I mean, it's not like America is really is the greatest nation in the world. It would be hypocritical to even say that.
I understand how this statement may annoy you; but, I don't see how it is "hypocritical".
Anyway, the United States is the "greatest nation" in the world in many aspects. Granted it's not the best in every aspect but it does place highly in enough places for an educated individual to generalize it as the "greatest nation" and build a strong argument. I know Swedish people don't have a high regard for the United States; but, putting politics aside, it is the truth.
What makes the US notable over a nation like say, Sweden? Well, there really are a bunch of small, Northern European socialist states so it could be debated which Northern European socialist state is best day and night. The United States is really the only large developed nation on Earth so that creates for a lot of unique distinctions for the US.
While there is no absolute correct answer for, "Which is the greatest nation in the world?", I would argue that the United States is probably one of if not the easiest nation for one to justify the answer. (The Nordic nations are all really great, though, they just have to compete with each other.) I think Singapore is another nation really easy nation. Maybe Switzerland? I don't know...
P.S. I'd like to add that the individual upset that the United States was slandered on the Fourth of July was probably trolling.
Wow. "Socialist states"? Really? Please remove your head from Fox news' * and insert it in a dictionary, preferably in the s section to look up the definition of socialism. Then try a history book and check out the concept of consumerism. Spoiler alert! America didnt invent it. But I guess you wouldnt know that, what with American education being what it is. Never mind though, you keep mindlessly bleating "USA!USA!" as loud as you can to block out that annoying buzz of truth and fact emanating from the rest of the planet.
Look up the pneumatic tyre.......ya no the round black things that keep cars from grinding into the dirt? Without tyres it's a fair bet Americans would become even more stationary.......
For those too immobile to look it up, tyres with air were invented in Ireland.
I mean, it's not like America is really is the greatest nation in the world. It would be hypocritical to even say that.
I understand how this statement may annoy you; but, I don't see how it is "hypocritical".
Anyway, the United States is the "greatest nation" in the world in many aspects. Granted it's not the best in every aspect but it does place highly in enough places for an educated individual to generalize it as the "greatest nation" and build a strong argument. I know Swedish people don't have a high regard for the United States; but, putting politics aside, it is the truth.
What makes the US notable over a nation like say, Sweden? Well, there really are a bunch of small, Northern European socialist states so it could be debated which Northern European socialist state is best day and night. The United States is really the only large developed nation on Earth so that creates for a lot of unique distinctions for the US in comparison to every other nation in the world.
(I'm not going into depth about all the aspects the US is #1 in; but, there really are so so many aspects... many foreigners who say the US is NOT #1 are just as ignorant as the Americans who think it is, from my experience.)
That was a pretty long response when you take into account that you didn't list a single reason.
*gives single distinction as large developed nation*
*therefore lots of distinctions*
Can't argue with that logic :roll:
Also query whether being big makes things better, I know that's the general American view but most of the world tends to go for quality over quantity.
Also also lol at 'socialist states'. Some basic workers' rights, a half-decent education system and a basic minimum standard of living do not a socialist state make. There's many puns to be made about the dire nature of Fox News but I fear they may not be entirely appropriate for this forum.
Look up the pneumatic tyre.......ya no the round black things that keep cars from grinding into the dirt? Without tyres it's a fair bet Americans would become even more stationary.......
For those too immobile to look it up, tyres with air were invented in Ireland.
I summoned all my energy, rolled over to the encyclopedia, and looked it up: the inventor of the pneumatic tire was Robert William Thomson, a Scot working in England. He was granted a patent for it in 1847. It was not until 41 years later that Dunlop (another Scot, by the way) "invented" his pneumatic tire in Belfast.
The pneumatic tire is a good invention, but really-- how long would it be before someone else came up with it? Even if it were a valid Irish invention claim, hardly one to hang your national pride on. What about chocolate milk, whiskey, the hollow syringe needle, the Kelvin scale, the boycott, shorthand, the tattoo machine, the modern submarine, the ejection seat, the portable defibrillator? All Irish inventions.
Look up the pneumatic tyre.......ya no the round black things that keep cars from grinding into the dirt? Without tyres it's a fair bet Americans would become even more stationary.......
For those too immobile to look it up, tyres with air were invented in Ireland.
I summoned all my energy, rolled over to the encyclopedia, and looked it up: the inventor of the pneumatic tire was Robert William Thomson, a Scot working in England. He was granted a patent for it in 1847. It was not until 41 years later that Dunlop (another Scot, by the way) "invented" his pneumatic tire in Belfast.
The pneumatic tire is a good invention, but really-- how long would it be before someone else came up with it? Even if it were a valid Irish invention claim, hardly one to hang your national pride on. What about chocolate milk, whiskey, the hollow syringe needle, the Kelvin scale, the boycott, shorthand, the tattoo machine, the modern submarine, the ejection seat, the portable defibrillator? All Irish inventions.
Thank you for your efforts, truly appreciated.
I guess my main point is that 'size matters not' (as Yoda once said). Ireland, a physically small country, made significant contributions.......some, like the tire, being used to the benefit of pretty much everyone on earth today.
Just cos the USA is large, doesn't automatically make it great. Certainly not the greatest.
Don't get me wrong, I quite like the USA and visit there regularly in fact. I also visit a lot of other countries too and have to say they all have their plus and minus points.
Some may disagree, and I expect the trolls to come out in droves on this, but here's an interesting one for you........the safest country around........ United Arab Emirates. Wouldn't jump to the top of most peoples lists, but there you have it, in my opinion at least. Visited there 3 times over the last few years and could walk the streets anywhere, with the wife and small kids, in perfect safety.
Why? Can't say for absolute certain, but might be something to do with almost 100% employment and no taxes (yes, no taxes whatsoever!). There are very, very few places on earth I'd feel totally safe walking around with my young family at any time of night, but that's one of them.......the only one I can think of.
So, everywhere has good things, everywhere has bad things.......go experience as much of the good as you can!
Well, I live in Finland. And we are known for having the best education system in the world and the US doesn't even come to the top 10. Now what's that all about? Shouldn't the GREATEST nation in the world have the best education? :shock: :?:
The United States has the best secondary education system in the world, which is the one that matters. The United States isn't the top 10 in terms of primary education; but, the secondary education system is actually the one that powers the economy, promotes innovation, brings in the dollars, etc. etc. Harvard, Stanford, MIT, etc. are all really big names. These are the places which inspire startups like Facebook, Snapchat, etc. etc.
I did not throw out "socialist" as a put down to the Nordic countries. That you would think it is a put down highlights your ignorance regarding international affairs. I used the term "socialist" because many individuals in those countries actively identify as "socialist" and a bunch of their (relevant) political parties have "socialist" in their names. Yes, "socialism" is positively perceived in places around the world!
Some may disagree, and I expect the trolls to come out in droves on this, but here's an interesting one for you........the safest country around........ United Arab Emirates. Wouldn't jump to the top of most peoples lists, but there you have it, in my opinion at least.
The UAE is a great country and I would agree is relatively easy to justify as the "best". Certainly should show up near the top of any informed list. =]
I still love the USA. Yes, we have our faults and we have our problems but, IMO, we're still one of the best countries in the world. I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
Well, I live in Finland. And we are known for having the best education system in the world and the US doesn't even come to the top 10. Now what's that all about? Shouldn't the GREATEST nation in the world have the best education? :shock: :?:
The United States has the best secondary education system in the world, which is the one that matters. The United States isn't the top 10 in terms of primary education; but, the secondary education system is actually the one that powers the economy, promotes innovation, brings in the dollars, etc. etc. Harvard, Stanford, MIT, etc. are all really big names. These are the places which inspire startups like Facebook, Snapchat, etc. etc.
Seeing as 99% of Americans don't attend an Ivy League school I call ****. Elementary and high school is what provides the foundation. Saying these don't matter is ignorant at best.
I still love the USA. Yes, we have our faults and we have our problems but, IMO, we're still one of the best countries in the world. I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
it's only an illusion of freedom
I think the problem is that the word freedom is thrown around without people knowing what it means. When we fought for freedom during the revolutionary war we were fighting to be free from Great Britain and to be our own country. Yes we are free in this sense. No that doesn't mean you are free to do whatever you want. There are laws for a reason after all.
The problem that most Americans have is that we say things like "yeah well we're free!" Without thinking about the fact that most other countries are as well. It's not like the people of Sweden are all shackled and chained.
Seeing as 99% of Americans don't attend an Ivy League school I call ****. Elementary and high school is what provides the foundation. Saying these don't matter is ignorant at best.
Did you even look at the list? A bunch of the schools aren't Ivy League. "UC Santa Barbara"? "University of Washington"? "University of Maryland, College Park"? "Arizona State University - Tempe"? Completely doable schools. I would go so far as to argue that an individual who could not be accepted into any of the American colleges on the top 100 probably have no business attending college. Certainly, this is even the case in many (developed) foreign nations where education ends at high school. Degrees in English, History, Women's Studies, etc. are neither sought after or needed.
Also, a lot of the Ivy League schools are actually laughably crappy, BTW. Grade inflation and frat parties... some are merely about "prestige" and do not take education seriously. There are so many good schools that fit between Harvard and Dartmouth/Cornell/Brown. I think the more popular group of colleges referenced as the best in the nation is HYPSM (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT).
I would go so far as to argue that an individual who could not be accepted into any of the American colleges on the top 100 probably have no business attending college.
Really? And what about the people that can't afford to go to schools in the top 100? Should they just say screw it and go work at jiffy lube for the rest of their lives?
Look up the pneumatic tyre.......ya no the round black things that keep cars from grinding into the dirt? Without tyres it's a fair bet Americans would become even more stationary.......
For those too immobile to look it up, tyres with air were invented in Ireland.
I summoned all my energy, rolled over to the encyclopedia, and looked it up: the inventor of the pneumatic tire was Robert William Thomson, a Scot working in England. He was granted a patent for it in 1847. It was not until 41 years later that Dunlop (another Scot, by the way) "invented" his pneumatic tire in Belfast.
The pneumatic tire is a good invention, but really-- how long would it be before someone else came up with it? Even if it were a valid Irish invention claim, hardly one to hang your national pride on. What about chocolate milk, whiskey, the hollow syringe needle, the Kelvin scale, the boycott, shorthand, the tattoo machine, the modern submarine, the ejection seat, the portable defibrillator? All Irish inventions.
Thank you for your efforts, truly appreciated.
I guess my main point is that 'size matters not' (as Yoda once said). Ireland, a physically small country, made significant contributions.......some, like the tire, being used to the benefit of pretty much everyone on earth today.
Just cos the USA is large, doesn't automatically make it great. Certainly not the greatest.
Don't get me wrong, I quite like the USA and visit there regularly in fact. I also visit a lot of other countries too and have to say they all have their plus and minus points.
Some may disagree, and I expect the trolls to come out in droves on this, but here's an interesting one for you........the safest country around........ United Arab Emirates. Wouldn't jump to the top of most peoples lists, but there you have it, in my opinion at least. Visited there 3 times over the last few years and could walk the streets anywhere, with the wife and small kids, in perfect safety.
Why? Can't say for absolute certain, but might be something to do with almost 100% employment and no taxes (yes, no taxes whatsoever!). There are very, very few places on earth I'd feel totally safe walking around with my young family at any time of night, but that's one of them.......the only one I can think of.
So, everywhere has good things, everywhere has bad things.......go experience as much of the good as you can!
Thanks, but I'm pretty well-traveled for the average American. Been on five continents (yet to visit Australia and Antarctica)! But it's always good to get home, as I'm sure you'd agree.
I don't hear a lot of people claiming the US is best 'cause it's big; after all, two countries are much bigger, including our dear friends to the north (although, if the War of 1812 had gone a little better, we'd be Number 2 ), and several others are nearly as big. But it's difficult to imagine the world without it. To me, the greatest thing about the US is its continuing role as the champion of freedom. The US didn't invent democracy, but even the most ardent America-basher would be hard-pressed to name a country that's done more to promote its spread across the globe. You can take issue with any of the myriad mistakes the US has made in that effort, but the overall record is pretty overwhelming.
Unfortunately, democracy and freedom are ideals that have yet to take root in the absolute monarchy and police state that is the UAE. Places like that are indeed very safe to walk around in, but much less so if you're a woman seeking full citizenship or gay or simply want to speak out against the government. Every country on Earth offers a particular liberty/security tradeoff, and it's up to you which best conforms to your particular needs. I don't think I'd be happy in the UAE or Singapore or China or any of the top-tier "safe" countries, though.
And yes, we're fat--- God are we fat. But happily, last year Mexico stole our crown as fattest country on the planet. And, just in case you're feeling good about yourself, Ireland's number 8 and moving up fast!
As an American, I'm of the opinion that far too many ignorant American citizens confuse jingoism for patriotism. I'm also of the opinion that many people from other countries incorrectly think the majority of Americans think that way.
Most aren't like the gun-toting, Obama-hating folks regularly displayed on Fox News. Even most Republicans are moderate Comservatives, and not apparently insane like those loony toon Tea Party extremists.
Just like anywhere else in the world, the US has a vast variety of people of all different races, religions, political beliefs, sexuality, etc.
To assume everyone in a country is the same, or even similar, is pretty ignorant. And while that hasn't outright been said, it's certainly been implied in a few posts.
That said, the US absolutely has it's problems: high unemployment, stagnant job growth, an insane over dependence on foreign oil with no plans in place to switch to alternative energy, a ridiculous degree of wealth inequality that's only grown bigger in the past 40 years, massive foreign policy problems, career politicians who only care about their own bank accounts and campaign donations from big business as opposed to what's best for their constituents, etc. The list can go on for awhile.
But as has been said, every country has it's problems. I'm sure all countries in the world have at least a few of those downsides. And some have far worse, especially when it comes to human rights violations (North Korea, China, etc).
My point is no country's hands are clean. All have done questionable or downright evil things in their time. Hell, even the Vatican...actually especially the Vatican, when you think about it.
And yes, we're fat--- God are we fat. But happily, last year Mexico stole our crown as fattest country on the planet. And, just in case you're feeling good about yourself, Ireland's number 8 and moving up fast!
The guys in the US have some of the biggest muscles, though. =D
Replies
Wow. "Socialist states"? Really? Please remove your head from Fox news' * and insert it in a dictionary, preferably in the s section to look up the definition of socialism. Then try a history book and check out the concept of consumerism. Spoiler alert! America didnt invent it. But I guess you wouldnt know that, what with American education being what it is. Never mind though, you keep mindlessly bleating "USA!USA!" as loud as you can to block out that annoying buzz of truth and fact emanating from the rest of the planet.
Look up the pneumatic tyre.......ya no the round black things that keep cars from grinding into the dirt? Without tyres it's a fair bet Americans would become even more stationary.......
For those too immobile to look it up, tyres with air were invented in Ireland.
*gives single distinction as large developed nation*
*therefore lots of distinctions*
Can't argue with that logic :roll:
Also query whether being big makes things better, I know that's the general American view but most of the world tends to go for quality over quantity.
Also also lol at 'socialist states'. Some basic workers' rights, a half-decent education system and a basic minimum standard of living do not a socialist state make. There's many puns to be made about the dire nature of Fox News but I fear they may not be entirely appropriate for this forum.
I summoned all my energy, rolled over to the encyclopedia, and looked it up: the inventor of the pneumatic tire was Robert William Thomson, a Scot working in England. He was granted a patent for it in 1847. It was not until 41 years later that Dunlop (another Scot, by the way) "invented" his pneumatic tire in Belfast.
The pneumatic tire is a good invention, but really-- how long would it be before someone else came up with it? Even if it were a valid Irish invention claim, hardly one to hang your national pride on. What about chocolate milk, whiskey, the hollow syringe needle, the Kelvin scale, the boycott, shorthand, the tattoo machine, the modern submarine, the ejection seat, the portable defibrillator? All Irish inventions.
Cue the music. America...
Edit: "urinating match" -- my bad mods...guess * is ok for R. Kelly but not for the simpsons.
Thank you for your efforts, truly appreciated.
I guess my main point is that 'size matters not' (as Yoda once said). Ireland, a physically small country, made significant contributions.......some, like the tire, being used to the benefit of pretty much everyone on earth today.
Just cos the USA is large, doesn't automatically make it great. Certainly not the greatest.
Don't get me wrong, I quite like the USA and visit there regularly in fact. I also visit a lot of other countries too and have to say they all have their plus and minus points.
Some may disagree, and I expect the trolls to come out in droves on this, but here's an interesting one for you........the safest country around........ United Arab Emirates. Wouldn't jump to the top of most peoples lists, but there you have it, in my opinion at least. Visited there 3 times over the last few years and could walk the streets anywhere, with the wife and small kids, in perfect safety.
Why? Can't say for absolute certain, but might be something to do with almost 100% employment and no taxes (yes, no taxes whatsoever!). There are very, very few places on earth I'd feel totally safe walking around with my young family at any time of night, but that's one of them.......the only one I can think of.
So, everywhere has good things, everywhere has bad things.......go experience as much of the good as you can!
http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU2013.html
I did not throw out "socialist" as a put down to the Nordic countries. That you would think it is a put down highlights your ignorance regarding international affairs. I used the term "socialist" because many individuals in those countries actively identify as "socialist" and a bunch of their (relevant) political parties have "socialist" in their names. Yes, "socialism" is positively perceived in places around the world!
The UAE is a great country and I would agree is relatively easy to justify as the "best". Certainly should show up near the top of any informed list. =]
it's only an illusion of freedom
Seeing as 99% of Americans don't attend an Ivy League school I call ****. Elementary and high school is what provides the foundation. Saying these don't matter is ignorant at best.
I think the problem is that the word freedom is thrown around without people knowing what it means. When we fought for freedom during the revolutionary war we were fighting to be free from Great Britain and to be our own country. Yes we are free in this sense. No that doesn't mean you are free to do whatever you want. There are laws for a reason after all.
The problem that most Americans have is that we say things like "yeah well we're free!" Without thinking about the fact that most other countries are as well. It's not like the people of Sweden are all shackled and chained.
Also, a lot of the Ivy League schools are actually laughably crappy, BTW. Grade inflation and frat parties... some are merely about "prestige" and do not take education seriously. There are so many good schools that fit between Harvard and Dartmouth/Cornell/Brown. I think the more popular group of colleges referenced as the best in the nation is HYPSM (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT).
Really? And what about the people that can't afford to go to schools in the top 100? Should they just say screw it and go work at jiffy lube for the rest of their lives?
Thanks, but I'm pretty well-traveled for the average American. Been on five continents (yet to visit Australia and Antarctica)! But it's always good to get home, as I'm sure you'd agree.
I don't hear a lot of people claiming the US is best 'cause it's big; after all, two countries are much bigger, including our dear friends to the north (although, if the War of 1812 had gone a little better, we'd be Number 2
Unfortunately, democracy and freedom are ideals that have yet to take root in the absolute monarchy and police state that is the UAE. Places like that are indeed very safe to walk around in, but much less so if you're a woman seeking full citizenship or gay or simply want to speak out against the government. Every country on Earth offers a particular liberty/security tradeoff, and it's up to you which best conforms to your particular needs. I don't think I'd be happy in the UAE or Singapore or China or any of the top-tier "safe" countries, though.
And yes, we're fat--- God are we fat. But happily, last year Mexico stole our crown as fattest country on the planet. And, just in case you're feeling good about yourself, Ireland's number 8 and moving up fast!
As an American, I'm of the opinion that far too many ignorant American citizens confuse jingoism for patriotism. I'm also of the opinion that many people from other countries incorrectly think the majority of Americans think that way.
Most aren't like the gun-toting, Obama-hating folks regularly displayed on Fox News. Even most Republicans are moderate Comservatives, and not apparently insane like those loony toon Tea Party extremists.
Just like anywhere else in the world, the US has a vast variety of people of all different races, religions, political beliefs, sexuality, etc.
To assume everyone in a country is the same, or even similar, is pretty ignorant. And while that hasn't outright been said, it's certainly been implied in a few posts.
That said, the US absolutely has it's problems: high unemployment, stagnant job growth, an insane over dependence on foreign oil with no plans in place to switch to alternative energy, a ridiculous degree of wealth inequality that's only grown bigger in the past 40 years, massive foreign policy problems, career politicians who only care about their own bank accounts and campaign donations from big business as opposed to what's best for their constituents, etc. The list can go on for awhile.
But as has been said, every country has it's problems. I'm sure all countries in the world have at least a few of those downsides. And some have far worse, especially when it comes to human rights violations (North Korea, China, etc).
My point is no country's hands are clean. All have done questionable or downright evil things in their time. Hell, even the Vatican...actually especially the Vatican, when you think about it.
It's all shades of gray, folks.