Commonly heard sayings in our country these days include, “‘Murica,” “We’re the best”, and “America, hell yeah.” Often, phrases echoing the same idea are declared by the many proud citizens of the United States. We inhabit the world with a slightly raised chin, and perhaps rightfully so. The idea of America being the greatest country on Earth has been prevalent for quite some time, continually being reinforced by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, response to national tragedies like the Twin Towers attack and other unifying events such as natural disasters. Why is it that we are so great? Is it because we are ranked No. 17 in global education as reported by the International Business Times? Perhaps it is due to our No. 174 ranking in infant mortality? I think the fact that we spend the second-most money on Healthcare compared to the world, yet are ranked No. 51 in life expectancy, is a contributing factor. Don’t take my word for it, though, let us look at the facts.
When asked the greatest quality of the United States, many people would declare the freedom of its’ people to be our shining beacon. The fact that we fought for freedom and have continued that fight throughout the years is an important aspect of our history. From the Revolutionary War to the war in Afghanistan, we have always stood tall against threatening forces. Yet, what about our freedom sets us apart from Canada, Australia, Brazil, or most of Europe? Many would say it’s because we fought and died for our freedom and independence, but so did Mongolia, Mexico, Ireland and South Africa. Using the argument of self-established freedom through sacrifice to justify our superiority rings well but doesn’t serve as a full explanation. Certainly the latter countries aren’t participants in the “greatest countries” debate simply because they persevered and sacrificed for their freedom, so why should we be?
Another backbone of American pride is its people. This country rejoices in its creation “by the people, for the people” and every day reiterates that through our national holidays and patriotic way of life. For a country to have such great citizens, one could expect the best treatment of them. You wouldn’t expect the greatest country on Earth to be ranked No. 60 overall in spending towards education, yet America is. We undervalue education which directly results in difficult circumstances for youth and young adults. The fact that we spend 5.4 percent of GDP on education (right around the world average) yet lack the ideal performance by our students indicates a lack of educational efficiency. Our country is slowly falling behind in education, as the Council on Foreign Affairs reports we’ve slipped 10 spots in graduation rankings internationally throughout the past three decades. Despite also continuing to fall behind economically, as the United States ranks No. 127 in real GDP growth rate, we continually increase our defense spending budget and involve ourselves in world affairs rather than issues at home.
Our priorities have shifted from domestic development to playing world babysitter— a role that’s both costly and damaging to our domestic affairs and our citizens. There is a good possibility the recession of 2008 would have occurred regardless of our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the nearly $4 billion spent most definitely could have been put to greater use here at home. Our overall unemployment rate currently ranks 95th in the world rankings while our youth unemployment rate ranks 76th.
Regardless of how well off the economy may be, jobs are always difficult to come by. Though no president or single person is solely responsible for the recession and ensuing increase in the unemployment rate that hit the United States, presidents are accountable for wars, foreign policy and establishing public support for world involvement. Recently, the concern seems to be on foreign affairs rather than domestic issues.
Take for example a major international crisis we face today: Democrats and Republicans can agree that action needs to be taken in Syria, yet both parties refuse to cooperate when faced with a government shutdown. These kinds of misplaced priorities are what fuel the inefficiency of our economy and the inattentiveness to our failing education system. How can we be the greatest country on Earth if we don’t place priority on our citizens but on those of countries halfway across the world?
I am a proud American citizen and I am happy to have the honor of growing up in a country with as many opportunities as this one so provides. Unfortunately, our country has not grown and developed as it once did. It remains stagnant in the ever-changing landscape that is our world. Countries across the globe seem to require our attention, yet we lack the necessary focus domestically to continually maintain our perceived dominance in the global landscape.
It’s time to lower our chins, draw our gaze from the rest of the world, and focus on what used to make America the greatest country on Earth: the full majesty and potential of the United States’ resources and priorities being expended on its own people, for its people.
This is Chandler’s first column. What did you think about this topic? Do you share his views on “‘Murica”? Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com
