America by the numbers: No. 1?

[pegkerr]

No concept lies more firmly embedded in our national character than the notion that the USA is "No. 1," "the greatest." Our broadcast media are, in essence, continuous advertisements for the brand name "America Is No. 1." Any office seeker saying otherwise would be committing political suicide. In fact, anyone saying otherwise will be labeled "un-American." We're an "empire," ain't we? Sure we are. An empire without a manufacturing base. An empire that must borrow $2 billion a day from its competitors in order to function. Yet the delusion is ineradicable. We're No. 1. Well...this is the country you really live in.

Some of these facts are just jaw-dropping. Recommended read.

Comments

[mkathryn.livejournal.com]

eep. Wanted to mention that none of that was meant to disparage Peg or anyone who has commented, it's just a topic I've been thinking on for a while, and the opinion I've formulated.

[haniaw.livejournal.com]

I got the feeling that the article was not intended to make Americans feel bad but instead to be a kind of reality check. I certainly don't think America is disgusting. I think that the people are terrific, the society in general is pretty good, and that the current government sucks :-). I think the takeaway from this is to realize where things can be improved and then go and improve them.