Why do we think we are the greatest country when we are behind in almost every measurable catagory besides war
350078
There are a lot of categories in which we're not behind.  Consider for example medical and other scientific research, high quality universities, social mobility, and overall economic health.  It would not be unreasonable to argue that the American people (notice I didn't say government) do more to advance civilization than any other people.
760523
You are right. We are the main force but other countries are involved. There is enough credit and blame to go around. It just seems we are the popular ones in all this. All of our soldiers, not just the ones from our country deserve recognition for their sacrifice in service to a common cause.
311406
This is just my opinion about the above statement:\nUSA is the greatest country in the world, and Americans are by far the best people in the world.  Negative talks about US have been going on since the beginnings and always will.\nI feel we should take care of our USA and it's people first in all ways, and if we have any MONIES left to help others, then we should do it.  Our bleeding heart volunteers in Iraq, should come back to the USA and help us here.  I never heard of Iraq sending volunters here to help us.\nI know this is a comment and not an Answer!
450003
I believe the US because of it's location and military superiority.
495072
Simple propaganda is my opinion along with jealousy.  WE are a generous nation and the world is so very Lucky that the USA has been the Superpower for so many years.  Sometimes I think the world wants us to stop evil but not to many other nations want to help so we look like were are med ling.  If we don't help, we're "ignoring the pain and suffering of others".  It's a catch 22 really.  I simply wish other countries would not just "back us" (a lot of our allies) but actually, physically HELP out!!
791701
Because thier ignorant, thats why thier arrogant, 80% of americans never leave thier own state, they think thats the whole world and it's the best, even you say "my country is great but not the best" why do you think your country is great? why are you so arogant?
1031717
YES, it is greatest country in the world.....bar non.  Not without warts - but which country isn't. Why is it great?  \nFreedom\nGenerose\nDiverse\nYou can go coast to coast and thru middle America and still find each State to be unique - in customs. food, culture.\nGood, good peole. No matter how much we are trampled on, hated, etc....we are STILL the first to step up to help.\nThe 4seasons\nThe festivals\nThe good hospitals and medical care\n\nTaxes are as great as they used to be, but still not as bad as some socialist leaning countries.\n\nIf you meet the legal qualifications, you can become President - you don't have to be rich or have a title or anything.\n\nWe have a BIG middle class.\n\nYou can own a home - no matter where you are on the ladder of life - if you can't afford it, you can go thru Org such as VA or HUD....it is the american dream and it can happen here.\n\nI could go on and on...but you get the picture.
858886
US foregion policy lacks common sense, we armed many people we now combat or later did, Castro was armed by us, Iran, with the Shaw, Hussien was pu tinto power by us to combat the Aiyloitlla, Pineapple face Noregia, the list goes on. Its because we are the worlds bully, the tough kid who believes we rule. We need to revert back to the days of allowing people to handle their own affairs, supsope that France, Germany, and Russia had joined with England in combatting the terrorists known as the American Revolutionaries? You'd be singing God Save The Queen
1055678
All of these reasons plus:\n\n1) We have made asses out of ourselves in the eyes of the world.  Other countries no longer respect us due to Bush's rush to war against a country that had nothing to do with attacking us.  The world used to want to be like us... now they are just waiting for us to deplete ourselves enough so they can divide the pieces up.  (Think Dubai Port Deal).  \n\n2) How can you respect someone who gets it WRONG so much of the time?  We were wrong about WMD, we were wrong about the aftermath of the war, etc...\n\n3) Seeing that we could not even manage to rescue our own citizens after a Hurricane has pretty much exposed the paper lion for what it really is.  \n\n4) Other counties are getting more news and more TRUE news about what is really happening in the world than we are.  We only THINK we have free press.  Bush and his Neo-Cons control what you hear and now even what you say.... be careful.. .the NSA is listening!\n\nWearable Opinions! - www.cafepress.com/politicalgfx
9098
For all of America's weath and influence, for all of its powerful media, we are surprisingly isolated from the world.  What's more, we are still very slowing climbing out of the cultural muck that has allowed many of us to believe we are literally superior to the rest of the world.\n\nAmerica continues to behave arrogantly to the world, insisting we always know best, and our interests should be always honored.  It has done a great deal of harm to us the past 15 year in my opinion.\n\nIf only some of us could see ourselves in the eyes of those around us in the world.  Of course, most of us are so conceited and self-involved that we couldn't care less.
230531
It's all propaganda, of course people from the U.S. think that, just like people from North Korea think they are. The media, movies, books, politics, everything in our everyday lives tell us the U.S. is the greatest country ever, therefore we believe it. Is it true? I couldn't tell ya for sure. But I believe so...
1137668
We are Blessed because we live in the GREATEST nation on the planet!  I too love the country (and ALL the nuts).\n\nI really cannot imagine what the world would be like If the US never existed.  Whether you agree or disagree with our recent or past actions, I am not sure WWI would have ended well - I KNOW WWII would not have. \nI think the best way to look at it is the way "It's a wonderful life" did.  Sure we may have problems, but the world would be a whole lot worse off if it weren't for us. \n(and anyone who denies that really hasn't looked at world history).
826589
You nailed it!  That's what it's all about over here.  We are definitely spoiled (we use a majority of the world's resources), we are definitely brats (forcing democracy on the middle east), and we really mean well... at least we mean well for us...
1159406
We are held to a higher standard because we are better.  "Better than what?" you might ask.  I'd answer: everyone else.\n     We must adhere to the rules of war because we are the sort of people who adhere to the rules of war.  We musn't lower or cheapen ourselves simply because the rest of the world is low and cheap.\n     We must always be better because we are better.  We are Americans.
423470
America is the greatest country in the world world....they would be crazy to attempt such a feat.
1180857
Because we have it all, and all other countries envy us. \nI love that!!!
988333
Think about it this way...\nWhy is it that more people try to get into America than any other country?  That should give you an indication on what the rest of the world REALLY thinks about life in America.\n\nConsidering how good it really is here I think we have a right to be proud of our country.\n\nBesides, I have never heard anyone rip other countires for being jingoistic or proud of THEIR country.  Why should we?\n\nGod Bless America.