As an American I understand many of our faults but I also understand what is unique and good about American civilization.
Rich people live well everywhere. But what distinguishes America is that it provides an impressively high standard of living for the “common man.”
Being a self made successful person in America is easier because their are more opportunities and social mobility.
The ordinary life of supporting a family is highly valued in the United States.
Americans are socially more equal than in many other countries.
America has gone further then most countries in establishing equality of rights.
No other country expended more blood and lives to get rid of slavery.
How come in America, warring groups in their home countries, are able to live in peace with one another? Two simple reasons; Separation of government and religion. No religion counts more then another. Secondly No religion or race has special rights. Only individuals have rights.
"Americans and Europeans alike sometimes forget how unique is the United States of America. No other nation has been built upon an idea, the idea of liberty." Margaret Thatcher's 1991 words perfectly reflect the essence of American exceptionalism: that uniquely among the countries of the world, the United States was founded not on bonds of blood or race or religion or tribe, but on the ideals of freedom, equality, and self-government.
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http://www.weeklystandard.com/what-makes-america-great/article/2007818