Thread: What is great about USA?

The more I read, the more I believe it's a simple perception!

The perception does matter. That can be healthy. It's more straightforward for an individual--if one thinks one might have the potential for greatness, it's at least possible that that will act as a spur to live greatly--but I think it can happen, less reliably perhaps, for nations. And I should probably clarify, my understanding of the question is not "what makes the United States greater than all other countries, who should therefore bow down and worship us," but simply what we see as great about this country, independent of the great qualities of others. Seems to me that my fellow responders here are on the same page as far as that goes.

And on my previous list, how could I have forgotten bourbon?

~Rich

Scenery: There's a lot of good stuff to see, and much diversity.

People: Friendly, open (in general).

Culture: Success is not a bad word.


I'm happy to be back.

The food: Virginia ham, Idaho potatoes, New York pizza, Nathan's hot dogs, Ben and Jerry's, Jersey tomatoes, dill pickles, Chicago deep dish pizza, Wisconsin cheese and apple pie.

The freedoms are better here than anywhere else.

To me, it is the human spirit and the fact that our system was designed to allow that spirit to be what it will be. The knowledge of what some have been able to do or accomplish under that system, despite the odds against continues to show us that to a large degree we determine our own limits.

As well, the diversity of cultures that ended up melting into something pretty unique.

Finally, as a dew have stated, we have some pretty real estate. A California native, I've lived in Monatan most of my life, and travelled throughout...every state I've seen has sights that makes you want to stay a little longer before going back home.

Great thread...Thanks for starting it!

Persoanlly I think the worst thing about the USofA is that more people are trying to get in, then trying to get out......

Oh wait you said the best thing??? oh hell same diff

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Persoanlly I think the worst thing about the USofA is that more people are trying to get in, then trying to get out......

Oh wait you said the best thing??? oh hell same diff

And here is a little example why. The US Startup Visa: A boon for dismayed, frustrated British entrepreneurs | Mobile Industry Review

Another outsiders opinion

1- The first ammendment. I love what this document stands for.

2-The people. Every American I have ever met (except maybe the one who poorly packaged the coti I won on Ebay to have it smashed into smithereens) has been outstanding: friendly, generous, proud and gregarious people.

3-A serious commitment to several Global Issues of security and peace.

4-Gary Busey.

I'm a second generation American. I'm actually a mut my Mexican mom married a guy who's so white he glows in the dark. America is great for a litany of reasons. And I will go into examples and experiences I've had.
But ultimately this concept is what I find that is the root of American expectationalism. We are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, being life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Although some of the social norms were incorrect at the time, and it took a war to start the straightening out, the framers captured a concept that hadn't existed in the past. They created a framework where all men had basically equal protection of the law. Thus if you were a war time refugee like my grandparents, or a rich guy who uses 100 dollar bills for toilet paper. It didn't matter, you still had the same playing field.
I just had a conversation with my grandfather, (a nationalized citizen) who though much struggle and pain went to vote in the primaries. (voting is something he deeply values) and he to this day is amazed that you can go vote without having the bridges shut down, military in the streets, riots, and gunfire. What he finds amazing is the peaceful transfer of power. (something I feel is being threatened)
Today his kids and grandkids have opportunities that would have been impossible in Mexico. All his kids have college degrees, one is a multi-millionaire. Another is actually in other countries on the U.S. dime teaching and implementing a judicial system that more reflects ours. His grandkids include an Airforce Academy graduate, police officers, nurses, a special forces marine and working in the oil industry. In 2 generations this family went from being penniless to being quite successful.

Another aspect that makes our nation great is our religious freedom. If you've studied your history, a conclusion that I have reached is that the kings and rulers used religion as a source of power and control.

My grandfather told me in broken english when I graduated from college, "Son now that you have graduated you can do anything, you speak english, you have an education, the sky is the limit." The framers created a country where I was responsible for myself, and I would reap the rewards or consequences to my own actions. And this is what makes us great.

But anyway, that is my rambling.

I've been a U.S. Marine for almost 16 years now, and have had the opportunity to serve this country, travel the world, & experience the freedoms that we take for granted, that other countries don't have. As well, it's the diversity of our people that make America great America truly is the land of opportunity!