The United States of America is a nation that at its founding was built on ideals of freedom, fairness and the promotion of prosperity. Not many countries were born of such prinicples, they were the result of territorial wars or land deals between empires and tribes. If the US is perceived to have failings, it is mainly by comparison to the high goals it has set for nationhood. As the Big Brother to the world, it may be heavy handed at times. However compared to other countries that have rose to this role it is WAY more beneficent. Contemporaries like Russia in the 50's and 60's, Germany in the 30's and the colonial powers of the 18th and 19th century were far less considerate of the countries they tried to mentor, co-opt or run by proxy. There is lots to criticize about the USA, as there is with any country, but the great thing about America is that they allow that criticism to be heard and from time to time will even take heed of it.

What America really stands for is Freedom from God. America is a country that since its exsistance has oppressed people and countries around the world by claiming to be the big brother. America has no respect or real understanding of other cultures and its true purpose is to make big money, oppress everyone, stomp out Gods laws, and rule the world. And no, giving money to a country and then blowing up their children does not make it the hero! The social structure of this country is in shambles. Divorce is high, sex is not valued, gangs and illegal mexicans are everywhere, young (twixters) people are lost and barely making it due to the baby boomers and money hungry vixens buying up all the housing and raising the prices. There is every social problem imaginable here, and the only ones who don't see it are the rich in gated communities and those who grew up as an "american." They are the only ones who live a life out of the ghettos. Everything here is centered on making money. Whether it be the pharmacys who will prescribe a pill for everything or the loan sharks which pound your mail boxes day after day. American culture is dead. Mega corporations have killed many independent owned business (except in tourist districts) and all that is left is to succumb to the machine. The huge segregation of the have and have nots is more plainly visable year after year. Racism is huge here and will range in any form depending on where you live or the color of your skin. The list is so long that I can't even fit it in the box. And for those who say be positive, they are ignorant and blind to the facts of what is truely happening around them.

America is still a good country to live in. We still have freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, and other rights. However, we have our many problems, including the highest crime and murder rate in the world, the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the world, the highest rate of goth kids in the world, the most rebellious and disrespectful teens and college kids in the world, a real serious drug problem, and irresponsible politicians who do know know how to solve problems plus a fanatical Christian Nazi president who hates civil rights and cares more for Iraq than he does for our country. Still, America is a great country.

We are fortunate to be living in a time where we are witnessing the decline of a great empire. It is a rare and curious thing.

This is the greatest country in the world, but like every country it has some problems. We send jobs overseas or to Mexico instead of giving unemployed Americans a chance to support themselves. The President wants to give illegal aliens a work card in order to work here. G.W. illegal aliens are against the law junior!! Racism is still alive today, but it's more covered up. Surburban areas still have the best teachers, the best living conditions, and the best schools, while people in urban areas have crappy living conditions, crappy schools, and bad teachers. I speak from experience, some of the schools I went to had textbooks with old, incorrect information, and horrible teachers who didn't teach, they were just waiting for their retirement. Some days we didn't even have heat, but a local surburban school had a freaking heated parking lot!! Politicians lie to use just to get votes. However after saying all of that, in this country if you work hard you can overcome obstacles and make something of yourself.

We're not number one for nothing!

A beutiful country with lots going for it but it has huge ammounts of problems. 1.The counrty is run by Christian fundamentalists. 2. The president is an idiot. 3. The US is gradually killing the planet by emitting green house gasses and refuses to even try to do anything about it. 4. The poor are getting poorer they don't even have decent homes, health care, education!!!!! 5. The west and east is cool but the rest are on the whole idiots. 6. All of the history has been destroyed by greed (native idians) 7. Racism is shocking 8. Most people don't have passports and don't travel to get a more balanced view of other people and the world.

Mexico has a higher score than the USA?! You have to be kidding me! Stupid Anti-Americans!

This country is no beter than some country it was found the same way a lot of countries were found by war rapp and destroying other colters and funny thing is the same people how found this contry were runing frome what they brung to this land war one religon.So what that tells me my people dont matter to them how found this land and you cna't tell me Iam not being patreotic.Becaues what Iam saying is being patreotic to my people. p.s. sorry for the bad spelling and gramer.

The USA is contributing to climate change- which in the near future will have horrible consequences- and what does the USA do-nothing- but re elect an idiot like Bush- who lives in a nether world of denial. Sorry- I see NO HOPE for this country- too greedy, to self absorbed- and still saying that 'freedom and democracy' are only 'available' 'here'. This country needs to wake up- and the vast majority of Americans away from the coasts are too ignorant and stupid to see the disaster awaiting them. The USA rates five stars for its varied and interesting geography- with some great mountains, bleak forbodding plains, deserts, shorelines with beautiful beaches and rocky coves and wonderful forests. Where it rates 1 star is its over all culture- One based on excessive crass materialism and greed; there are racist, sexist and now homohobic issues little different then 150 years ago. There is also a troubling widening gap between the halves and have nots, which further degrades the quality of life- it seems the nation has reverted back to the gilded age of robber barrons. There is to be fair a decent representative democracy- however this is being destroyed and eroded by the far right wing- with its semi fascist goals. There are of course great regional variations. New England and the mid Atlantic region are the most progressive, with a true Euro feel, while the west coast is the same with better weather. The upper midwest has progressive Islands as well- however sadly to say the rest of this nation is filled with dopes with no idea of what their best interests are. Racism, sexism and homophobia are rampant throughout the south, lower midwest and intermountain west. The nations voting patterns are similiar to the pre and post civil war period. Whats truly amazing is that the two major political parties are reverse of what the where in 1900- the Republican party was the party of Lincoln (which was an outgrowth of the Whigs and Federalists. The republicans of that era where progressive and the Demos regressive- The Democratic party was then a 'southern' party of farmers and former slave holders- today it is totally reversed! The 2004 election electoral map is chillingly similiar to that of the late 19th century- with the politcal parties reversed in their voting patterns. It seems that race still is a major issue (as it was 150 years ago) along now with gay rights. There is far too much greed in this country at the expense of the weak and those unable to compete in this brutal free enterprise economy. Health care is embarassingly expensive, why a nation as rich and powerful as the USA cannot offer its citizens affordable medical care is sinful. The USA is the only remaining representative democracy not offering basic healthcare for free or low cost-Most people are at the mercy of for profit companies and their share holders regarding their personal well being. It might be best to avoid the mid and deep south, the mid and lower midwest, the intermountain west and great plains. The most tolerant region of the USA is the Washington To Boston corridor, Chicagoland, and the west coast and Hawaii- the rest is sadly backward and racist. Profit means everything here- at the expense of people. A nation of false promise, and great opportunity for those smart enough, clever or lucky enough to be successful in this cut throat competitive economic culture. If not- have a trust fund. The USA has become so fragmented culturally in terms of Geography- (more so then even before the civil war) perhaps a separation is in order in the future- with the northeast, upper midwest and west coast starting a new nation. Time will tell.

America is no longer a place where there is "opportunity." Not unless of course you are one of the millions of annual illegal mexicans looking to take home a measly paid service job income to your family in Mexico--would you be that happy here. America has become the biggest joke of the world. I have reason to back up my conclusion on why America is one of the worst countries you can live in. 1) People here in general are unhealthy,ignorant, greedy, lacking in culture,rude, and bitter. 2) In America, money is there God and lucifer is there helper. If you don't believe this look at your local downtown. A bunch of insurance companies and satanist networks rule the skyline. 3) Government is a network of the secret underground society. A government that puts fear into the peoples minds in order to gain total control of the people and fill their brains with "fluff." A government that lacks any other understanding of foreign cultures and desires only wealth and complete control. The media works hand in hand with the government. If any one tries to reach power in this government who is not one of them they will be assasinated (MLK, JFK) 3)America is a dying FAD. Once filled with interesting places and great entertainment. Not it lies with broken dreams, mass ghettos, and nothing but service-jobs. How many after reading this can actually say Hollywood is what it used to be or would want to visit? Is music talented here anymore? Does New Orleans ring of Jazz? I rest my case. 4) Society here is corrupt. There is a deteriorating family structure, with 1 out of 3 mothers being unwed at time of birth of their child. Divorce rate is high, all couples do here is fight and seperate. Women are not respected, they are nothing but a sex symbol used in magazines, medias, and calandars. The only respected hobbies for the majority in this country are to drink, get drunk, and watch sports. Sex it unsacred here and religion is corrupted and unappreciated here. 5) Constant racism and discrimination is rampant here. Hate crimes are secret and racism or favoritism is hush,but evident, especially in the South where if you are not white and "proud" you are automatically discriminated against. 6) Educational system here is TERRIBLE. More than half of grade school systems are failing due to lack of funding and an outdated system which has yet to teach students financial skills or evident skills to propel them into a progressive future. Private college is a profitable system set up for the the networked group of the privlaged, while the rest are left to rot in the state school system. While the educational system does have some "good" and "trying" teachers, they are only a few in a broken system. 7) Environment of America is terrible. Corporation have taken over independent industries and nothing but ugly strip malls line the streets of every american city. Each of them in eye of your money and on the constant fight amongst each other to take over their industry. Marketing is fierce here with the corporations vying to take your business in whatever way they can: solicitate your mailbox, your email, your home, your phone, or your rights. They want to brand you and mold you to their interests! 8)There is not culture in America, unless you consider hot dogs and a coke at a football game culture. There is no manners or ways of behaving standard here, anything goes which makes for a bizarre mess of chaos. 9) There are no dream jobs in America. Artists don't thrive here, architecture is dead, movies are bland, and the individual mind is not to be spoken. This is a manual labor based society where the real jobs and opportunities are in the service-sector and health care industry. 10)America is the dirtiest country country that is supposed to be civilized. Drugs are rampant everywhere and imported in underground tunnels daily from Mexico. Americans are unhealthy and obese as well. Every city is like a ghetto lined with broken roads, unpainted houses, graffiti, and old junkers across the street from newer cookie cutter homes in gated communities. 11) America does more harm to the environment than any other country. Constant abuse of cows to produce milk, torturing of animals for mass consumed products, giving no respect to animals for meat and using more oil and plastic bags than any other society, this has to be the most wasteful society on earth. If you are anything but a wasteful individual you are looked upon as a tree hugger or a hippie. 12) Americans are too "proud." Proud over what I do not know, there army is all they have to be proud of. An army who does nothing but follow the governments orders of mass killing people all of the world. Americans are so proud that they are sickening. Before America was a place you could come, get a job, afford to buy a house, and live better than it was in your home country, the countries in which Europe had oppressed.

America is no longer a place where there is "opportunity." Not unless of course you are one of the millions of annual illegal mexicans looking to take home a measly paid service job income to your family in Mexico--would you be that happy here. America has become the biggest joke of the world. I have reason to back up my conclusion on why America is one of the worst countries you can live in. 1) People here in general are unhealthy,ignorant, greedy, lacking in culture,rude, and bitter. 2) In America, money is there God and lucifer is there helper. If you don't believe this look at your local downtown. A bunch of insurance companies and satanist networks rule the skyline. 3) Government is a network of the secret underground society. A government that puts fear into the peoples minds in order to gain total control of the people and fill their brains with "fluff." A government that lacks any other understanding of foreign cultures and desires only wealth and complete control. The media works hand in hand with the government. If any one tries to reach power in this government who is not one of them they will be assasinated (MLK, JFK) 3)America is a dying FAD. Once filled with interesting places and great entertainment. Not it lies with broken dreams, mass ghettos, and nothing but service-jobs. How many after reading this can actually say Hollywood is what it used to be or would want to visit? Is music talented here anymore? Does New Orleans ring of Jazz? I rest my case. 4) Society here is corrupt. There is a deteriorating family structure, with 1 out of 3 mothers being unwed at time of birth of their child. Divorce rate is high, all couples do here is fight and seperate. Women are not respected, they are nothing but a sex symbol used in magazines, medias, and calandars. The only respected hobbies for the majority in this country are to drink, get drunk, and watch sports. Sex it unsacred here and religion is corrupted and unappreciated here. 5) Constant racism and discrimination is rampant here. Hate crimes are secret and racism or favoritism is hush,but evident, especially in the South where if you are not white and "proud" you are automatically discriminated against. 6) Educational system here is TERRIBLE. More than half of grade school systems are failing due to lack of funding and an outdated system which has yet to teach students financial skills or evident skills to propel them into a progressive future. Private college is a profitable system set up for the the networked group of the privlaged, while the rest are left to rot in the state school system. While the educational system does have some "good" and "trying" teachers, they are only a few in a broken system. 7) Environment of America is terrible. Corporation have taken over independent industries and nothing but ugly strip malls line the streets of every american city. Each of them in eye of your money and on the constant fight amongst each other to take over their industry. Marketing is fierce here with the corporations vying to take your business in whatever way they can: solicitate your mailbox, your email, your home, your phone, or your rights. They want to brand you and mold you to their interests! 8)There is not culture in America, unless you consider hot dogs and a coke at a football game culture. There is no manners or ways of behaving standard here, anything goes which makes for a bizarre mess of chaos. 9) There are no dream jobs in America. Artists don't thrive here, architecture is dead, movies are bland, and the individual mind is not to be spoken. This is a manual labor based society where the real jobs and opportunities are in the service-sector and health care industry. 10)America is the dirtiest country country that is supposed to be civilized. Drugs are rampant everywhere and imported in underground tunnels daily from Mexico. Americans are unhealthy and obese as well. Every city is like a ghetto lined with broken roads, unpainted houses, graffiti, and old junkers across the street from newer cookie cutter homes in gated communities. 11) America does more harm to the environment than any other country. Constant abuse of cows to produce milk, torturing of animals for mass consumed products, giving no respect to animals for meat and using more oil and plastic bags than any other society, this has to be the most wasteful society on earth. If you are anything but a wasteful individual you are looked upon as a tree hugger or a hippie. 12) Americans are too "proud." Proud over what I do not know, there army is all they have to be proud of. An army who does nothing but follow the governments orders of mass killing people all of the world. Americans are so proud that they are sickening.

For those of you wondering why America's ratings are so low, or blaming it on the president, the real reason is that many AMERICANS HATE AMERICA. If foreignors hated it so much they'd stop immagrating here. Come on guys, tell me a country that really is better overall or stop complaining.

Pretty good.

The States is a vast place with much to see and do. The people are welcoming and try to do their best at all times. They believe in their personal human vision and to them nothing is impossible, which is one of their greatest attributes. Stores in the US are all the same, there are very few independents and when you find them, they are a breath of fresh air. Key West is a great place! I love this country; lately though the people have become too self-righteous and overseas vistiors may find the constant religious references rammed down their throats every minute of the day irritating and overwhelming. If they can handle this, they're sure to have a good time. UPDATE: Since writing this I have travelled back to my favourite country to find it is indeed becoming a very socially backwards place, the only one amongst the developed countries to resort back to bigotry, and the scariest religious fervour even seen in recent times. If you can put up with the hypocrisy in some of the smaller towns, fair enough, but I'd say stick to the more cosmopolitan ones where people are better educated and open to culture.

USA - Simply the best. There really is NO comparison. As a famous writer once said, "The best way to judge a country is to look at how many people are trying to get in, and how many people are trying to get out." Debate OVER!!!!

UPDATE: Khalid, I have it on pretty good authority that parts of it are, yes. UPDATE (12/21/04): Yeah, I hate patriotic nimrods, too. You know, those people willing to sacrifice and die for their country so that their sons and daughters, and other patriotic nimrods can enjoy the freedoms this country offers. They're really annoying. And I can hardly think of a reason for Americans to be proud of their heritage and citizenship. It's truly a mystery. ORIGINAL COMMENT 12/6/04: Whew. One thing termination 13 needs to learn how to do is update. Keep those cogent, intellectual thoughts coming.

Are you mad, Cuba above the USA!

There isn't a country that's better.

Funny why the USA is rated just above Cuba-and overall this low- there must be some sound reasons for this. It does not help the USA to have an idiot like Bush as President-with an equally blind and totally dumb congress from the same dopey politcal party-keep it up people and it will rate much lower in the near future-perhaps when global warming/climate change begins to change the USA's agricultural zones for the worse, they will wake up- but it will probably be too late by then.

Who doesn't like the #1 free country of the world? TO SAMJUNG23: No, americans are educated.

I am changing my rating of the United States to a 3, because I believe this country has changed for the worse over the past 5 years of so. Bush and his compadres have totally screwed up the country, miring us in a pointless war. The Republicans are pretty bad with all their scheming and dirty tricks, but the Democrats are not much better becuase they cave in too easily and try to please everyone. The mindset of this country is bascially "You've got yours;I've got mine";with the sluggish Republican reaction to Hurricane Katrina personifying that attitude. For the wingnuts who want to lambast me for not being patriotic, the last time I checked we have freedom of speech in the good ole USA. I still love my country because it's my home, but I'm realistic enough to know that this country has a lot of problems right now.

The States does have it's faults but it is the best country out there. Some people don't like the states because we don't have socialized medicine, well imagine this: If people get to got to an ER for free then they can go if they're farting and think they may blow up, look at most people who are on Medicaid, Doctors will not get paided as much, therefore most people will not want to go thru the 4 years of college, 4 years of Medical School, and then residenciy if the pay is chicken feed.

I was born and raised in Upstate New York, and have grown to love this country very much. Despite it's problems (which every country has) it is a nation filled with some of the greatest bunch of folks. Whether it is the rocky west coast, the deserts and plains of the midwest, the beaches and hospitality of the south, the beautiful Adirondack mountains in the northeast or the farms of New England, the United States is a very diverse land but we all have something in common. We value our freedom. I love the United States, and what it stands for and no matter what anybody says, nothing will stop me from loving the red, white and blue!!

I am an American who has traveled enough to know that USA does not have too much to brag about. In our pursuit for money, it's like we forgot to remember the value of nice neighborhoods, a working infrastructure and a culture with real substance. Living in New York, I pay insane mortgage just to live in a city with some substance. We tried to make an ideal society and we have may have started out pretty good but now, we have steered way off track. Instead of great country, we have growing obesity, embarrassing racism, dirty cities that often do not even hold a candle to many European or even Canadian cities. I am so tired of reflexive patriotism. We need to fix this place up. We have a lot of problems to attend to.

Dang people, just sit back and enjoy the scenery. It is, after all, a nice place. Why else would people come here?

What is the deal with Canadians slamming America? How about you give us our culture back. That's right Canada has American culture. 37% of Canadians actually believe that Canada willbe annexed to the US one day, I find that pretty funny. We are run by Jews??!?!?!?! What the hell, there is no way to respond to that, what are you nazis? Jews make up less than 5% of the American population, and wow, just really can't comment on that because it is so far fetched, riduclous, and horrible. I didn't think anti-semitism was still aroud quite that strongly. And if you are implying that a lot of Jewish people are rich in the United states, you are right, so what, is there a problem with Jewish people being rich? Anyways, please, don't judge America based on George Bush, his apporval rating is only 35% and most of us are mad at him because he has made the rest of the world hate us. America is a great country, all of the anti-americans will never get it, so there is no reason to explain. Chances are all of you slamming us have relatives here, somebody that has come here because there is more opportunity so the joke is on you. America is a great country, and we know that, I don't believe that we should say the hell with the rest of the world like some retarded people do, because we need the rest of the world, it would be a big mistake for us to go get so self centered that we just didn't care about everyone else, because that isn't supposed to be what America is about. We shouldn't let it get to us as much, we know that we have it better than most people accross the glob. As for Jar-Jar. I have lost all respect for you. It makes sense that people in other countries hate America, because of their ignorance of what it is really like,but as an American, you need to take a hard look at the rest of the world and realize how good we have it here. Sure, there are plenty of countries that live just as good or better as us, but still we have it WAY better than the majority of people. In many countries, if you spoke like that, you'd almost surely be punished severely. Shame on you. You said on one of MY weblists that your family was a huge success. So stop whining. It sounds very cliche, but that is because it really is true, America is diverse in every single way imaginable, you have to see ALL of it, before you can judge the whole country and stereotype us.

The topic in this heading is supposed to be about the US as a destination to visit, yet some cannot resist getting on their soapbox to bring politics, religion, or some other view into the picture. (Will you folks kindly wake up and actually read the category under which you are rating? Destination, according to Webster's New American Dictionary: "The predetermined end of a jouney." Okay?) So I guess it's up to me to put the subject back into perspective although I will give an overall opinion at the end of the post. A lifetime could be spent traveling the US in search of all its sights. Hawaii has consistantly beautiful weather and you can: swim, surf, scuba dive, snorkel, sail, fish, golf, or see live volcanoes, lava flows, tropical rain forests, beautiful beaches, sugar cane fields, pineapple plantations or historic sights. Alaska offers the finest in hunting, fishing, glacier viewing, kayaking and eco-sightseeing. Nevada has the breathtaking Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the strip in Las Vegas is a feast for the eyes. The sights in California could fill a book. Supremely beautiful national parks, sandy beaches, zoological parks, snowcapped mountains and much more than I can mention here. Florida also has beautiful beaches and the Orlando area has outstanding family attractions open year round. You can stare in awe at the beauty of the Everglades, take a seaplane tour of the keys or swim with Dolphins. Arizona and Utah offer amazing canyons and Wyoming's Yellowstone Park offers the strangest and most interesting geological features found anywhere in the world. South Dakota has Mt Rushmore, many sacred American Indian grounds, hunting, fishing, backpacking, mountain bike and horseback riding. The small town of Sturgis hosts a yearly motorcycle rally that attracts over 100,000 riders each year. From Pennsylvania to Massachusetts the land is rich with historic sights documenting the birth of the nation. Washington DC, where the past and present still meet and New Jersey and New York are both battle scarred from the Revolutionary War. Connecticut has many interesting places nestled between the larger cities and the days of the blacksmith can be visited in small museums which give a sense of what it was like when people made their own hardware and lived by the light of kerosene lamps. Boston has many places of historical significance yet in the evening you can still find small cafes with folk and acoustic musicians. Vermont, like most of New England is a mecca for skiing and many old homes have been converted into bed and breakfasts. Okay, I think you get the idea. You could criss cross this country 50 times and not see all of the wonderful things the US has to offer. Hustlers and con artists can be found anywhere, and the same holds true for good and generous people; and I believe that there isn't a more generous or benevolent people than average American citizens. Whether it's a natural wonder, a man made spectacular, or a cup of coffee at a local diner, the United States is not just the most diverse place to visit, but it is the best place to live as you wish, where you are limited only by your imagination and desire.

For the most part, I like American people. I just simply can not fathom why, otherwise decent-seeming people, live in such an over-rated trashy place. Will someone please tell all the average joes in America, you are not the envy of the world ? You are the most laughed at. You are poor swindled souls. Your salaries are not impressive when your neighborhoods look like someone's toilet. And don't the mythologize that the Deomocrats are responsible: the republicans are either dumb poor guys or rich guys trying to keep it that way. Any big fan of America, I challenge you to acually live there and you will see the USA far from a televison fantasy - it is much closer to a paltry joke. (In addition, it is only once in a blue moon that I am so rashly offended by a comment and SZinhonshu has done it with the comment that black Americans live the "highest standard of living of blacks to be found anywhere on the planet". This is such a bold statement, made from pure speculation and ignorance. It not only completely ignores the great ghettoization of America, and it's disgusting history of aparthied (which still continues to plague black-America) but, like many naive patriotic Americans, assumes black America is living better than anyone else. SZinhonshu, are you, for instance, aware that the richest black billionaire lives in Canada where his wealth was produced? How could America claim credit for any form of black success when blacks in America are clearly the most denigrated group in your country ? This is pathetic and shameful).

The USA- the worlds last so called super power rated this low- must be a reason- it's not hard to realize the stupidity and arrogance and wastefulness of most Americans. As an American myself, I too am mystified.

Spout Anti-Semitism, scream about bigotry, shriek your conspiracy theories and prattle on and on about warmongering ... it is all for naught. America is #1 and, quite frankly, it's not even particularly close. For those of you outside of US borders who have chosen to use this forum to berate this nation, be advised that my country is better than yours. And here is a list of reasons why, in no particular order of importance save for the first: 1. Due Process 2. Freedom of Expression (Try burning a national flag in Mexico City, Singapore or Beijing and see how much "tolerance" you are accorded) 3. Blacks (People of African ancestry are rich part of our history and national character, and in the U.S. they enjoy the highest standard of living of blacks to be found anywhere on the planet) 4. Jews (Without the United States' intervention in WWII, there wouldn't be any left. Thanks to the U.S., the group most statistically overrepresented as professionals, scientists, academics and Nobel Prize winners thrives and contributes.) 5. Multiculturalism (There is no greater example of people of different colors, religions, backgrounds, traditions and beliefs peacefully coexisting on a large-scale than in major American cities) 6. We have the NFL - real football. You don't. 7. Charity (America contributes more money to international charity than the next three closest nations combined) 8. Mercy and Decency (After WWII, America played a large role in rebuilding its defeated enemies, Japan and Germany. Today they are two of the strongest and most democratic nations in the world. What would have happened to the U.S. if the Axis had won rather than the Allies?) I could go on, but why? I'm already telling you something you know whether you wish to publicly admit it or not. The United States is the unquestioned and unparalleled superpower of the early 21st century. And thank God for that. The world is a better place for it.

The greatest and the most misunderstood country in the world maybe even in history. When there is a crisis any where on the planet the first thing the people say is where are the Americans. Why because we are always there to bale people out of a bad situation. The USA has enough space and technology to feed a good chunk of the planet. The USA develops medicines and treatments for all sorts of ailments. The USA gives it people freedoms that most of the rest of the world can only dream about. For all the USA does for an provides to the rest of the world, what does it get in return? Scorn and ridicule, the worst terrorist attack of all time and hate from all over the world.

GWB and his oil barons have stolen the wealth and goodwill of this country. World: help us, please!

It's amusing how so many tiny, impoverished nations are rated ahead of the good ole U.S.

America caught me by surprise. I liked America, alot more than I thought I would. People are super-friendly here - this is something that I've never heard about the U.S. before. San Franzsico and New York are my favorite places in US that I have been. Can't say I like American patriotism that much though. I can understand why the average American is patriotic though. Being American makes them feel connected to a larger history filled with movie stars, celebrities and all these historical figures. I have had my share of arguements with Americans pointing out that you are huge country of some 260 million people. That would be like me telling everyone, I am the best because of U2 or Colin Farrell. They don't care. There are parts of America that seem too dangerous for me. I have entertained the idea of moving here a few times, but I do not think I could ever live here. It seems to dangerous and the average person in America seems a little unbalanced.

This site is fun. I checked out the 1 star entries and traced them back. Most are Canadians and a gaggle of Greeks. There was a Brit, and and Austrialian and a couple from Latin America. Why all the Canadians?

I wish I could rate this country 0 stars. The only reason why I'm giving it a 2 is we have domestic issue problems and our government is not committed to helping our suffering. ... There's nothing special here. We're not the greatest nation in the world and we're certainly not the last best hope of man on Earth. We're one of the most selfishly developed nations on earth. We give only 3/10 of 1% of our gross national product to healing the wounds around the world. We don't have a universal health care system, environmentalism is not a factor, and we certainly aren't interested in foreign aid. You can get the death penalty if you steal candy in a grocery store and the poor aren't getting enough social services for whatever problems they're suffering. ... We're not the foremost proponent of peace either. Our military is becoming imperialistic because our US troops are building prisons in Iraq when we shouldn't be there. Who are we to police another country? That is none of our business. We don't have people who even put human rights in the forefront when it comes to our foreign policy. The list goes on and on and on. If I had to be a leader, it would be in another country. The United States of America only caters to countries that have money and merchandise. Any country with a right-wing government is an ally with the U.S. I'm sorry if I offended anybody, but I speak the truth from the bottom of my heart. But please, don't sympathize with me.

We have flaws and problems everywhere, but we're still the greatest nation on Earth.

Hey, folks, hold your horses here. I am a Canadian who loves America. Dont believe everything you read. We are pretty much co-dependent cousins. Every Canadian has some American friends and family down there and most Canadians like America. Give back American culture? Please dont be so hasty. We are a pretty small country but we have helped out and given you plenty too. Dont forget Tom Green, Pamela Anderson, American Apparel, Mike Myers or Austin Powers, Jim Carrey, Dan Akroyd, Peter Jennings, Club Monaco, John Kenneth Galbraith, Norman Jewison, Saturday Night Live, Rick Moranis, Mercer Consulting, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Aldo, frozen food, John Irving, basketball, football, Superman, insulin, the zipper, John Candy, Avril Lavinge, Nelly Furtado, Celine Dion, James Cameron (Titanic, Terminator 2) and the list could go on and on. Hey, Ive never met an Anti-Semitic Canadian. Some people are just giving us canucks a bad rap. I love Americans. They are always a fun crowd to hang out with. California is absolutely stunning and I love the Colorado Rockies, Boston, New Orleans, Minneapolis and of course, New York City. My folks retired in Orlando, Florida and I love it there. Canada and America are two best countries in the world. No need for squabbles.

The best part is that a majority of them are names just for 1 or very few posts. Kinda makes ya wonder, doesn't it ...lol

Why is America hated so much? The average American will tell you that it is jealousy or say that Anti-Americanism started after 9-11 and the Iraq War. Everyone else in the world knows that this answer is not true. America is hated because it appears to be a land of contradictions and hypocrisies. America potrays itself as a wealthy place but there is poverty almost everyhwere you turn. America says it is the 'land of the free' but there are repressive laws in America that can put you in jail for a speeding ticket. There are also more imprisoned people (as a rate of the population) than anywhere in the world. America says it is symbol of democracy but has a two-party system run my by corporations and insurance companies. America portrays itself as crispy-clean and beautiful but when you arrive, there are more obese people with acne than you would ever image and many cities resemble dirty dungeons. America portrays itself through TV and advertisements as racially-harmonious but the country is very deeply torn along racial lines. An average American will brag that they invented blues, 'rock and roll', 'jazz' and 'hip hop' music but these musical genres were invented by blacks, a group whom the average American either completely avoids and disparages or romanticizes from afar. Americans are also quick to point out that they are the 'leaders of the world' but hardly anyone in America seems to know anything about the world and the other 80% of their population seem to be conformists/followers with very little tangible power. No wonder George Bush is fighting a war and ordering murder to spread peace and humanity. This is not 'political animosity'. This is a 'quality of life' issue. America is worth a visit if you go to the right city, the right street in the right neighborhood. But never be fooled by the surface. America is a phony - the world's largest false advertisement.

I'm sorry to see all this political animosity. Truth be told I've met people from abroad who bitch about their own homeland polictics to the same degree. Why must people be so cynical? Yes the US also has a reputation for religious fanatisism but there seem to be some very disturbing comments below knocking Jews and how the whole country should be catholic that came from overseas. The proof is right here on this website how biggoted the world can be. Truth is no matter where we are, we are at the mercy of our governments no matter how much we agree or disagree. I'd like to hear some feedback from people abroad about how wonderful their government is and how they are living in political bliss. Anyone out there? I seriously doubt it. Now I'm not very happy with the political position America is in currently but I'm not worried either because I know this country always perseveres. There are many reasons to be proud to be an American. You can choose to live in any climate, any landscape, practice any religion, you can be conservative or liberal or in the middle which I find the vast majority of Americans are in the middle and the extremes on both sides seem to stick out in the media like those talking heads you see on CNN during election years. I grew up in Boston then up and left for the west coast to Seattle to start a new life and indeed I did start a new. At free will I roamed across the continent, no questions asked. I can't think of any other country that offers the diversity and such a wide array of choices for new oppurtunities in life than the United States.

Americans can be exceptionally friendly people. They are actually very hard people to completely hate on an interpersonal level. If many of America's harshest critics really broke through some of the cultural differences that hinder their understanding of America, I garuntee that most the them would find Americans are not quite as awful as they may think. But I also have to agree with some of America's negatives. American culture can, at times, feel very terribly conformist. Much of America also does not live up to the glossy image on TV. Many American cities are run-down, old and dirty which leaves life to be a sort-of-boring surburban drive to Blockbuster then to the shopping mall and then to Wal-Mart. About 40% - 50% of the people in the U.S. population seem to be completely uneducated and exceptionally ignorant. Many of them have become exceedingly patriotic simply because they have only been exposed to a myopic description of their history where their country was described as the sole cause and effect of just about every significant historical incident from the fall of Arpathied in South Africa to the fall of Hitler's Germany to bolstering of just about every successful economy in the world. Still though, America has some good points. For instance, there are lots of choices of where to live because the place is huge and there are plenty of job opportunities for those willing to move around. America still has some nasty race problems but hey, at least, they are trying. It's not all that bad.

Believe me, this pathetic excuse for a nation does not even deserve one star.

samjung, hating the US as you do, you sound just like a liberal democrat. Maybe you should run for president the next time around.

Not as good as most people think and not as bad as most people think

300 Million People and only two or three decent cities: NYC, San Francisco, and L.A. Only reason these cities are somewhat enjoyable is because about 1/3 of the people that occupy these places are foreigners. Need a say more ? This place is so over-rated, it is ridiculous. There are more bums, ignorant morons, crackheads, fast-food enthusiasts, racist rednecks and fat slobs in this country than anywhere I have ever been. Funny though, they actually think that because people watch a movie with Penelope Cruz or listen to Michael Jackson that there is some kind of connection with their fat slob-self. They are living in disneyland.

Sometimes our idealism makes us forget that we are all human, capable of some of the most wonderful things in the world, but able to tear them down in a fraction of the time it took to build them up. Government is not an independent being of perfection, but formed and glued together on the ideas of imperfect individuals. So, why demand for perfection as though perfection can derive from imperfection? We have all made mistakes and we have all been blinded in our lives, but to charge another as though you are not guilty of the same makes one the lesser of the two. Look back on your history and the history of your country, and if there are no doubts of perfection, then feel free to condemn. But if thoughts loom of past mistakes, then please keep with the topic of this forum and comment only on the tourist appeal of America. As for me, I must say I was struck by the vast diversity within one nation. If you look, you can find the entire world in this one country, or more amazingly, in one city: New York, a true world class destination.

inequality, capatalism, dictatorship, crime, horrendus education, very war happy is the modern day sodomen gomora and george bush enough said

best tourist places i would say are, in no particular order: golden gate bridge in san francisco, yellowstone park in wyoming, washington monument in washington, paramount studios in los angeles, michigan ave in chicago, grand canyon in arizona,niagara falls in buffalo, miami beach, and the old great cities on the east coast (boston, new york, philadelphia, baltimore). oh, dont forget the rocky mountains in colorado. costs are high, but you get a lot. most americans speak only english or spanish, so be aware if coming from asia , africa or elsewhere. umm, americans get by more on sweat than they do on smarts. only 33% of adults have gone beyond high school in their schooling, and most times high school education was useless. america is a big place, nearly 300 million, so i cant generalize and say everybody is this or everybody is that. generally speaking, people on the west coast, near the great lakes and the northeast are more tolerant, whereas people in the south and midwest tend to be less tolerant of outsiders/people different from them. climate varies greatly, being milder in the south and along the coasts than in the middle areas. air pollution is a problem that has been growing in the last 2 decades, though not as bad as China , India or other growing economies. the biggest problem i see with america/americans is the obsession with money/riches. basically, our whole reason for being, and most of our laws and policies, are geared toward people making as much money as possible. culture, environment, compassion, all that takes a back seat to the number one goal of having everyone be rich. people should be able to live well, but the obvious and overblown displays of weatlh in this country (Trump towers, Las vegas for examples) leaves me with a empty, superficial feeling about america. I think we are not a country of substance. people even put aside their so called religious beliefs in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. newspapers every day report on some company or other that lied, cheated or stole to get ahead. that is the american way. has been for a while and probably always will be.