Is America still on top of the heap (best country in the world)?

[Liberal_in_LA]

Poll question: Is America still on top of the heap (best country in the world)?

those us over 30 grew thinking/knowing we lived in the best country in the world. Still believe it?

Economically, militarily, politically, environmentally, womens rights, civil rights, etc...

[Ikonoklast]

1. I voted 'other'.

In some ways, I feel we are still a great nation.

But in too many other ways we have become something that the writers of the Constitution would shake their heads sadly at.

We are far from living up to our potential as a nation, as the pursuit of unlimited wealth and avarice has blinded many of her citizens as to what exactly makes a nation great.

[Overseas]

2. This one over 30 didn't think that.

She thought the USA was a rather cruel country. Makes a lot of war. And health care is a for-profit system. People drive lots of cars and don't have much mass transit. The social safety nets have lots of holes. There are millions of people in prison. You can see lots of people shot on TV but you can't see nipples. Etc.

[No.23]

3. If the heap is made of hubris, we're certainly its king.

N/S

[tuvor]

4. Was it ever?

[Luminous Animal]

5. I'm over 30...

and I never thought they I lived in the best country in the world. My parents raised me with my eyes wide open.

[JackRiddler]

6. The question contains a false premise.

[Chipper Chat]

7. Militarily we're still at or near the top.

Everywhere else we've slipped under Bush-cheney. Some countries giving us a run for our $$ are Canada, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Dubai, Germany, Australia, Brazil.

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. If longevity is a benchmark of standard of living, countries like Japan have to be added in

[Joe the Liberal]

8. It may have been the best country in the world at some point......

but not anymore, not after the republicans/conservatives got through with it.

[silverojo]

9. Yes, it's still the best country in the world

But only by default. The whole world is going to hell in a handbasket, not just this country.

[tavalon]

10. God, I hope not!

Because if we are, this world is in even more trouble than I thought, and I think we're already in big trouble.

[Warren Stupidity]

11. What an odd statement.

"those us over 30 grew thinking/knowing we lived in the best country in the world."

I stopped thinking like that when I was perhaps 12 or so, which is about the intellectual maturity level of blind nationalism.

Of your categories the only one we lead in is 'militarily'. That is where nationalism gets you.

[ejpoeta]

12. we still do think so. i think no matter what happens, there will be

those who think we are. Especially when they are continually TOLD we are.

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. good point. n/t

[RagAss]

15. We were never close to the top.