Read This...Is The US Still The Greatest Country Ever...?

[Sensei]

Have to wonder what your driving at here. No one rational doubts that sensibility, morality, personal responsibility as well as tradition are on the decline in America. Switzerland doesn't seem to be eating itself away from the inside like we are is so at the very least they deserve recognition for that leg up no matter the population. In fact all you're doing is clarifying what we already know, which is that there are limits to the size of our melting pot.

Look at the thread title. Then, ask yourself if you think that a country of 8 million people, with compulsory healthcare coverage, 40% higher cost of living, and a society so free that it effectively bans handguns is the new leader of the free world. The thread is about being the "greatest," not giving kudos.

[Mauser KAR98K]

Look at the thread title. Then, ask yourself if you think that a country of 8 million people, with compulsory healthcare coverage, 40% higher cost of living, and a society so free that it effectively bans handguns is the new leader of the free world. The thread is about being the "greatest," not giving kudos.

D.C.? New York?

[Sensei]

D.C.? New York?

Both are shitty places to live, and neither is representative of the US.

Folks, don't get me wrong. I agree that the US has its fare share of problems and threats to its status. I just don't think that Switzerland is the bastion of freedom that some make it out to be. For the most part, the US still offers the strongest mix of personal freedom, economic opportunity, reasonable cost of living, etc. of any country out there.

[AKDoug]

I have Swiss and German relatives that have come and visited Alaska. They are constantly astounded at how little interference the gov't has in my life and the freedoms I am allowed. Now, Alaska isn't representative of all of American, but I can think of a dozen states that have the same level of freedoms I have for the most part. They also enjoy the cheaper price of land, the ability to build a cabin without many regulations, and the lower taxes. It's no accident that I have several Swiss (and other European) customers that have purchased land and built cabins in my area.

[SteyrAUG]

Both are shitty places to live, and neither is representative of the US.

Folks, don't get me wrong. I agree that the US has its fare share of problems and threats to its status. I just don't think that Switzerland is the bastion of freedom that some make it out to be. For the most part, the US still offers the strongest mix of personal freedom, economic opportunity, reasonable cost of living, etc. of any country out there.

I can accept that. But I do believe Switzerland is a good example of many of the things we once had that have been lost. Not that everything about Switzerland is perfect, anymore than anything in the US is perfect, but when the question can even be asked...then we have lost a lot of what we had.