Is America still the world’s greatest country? It depends on what criteria you use to measure greatness. But if we look at a few key factors – freedom, economic opportunity, quality of life, and healthcare – it’s becoming increasingly clear that America is no longer at the top of the list.
Growing Income Inequality
Over the past few decades, income inequality has grown significantly in America. It now ranks among the highest of all industrialized countries. The gap between the rich and poor widens, further exacerbating economic instability for families on both sides of the income divide.
Also, there is an increase in the number of people living in poverty and unable to access basic services like healthcare, education, and housing due to income inequality.
High Murder Rate
America has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with violent crime and gun-related deaths significantly higher than many other developed countries. This high rate is due to lax gun control laws, which enable easy access to firearms for individuals prone to violence or criminal activity.
Also, many of these murders are never solved or prosecuted, making communities feel unsafe and unprotected.
Expensive Healthcare System
The US healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world, with prices for medical services far higher than those found elsewhere. Despite this cost, many citizens remain uninsured or underinsured due to a lack of access to affordable health insurance plans. As a result, people are often left without basic medical care and forced to choose between filing for bankruptcy or paying exorbitant medical bills.
High Emission of Green House Gases
America’s current energy policies rely heavily on fossil fuels, making it one of the world’s leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), contribute negatively to climate change and global warming, which has led to increasingly extreme weather patterns, ocean acidification, species extinction, and rising sea levels.
Life Expectancy Rank of 46 Out of 193 Nations
With 73.5 years old on average, the United States ranks 43rd globally for life expectancy, falling behind Japan, Australia, and Canada. Although this age is considered a good score, the US still lags behind other countries with similar resources and infrastructure.
High Suicide Rates
Suicide is a significant national public health concern in the United States, with one of the highest rates among wealthy nations. Tragically, since the start of 2023, about 67 suicide deaths occur daily in the country.
High Percentage of People Living in Poverty
According to recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 38 million people, or 11.6 percent of the US population, live in poverty. This percentage is higher than that of many other developed countries. It continues to rise due to increased cost of living, lack of job opportunities, inadequate access to healthcare, and educational disparities.
High Crime Rate
The United States has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with much of it concentrated in cities and areas with high levels of poverty and inequality. Lack of access to education and healthcare and limited job opportunities are the enabling factors leading people to engage in criminal activities.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
The United States is one of the least healthy countries in the developed world, and this can be seen in its high rates of obesity, smoking, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Low education levels, peer pressure, and easy access to junk food often drive these habits.
Safety Ranking Is Low
The United States has a lower safety ranking than most developed nations, including some developing nations. Its citizens have to grapple with higher rates of violent crime and gun violence. The Global Peace Index places America in the 129th position among the list of peaceful nations.
High Cost of Living
The cost of living in America is significantly higher than in other industrialized countries, as the gap between wages and the cost of living makes it difficult for families to make ends meet and save money. Also, this high cost of living makes the country less attractive for foreign investment and businesses, further exacerbating economic inequality.
Americans Are Unhappier Than Before
Despite having more material wealth than ever before, a survey conducted by the World Happiness Report found that Americans are unhappier and less satisfied with their lives than just a few decades ago. This feeling could be attributed to the prevalence of consumerism, lack of meaningful connection, and increased stress levels due to economic insecurity.
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