# Why Is The USA Exceptional Among First World Countries? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 21, 2010, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007 "2010-08-21T22:15:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![adhay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/61 "2010-08-26T19:00:09Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > I, a US resident, envy the standard of living of regular folks living in Europe. Would be really cool not to lose health insurance along with a job, sane hours sound great. Life is good when you are rich in the First World and the US, but it’s much better for regular folks over there. I surmise that you are somewhere lower on the food chain than **Shodan** imagines he is, if I understand him correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/62 "2010-08-26T22:11:47Z")
With regard to healthcare in the US, isn’t it the case that all you have to do is serve a term in the military and receive an honourable discharge, and it’s taken care of for life? ---
**Author:** ![adhay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/63 "2010-08-26T22:18:35Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > With regard to healthcare in the US, isn’t it the case that all you have to do is serve a term in the military and receive an honourable discharge, and it’s taken care of for life? Used to be. The left hand giveth and the right taketh away.:smack: Homeless deranged vets and their families upset? Groundless. ---
**Author:** ![Susanann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@Susanann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Susanann)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/64 "2010-08-26T22:53:56Z")
> [@adhay](#): > > Why Is The USA Exceptional Among First World Countries? > > So. What is the American Way all about? What is the secret of our success? The USA has the Constitutional : **Right to Bear Arms.** Besides the obvious intrinsic fact that nearly every American is allowed to buy, own, possess, and carry as many guns as he wants…the Right to Bear Arms is also symbolic and translates all pervasively to the unique character and attitudes of Americans: uniquely in the world allowing characteristics such as independence, freedom, self sufficiency, self-reliance, a can-do get-the-job-done attitude, we-are-the-best, and a dont-mess-with-me attitude all directly result. Sure, its true we have a government and we have social programs sorta like everyone else and on the surface we dont look or dress much different, but if things “go down” or threaten to “go down”, the bottom line is that we Americans dont “need” to depend on others. This is both on an individual level where as individuals we dont need the government to take care of us, and on a national level that we dont need to depend on other governments/countries to save us from foreign aggressors. It was really great that some other countries helped us out against Hitler and Japan, but we would have crushed them on our own regardless. If someone breaks into my house and threatens me, then sure, I will call the cops just like other peoples do if there is time to do so, but if the police don’t arrive in time then I will destroy the invaders myself. I don’t “need” the government. There is no other country in the world, no other people, who are as confident, obstinate, self-reliant/anti-government, or as gun-owning as common American citizens. No other peoples can “do” what we Americans can do if that is what we want to do, while people from other countries are naturally hindered, restricted, constricted, regulated, licensed, and limited by their own governments. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/65 "2010-08-26T22:56:27Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > We are exceptional because we are No. 1 in so many areas that are important. Not all, but more than any other single country. > > Regards, > Shodan Keep going darling. Tell me more about killing. Regards, Raw Cock ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/66 "2010-08-26T22:59:27Z")
> [@Susanann](#): > > There is no other country in the world, no other people, who are as confident, obstinate, self-reliant/anti-government, or as gun-owning as common American citizens. > > No other peoples can “do” what we Americans can do if that is what we want to do, while people from other countries are naturally hindered, restricted, constricted, regulated, licensed, and limited by their own governments. Faster, faster, faster. Regards, My Bloody Stump. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/67 "2010-08-26T23:00:27Z")
> [@Susanann](#): > > There is no other country in the world, no other people, who are as confident, obstinate, self-reliant/anti-government, or as gun-owning as common American citizens. Please. Your typical American is a groveler, a conformist, and a coward. Submissive to authority, unwilling to stand up to anyone who can fight back, willing to put up with abuse and exploitation that would cause riots in much of the world. But we make great bullies; we love to attack anyone we think can’t or won’t stand up to us. Guns are nothing more than the adult version of pacifiers; they keep people quiet and passive while they clutch their toys. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/68 "2010-08-26T23:09:16Z")
> [@Susanann](#): > > If someone breaks into my house and threatens me, then sure, I will call the cops just like other peoples do if there is time to do so, but if the police don’t arrive in time then I will destroy the invaders myself. I don’t “need” the government. Blam. Blam. Blam. You \*will \* destroy the invaders. Blam Blam Blam. Because your shitty shack is always in danger, but it is defended, right. Blam Blam Blam. Ooops, shot one of your many, many kids. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![adhay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/69 "2010-08-27T00:19:04Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > > [@Susanann](#): > > > > If someone breaks into my house and threatens me, then sure, I will call the cops just like other peoples do if there is time to do so, but if the police don’t arrive in time then I will destroy the invaders myself. I don’t “need” the government. > > Blam. Blam. Blam. > You \*will \* destroy the invaders. Blam Blam Blam. Because your shitty shack is always in danger, but it is defended, right. Blam Blam Blam. Ooops, shot one of your many, many kids. ☹ _I_ shot the sheriff. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/70 "2010-08-27T02:28:09Z")
> [@adhay](#): > > Unburdened of all that socialist bullshit that our allies abroad have to fund, healthcare, etc, we rock. Our 5% of the world’s population consumes 35% of the world’s resources and we have the SUVs to prove it. Envy of the world. FYI, we also manufacture most of the worlds stuff - 1.8 trillion dollars worth in 2007, which is 15% of the total manufacturing output of the top 12 nations. China is a close second with 1.1 trillion dollars worth. We also produce most of the worlds wealth - 14 trillion dollars annual GDP. A bit less than the next 4 nations combined (Japan, China, Germany and France). ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/71 "2010-08-27T06:56:32Z")
Whatever the people on page 2 of this thread are taking, pass me some. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/72 "2010-08-27T06:58:38Z")
> [@Autolycus](#): > > Whatever the people on page 2 of this thread are taking, pass me some. **passes Autolycus a cup of irritability and cynicism** ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/73 "2010-08-27T09:44:05Z")
> [@adhay](#): > > > [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > > > I, a US resident, envy the standard of living of regular folks living in Europe. Would be really cool not to lose health insurance along with a job, sane hours sound great. Life is good when you are rich in the First World and the US, but it’s much better for regular folks over there. > > I surmise that you are somewhere lower on the food chain than **Shodan** imagines he is, if I understand him correctly. I have no idea where I am on the food chain in relation to Shodan, and it would be fruitless to speculate as I have no intention of reveal Real Life info about myself that would make it clear. Feel free to speculate however. Certainly, the interests Shodan seems to represent are different from the ones I represent. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/74 "2010-08-27T09:51:28Z")
> [@Susanann](#): > > > [@adhay](#): > > > > Why Is The USA Exceptional Among First World Countries? > > > > So. What is the American Way all about? What is the secret of our success? > > The USA has the Constitutional : **Right to Bear Arms.** > > Besides the obvious intrinsic fact that nearly every American is allowed to buy, own, possess, and carry as many guns as he wants…the Right to Bear Arms is also symbolic and translates all pervasively to the unique character and attitudes of Americans: uniquely in the world allowing characteristics such as independence, freedom, self sufficiency, self-reliance, a can-do get-the-job-done attitude, we-are-the-best, and a dont-mess-with-me attitude all directly result. > > etc. Now this is what comes of whiffing the cordite too often. ---
**Author:** ![Lust4Life](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecc23a/32.png) [@Lust4Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lust4Life)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/75 "2010-08-27T12:55:23Z")
The right to Bare Arms in the U.S. is often abused, I’ve lost count of the number of places I’ve seen with signs in the window “No Shirt No Service”. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/76 "2010-08-27T16:14:35Z")
> [@Lust4Life](#): > > I thought China had most of your money, as to quality of life your definition most likely differs to those of the inhabitants of the many slums and ghettos in American cities. > > I have seen your “quality of life” in many places at first hand. Have you seen the quality of life for most people in China? Surprisingly, most people I know seem to enjoy living in America. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/77 "2010-08-27T18:54:59Z")
> [@adhay](#): > > > [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > > > Blam. Blam. Blam. > > You \*will \* destroy the invaders. Blam Blam Blam. Because your shitty shack is always in danger, but it is defended, right. Blam Blam Blam. Ooops, shot one of your many, many kids. ☹ > > _I_ shot the sheriff. I shot the deputy. US Americans have this self-image of being free, but from what I’ve seen from 10 years on these boards, most of those freedoms are in your minds. In some ways, US Americans are very non-free. You are free to be taken advantage of by your monied class, though - that one never seems endangered. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/78 "2010-08-27T20:10:42Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > We also produce most of the worlds wealth - 14 trillion dollars annual GDP. A bit less than the next 4 nations combined (Japan, China, Germany and France). Unless you consider the EU to be a unified entity. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/79 "2010-08-28T01:35:16Z")
> [@Susanann](#): > > The USA has the Constitutional : **Right to Bear Arms.** > > Besides the obvious intrinsic fact that nearly every American is allowed to buy, own, possess, and carry as many guns as he wants…the Right to Bear Arms is also symbolic and translates all pervasively to the unique character and attitudes of Americans: uniquely in the world allowing characteristics such as independence, freedom, self sufficiency, self-reliance, a can-do get-the-job-done attitude, we-are-the-best, and a dont-mess-with-me attitude all directly result. In Afghanistan there are certainly no Constitutional provisions for those refusing to bear arms. Go figure. Maybe we should be including Afghan Exceptionalism in the debate? ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2010, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007/80 "2010-08-28T06:31:24Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > > [@Autolycus](#): > > > > Whatever the people on page 2 of this thread are taking, pass me some. > > **passes Autolycus a cup of irritability and cynicism** Mmmm. Tastes like Guinness. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-usa-exceptional-among-first-world-countries/551007.md?page=5)