Posted By:
Karsten

Location:
Germany

Greatest nation?

While I certainly like many of the achievements of U.S. American culture, I have never quite been able to understand that people call any particular nation, no matter which one, the "greatest". Usually it's being justified with one strong point, however neglecting just too many weak points in the respective country's past (and present!) ...

As for Obama, he seems a good candidate who's able to compensate his lack of political experience with real life experience and enthusiasm. I do, however, have objections to his strong emphasis on his religious background and activities. Just too often, religion has been an excuse of whatever politics. We don't even need to go back in history very far, but just to the political statements of the previous (current) president of the very same country, the U.S.

Posted By:
Nikotiden

Location:
Germany

Both are good

They would both make good presidents I am sure. But I fear that in the end John McCain will win the race.

Posted By:
Karin

Location:
Germany

I want them both

I am really torn between Hillary and Obama. Hillary is a woman, and I think we need more women in politics (especially for president!). Barack Obama reminds me a little bit of John F. Kennedy, and he would certainly make a shining president. I know too little about his platform, though, to know what he really stands for. I wish whe could have both.

@RalphSchneider1: I agree with you that the US has its dark sides and difficult history, like many countries. But I think we shouldn't judge. The mere fact that there are a woman and a coloured candidate for president shows me that this nation has great potentials, that nothing is impossible.

Posted By:
RalphSchneider1

Location:
Germany

The US - a great nation?

J just read AmericanEuro's opinion where he claims that America is the greatest nation. As a German I adminre US-Americans for the love for their country. But I also find it somewhat arrogant to claim, that the US is the greatest nation on earth. Aren't we all together a world community of more or less fallible states, each of them great in some ways and very small in others? Greatest nation, God's own country - what is the United States today has been stolen from the Natives in the first place. In shortest time the pioneers installed a system of brutality and exploitation where there had been a paradise. They invented the nuclear bomb and dropped it on two cities - the terrorist bombs in London and Madrid were nothing against this. With their praised life style driven by the idea that everyone should pursue his own happyness they are nowadays contributing more to global warming than any other state (yet). And it's not only since George W. Bush that the US politics are not always great.

And yet I, too, love the United States. Mostly, maybe, for their ability to be enthusiastic and positive. They are great, no doubt. But by far not "the greatest".