Yay USA, no matter what they say

Call me biased, call me partial, call me whatever, but I disagree with Newsweek.

The United States of America is the greatest country God has given to man, without an argument. Let's examine this:

• The United States was the first Representative Republic and its original Constitution (with Amendments) is still in use.
• People around the world have come TO America because (a) they have a skill; (b) they are seeking a land where they can put that skill to good use; (c) they want to raise their family with the ideals of America. Everyone has an equal chance for success and can make a self-determination of their path in life. People are STILL coming to America and are making a great personal stake in getting here.
• America does not allow discrimination of any race, religion or sexual orientation.
• America was instrumental in ending totalitarianism and fascism in the World War II era and was successful in peacefully ending the run of the Soviet Union.
• America currently has the best healthcare system in the world and as a result of the free market and lack of governmental control which leads to more innovation and invention that can improve the lives and health of not only Americans, but people around the world.
• Despite their current challenges, education in America is still coveted. People from around the world come to America to study in the academic field of their choice. Our schools teach their students not only academics, but skills for success in the post-secondary world and our universities provide the appropriate career preparation that in the big picture. A strong education allows individuals to have a greater earning potential in their professional lives.
• When putting it into perspective, the poor in America are more well off than the poor across the world. Many of our poor may own cars, have a climate controlled roof over their heads, Internet access, smartphones, are not starving, etc. (Around the world, non-citizens have told me that America is one of the only countries in the world where the poor are fat.) Having traveled around the world, I've seen kids playing stickball next to their one room tin shacks in the Dominican Republic, poor people with flies buzzing around them in the streets of Tangier, Morocco, and the poor dressed in rags with bad teeth (or no teeth) in Bangkok, Thailand. Whenever I travel abroad and come home to the United States, I put it into perspective and thank God for the country in which I live, as well as think to myself the 300 million plus citizens of the United States are not only lucky, but have done a great job in making sure she continues to offer the opportunities to her citizens she has offered for the past 234 years.

Some would contend that in our current economic situation and political situation, America is weakening. I would disagree with this statement as Americans who once did not pay attention are starting to rise up and speak up for what is important to them and in the end, they will impact the political system in America so we will win and continue to be the Greatest Country God has given man.