America, America America, Don't Let Anyone Tell Us We Aren't the Best!

Let Me Start by saying I will be one of the first people to criticize the United States

(Already hearing hypocrite). Just hold on. *Disclaimer I do not think the United States people are better then people of other nations.

Our country has done some truly abrasive, manipulative and tragic things in our history. I do not blind myself to it. Denying that this is a part of our history, part of any countries history, is a disservice to progressive thought and true reasoning.

I am also willing to go the distance saying this country is the best damn one in the whole world.

Let's start with a little history and the fundamental nature of civilization . (don't roll the eyes) Since the very beginning of history, civilizations, cultures, people have been eradicating "weaker" ones. Weaker being militarily. The "superior" power then takes over land resources and the people of the conquered group and forces either subjugation or conversion. This brutal practice has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations over humanities existence. What is interesting is if one is to look at the great conquers that have had lasting reigns. (I'm thinking the Persian empire and Holy Roman Empire) They have done so, by converting the areas they conquer significantly less then comparative conquering powers throughout history. Certainly there was some conversion, but not complete genocide or evisceration of a people or culture. Religious tolerance and diversity of both opinion and people flourished in these empires. under these empires, the regions and people prospered in ways that weren't achieved before. There were many terrible practices, but we are referring in general terms. There will always be terrible practices and people in this world. There will be leaders and there will be the proletariat. The only negotiation is how much power and wealth the leader shares with the proletariat. The U.S.A has shared it's power that hasn't been seen before. This is a good thing in case that isn't obvious. There is a wonderful short video on youtube by GPGrey that breaks this down government structures perfectly.

You're Thinking Get to the point already!

So why is the U.S so great!?

Because we are the most generous ruling class that has ever existed in history. I say we, but mainly the structure of our government facilitates this. Having a democracy forces those in power to share the wealth among a greater number of people other in other government structures, because if they don not to a satisfactory degree, they are voted out. The United States has conquered most of the world, whether it be militarily, politically or economically. We have become insanely wealthy because of this. Think of the wealth of the romans and Persians. Of course there is still poverty, but the majority of citizens of this country enjoy wealth not seen most others.

What About Europe!?

This is the first thing I hear whenever I assert the U.S is the best. People point to European nations where they earn higher, enjoy more social services, better basic education, etc, but those nations are often only able to do this because of the military stability the United States has brought to the world. These nations have comparatively small military budgets and rely on the U.S and Nato for protection. These countries have enjoyed this, along with cheap easier trade. They are able to get goods cheaper then smaller population countries have historically. Increased and cheaper trade to build wealth and improvement for their citizens. This is great, but It fails to account that this has been enabled by the U.S and the western unity it has formed. Russia would have seized these nations and leached them of that wealth if they were not under the U.S. umbrella. This is why I say the U.S. is such a generous power. Militarily we could take more resources from these countries. We could impose our culture forcefully (we passively impose this). We could impose direct rule (we have on rare occasions), but for the most part and when compared to other powers, we let the country be.

This is where I think a lot of people misunderstand the reason Trump speaks out against NATO and our allies. (Side note: I do not agree with much of Trumps stances, I'm fairly certain he doesn't understand what he is doing, but many other the people advising him do). He says that other countries need to pay, they need to give the U.S more money for protection. That is basically what it breaks down to because Americans are paying for other nations protection, and these countries are flourishing because of it. I believe the current administration is trying to flex America's muscle and leverage to bring wealth back into the nation from our allies. How this will play out, we will see. From a United States PR perspective it is bad, a more graceful and articulate commander and chief could accomplish this so much better, but I understand the goal.

"It is better to be feared then loved". A quote I completely agree with, but it is a balancing act.

There is more then one reason we are the best.

The other reason America is the greatest nation on the planet, is the diversity. There is a unparalleled diversity of culture, people and opinions is this nation. So many different views, opinions and freedom to speak them, it breeds progress. It forces different trains and schools of thought that can be lackluster elsewhere. There is something for everyone here and the fact these are able to coexist (mostly peacefully) is remarkable. Other empires in history and powers today like China and Russia would never allow rivals or domestic enemies to take control of the nation. Yet, this happens every four-eight years in the U.S and makes us better because of it. I could go into some of the shortfalls and negatives about this and more the U.S., but were all about love here!

America is still the land of opportunity, freedom and hope. What America has done for the world and its citizens is unseen in history. Sure, the path was bloody and tragic events have been carried out in our name, but we need to hold our heads high and be proud to be a American. I hope that never changes, and I hope every person continues to make this country better and with it bring the world together.

I love that there is something here for everyone, you just have to find it. Thanks @steemusa for this idea and contest to get the page kicked off! I hope that this page can be for discussion about all things U.S. and more positive posts. There is a lot of negative, and certainly problems, but sometimes we need to remember what is great about this country and the great, diverse set of individuals in it, regardless of differences.