rode spotless trains. Cute, efficient, very European.

But that “free” healthcare and dreamy 35-hour work week? Funded by eye-watering taxes: income tax 35-50%, social security on top, and a 21% VAT slapped on literally everything; groceries, bikes, your morning stroopwafel. They get more from government, sure, but a whole lot less stays in your wallet. Financially better off? Not when the taxman takes his cut first.

Would I trade America for tulips and 21% sales tax on coffee? Nah. Europe’s got charm; America’s got the breathing room in your paycheck. Trade-off accepted. You are spot on with your financial well being point.

Meh. Your health care system is a mess. If you add up all your taxes and insurances, you still have a fair whack out of your wallet. What is your monthly health premium? For a family of three mine is AUD$358 (about $260 USD on current exchange rate).
Also, remember those Nordic and Northern European countries always rate as the happiest people on the planet.

 

[rightwinger]

From our own perspective we are the best
The rest of the world may not thinks so

 

[rightwinger]

 

[Lisa558]

OP is yet another leftist foreigner who comes here to dump on America.

 

[Dr Grump]

From our own perspective we are the best
The rest of the world may not thinks so

Oh I know. But I just find it interesting that Americans - especially the loud noisy ones - keep on telling everybody how great they are. I rarely find other nationals from other countries saying that. It's almost like the US has short-man syndrome.

 

[Dr Grump]

OP is yet another leftist foreigner who comes here to dump on America.

Not true. I'm centrist. I'm against abortion on principle (not religious reasons), anti gun, pro gay marriage, anti wokism, anti trans militants. So my political leanings fall on both sides of the aisle.
As for a foreigner dumping on America - a couple of things - The US leads the way in that regard to other countries. I only dump on right wing dictators like Trump. Most Americans are A-ok in my book.

 

[Lisa558]

Not true. I'm centrist. I'm against abortion on principle (not religious reasons), anti gun, pro gay marriage, anti wokism, anti trans militants. So my political leanings fall on both sides of the aisle.
As for a foreigner dumping on America - a couple of things - The US leads the way in that regard to other countries. I only dump on right wing dictators like Trump. Most Americans are A-ok in my book.

Yeah, riiiiiiight. No centrist would call Trump a right-wing dictator.

 

[22lcidw]

Oh I know. But I just find it interesting that Americans - especially the loud noisy ones - keep on telling everybody how great they are. I rarely find other nationals from other countries saying that. It's almost like the US has short-man syndrome.

It is people like you who helped to make our nation one in decline. For decades a growing amount of people in power are crazy or/are empowered due to pressures form the elites. Countless police/fire departments have lesbians in charge of them as an example. It must be so fun for the men who have took the slings and arrows in their careers put into second place as they stand behind that.

 

[luiza]

Amusing in small doses but never to be taken seriously .

 

[Dr Grump]

Yeah, riiiiiiight. No centrist would call Trump a right-wing dictator.

Hey, I thought Biden was an idiot, too. You mean Trump is asking Congress if he can put tariffs on other countries? He is giving due process to all those people being dragged in by ICE? He didn't try to cancel any one of a number of late night shows via the FCC because they were being 'mean' to him? BS. He is a wannabe dictator. Can't handle criticism and acts like a little baby. Ditto his appointments - Bondi, Patel, Hesgeth. Total disgrace to the US. All of them. And they will be remembered as such too.