What is the greatest country on Earth?

[_Jumper_]

Some on here often bash America every chance they get so I'd like them to name a country that they believe is a paragon of virtue.

[Trek234]

1. England

nt

[ShaneGR]

75. USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA, USA

The preceding has been my patriotic statement for the day. Fuck the rest, we're the best. Especially after we dump * like a bad habit

[IndianaGreen]

86. And what if Bush gets in again, thanks to whatever trickery they use?

Are you going to be shouting that stupid "USA-USA-USA" from behind the barbed wire?

Good luck!

[BurtWorm]

2. Iceland

[dpbrown]

59. I second Iceland

World's first parliamentary legislature, convened in 930.

On track to becoming the first oil-free nation on earth.

Iceland.

[Forkboy]

70. A third Iceland pick here

[Exultant Democracy]

3. Canada, maybe some day we can be like them n/t

[Not a robought]

4. I like Canada

I live in Canada.

[magnolia]

63. I love Canada...

...but no country's perfect. The prairies are just as conservative as our blue states. And that 15% sales tax...eeekkk! Sales tax is unfair anyway, because it means that if a millionaire bought an item he would pay the same tax as a poor person buying the same item.

[bicentennial_baby]

5. No such thing

Every country has it's good and bad, some more than others.

[arcos]

27. agreed!

n/t

[Generic Other]

6. Fredonia

And a chauvinistic Quack Quack to you too!

[StopTheMorans]

21. you're not talking about

Fredonia, NY are you?

[Generic Other]

96. Freedonia from DUCK SOUP

<snip>
The Marx Brothers' greatest and funniest masterpiece - the classic comedy Duck Soup (1933) is a short, but brilliant satire and lampooning of blundering dictatorial leaders, Fascism and authoritarian government...

The outrageous film was both a critical and commercial failure at the time of its release - audiences were taken aback by such preposterous political disrespect, buffoonery and cynicism at a time of political and economic crisis, with Roosevelt's struggle against Depression in the US amidst the rising power of Hitler in Germany. (This film quote, spoken by Groucho, was especially detested: "And remember while you're out there risking life and limb through shot and shell, we'll be in here thinking what a sucker you are.") Insulted by the film, fascist Italian dictator Mussolini banned the film in his country...

The irrepressible comedians in this quintessential anarchic, satirical film simply but irreverently attack the pomposity of small-time governmental leaders (Firefly as President), the absurdity of government itself (the Cabinet meeting scene), governmental diplomacy (the Trentino-Firefly scenes), an arbitrary legal system (Chicolini's trial), and war fought over petty matters (the mobilization and war scenes). <snip>

http://www.filmsite.org/duck.html

[pfitz59]

7. France......

Finest climate, best food, wonderful people.

[_Jumper_]

12. France is apparently racist

http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=185

[Trek234]

37. You have to realize...

France gets A LOT of people from North Africa... A lot of them seek refuge status, and apparently according to some hurt the economy.

It's probably not a racial thing more than an anti-foreigner issue.

As far as Italy... I have a friend that is Albanian and it goes both ways. Apparently there is a lot of hate between the two...

[Blue_Chill]

14. Is there another France?

Climate = good
Food = yuck!
People = smug

[searchingforlight]

24. I found the people to be friendly and helpful, Very laid back.

I don't know where you ate but my dining experiences were wonderful. Even on the trains.

[radwriter0555]

28. LOVE THE CHEESE.....

in france.

Or so all my postcards read!

The food in france is astounding...

[Blue_Chill]

40. bah!

I think it was bad luck and the fact I don't like french food.

[mike6640]

97. the country?

[Aristus]

8. Sweden and the Netherlands could be contenders.

I'm just sayin'.

[Blue_Chill]

9. Next you'll ask us to catch the tooth fairy

Because a country that is a paragon of virtue is just as much of a fairy tale.

[Walt Starr]

16. Well said, but I do like the Netherlands for a variety of reason

Of course, they are no "paragon of virtue".

They certainly seem to be more enlightened than the u.S., though.

[EOTE]

62. And they have the friendliest people in the world.

Everywhere you go in the Netherlands, people go out of their way to help you. They don't seem to mind if you don't know Dutch and most people are very proud of their English skills. People there won't think twice about helping a stranger get to his/her destination. When I first went to Amsterdam, as Carman would say; "I nearly choked on the sweet air of freedom". The policy in Amsterdam generally is if you're not hurting anyone then go ahead.

I had a Dutch friend in college. He was of drinking age, so one day he was sitting on a park bench enjoying a beer. Fairly soon a police came up to him and wrote him a ticket. He had no idea that you couldn't consume alcoholic beverages in the open like that. He told me the story later that night and exclaimed; "Isn't America supposed to be the land of the free?" He fell for the scam just as many Americans did. If there is any land of the free in this world of ours, it's the Netherlands.

Oh, did I mention they have fantastic bud there too?

[StopTheMorans]

33. I'm with you here, the following is to Jumper:

how many flame-baiting posts do we need? Why don't you just say that every country in the Western Hemisphere populated to a large degree by caucasians is racist? Your threads keep implying it, instead of flame-baiting, why don't you offer some constructive criticism as to how you would like to change things? Sorry, I'm just getting tired of these "flame" threads with no purpose other than to try and decry everyone but Ghandi as "racist". Something positive or constructive would be appreciated IMHO:) I'm not saying that racism isn't a problem, b/c it is a HUGE problem, but these threads are not constructive in the least IMO.

[_Jumper_]

38. I've only said France is racist

That's just 1 of the many nations in the Western Hemisphere. BTW only part of France is in the Western hemisphere.

If you don't like it don't read it.:)

[StopTheMorans]

44. how bout your thread

(I know I'm following your thread history here, hate me if you will) about third world nations only applying to nations outside of Europe and the traditional "west" (i.e. inferring that certain nations would not be labelled "third world" b/c they are mostly caucasian)? That's not just france... I just feel like you are so obsessed with the "race" issue that you project it into situations where it isn't really a factor, or you overemphasize it. Can't remember your thread on it yesterday? I believe, but it was one where the great majority of people felt you were seeing a race issue when race wasn't a factor at all. Like I said before, racism is a problem, but you have to keep it within a reasonable context; it is not the reason for all of the world's problems, just saying that you should be realistic in your application of race to certain situations. only my opinion:)

[bicentennial_baby]

89. Don't forget

the one about how people who vacation in Europe must do so because they only feel comfortable around white people! As if there are only white people in Europe, and no non-white americans vacation in Europe...ok jumper, whatever you say... :eyes:

[StopTheMorans]

100. thank you, and now Jumper:

would you care to reply to my post (44), or 89? I made my point, you tried to brush it off my confining it to just the comments you made in this thread?

[RandomKoolzip]

10. Earth itself.

No countries, boundaries, etc. One world is all we got...one planet that could be working together as a single unified force toward total evolution, yet undercutting itself through nationalism.

[ignatius]

79. Imagine!!

Wonderful sentiments.

[radwriter0555]

11. I like France. For centuries, they've striven to change for the better...

they've got so many things to offer, from such an unparalleled place in history, throughout history, even today... to great minds and culture.

I especially appreciate how their government is constantly changing; they're not afraid to try new things to make things better FOR the people.

The people speak loudly and often, and are very sure of themselves. They aren't afraid to stand for what is right, and to say it loudly.

And they have ROCKIN food and clothes and culture; they have the LOUVRE.

Their social services are great.. transport is fantastic... lovely cities... they're just a people oriented culture constantly striving for new and better.

[Not a robought]

19. I like Portugal too

a charming culture and people, great food and amazingly sexy.

[BurtWorm]

13. The United States of America

is the gratingest country on earth. And don't you forget it!

[Fixated]

18. ...

It's either us or Canada, and we can kick their ass, so it's us, baby.

[Not a robought]

25. j00 tried once before

and den we burn your white house down.

We see you've rebuilt it, it looks very nice.

[HFishbine]

15. Texas?

(my freeper imitation)

[searchingforlight]

17. I would be torn between France and Canada. Hey, just try Montreal!!

[IndianaGreen]

20. Canada

My future home after Bush takes the oath of office in January 2005!

I won't make the same mistake the German Jews made and wait until it is to late to leave the country.

[Frederic Bastiat]

82. Well then get on with it

It takes a while to immigrate up here!

[ibegurpard]

22. Definitions please:

How do you define greatest?

[_Jumper_]

23. That's the interesting thing

Everyone here probably has their own definition.

[BurtWorm]

26. Everyone here is probably making fun of the question.

[_Jumper_]

57. No they're probably just shocked in awe of post#13

That was pure genius! I can't believe I'm posting on the same site as YOU!

[rman]

31. so it's kinda pointless

[Atlant]

29. The Dutchy of Grand Fenwick (NT)

[Aristus]

49. Ahh, Fenwick!

Those lucious grapes that grow on the slopes of southern G.F.! Is anything better in life? Care for a glass of Pinot Grand Fenwick?

[IndianaGreen]

56. They also have the much feared "Q-Bomb,"

[protect freedom impeach bush now]

30. Finland, Sweden, Norway

All have a much, much higher standard of living than
the USA. The USA doesnt even make the Top 10 in some
studies.

Granted these Scandinavian countries all have their own
problems, AND their taxes are very high, but IF you are
a citizen of these 3 countries you will likely
live longer, live healthier, live happier no matter
IF you are rich or poor.

In USA only the rich can afford what ALL citizens recieve
in those 3 countries.

No country is perfect. And the USA is far from it.
Pollution, poverty, low standard of living,
welfare for corporations at the expense of everyone else,
no universal healthcare, forced bankruptcies for those
who get sick and can not afford care, .....
Corporations that pay zero taxes, corporations that
make people sick, corporations that hide monies in
off shore accounts (Haliburtons, Enrons, etc...)


hmmmmm....Switzerland also has a very high standard of living.

[rosey_vomisa]

67. Finland is not an ideal country

I am from Finland, and I have to say some of your facts are wrong. Finns do not live longer (Finnish men have the highest heart attack rate in the entire world), Finns do not live healthier (most Finns smoke and drink in quantities that would astound even American frat boys), and Finns certainly do not live happier (an extremely high percentage of Finns are chronically depressed individuals -- Finland also has the highest suicide rate for men in the world).

And it is not all citizens who get everything in these countries. I have said before that although education is free, only the top 5% of gifted students can go to university, since the space is limited. So, when I was working as a burger flipper at Hesburger, I was still paying my 45% in taxes so some genius could get an education, and I NEVER could.

Every year the local governments ask for more money for certain programs, but, magically, the money never makes it there. But, by some strange coincidence, the salaries of government officials increases at the same time. Welfare for fat, wealthy government people. By the way, it is almost always government officials who live in the very nicest houses in Finland and drive fancy cars.

We do not have a higher standard of living in Finland then Americans do. Most people live in tiny apartments in the cities, and can afford few luxuries. One can of Coca-Cola costs the same as a 12-pack in America. All hamburgers at fast food restaurants are made out of pork, because beef is too expensive. Most do not ever go out to dinner, because it's too expensive. If you visit Finland you will notice that almost nobody has a new car, because there is a 120% luxury tax on them. Added to the price of all the Finnish benefits is that ALL Finnish men are required to either go into the military or perform mandatory public service by a certain age or they go to jail. I find it ironic that in a very feminist society such as Finland, the women do not have to do mandatory service for their country. It is very unequal.

I finally came to America so I could at least work for an education, and have a hope of living in a house and affording my own little car. You are right that there is no perfection, but America is the closest to it of all the countries I've ever been to.

[moondust]

72. And what about the others?

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark? Same deal?

[protect freedom impeach bush now]

77. sorry but you are incorrect

please post some link or other data that backs your opinion.


http://virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/map/map30.html

Yes I have been to Finland, though was only able to
see part of country over 2 weeks.


nor do i hold that Finland has no problems.

BUT Never seen, read, or heard that Finish men have high heart
attck rates, In fact just the opposite. High consumption
of fish like Salmon, Herring have traditionlly kept
heart attacks lower than most countries.

Yes, you are correct about suicide rates. Winters are long,
dark, and breed depression. Same problem in USA's Alaska too.

Luxuries? Coke? Best to stay away from that sugar water.
Hamburgers are not the best even in UK. Hamburgers are too
expensive also in United Kingdom.

AND alcohol is very expensive in Finland, but so what ?
The price of alcohol is not a part of the standard of living
that most would count. (but the ferry service to/from Tallin sells
beer cheap if you bring it back to Finland, Helsinki)

Helsinki has/had 70% use of mass transit in 2000 by public.
Americans can ONLY hope some day to meet that % in major
cities. What is population of Helsinki now? About
1.3 million in metroplitian area? and 70% use mass transit daily

sure enjoyed - http://www.savonlinna.fi/

[Frederic Bastiat]

84. Wow that post was an eye opener

Thanks for posting this rosey_vomisa, I spent a chunk of my life in Europe but never got to visit Finland and Scandinavia. You paint a vivid picture.

I'm currently in Canada and I think you would like it up here too.

[Sirius_on]

32. The U.S

We have the largest economy, largest military and largest everything else.


Name one thing that we fall behind in, besides electing dumb presidents.

[ibegurpard]

34. Does largest equate with greatest?

n/t

[Sirius_on]

43. Well from my point of view

This is a more important question.

Considering the fact that you only live once (that we know of) why not live where you want to live?

I choose the U.S so its not a problem for me. If you are truly unhappy here and think there is little you can do about changing it...why no relocate. I dont see why its such a bad thing.

Dont for a second think I am one of those freeper types that says "love it or leave it". In all honesty I think that if there is somewhere else better, it should be in your best interest to try and go there.

[bowens43]

53. not every one has the luxury of picking up and moving.

I stay here because it's where my family lives and family is more important then living where I'd like.

[ibegurpard]

55. Choice?

Are you trying to tell me it's just as easy to pick up and move to Australia as it is to move to some other city or state? Why should I not think you are one of those "freeper" types that says "love it or leave it" when in the preceding paragraph you state: "If you are truly unhappy here and think there is little you can do about changing it...why no relocate."
I choose to stay here (although I really don't see that I have much other realistic choice) and fight to ensure that we keep the values that contributed to the growth of the large middle class that enabled us to provide good public eduation, excellent infrastructure, a strong military and the POTENTIAL for a free and independent press and equal opportunity for all citizens.

[Fixated]

36. ...

OK, believe it or not, we're about 18th in free speech. And we're behind in plenty of things. I voted for us, but we're not some national Jesus.

[BurtWorm]

39. "Name one thing that we fall behind in, besides electing dumb presidents."

We're definitely ahead in installing dumb presidents.

[Not a robought]

education

freedom. The US has the largest prison population per capita of any country.

a healthcare system that addresses the needs of the populace...

[GayboyBilly]

42. I'll name you several

All citizens not treated equally.

Invading a a nation without authority.

Breaking internationl law.

Strongarming other nations.

Motto of the day is LIE LIE LIE!

WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO GO ON?

[protect freedom impeach bush now]

45. healthcare, poverty, pollution, standard of living,.........

Compared to 3rd world countries the USA is wonderful.

Lots of opportunity, freedoms that allow the possibility
of financial success, big economy......


But compared to "Old Europe" the USA falls way short in
most areas that are important to standard of living.

Over 20% of Americans live at or below the poverty level.
USA creates over 25% of the pollution in the world, yet
only has about 5% of the world's population.

No universal healthcare coverage.

Most American LOSE their healthcare coverage IF/When
they lose their jobs. NO other country in Western
Europe would have such a draconian policy against
those who suffered from economic downturn cycles.

[radwriter0555]

46. HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES.... in other words, PEOPLE.....

Name another country in the civilized world that doesn't provide nationalized type of health care for everyone....

That alone speaks volumes about the USA.

[bowens43]

51. OK

We are not the best educated. We do not have the highest standard of living. we do not have the lowest child mortality rate. we do not have the best health care system. we do not have the most 'people friendly' labor laws. we are not the most generous. we do not have the longest life expectancy, we are not the freest.


should I go on or do you get the picture?

Seems to me that being the richest and biggest bully on the block means little in the larger scheme of things.

[Ignoramus]

35. Lucinda Williams

[Goldust]

41. Petoria

They were going to call it Peter Land, but that gay bar down the street took it.

[bowens43]

47. That's a ridiculous question.

It's like asking what's the greatest cheese? Or the greatest painting? Or the greatest movie? There are good things and bad things about every country.

No country is the greatest country on earth.

.

[EOTE]

66. Come on, that's simple...

1)Brie (served room temperature of course)
2)Van Gogh's Starry Night
3)Ishtar

Anymore questions?

[bowens43]

68. Ishtar???

You're kidding , right?

[zoidberg]

48. If I could choose to be born a random person in any country on the planet

I'd still choose to be born in the United States, faults and all.

[Terwilliger]

50. the country of the planet

better learn to live with it

[enki23]

52. i tend to favor nonsequiturland

oh wow, you do too!

[_Jumper_]

54. Awesome response!

I guess once you get past 1,000 posts here you are held to a different standard by the mods.

[enki23]

64. sure. they hate newbie sarcasm.

but there's still no rule against it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

58. The United States of America

People from almost every country in the world are trying to get in. Much less going the other direction.

[Cocoa]

60. the '85 Bears

Ditka himself is better than all them foreign countries combined!

[JNelson6563]

61. Utopia

and I mean that in the original meaning of the word sort of sense. Literal translation~~no place.

It is what divides us all that is what keeps us all from reaching our greatness potential.

Julie

[LondonReign2]

65. New Zealand

If the lads down there would just learn to play baseball...

Netherlands comes in 2nd, as they already do play baseball

[gemini_liberal]

69. none

We are all equals. No nation holds any extra virtue over another nation, no nation holds the right of existance over another nation.

Sure, you may have tyrannical dictatorships, or civil war ridden places, but that is the fault of those who abuse power, not the nation itself.

For the record, I do not think the US is worse than anybody else, I just believe it is equal to the rest of the world, and unfortunately many Americans take that as an insult, like it is a condescending insult.

If I had to choose the nation that I think'd be the best to live in, I'd say Canada.

[THUNDER HANDS]

71. Jamaica

As Robin Williams said (in a hilarious rasta voice):

"You may have the atomic bomb, but we have the atomic BONG, mon,"

:smoke:

[tom_paine]

73. The Old Republic of the United States of America

Unfortunately, that nation is dying or dead, depending on who you talk to.

Either way, what we are now or are tranisitioning to (depending on who you talk to) is most definitely NOT the greatest country on Earth.

Which one is greatest now?

I don't know, I can't think about that right now. Not when it might still be possible to revive or restore the integrity and honor of the Old Republic of the United States of America.

And don't you DARE accuse me of being anti-American! I love this country in a way the flag-waving Freepers could never understand even IF they could unhook themselves from the frighteningly successful Goebbels v2.0.

But the Imperial Family is NOT America, though the flag-waving Freepers/Dittoheads/Brownshirts are incapable of realizing this.

[IndianaGreen]

87. The Republic is dead!

Long live the Empire!

[Emboldened Chimp]

74. Paragon of virtue?

No such country exists. However, this country is still the best country, no matter who is running it. Bums like this come and go in America. They'll be gone soon enough.

[CaptJackie]

76. Utopia

Perhaps Utopia is the only paragon of virtue.

[PATRICK]

78. the 'greatness" spin

In the history books it is the force of arms and economiuc dominance MAYBE producing some luxuriant culture and human progress. At the moment, the cold definition would be the USA is the most powerful and "greatest" nation that ever existed. Unfortunately, it is also the seat of the modern democratic experiment- the true hope of the world, a conflict in moral and power greatnesses that has produced great inner turmoil. Forgetful that our freedom produced our greatness, not arms and corporate emperors(some of whom sold us down the river to Hitler).

What is the BEST country in the world? Some have already been listed. Anywhere where a person has a chance for democratic choice and the necessities of life and a viable honest culture could be in the running.

The question is framed in tremendously naive hubris with the destruction of democracy bleeding out underneath the useless pedestal.

Most Americans if they understood the question would rather be Americans than "great". Would rather, as most other world citizens, be left alone.

[dragonquest8]

80. chewy?

[whoYaCallinAlib]

81. Proud to be an American

No other place I would rather live. Warts and all.

[lanlady]

83. the US of A

if,that is, we ever stop the war machine and start living up to our fantastic potential.

Just think about it: a super-rich, super-talented country devoting its resources to the betterment of humanity. We have enough resources to feed every hungry person on earth, we have plenty enough to give all of our young people a college education. There is so much this country could do--but so much is squandered on feeding the greedy beasts of war.

[slackmaster]

85. Iceland

I've never been there, but they seem to have their shit together and so many of them are physcially attractive.

[Loonman]

88. Loonovia

It exists in my closet.

[TheDonkey]

90. Hong Kong (pre China) USA now

We have it all good. We revolutionize while others can innovate (good for them regardless). No perfect but has the clearest plan FOR perfection. If only democrats ruled everything in the country ;)

[Rich Hunt]

91. The Kingdom of Beaver Island!

:evilgrin:

[whoYaCallinAlib]

92. Mexico, city of Cancun

Where the party at!

[swinney]

93. usa is 7th

RECENT RELEASE OF AN UN STUDY OF BEST NATIONS IN WHICH TO RESIDE USA CAME IN 7TH.

[swinney]

94. bush would probably say

nation of Texas. Like nation of Africa.

[Gringo]

95. Depends:

If you mean "great" as in "important, powerful, influential" it would have to be the US.

If you are talking about upholding the best qualities of democratic government, and decency in public and foreign policy, perhaps New Zealand, Sweden, and Canada would be top contenders. I still think the US is in the top tercile, though.

Funny how criticism of this country is so threatening to some. I'll never understand the workings of the nationalist mind. Anyway, enjoy your little cheerleading session.

[catpower2000]

98. Canada seems to have it down pretty good...

Universal healthcare, money for education. They seem to really CARE about their citizens. I love my country but I'd rather live somewhere else, truth be told. It's too much like a junta now.

Cat

[Blue_State_Elitist]

99. England

England is the best country I've been too. The majority of the American public is shit. I like the country itself but Americans are the most stuck up fools in the world.

[sweetheart]

101. Scotland, Europe, Earth

The land of the earth is the greatest... here are 2 photo's of that land in scotland i just took a few minutes ago at sunset.





The sunset is north of the UK island, with the northwestern most point of the UK visible in the second photo in the far distance.

No "nation state" is the greatest, but this land has been inhabited for 1000's of years like this earth has... and life is not a nation, rather a state of mind.

peace,

-s