Is America the best country to live in?
In America we never learn about other countries. We only learn about how great America is and that other country isn't so important. I mean we are always helping other poor countries with war and giving them food. I don't think any other country does that.
Also everyone knows about america (sometimes even more than us) but we don't really know anything about the world. For example, is europe a country and britain a state??? Like how America is a country and california is a state??
Also look at our movies they are always played everywhere, we never see any foreign films ever in our movie theaters. Even our artists travel around the world and everyone knows them but I don't think any of us know anything about other countries' artists. Why is America such a dominant country compared to everyone else?? Do you think America is the best country too?
Also I can honestly say my television has NEVER had a program on it that was from europe or other country. We only have american stations.
Also what the heck is the difference from UK and europe??
According to the bbc the best countries to live in are:
1 Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain
I personally dont agree with this. i lived in Northern Ireland and therefore has had experience from both countries. and i would prefer Britan.
I dont agree however that america has no influence from other countries. you only have to switch on to any american program to find some association from other english speaking countries especially Britain. Harry Potter, 007?
What would be the best country in Europe to live in?
June 4th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I live in the UK and I've always wanted to live in Australia.
I think Australia is the best country to live in and that's because it's not really targeted by terrorists and they are never at war.
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June 4th, 2009 at 8:30 am
No countries like Luxembourg Austria Switzerland, Scandinavian countries Canada, Australia, NZ etc have a higher standard of living than the US
the gap between the rich and the poor in the US is ridiculous. not to mention their shitty healthcare, 17,000 murders a year and a general education system that sucks!
unless you have money, the US is sh*t.
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June 4th, 2009 at 9:16 am
i've never been to America before but ONE good placeto live in is Luxembourg 'cos its one of the safest cities in the world. no gangsters, shoplifters, no killers…ect…
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June 4th, 2009 at 9:41 am
You can't just generalize places to live.
It depends on many factors.
You can be rich, satisfied and happy in Iraak (don't want to harm anyone) and you also can be unhappy, living on a street in America.
So, there's no rules.
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June 4th, 2009 at 10:27 am
NO. europe is full of lots of countries, uk, france, italy, poland to name just a few, So you guys have never seen a James Bond theme which is british based, british actors? Harry Potter?
Hardly any european could name a famous american who plays a team sport in the usa, where as you have our Beckhams, America is a dominant country because it brain wash's it folks and thrives on bullying and war, like the war in Iraq, where were those chemical bombs? They should get rid of there own violence/gun crime and poverty before encroaching in others business.
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June 4th, 2009 at 10:36 am
[Europe is a continent - Britain is not a state]
I don't think America is the best country to live in…
Personally I'd rather live in England than America. The UK gives loads of money to charities as well.
French films are brilliant . So are Bollywood films . Haven't you heard of Picasso? Da Vinci? I don't actually know of ANY American artists . Yes, there are brilliant American TV Shows + Films (Friends, Grease) – but there are TV Shows + Films from other countries which are amazing (Summer Heights High, Flight Of The Conchords, Harry Potter)
So no, I don't think America is the best country to live in. I much prefer England…
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June 4th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Practically no-one who lives outside America considers it the best country to live in… Don't get me wrong, America has some good points, some beautiful geography, some great people and first rate entertainment in the way of movies & theme parks. But as a place to life it rates fairly low on my scale.
For a start the health-care system in america is a corrupt, self-serving system that does nothing for the general public. In most other countries around the world, Australia, Canada, Britain & France (for example) health care is totally free.
Unemployment and the homeless rate in America are also appalling. As is the national debt. The crime rate is worse than that of most third-world countries. However, what the American government and corporations are extremely good at is one thing: Marketing. Which brings me to my next point.
One thing that irks me probably most of all is exactly what you said, America is so insular. It's fascinating that you recognise this being American. Most Americans never own a passport, never travel overseas, watch foreign film, listen to music from other countries and man what you are missing out on!
Why would the american companies want you to watch, listen or hear anything made outside america? This isn't profitable, so no wonder you see/hear so little of it. Most of the best cinema in the world comes out of Australia, Canada and Spain (in my opinion).
In answer to your question. Europe is not a country, it is a continent. England is a country, one of many that constitute the continent of England. There are other continents like North America (Canada, USA, Mexico) and South America (Everything from Mexico south to Chile and Argenita), Africa, Asia, Europe & Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea etc). Wikipedia this. It's also been proven that without labelling, most US citizens can't even find America on a globe of the world!
I highly recommend you try backpacking and see and learn a little about the rest of the world. Go to europe or come to Australia. You'll be surprised at how wonderous, friendly and safe the world acutally is!!!!
Good on you for asking such a broad and open minded question. Welcome to the world young american!
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June 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I've gone to other countries and my netflix is 98 percent foreign movies because I hate American movies and t.v. shows.
I'm trying to do my part .
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June 4th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
America is a continent. The USA is a country among others in North America. Many other countries offer support in times of need. The best of anything always depends on your perspective. I enjoy this country for what it has to offer, but I would also like to enjoy the rest of the world and all it's unique qualities. As far as other artists think Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Monet. Many of our own sports leagues are full of people born and raised in other countries. Selena was a good Mexican singer, many of the trainers on American Idol and the dance show are not Americans. Watch boxing? Many out of country contenders. The Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand. Monty Python is this shit and it didn't originate here. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Einstein, your computer, tv, printer, underwear, My car….our country was founded by people foreign to this land. The thing about it is with the UN and all, we aren't as "dominant" as we think. It's all a game, a play…all the worlds a stage. You've never seen the Eiffel Tower on tv?? Or an African plain, the Rainforest, cramped Japan…..
References :
check these out
http://geography.about.com/od/learnabouttheearth/qt/qzcontinents.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/countries.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Region
June 4th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
No i wouldn't agree it was the best country. There are alot of countries out there but none of them praise themselves quite as much as America. Personally i wouldn't want to live there. Just look at the gun crime, in England we don't have a lot of that. Also the extreme weather, in England we don't get that either. We are educated at school about the whole world not just ourselves
We are constantly raising money for poor countries who need food, water, and with war.
Europe is not a country, it's a whole part of the world which contains 48 countries. There are 4 countries in Britain, which make up the UK.
America are huge at making films, where as England doesn't do too much of that. Does Harry Potter not show in America?
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June 4th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I am British but I lived in the US (New York) from 1974-82.
The US is the most prosperous large country in the world. There are richer small countries but none with a population over 30 million, roughly the population of Canada.
The US is often heralded as the land of opportunity and in many ways it is. It is one of the best countries in which to start a business. People are free to hold whatever opinions they like and democratic participation is real. However, the US lags behind many other countries in the provision of welfare and health services. While the richest people have access to the best health care available, many people, some not poor by any stretch of the imagination, struggle to secure adequate health care.
Many Americans think that the "sink or swim" attitude is right and that welfare provision should be very limited and that health care should not be an "as of right" benefit. In contrast many Europeans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders think that a basic safety net is fundamental to a developed economy. There is an element of cultural clash that cannot be easily resolved.
The US is such a dominant country because it has the largest economy in the world and with 300 million people, the means to exert influence. Is it the best country in which to live? That depends on your perspective. If you need health care, probably not, unless you're very rich or have comprehensive insurance. If you want to start a business, quite probably it is. If you want to retire to a safe, clean and prosperous environment, then I'd choose the country's northern neighbour, Canada, particularly Vancouver and surrounding areas.
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June 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I'm American and I live in Europe…. So….. take it as you will.
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June 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
You need not make general comments like "in America we never learn about other countries…." You must live in a poor neighbourhood if you are not taught anything about other countries, because I finished my education there and had a GPA of 3.0. Did you pay attention in class? Did you ever take English Language/Literature. I know for a fact if you took those lessons you would have to understand Chaucer and Shakespeare. You would have known that they originate from England. In the past America only involves itself when there is something to gain. Everyone knows about America because most Americans are good at product/self-promotion; you know- marketing something to its best or most favourable advantage. I have cable and I can see many programmes from Europe while in America. The Beatles are from England and you have heard of them. If you don't they copied Rhythm and Blues and made it into rock and roll form earlier black artists who had the same concept. I was just in America at the beginning of May and I heard Leona Lewis on the radio almost everyday. She is the knock off version of Mariah Carey. America is not a dominant country, they may think they are but they are not. Take a look at your U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 28 May 2009 at 10:43:26 AM GMT is: $11,311,396,881,055.35. The estimated population of the United States is 306,263,281 so each citizen's share of this debt is $36,933.57.
The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$3.79 billion per day since September 28, 2007.
American companies are the biggest polluters and waste by-products. Chemicals have even seeped into your water supply. That pollution is going to be the main reason why our planet is slowly dying.
How old are you? You know owning a computer means you can research almost anything you wish to learn?
source:www.google.com
Definitions of europe on the Web:
The 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use `Europe' to refer to all of the continent except the British …
European Union: an international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members; "he tried to take Britain into the Europen Union"
the nations of the European continent collectively; "the Marshall Plan helped Europe recover from World War II"
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
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June 4th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
That's one of America's biggest problems. Ignorance. And ignorance grows fear. Americans are sweet and caring but yes they don't seem to know what exist outside their borders, not all of them but many. I hope that that worlds geography is not taught in schools of USA is a joke.. America is unique in many ways, not bad but some things should be corrected in this nation. It's unique that entertainment new gets a bigger spot light than worlds news.
And what comes to best country to live in, i would choose some country with better health care, freedom of speech, tax system, nature conservation and education.
I hope your question is a joke.. Sound like a stereotype O_o
Bianca is right. many other countries have arranged their nation better than USA and worst thing there is that gap between rich and poor. I mean what kind of democracy is it that someone goes to store with a airplane and other has to work in 3 jobs with a miserable payment??
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June 4th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
No one can answer that question until they have lived in all the countries, which is impossible – it would also depend on what you would class as great living. If my passion in life is skiing I would certainly not want to live in the Caribbean, just as if my passion in life were surfing I would not wish to live in Hungary.
Anyway….
It's nice to see someone actually asking questions, and not blindly following the same old "we are the greatest and the rest of the world are 3rd world hut dwellers" mentality.
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June 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
The top five countries as "best place to live" in the world:
1. Iceland
2. Norway
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Ireland
(The United States fell to 12th on the list)
In your first paragraph, I believe it. You not only learn about how great America is, but you also don't consider any other countries (as you said – other countries isn't so important). Let me tell you something. The fact that you think "helping other poor countries with WAR" is a good thing, continues to show the rest of the world how arrogant your people are. ALL countries in the world (other than the third world populations) give food to needy people.
You are correct in your first sentence, second paragraph. Not only do I know every state in the US, but I also know your national bird, your country's population (307,212,123) and your original US flag (this flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes, and became effective on May 1, 1795, although I know there was one with only 13 stars on the blue background first representing the original 13 colonies). I know every state capital, state motto, state bird, and most of the population of each state. I bet you could not tell me where Fort McMurray, Alberta is in Canada and what is it famous for? I also bet that you have no idea what our flag looks like. What is our population? What is our national bird? What is Canada known for more than anything else?
Europe is a continent. Britain is a country in Europe. America is NOT a dominant country. American children are just brainwashed into thinking it is from the time they can understand simple words. I absolutely do not think America is the best country. I lived there for 3 yrs in the state of Michigan. The scenery was really nice, but the people are so intolerant of people who are not white. I also noticed that people at the local diner drank coffee every day, griping about how horrible your government is (before Mr. Obama was elected). It seemed that everybody was getting a divorce and there were many young girls getting pregnant before they even finished high school.
As far as TV programs, I watched several Canadian shows when I lived there. "The Red Green Show" was on many times and it's definitely Canadian. There was also a fishing show on I watched that was filmed in the Queen Charlotte Islands (west coast) and the guys were catching huge Pacific sockeye and coho salmon.
The term "UK" stands for United Kingdom and is another word for Britain, which contains England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As stated above, Britain is a country IN Europe.
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June 4th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
For the Americans, yes
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June 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
According to the bbc the best countries to live in are:
1 Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain
I personally dont agree with this. i lived in Northern Ireland and therefore has had experience from both countries. and i would prefer Britan.
I dont agree however that america has no influence from other countries. you only have to switch on to any american program to find some association from other english speaking countries especially Britain. Harry Potter, 007?
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4020523.stm
June 4th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
"Yes"
"Goodbye!"
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June 8th, 2009 at 1:06 am
America is a continent with lots of other countries…
so why don’t you call it The United States of America!
sorry, i dunno why it upsets me how people from the US call their country AMERICA, they are AMERICANS!, wrong!
June 9th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
im laughing while im reading this post.
you are definitely a dumb brainwashed american. Hahaha
I cant help you please go back to school and listen to your history teacher.
June 14th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
i quote’ I mean we are always helping other poor countries with war and giving them food. I don’t think any other country does that. ‘ (YOU ARE AN RETARTED) i know its a big word but try 2 sound it out
June 18th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I think that the US does brainwash, and perhaps many countries do that to their own citizens. They use propaganda to mislead their people.
I do think that its sad that US citizens don’t know where Iraq is on a map, or where even America is when pointing to an unlabeled globe.
In the US knowledge doesn’t seem to be held in high esteem regarding history, math, biology, etc… I think most people make it a point to remember facts about celebrities, athletes, sports, or movies…rather then those things that REALLY matter.
I do not feel intelligent as a US Citizen…I do hold a 3.2 GPA at my University, but I hardly can recall any of the EU nations, countries in Africa )except maybe 3 or 4). I don’t know a multitude about great fictional authors, or what other countries are known for or remembered for.
All I know is that I am stuck here in this brainwashed US city, sitting around everyday depressed. I am in pain all the time, have tried to get help but I feel like an idiot when I tell Doctors I have been in pain for 8 years now. I feel like they are incompetent, and that this countries health system sucks. I don’t have tons of money to get the care i need to do whatever i need to do without racking up tens of thousands in debt…or hundreds of thousands for all i know.
I am dumb, I am lonely, and the poeple here suck in Virginia.
June 19th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I’m from the United States and have had it with living here. I don’t trust the government, the medical field, or the education system. I have raised three very talented and smart children, however we are now looking to move out of the country we once called home. Too much has changed in this land since I was young. Americans are greedy, selfish and hostile for the most part. Our education system is better I’m sure than some countries out there, but worse than others. I would love to live in Scotland or Ireland as my ancestors are from there and I would love to connect with that part of my history. Cathy is right…America is NOT a dominant country, but we are so freaking arrogant that most Americans believe we are THE GREAT SUPER POWER…….sometimes, I feel guilty for hating America. But I can’t change it by myself!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:22 am
I live in Australia and I pretty much agree with the top 10 countries listed above but do they include crime???
If they did, Australia could be further up. I don’t know why but it’s like America or England that have all these huge crimes happening and gangs…
But then again Australia has their own issues such as ‘bikie gangs’ which has taken off lately.
The Australian governments are the biggest joke ever. In NSW for instance, the traffic is gridlocked every day and night outside my home. The public health system is appalling with some people having to wait five years + for a transplant of some sort.
In my mind, I wouldn’t put Australia at 6th, but more like 20+. Europe seems to be the place to go
June 29th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
There are a lot of friendly and decent people here in the U.S., but the educational level is generally very poor. I work with college graduates who literally believe that the world is 6,000 years old! Our infrastructure is in serious decline and it is affecting our competitiveness. Very few people travel outside our borders and it is very difficult if one desires since many people get only one or two weeks of vacation per year. After many years of work, you may get three or four, but then you lose your job and start again with one week. You can’t even visit much in Canada in one week! If (and its a big if in my opinion) the dollar can stay reasonably strong, I’d like to retire overseas in a low-cost area and spend my time seeing the world.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I just was doing some random thought searches, as i like to call it, or education of reality..Yes I feel like moving too, i cannot stand it here anymore either, life is like a bad movie, that only gets worse, in fact i talk about all the things that could be changed here, and nobody listens, its like they turn there heads and say you need medical help, i say fu*k you, im more American then any of you bitches that have bought it, point is Life is a GAME here…i want out… i wish england would allow safe passage back to where my family from..Madonna could be right
June 30th, 2009 at 2:12 am
I am an american for 38 years in the country United States of America in the continent North America, you know the 50 states between Mexico and Canada,to the one that said most Americans couldnt find America on a world globe is crazy and must not live in america, I agree alot of Americans are brain washed by the government, but so are alot of other countries, the good ole USA might not have the best of everything but it surpasses most countries in too many aspects to even mention.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 am
Agree that a lot of people in States are ignorant, limited minded and selfish. And now also, fat and rude
Educational system is far from being perfect, I can tell you that as a teacher. The only reason why some citizens are doing ok is the narrow professional specialization at schools, general knowledge is still low (language(s), world’s history, physiology, art, physics, math, geography ect.). Medical help is extremely expensive, only a pricy insurance can cover it.
It is wrong to say that USA helps with the war – it involves in other countries business & refuses to accept the diversity in the world.
Why is it still a Great country? Because of a little bunch of really smart people, ambitious, concept inventors, who were/are an engine of USA that keeps it going.
My advice: travel around the world, talk to different people, read books, learn a couple of other languages.
Think! Question!
The “Perfect Country” is different for each person. It depends on a level of personal development, values, preferences.
There is nothing impossible, if you can picture it – you can make it happen.
I’ve lived in Russia for 24 years, I live in Canada now for 5 years (it is in North America too, but not in US)
I’m almost 30 & still not sure where I’d like to live in the future. Everything changes fast, and I might move again to make sure my little son will have a bright future.
Good luck everyone!
July 15th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I am Canadian. It’s a good place to live. But the best place in the world? It depends, as someone has already pointed out, on personal values.
Some European countries are wonderful because of the culture and way of life, which has different values than American “crappy” consumer values. For that reason, I’d choose Italy or a Scandanavian country. But the best is definitely NOT the US. On that most of us agree. I have been to various places in the US and have always been struck by the amount of racism and lack of interest or tolerance in anyone or anything different from the accepted norm. I realize that many Americans are educated and open-minded, but there are so many that do not know anything of the world outside the borders, and I think that the media is designed to keep it that way in the US.
Here in Canada you can watch the BBC world news, or CNN, if you like, or our own CBC. Any American who can catch the BBC news should try it. Then you’ll know what good news is all about. American news is highly filtered entertainment tv, aiming for shock value above all. I regret that young Canadians are inundated with American media. That’s probably why the difference between Canadians and Americans isn’t as defined as it used to be. And that’s too bad.
July 18th, 2009 at 4:47 am
hahaha wow ive heard things about Americans being really dumb and such but this is absolutely ridiculous. first off id like to say that the question is america the best country to live in is inherently flawed as you havent specified as to what aspect of life in america you are referring and any answer given would be a personal opinion of the answerer anyway. second as you asked an internet forum something like this it is obvious that you have a computer use it to try to teach yourself as it is evident that your teachers are not capable of doing that. i know that in the united states the media is absolutely useless for learning anything other than something about all the entertainment stars (saw fox yesterday reporting a revelation of michael jacksons death)(paris hilton is up to some naughty things) and so on. So i would consider being born and raised in america as a form of disability you are brainwashed to believe that there is nowhere better to live, returning to your original question any media that actually reports on your nation shows america as liberators and the greatest nation of the earth what with you military might and financial power! hahaha again this returns to my answer to your question ITS ALL A MATTER OF OPINION other countries see you as stupid, lazy, bullies of the world and you are showing several of these stereotypes its sad really….in any case i suggest you go to school and ask your teachers every question that you have then check with the internet for the correct answers its sad but even your teachers will be wrong as they are adhering to the same principles they were taught in school (america is great no other nation is better or is more generous)just like you, and when you grow up do yourself a favor and lean another language and travel to see the other cultures and peoples of the world (there are nearly 7 billion of us not just 300 odd million) we live on several continents and many many countries
oh and to cathy /\ there were actually 13 stripes and stars on the american flag to represent the original colonies the number of stars increases with every new state but the stripes remain to represent the original states please please people dont try to show off intelligence with wrong facts….
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
this would depend on who you are asking. america is great if you are right wing, religious, capitalist, racist, but if you value human rights, then usa might not be the best place for you. if you are an atheist, then usa might not be for you either. on the other hand if you like being told what to do and how to think, then america will be fine. a lot of these lists are pointless really. You look at countries like Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain
i can think of plenty of reasons why you would not like these countries. first of all, they are all expensive, much more expensive than the usa. their pay is not necesarily all that high either, so in most cases, you will be paying more for products and services, while getting paid less. this results in you having to be broke. on the other hand, they have decent social services, with the exception of australia. their houses are also very small. if you enjoy your luxuries, then europe is not for you because over there, the majority of people dont have air conditioning. i prefer having ac when it goes above 21 degrees, and most european cities will see 25+ in the summer. they have small refrigerators, and dont have so many cable outlets and telephone jacks. i visited an apartment that had 1 phone jack in a 2 bedroom apt, whereas i saw 3-4 in american ones. same goes for power points. everything closes early in europe. you wont find the 24 hour dennys, or 24 hour walmarts all over. many places will close at 18:00, and a lot more places are closed on sundays compared to usa. i noticed the same thing in australia (things closed early and weekends). europe also doesnt have a lot of the huge parking lots that america has, so it feels alot harder to drive. their highways dont look as developed as the american ones. their taxes are high. if you are a cheap skate and dont want to pay taxes, then you will not like it. reasons you might not like australia would be the distance from many western countries. often times it takes over 24 hrs to get to europe. australia is also known to be a racist country. for an america, i think you will find that europeans arent so friendly. they wont make the small talk that you see in the american south and midwest. most americans will also clash with europeans on political views. europeans tend to be more progresive, while americans are conservative (racism, religion, healthcare, environment, free market, war, military, human rights). i dont think most average americans would like europe because most americans are so far to the right politically.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
123Pacman wrote on June 4th, 2009 at 10:27 am
“America is a dominant country because it brain wash’s it folks and thrives on bullying and war, like the war in Iraq, where were those chemical bombs?”
WMD’s Whereabouts:
One of the closest people to Saddam Hussein was General Georges Sada. Saddam trusted General Sada because he would say what was on his mind not what he thought Saddam wanted to hear, even if that meant risking his life to do so. He knew Saddam and his wife before Saddam came into power on July 17, 1979 when Saddam ousted then President Al-Bakr. Before Saddam fled into hiding due to Operation Iraqi Freedom headed by U.S. troops, he ordered that the WMDs be convoyed into Syria. General Georges Sada wrote of these accounts in his book, “Saddam’s Secrets: How an Iraqi Gen defied and survived Saddam Hussein”. He writes on page 13, “Saddam seldom based his military strategy on logic, nat’l interest, or least of all, genuine nat’l defense. As in everything else, his tactics were centered on whatever would benefit him personally or exalt his reputation and authority in the region. He was interested only in his own glory and power, which helps to explain another little-known secret: we were ordered to carry out an attack against Israel using Chemical Weapons. I will talk more about that and I will also go into some detail about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Yes, we had them. We used them. And Saddam shipped them out of the country before coalition forces ever arrived. I will talk about how these WMDs were used by Saddam and the military on both soldiers and civilian targets, how Saddam managed to hide them under the noses of U.N. Inspectors, and then how he managed to smuggle them out of the country before the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.” PAGE 250-51 he writes “Iragi engineers were very good at manufacturing Chemical Weapons systems. By August 2002, Saddam was convinced the Americans were coming; but even then the chemical and mechanical engineers continued building and developing all these systems, on into 2003 and after the American invasion began. Eventually he decided that he would have to gather everything-whether it was complete, partially complete, or only raw material-and take it out of the country, and that’s what he did. Prior to Operations Iraqi Freedom NO ONE in Europe or America doubted that Saddam possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction. No one could possibly deny that he had used them on many occasions. It’s well known that Saddam ordered Chemical Wpns to be used against the Kurds at Halbja and Anfal. And there were occasion when the artillery shells and bombs that were used during the Iran-Iraq War were armed with chemical agents.”
It was a well-known fact to the Iraqi Army and Airmen that Saddam did infact have WMDs. Seems like YOU’RE the one who got brain-washed, Pacman!
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Pertaining to THIS site my opinion is that I love America. It’s rich heritage can be shared by many races, cultures and beliefs. Unfortunately America is now in the short process of turning into an Oligarchy which leads to tyranical leadership so my husband and I are seeking out information on other places to reside.
America the beautiful has been tainted by 75% of the media who are associated with this ensuing Oligarchy and have special interests in tearing down the reputation of this great country. Believe it or not, the only thing, in my opinion that is bad about America are the propagandized views taught in American schools and colleges by peolple with an agenda to teach that everything American is bad.
America was a Republic, ruled by the balance of Law and was recognized by it’s founders as the best governing body to possess, due to it’s own checks and balances on it’s governing body, and the freedoms endowed upon her people, which are pursue life, liberty and happiness. Unfortunately, those checks and balances have been decontstructed by a lethal combination of liberal media who knowingly aids to destroy the best form of government on the globe and by a corrupt government. In the less than 4 wks of his illegitimate presidencyObama has taken volumes from the Marxian handbook, which dictates that the stupid
masses be blitzed with an overload of information (happening as we speak), hollow press conferences (he’s been on tv more than most hollywood stars), appointments (met with Budgeting Office Director to intimidate him), dismantling of formerly effective national-security programs (CIA, FBI are under slanderous attack and just recently he’s bad-mouthed our police force), all of this in order to set the stage for a
massive, Soviet-style takeover of our government, including a civilian national security force that Obama has said should be “just as powerful, strong and well-funded as the U.S. military.” Echoes of Nazi Germany in 1938, anyone?
IF you ever wondered if you should come to Amercia you missed the train, it no longer exists.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:08 pm
M wrote on:
June 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
“American companies are the biggest polluters and waste by-products. Chemicals have even seeped into your water supply. That pollution is going to be the main reason why our planet is slowly dying.”
No, actually you’re thinking of China. Look into it before you accuse a lesser polluter of being the “biggest polluters” Currently the United States have far better restraints on company polluntants than China, who refuse to consider they even contribute to the world’s pollution problem. Get your facts right before relying on heresay. I will admit that we’ve had an occasional rogue company or two attempt to hide below standard waste-management practices but the U.S. has very heavy fines that follow the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in-depth investigations and inspections so as to prevent companies from abusing the system. China, however has the highest pollutant rate with no willingness to resolve this in sight. Look it up, use Google, it’s a very nice search engine.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
You only have to take a look at our immigration numbers to know how great a country the USA is. There are more people coming in than going out. And, actually, the USA contributes or gives more than any other country in the world as private citizens. I know, I know, silly facts like those just make that evil, fat american stereotype hard to live on.
As for healthcare, no one is denied services in this country if they need healthcare. It’s against the law. Health insurance is not a right and we don’t, yet, tax people to death to make it so.
In America we believe that hard work should be rewarded. You are not confined to the situation or class of people that you are born into. Some of the wealthiest people in this country are self made not some trust fund baby. We see someone who has something and think, “wow, that could be me someday!” not that’s not fair, let’s tax that guy or girl to death or just take it away from them.
Sorry, most of those generalizations are just stereotypes perpetuated by the media and those who hold the US in contempt.
I , also, find it funny that many on here are talking about becoming educated about the rest of the world when they aren’t even educated about the USA.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:02 am
I’m from the USA and I am married to a man from Norway. He is always bringing up how great Norway is and that it is one of the top countries to live. I have spent years in Norway and while it is a beautiful country with many benefits like health care and retirement pension it also has it’s down falls. They are taxed highly for those benefits. Essential things like homes, cars and gasoline are 3 times as expensive than in the USA due to their government taxes. Norway is a country that tries to keep it’s citizens equal. They don’t one anyone to be to rich or too poor. I think myself an open minded person but I get really upset at the European attitude that Americans are stupid, fat, brain wash and uninformed. Unless you have lived somewhere I don’t think it is fair to make such assumptions. My husband used to have a similar attitude until he spent a real amount of time in the USA. You can’t believe everything you see on tv about the United States of America. While it may not be the best place in the world to live as far as the security of health care it has many great things to offer. There is a reason there are so many immigrants in the USA. All of my immigrant friends have done very well for themselves and are happy living in the ” Land of Opportunity” ( some are from the top 10 countries on the list)
August 31st, 2009 at 5:01 am
Well said: Trying to pick a Utopia of sorts is very difficult as many people have things they like and dislike. I very much wanted out of the U.S. because I was getting older and was afraid if I got sick like my mother did I would loose everything I worked my life for. Just like my parents did when my mom got sick. They lost their house, cars everything because of all those medical bills within 2 years.
Very sad to say the least, so I was angry at the system, married and moved to England. Thinking it had to be far better than the U.S. and guess what? It is not at least not for me. I hate the gloomy weather all the time, it is cold most of the time so any summer boating or water sports forget about doing them here. No decent outdoor activities without getting rained on.
Health care is not exactly free it is included with your taxes, which is around 20%. Good system but again as I found out very very basic in health care. I would not want to use it if I had cancer or something. Now I know I would choose to go back to the U.S. to go broke but knowing my treatment was the best. Instead of bare bones basic Vet treatment here.
The benefit system or welfare system is out of control here, as long as you are a citizen you loose your job you go on benefits and get monthly allowance, house and other things with no limitation on how many kids you pop out.
The this country is extremely conservative in their thinking so to an expat difficult to start your business or even get a decent paying job as they do not recognize U.S. education or maybe choose not to. The pay is very bad here worse then what I saw in the U.S. before leaving. Manners are poor, customer services is horrible, Gas/Petrol is outrageous in price due to the high taxes on it.
Alcoholism is through the roof, as I understand it and witnessed they live to head to a pub to get filthy drunk. Again for me personally the culture is worse here than the U.S. and it took me to live here to realized I had it much better in the U.S. despite the rotten health care system.
I lived better, housing was cheaper, cleaner, nicer, larger, the pay was much better than here. Americans are Entrepreneurs England is not. This is the most Policed country I have ever seen in my life. CCTV everywhere big brother always watching you. Creepy!
There are guns here and shootings all the time, not as bad as the U.S. because it is smaller but still it happens in the poor areas.
Simple respect for others I find does not or rarely exists. I watch how they treat one another and it is down right rude. Again it may be the area I live in but I witness it daily. Sad! In the U.S. where I lived it was not that bad nor were people rude in general like they are here.
So what have I learned from all of this? England all the way around is not my cup of tea. I know few expats who actually really like it here. Again each person is different in what they want for their quality of life. I was looking for basics and so far have not found it in England.
Someone made a comment that Americans seldom leave, well could it be because of the cost of a flight out? Could it be because there are so many states within the U.S. to choose from to take a Holiday/vacation to get beach/mountains/snow skiing/etc. Really no need to leave unless you are wealthy and can afford it. We have it all.
America offers a great deal and their attitude is great towards anyone who wants to make it and make it big. No limits on that one like the resistance you get here. I mean anyone from any country if they have the will can make a lot of money in the U.S. and no one will hate you for it!
So I have learned that the grass for me was already plenty green in America. I don’t appreciate being treated with disrespect. I am smart and will go back asap so I can start over in America, wiser and more appreciative as what I had there. I’ll take my chances with health care as it is like going to a VETS office here. Again, just not my thing, many others would have a completely different opinion and that is what this debate is all about isn’t it?
Each and every person will have things they like and dislike about any country, so does that make one country better than the other? I don’t think it does. Just different and that is ok. That is how everyone learns a bit about each other is by being different. The one great thing for me living in England is the fantastic history trails. I am a history buff and for me it has been and wonderful experience seeing and touching history. So at least I got that much out of living here and a new found knowledge and appreciation for what I took for granted in America.
It really is the land of the free and can be prosperous to those who are willing to work hard to get it. No one will stop you if you try and most would pat you on the back and respect you for going for your dreams. They do not do that here at all! Sad very sad as to what they are missing here….
October 4th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I am an American by birth but had lived in the Brish West Indies for many years in my younger days. I work for the Airlines so I go back often. I cannot wait to leave this country. Yes, Americans are pompous, racist, and ignorant beyond belief. They fail to remember that they immigrated here themselves from other countries around the world and took away the native American Indians’ rights to their homeland. They came over on a boat like the Africans they enslaved, only their voyage was by choice. the system is corrupt from top to bottom and people are really suffering here. The less fortunate sorely outweigh the fortunate in this country and it is not getting better. people are literally ending their lives because they have no jobs and cannot feed their families. What kind of government would rather bail out their auto industry than bail out their citizens. Tell me this, who’s going to buy the stupid cars if the consumers are jobless and hopeless. As soon as I can save enough money, if that happens before I am 90 years old, I am taking my son and daughter to a country that cares about the people that keep the country going and where the color of our skin does not determine our fate.
October 5th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Best countries to live in by what? safest? cleanest? advanced? It depends what this article is talking about. Now about America…. I’ve been since I was born here and many things are flawed but many others are good. I think America should be up there but this Top Ten report means NOTHING. Go to Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Spain and judge for yourself. Now if they did The Best Overall Country, it would be America. Why? For obvious reasons. #1 Food Production, #1 Military, #1 Economy, #1 or #2 in Technology, Japan and us are very close so I’m not sure.
Those were all facts accept the technology part. America in my eyes is the BEST OVERALL COUNTRY.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
My Goodness, are you serious????
First of all, there are LOTS of countries who help out others in need, just as much as America does. It’s hard to argue with you, about the general geographical education (or lack there of) of the average American, since you’re a perfect example of someone who lacks the basic knowledge.
Your ignorance is amazing and almost comical. Only American artists are known and famous??? I don’t even know how to respond to that….
I love both Europe and America and have lived on both continents for many years, but if you have to pick a “best country” based on welfare, politics, technological advancement, education and quality of life for the average person, there’s no doubt that the countries of Scandinavia comes in as a clear #1.
I don’t know how old you are, but you should know, that it’s your responsibility to make sure that you’re educated, no matter what country you live in!
There’s no excuse for not being educated today.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Oh and btw, the sentence “we are always helping other poor countries with war” says a lot…don’t you think?
October 13th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I’m from Australia, and my “top 10″ is:
1. The Netherlands
2. Sweden
3. Luxembourg
4. The United Kingdom
5. Switzerland
6. Iceland
7. Norway
8. Denmark
9. Portugal
10. maybe Belgium
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Northern Ireland is not the same as Ireland. The first is a part of the UK, and the second is a different country.
So your experience of living in Northern Ireland does not exactly make you qualified to speak about the quality of life in Ireland.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Hello, well to answer your question in one word: NO!
The United States of America (USA) or as you incorrectly call it “America” (which actually means the whole continent in which your country is) is absolutely NOT the best country in the world. It doesn’t even make the top 10 most of the times.
Why? Because of ignorance, crime, unequal benefits (rich people have priority), bad healthcare access and its society itself is destroyed (high divorce rates, murders, violence, no values, etc..) i cant say it is so for every single person in USA, but sadly most of it, it is.
This would be my top 10:
1 Australia
2 Canada
3 United Kingdom
4 Austria
5 Germany
6 France
7 Ireland
8 Denmark
9 Switzerland
10 Sweden
November 12th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
and yes what “IM” (comment #44) says it is true for that guy who said that.
Northern Ireland actually is part of the UK and it is currently having lots of trouble with terrorism, strikes, and other problems.. it is in the island of Ireland (true) but it is not in the COUNTRY OF IRELAND (republic of ireland) which is what we are talking about.
UK = England + Wales + Scotland + N. Ireland
Republic of Ireland = about 80% of the territory of the island of ireland.
just wikipedia it
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Speaking of ignorance, America is not a country!
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:32 am
People in the United States do not realize that there are 52 other countries in America.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Kevin got it right. People do not relise that there are 52 other countries in America.