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for America fans, American exceptionalism relies on comparing America to the worst managed countries in the world. So you walked right into that. Stick with the

for America fans, American exceptionalism relies on comparing America to the worst managed countries in the world. So you walked right into that. Stick with the comparison to Western and Central Europe because we need to normalize comparing America with developed nations. The US uniquely has the resources to implement 21st century advances, and just doesn't. This changes when acknowledging what other developed nations have and ignoring the developing ones, let China focus on them thats working out pretty well for them.

ben_w 4y ago
> Stick with the comparison to Western and Central Europe because we need to normalize comparing America with developed nations. But most of the world isn’t Europe either, so no, not in this case. > The US uniquely has the resources to implement 21st century advances, and just doesn't. It’s imperfect, and we all are. There’s stuff China does very well, and stuff it does badly[0]. There’s stuff the U.K. does well, and stuff it does badly. Israel[0], Ireland, Iceland[0], everyone. But the USA and the bits of Europe I’ve seen, they’re mostly (excluding Budapest, IMO) similar for quality of life — you just get to choose between a playground lacking a swing and a playground lacking a roundabout, when half the planet has the metaphorical equivalent of a tyre on a rope over a ditch and nothing else. Can the USA be better? I certainly think so. But it’s neither so good that the world looks at it in awe, nor so bad as to need to hide in shame. [0] not visited, but from the outside don’t think it would suit me to live in any of them
- ncmncm 4y ago
  If you travel, you are most likely much better off than most Americans. It is a hellscape for wage workers.
  - ben_w 4y ago
    Indeed, but your comment is equally valid if I substitute “British”.
    - ncmncm 4y ago
      It's not a race. Hellscapes can be found in many places. Some places have better excuses than others.

ben_w 4y ago

> Stick with the comparison to Western and Central Europe because we need to normalize comparing America with developed nations. But most of the world isn’t Europe either, so no, not in this case. > The US uniquely has the resources to implement 21st century advances, and just doesn't. It’s imperfect, and we all are. There’s stuff China does very well, and stuff it does badly[0]. There’s stuff the U.K. does well, and stuff it does badly. Israel[0], Ireland, Iceland[0], everyone. But the USA and the bits of Europe I’ve seen, they’re mostly (excluding Budapest, IMO) similar for quality of life — you just get to choose between a playground lacking a swing and a playground lacking a roundabout, when half the planet has the metaphorical equivalent of a tyre on a rope over a ditch and nothing else. Can the USA be better? I certainly think so. But it’s neither so good that the world looks at it in awe, nor so bad as to need to hide in shame. [0] not visited, but from the outside don’t think it would suit me to live in any of them

ncmncm 4y ago
If you travel, you are most likely much better off than most Americans. It is a hellscape for wage workers.
- ben_w 4y ago
  Indeed, but your comment is equally valid if I substitute “British”.
  - ncmncm 4y ago
    It's not a race. Hellscapes can be found in many places. Some places have better excuses than others.