What Country is the best?

[Hawkeye]

before I started coming to The Ledge, I always figured the United States to be hands down the greatest country by far blowing away all the other countries out of the water and onto high mountains. But, many here believe this country is now crap, and I've almost started to believe you. But then I remeber this is just a freaking message board. SOOO I'll stick with America being the best country (although I despise our legal system) So what country do you think is the best to live. Is it England, Canada, Austrailia, Ittally, Germany...

[strandinthewind]

I have been to at least 20 other countries - probably more. While ALL have their advantages and disadvantages, of those and based on the limited time I was there, I can say the US has the most freedom hands down even though the US clearly has its problems. Thus, I pick the US based on my experience.

[strandinthewind]

What the f*ck kind of question is that? Why do Americans have this belief that there's must be the best country, and if not, that there atleast is a 'best' country?

Fine, if you're going to judge which is the 'best' country, I'll go with New Zealand. You could go with the Scandanavian nations in terms of living standards. American living standards are lower than Australia, NZ, Canada and most European countries. Their citizens also have fewer freedoms than the countries mentioned, so America is basically out of the running if you're going to do a 'best' country scale.

It's a ridiculous concept and really shows the philosophy of the way Americans are brought up. You're not better than other countries, that's a load of **** that ought to be removed from the curriculum.

DO YOU EVER JUST TAKE ANYTHING LIGHTLY :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

That's a load of ****e.

You were there with me? You saw what I saw? If you had bothered to read what I wrote, I said I based it on my experience :rolleyes: :wavey:

[Hawkeye]

What the f*ck kind of question is that? Why do Americans have this belief that there's must be the best country, and if not, that there atleast is a 'best' country?

Fine, if you're going to judge which is the 'best' country, I'll go with New Zealand. You could go with the Scandanavian nations in terms of living standards. American living standards are lower than Australia, NZ, Canada and most European countries. Their citizens also have fewer freedoms than the countries mentioned, so America is basically out of the running if you're going to do a 'best' country scale.

It's a ridiculous concept and really shows the philosophy of the way Americans are brought up. You're not better than other countries, that's a load of **** that ought to be removed from the curriculum.

I think it's a great question I asked. What country we like best is no then the countless disscussions of Lindsey vs, Stevie. And I have a feeling they'll be less fighting here then there :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

Oh Mr Rolling Eyes, I thought you said you'd been down here....?

I am pleading the Fifth regarding where I have been and what I have done while there :laugh:

AND - the roll eyes thingee was supposed to be this one ;) - I clicked on the wrong one :sorry:

[strandinthewind]

That question might be lighthearted but its roots are disturbing. Americans crap on about being the greatest country in the world, it would never occur to me to ask such a question. It's kind of arrogant.

I think the phrase "So what country do you think is the best to live" indicates it was not a my brother can beat up your brother competition :laugh: I mean I can assure you that to me, living in London would be WILDLY better than living in Odessa, Texas :eek: But, the reverse could be true for another person. Thus, the point of the question :wavey:

[strandinthewind]

Also Americans in general (note the "in general" bit) have limited knowledge about most countries let alone how they are run. I didn't mean that to be a judgement on specific people here, it kind of a well known generalisation outside of the US that worldly knowledge extends only to the US borders. If you're brought up with that propaganda telling you America is the greatest country with the most freedoms and where everyone is brave, yet they teach you very little about how other countries are run and that most western countries actually have more freedoms, then you're going to come back with a "America is the greatest" response. It just bugs me and judging by every single person I know here at home and in other nations, I think I can say it bugs nearly all non-Americans.

That is so deliciously snobbish of you :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

Fine, you're forgiven. Hand me back the divorce papers then.

I never even opened the file!!!!!!!!! :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Hawkeye]

I think the phrase "So what country do you think is the best to live" indicates it was not a my brother can beat up your brother competition :laugh: I mean I can assure you that to me, living in London would be WILDLY better than living in Odessa, Texas :eek: But, the reverse could be true for another person. Thus, the point of the question :wavey:

Exactly this isn't about which country can beat the others up. This comes down to the littlest things. Like how this thread idea was sparked. It was sparked by the Britcom disscussion in the TV thread. I personally love the apparently stupidness of American TV. That's where I got thew idea for this thread.

[amber]

It seemed an odd question to me. Although I probably know some of the main factors that Hawkeye had in mind when he thought it up, I just thought it would be an extremely subjective decision to make, involving many factors and personal tastes. One of first things that i thought of, in addition to the gov'ts and legal systems of different countries, was things like weather, landscape, culture...I mean there really are to many totally different things that could make a country "best" isn't there? I was thinking Canada was nice, but then i was thinking it was butt ass cold. :) And on and on. Also, I'm not sure that i would think of asking this question either :confused:

[GateandGarden]

I can't help but echo Lux's sentiments. I can't understand why we should talk about which country is the best. Even if it's intended as a joke, it seems like asking for trouble to me.

Hillary

[Hawkeye]

It seemed an odd question to me. Although I probably know some of the main factors that Hawkeye had in mind when he thought it up, I just thought it would be an extremely subjective decision to make, involving many factors and personal tastes. One of first things that i thought of, in addition to the gov'ts and legal systems of different countries, was things like weather, landscape, culture...I mean there really are to many totally different things that could make a country "best" isn't there? I was thinking Canada was nice, but then i was thinking it was butt ass cold. :) And on and on. Also, I'm not sure that i would think of asking this question either :confused:

Another thing, I HATE Snakes. It's one BIG fear. I jump if I see a picture of one. So that takes Austrailia right off my running. I would never even vist a country so full of snakes.

[strandinthewind]

I can't help but echo Lux's sentiments. I can't understand why we should talk about which country is the best. Even if it's intended as a joke, it seems like asking for trouble to me.

Hillary

So, when you pick someplace to live, how do you do it? You choose the one that is best suited for you, whatever your individual criteria may be. For me, it is here. But, I could readily live in Paris as well. Honestly, I think you guys are blowing this WAY out of proportion. But, so be it :laugh:

[estranged4life]

before I started coming to The Ledge, I always figured the United States to be hands down the greatest country by far blowing away all the other countries out of the water and onto high mountains. But, many here believe this country is now crap, and I've almost started to believe you. But then I remeber this is just a freaking message board. SOOO I'll stick with America being the best country (although I despise our legal system) So what country do you think is the best to live. Is it England, Canada, Austrailia, Ittally, Germany...

the country here in the US because those darnnabbit city folk are so immoral & sin filled...With their loud car stereos & body piercings & Satan worship & baggy clothes :lol:

Seriously, Even though I would love to go to Japan, A wish I had LONG before the US political schenanigans of the past several years, I would NEVER live elsewhere....

Btw, I think "Kerplackastan" is the best country :lol:

Brian j.

[heyjupiter678]

If I could afford to move there, I'd live in England. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that said less than half of the population of England claims to belong to a religion, compared with almost 90% here in the US. :shocked: That's reason enough for me to cross the Atlantic. :nod: ;)

[tuigirl]

If I could afford to move there, I'd live in England. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that said less than half of the population of England claims to belong to a religion, compared with almost 90% here in the US. :shocked: That's reason enough for me to cross the Atlantic. :nod: ;)

Interesting Jupiter, that you would move to the UK for that reason and thats exactly why, this question is so random..what one person thinks would be a great place to live, is not, by another persons standards.An example of this is on the 4 yr vacation thread, where a fellow Ledgie has dreams of living in France and I posted my views of the place , having actually lived there.Like Strand said we can only base our opinions on our own experiences, personally, I have lived in 4 countries and even then wouldn't dare offer a list of which were best..Lux..yet another indepth post on your thoughts :)

[DownOnRodeo]

Didn't know you were intrigued to go to Japan, Brian!

I was going to add that today I was looking through a Japanese high school geography textbook and there was a small chapter on 'other countries' (ie the US) but it was almost all about Japan. And yes, Japanese generally think that their country is the best. But don't we all 'love the one we're in'? It would suck to live in a country you thought was lame.

Of course there's good and bad points to each country based on personal preference. I love(d) living in Australia, but Japan is equally good for totally different reasons.

Younger Japanese are fascinated by the US, but many that I have spoken to who have visited there say it was an awesome trip but they'd never want to live there... I swear you could see a sort of harrowed, almost terrified gleam in their eyes as they said it! :laugh:

[HomerMcvie]

If I could afford to move there, I'd live in England. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that said less than half of the population of England claims to belong to a religion, compared with almost 90% here in the US. :shocked: That's reason enough for me to cross the Atlantic. :nod: ;)
AMEN sister! (so to speak) What's this US obsession with religion? I don't get it, nor care to get it. Maybe penicillin can cure it. :lol:

Oh yeah. And I've found traditional country to be the best. This pop fodder must go.

[Mari]

hm, you know there've been tons of sociological researches and indexes etc. about this. I'll try to find some when I get home :)
I don't find my country the best to live in right now. Lots of racial violence the last few weeks, dunno if any of that news filtered through to the US...
Even though a newsarticle I read this morning said that elderly people have it better here than any other country in the world.
I think it depends on the person/personal circumstances anyway. You might be off great here if you're over 65, but not so great if you're disabled. Or if you're a muslim, right now.

[tynan88]

I think the idea of this thread is misguided and Lux is totally right in suggesting that Americans really are generally hated through the rest of the world, and it is because America don't realise the rest of the world hates them.
I don't care what country I live in to be honest though as long it is with the people I love and care about.

Tynan

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

This thread is titled "Which country is the best?". I don't care what you say, I still find that a ridiculous question.



I totally agree!

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

So, when you pick someplace to live, how do you do it? You choose the one that is best suited for you, whatever your individual criteria may be.
Not entirely true. Most people don't pick. It's where they are born and they perhaps don't have the means to move to another country.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

If I could afford to move there, I'd live in England. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that said less than half of the population of England claims to belong to a religion, compared with almost 90% here in the US. :shocked: That's reason enough for me to cross the Atlantic. :nod: ;)
But everything is so expensive here! And IMO we have a real problem with asylum seekers right now in the UK. Tony Blair will let anyone in! ;)

[DownOnRodeo]

Tony Blair will let anyone in! ;)

Hah! Exact opposite of John Howard. :rolleyes:

[strandinthewind]

Not entirely true. Most people don't pick. It's where they are born and they perhaps don't have the means to move to another country.

I know that - but I thought this thread was about wishing, etc., because the question was "So what country do you think is the best to live." So, I was not taking that into consideration. But, it is true.

Interestingly, I think most people like where they live and, while they might move to another city in their country, they would not want to move to a different country with a different culture, etc. I am not saying this applies to all people and I think it certainly applies less to countries with extreme poverty, faminem, disease, etc. But, even then, these people might be moving out of necessity and not because they do not like the place where they live.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

I know that - but I thought this thread was about wishing, etc. So, I was not taking that into consideration. But, it is true.

Interestingly, I think most people like where they live and, while they might move to another city in their country, they would not want to move to a different country with a different culture, etc. I am not saying this applies to all people and I think it certainly applies less to countries with extreme poverty, faminem, disease, etc. But, even then, these people might be moving out of necessity and not because they do not like the place where they live.
I often dream about moving to another country but I can't see myself ever doing it.

[strandinthewind]

I often dream about moving to another country but I can't see myself ever doing it.

I do too. AND England is waaaaaay up there. If I moved to England, I could see me with a house overlooking Green Park and a place on the Cornish Coast (though I have never been to the COrnish Coast :laugh: ) - Hey - I can dream can't I!!!!!! :laugh:

[dissention]

There isn't a "best" country and none of us could possibly be objective in answering such a question. I love America, but by no means is it "the best." It's a great country when it does good things, it sucks when it does bad things. This applies to ever country. But you'll never see me waving the flag or putting one on my car because I think it's an empty gesture.

[dissention]

So, when you pick someplace to live, how do you do it? You choose the one that is best suited for you, whatever your individual criteria may be. For me, it is here. But, I could readily live in Paris as well. Honestly, I think you guys are blowing this WAY out of proportion. But, so be it :laugh:

Yes, because we can all choose which country we want to live in, Jason. We all have enough money and smarts to attend open houses all across the globe to decide which country, city, and house is best suited to our needs. C'mon. :laugh:

[ShangriLaTroubl]

Also Americans in general (note the "in general" bit) have limited knowledge about most countries let alone how they are run. I didn't mean that to be a judgement on specific people here, it kind of a well known generalisation outside of the US that worldly knowledge extends only to the US borders. If you're brought up with that propaganda telling you America is the greatest country with the most freedoms and where everyone is brave, yet they teach you very little about how other countries are run and that most western countries actually have more freedoms, then you're going to come back with a "America is the greatest" response. It just bugs me and judging by every single person I know here at home and in other nations, I think I can say it bugs nearly all non-Americans.


Actually in my experience, as a college student I learn a great deal about other countries. We are required to take courses devoted to other countries, IE : "Western Civilizations," "World History." It's american's choice if they do not learn of other countries, because it is fully presented to them. Sure Americans are most interested in things that go on in the USA (Elections, etc) as anyone in another country would be in their own affairs..
I do not think Americans are as ignorant as some might like to believe. Sure, Americans have a lot of pride, is there something wrong with that??

Chris

[ShangriLaTroubl]

Although my uncle, an American, loved America so much he moved to China this month and married a Chinese lady he met online...now tell me Americans are whacky, and I will agree with you!

Chris

[dissention]

I do not think Americans are as ignorant as some might like to believe. Sure, Americans have a lot of pride, is there something wrong with that??

Chris

The prevailing attitude in foreign countries is that we are ignorant and that our actions speak for themselves. After 9/11, all Americans could do was ask why it happened. You can bet your ass that we were seen as ignorant because the rest of the country knew exactly why it happened and they didn't even live here. The people of this country are so isolated from the world that they know next to nothing about world affairs, world attitudes, or how their behavior is reflected across the globe. The election of George Bush proved that. This country is ignorant, there can be no denying it.

[strandinthewind]

Yes, because we can all choose which country we want to live in, Jason. We all have enough money and smarts to attend open houses all across the globe to decide which country, city, and house is best suited to our needs. C'mon. :laugh:

I swear you people :laugh: I get that. I never said any differently. But, I suppose you just cannot play "I wish I could live here" without being politically correct :laugh:

[dissention]

I swear you people :laugh: I get that. I never said any differently. But, I suppose you just cannot play "I wish I could live here" without being politically correct :laugh:

You said that people choose to live where their needs will best be suited. :shrug: I hate to disagree ( :laugh: ), but that just isn't true when it comes to which country you live in.

[Serrart]

I agree there can't be a best Country. I can say that Italy is a pretty good place to live in. We got great landscapes, people are friendly and creative. Every region carries on peculiar traditions that enrich our culture, and the aspect I love more is that we walk and breathe through history and art, and to have so much beauty under your eyes sometimes helps to put everything in perspective.

Obviously we got big problems too, the most serious is a prime minister who sees himself as a potential monarch, but hopefully we'll be able to send him home sooner or later. :nod:

Romy

[strandinthewind]

You said that people choose to live where their needs will best be suited. :shrug: I hate to disagree ( :laugh: ), but that just isn't true when it comes to which country you live in.

You all just amaze me :laugh: - I said "when you choose" - implying that if you chose or were making the choice. I get that all people cannot chose and never said any differently.

I mean this is a stupid what if kind on question. But, I suppose everything is a class war and evil, dumb, rich, uncaring Americans EVEN in a fantasyesq. where would you like to live type of thing - whatever.

[wondergirl9847]

You all know America is the greatest, bestest, most wonderful country in the entire universe!!!![/sarcasm]

There are good and bad things about every country in the world.

[SuzeQuze]

This thread is titled "Which country is the best?". I don't care what you say, I still find that a ridiculous question.

I didn't mean it to be snobbish, I'm just trying to relate back the impression of American that is undeniably found throughout much of the world, that being one of arrogance and also ignorance. I don't know how to say it without sounding like a snob, but it's the truth.

I only started really learning about other countries when I worked for a multi-national firm and started meeting people from other countries and talking with them. When I look back on my education (pre-college) I find it kind of shocking and somewhat twisted how US centric (white US) it was. Particularly the way the story of the American Indian is told (not told).

I got a public education and I did not know that it was propaganda at the time. I'm not dissing my entire education by any means; I'm just saying that I wish more humility had been taught and a broader perspective of other cultures. Most educated people I know make an effort to understand other cultures. But if you have a high school education or less, and you don’t know anybody from another country, I think you are less inclined to be aware of them or care about them in this country. I have an uncle (not a college grad) who said he had no desire to ever go to another country and never would because we have everything here. :rolleyes:

This attitude is partly because we have lots of natural resources and such and have not “needed” other countries. Except Iraq for oil, hence the mess, ugh! At least not needing other countries is the perception. Of course everything is interdependent and we do need them.

But don’t hate the player, hate the game. These people just don’t know, please forgive them; they know not what they do!

[wondergirl9847]

The thing about America...is that the only people who aren't from other parts of the world....are the Native Americans. I have German, Irish, Italian and Cherokee blood in me, so I guess I don't, but yet, do belong here. LMAO!!

Kidding. Anyways, America is the ultimate melting pot, so when people start talking about Americans being ignorant and such, I laugh, because there are so many different races and cultures here. Are only "white" (how I hate that word in regards to race) people ignorant or are all Americans, no matter what race? Are Native Americans ignorant, are African-Americans, Australian-Americans? ;)

Ignorance knows no race, creed, religion, etc.

[stefan]

I do not think Americans are as ignorant as some might like to believe. Sure, Americans have a lot of pride, is there something wrong with that??
Chris
As for the US ignorant thing- I guess that has been proven 10 days ago. It is so incredibly ignorant, naive and dumb that it makes me wonder how you can open that can again.

The information thing... I don`t have the impression you guys in general are too good informed. The pre Iraq war discussion showed that a lot of people in your country let themselves get duped by media campaign- something that shouldn`t be possible and happen in today's world democracy. Your administration even tried to do that with the rest of the world- just remember the tacky fake proofs they offered at the UN back then. What a huge huge shame for the US. Man, if sticking on to these villains isn`t ignorant I don't know what is then.

Hanging out your flag and repeating dumb paroles doesn`t make you a good american imo.

Pride... Everyone has a certain pride for their home country what by no means is the same as putting that country over others. At the moment I don`t see you have too much reason to be that proud over there.

Still thanks to the US ledgies that prove their pride by criticizing their own land. That would be a reason for a country to be proud of, that still a lot of people can think for themselves and stand for certain values. Unluckily you are in the minority as proven on this tuesday.

[amber]

That really bugs me. The grandfather of a 'friend' was revolted that she was going to India because it's such a 'grotty' country. Oh dear. I wish it weren't such a taboo to slap old men in the face.
well, but people have their tastes, don't they? "I, said, yeah, well, whattamisupposed to do?"
heh. but if people knew all the cool stuff that was in other countries...but what about you, luxie? you've been outspoken on this thing, what, and why, are other countries you would like to go to?

[madformac]

There is no "Best" country in my opinion.

Anybody with an open mind may realise that whereever they go there are good and bad points about that place. Even paradise would get boring after a while. Humans subscribe to the "grass is always greener" theory.

I love Aruba but eventually I would want some cold wet weather for a change....

Here in England for instance the weather changes are good, snow in winter, sunshine in summer, green fields and rain. Trouble with that is the seasons change too quickly to get used to anything. Our taxation system is ridiculously high but we don't have to pay for health care insurance either. Tax on gasoline is about 80% as well but then again, if it wasn't there would be too many cars on this little island for anybody to get anywhere.

If I had a choice, based on experience and places I've been I would live in maybe Majorca, Aruba or Monaco. Having said that I love Miami and London too. But the flip side is I still have to experience New Zealand and Australia, Hong Kong and Japan. Unless you have visited every place on the face of the earth you can't really make a defined choice.

I will say I believe the "general" belief within America is it is the "best" place in the world, which I find rather funny and it's a kind of cultural difference the rest of the world mock America for, an "in joke" the rest of the world share.

Having said that my own opinion is the "general, i.e. majority " population of America are arrogant, ignorant and self indulgent people.

Christy, I remember you saying how rude the crowds were to you at the US Mac gigs yet the European audiences were far more polite and friendly. I'm just using this as a basic example.

But, the majority of Ledgies here, and quite a few Americans I have met seem to be in the minority catagory (I'm not saying Democrat!) which means you are intelligent open minded INDIVIDUALS. Sorry if I've offended anybody with the last remark! ;)

Just my thoughts...

[wondergirl9847]

People in general were very kind, sweet and helpful when I was there. :) There were some weirdos too...the guy taking a pee in a corner next to a shop, which happened just a few hours after I landed in London. :laugh: Also, the grope-guy at the last London show. :mad: Hands off the goods, jerkhead!

If I won the lotto tomorrow, I'd take care of my family, buy a home, then travel the world. Paris, Vancouver, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, England, Ireland, Italy...all of these places would be on my list of places to visit, along with many more.

There are rude, obnoxious people everywhere, but I've been to many concerts, and it seems that at the US FM shows I went to, the crowds are insanely rude! Even at the Keith Urban show I went to back in October, there was a really bad fight, a woman was badly injured. :(

All that said, everyone sees rude differently. If I scream my a$$ off at a show, there may be someone nearby who sees that as rude. If I jump up and down and have a good time, some person may not like that. :shrug: I'll never forget the gentlemen in front of us at the Dallas '03 show, one hated my screaming, the other loved it. LOL Also, the ladies next to me, didn't appreciate my screaming....and plugged their ears to show me.

[SuzeQuze]

That really bugs me. The grandfather of a 'friend' was revolted that she was going to India because it's such a 'grotty' country. Oh dear. I wish it weren't such a taboo to slap old men in the face.

It bugs me too. But I believe the truth is he is <i>afraid</i> of other cultures which just makes me feel sorry for him.

[SuzeQuze]

...
If I had a choice, based on experience and places I've been I would live in maybe Majorca, Aruba or Monaco. Having said that I love Miami and London too. But the flip side is I still have to experience New Zealand and Australia, Hong Kong and Japan. Unless you have visited every place on the face of the earth you can't really make a defined choice.
...

I have a friend who traveled the world for 2 years. I know she didn't see everything but New Zealand was her favorite. However, the New Zealander that she fell in love with came back here with her because there is more opportunity for him in the states. So, I agree that there is no "best". It just depends on your criteria.

I feel lucky to live in Boston because I've got the mountains only 3 hours away, and the sea right out my window. I can escape the city in 10 minutes, or I can take a walk downtown. However, I cannot afford any real estate around here, it is insane! So there are pluses and minuses everywhere I suppose.