content: Make no mistake, I love my country and my freedom but there is a lot that needs to change if we want to be the best again.  Politics needs a full overhaul, among many other things.  You mentioned all the activities you can do in the US.  You can do the same in other countries too.  Granted there are some countries that freedom is suppressed.  I also agree that stats can be manipulated but that doesn't mean it isn't true.  I'm sure you are well aware that the internet is full of misinformation. Links -   http://smokeandstir.org/2011/07/06/no-america-is-not-the-freest-country-on-earth/ - Freedom  http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/posts/pisa-2012-results-overview%20graph%201_larger.jpg - Math, reading and science  http://www.medicareforall.org/pages/Life_Expectancy - Life Expectancy  http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2012/ted_20120907.htm - Labor force  http://www.bbc.com/news/business-31052665 - Infant Mortality  http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9542817.ece/alternates/w1024/Davis_Mirror_2014_ES1_for_web.jpg - Overall ranking