Interesting post. I liked it (upvoted, and followed)
I lived in different countries (Balkans, France and the USA), and spend months in South Africa (JoBurg). Since a year, I immigrated to the USA (green card - 10 years).
Is grass always greener on the other side (of the border ?)
If I would compare to the places I lived in before: France (Occidental Democracy) or to the Balkans (Less occidental, almost as democratic), I can say that the US are a quite a fantastic place to live.
I will not elaborate on the items which I think the USA are ahead of these 2 other countries, but here's a short list of my personal thoughts:
- health system (even if f%king expensive, it's quality stuff. Dentists especially)
- employment/economy (try to find a job in Serbia 5 years ago...)
- promotion of people: can do attitude, rewarding mindset.
- taxes (F. YES, compared to France... USA is almost taxless on the income and on the sales taxes)
- overall mindset: way more positive than on other countries in Europe.
- Freedom of Speech: YES. In France, some of the things I read here would send people to jail. Seriously. France is a country of censorship...
- Security: Paris Islamic attacks, Nightlife in Pristina Kosovo, Alexandra Township in South Africa... compare what you want... even the Bronx is safer sometimes.
- Diversity of people: the Melting-pot is a real thing (here in Norcal at least), and the LGBT community is respected. (Note: South Africa obviously still has efforts to make, but BEE should help)
Of course, your TV is pure SH1T, your food is a shame, your credit scoring is a scam/lie, your education system runs on debt, and your administrative bureaucracy is as bad as the French one... but overall, the USA are a great place to live.
Choose your country, choose your poison.
My 2cents. Happy to discuss (this is where the magic happens)