Ask HN: Happy July 4th What are some thing you like about the US | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Happy July 4th What are some thing you like about the US

3 pointsBalgair4 comments

It's Independence day! What are some things you like about the US?

We spend most of the year (rightfully) complaining about things wrong with the US.

I figured we could spend one thread on one day saying some of the things that we like about the country. Non-US people, I'd love to hear your opinions especially.

I'll start:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is, like, really good. We do it a lot better than other countries manage to. Sure, there are many problems with it, but overall, I think it's a really good thing.

View on HN

As a Canadian, here are a few things I appreciate about the US of A:

(1) Freedom as a value. There's endless debate about what freedom means, of course. One person's freedom is another person's oppression. But freedom as a core national value is amazing and perhaps unprecedented.

(2) Innovation. It pains me to say it, but I don't think any other country comes close.

(3) Your weather. It's cold up here most of the year.

(4) Culture. I know people like to dunk on American culture, but who else is actively engaged in creating new expressions of culture? Most societies are obsessed with maintaining the culture of their past. America is constantly reinventing its own culture. It's incredible to see.

As a Swiss person:

1) Risk-on mentality - Maybe even a little bit too much, but US is definitely a country where taking risks is much more accepted and encouraged. It has its downsides but imo in Europe we are way too much on the safetyism side.

2) Culture creation - For as long as I can remember maybe like 75% of social trends that took off in the US ended up taking off in Europe, and for the reverse I would say maybe like 10% max?

3) East / West Coast difference - Personal opinion, but the difference in lifestyle and contrast between the east and west coasts is much more pleasant and interesting than European analogues (German/ French parts in Switzerland, East/West Germany, etc).

4) (controversial) Death Penalty Still Exists - Not saying US death penalty rules are perfect, but it seems like the society still thinks that some crimes are so bad that rehabilitation isn't in society's interest, which I applaud.

1) All of the rights we are guaranteed, like freedom of speech, religion, the press, etc.

2) Those rights apply to everyone, even visitors. I hate that some countries discriminate against foreigners (try to buy land and a foreigner in the Philippines, for example)

3) Powerful passport. I've been to 60+ countries and I've only had to apply for a visa in advance a few times (Vietnam, China)

4) Infrastructure. I know people point out more advanced countries like Singapore but for countries this size, the US is a leader here. Our international airports can't all compete with Singapore or Seoul, but we have about 2 international airports for each state.

As an American, I am proud of the values we hold dear such as:

Individualism. emphasizes the importance of personal freedom, self expression, and self-reliance.

Equal Opportunity. belief that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed regardless of their social status, background, race, gender, or religion.

Due Process. individuals have the right to fair treatment and procedures before the government.

Equal Protection. individuals are treated equally under the law, prohibiting discrimination.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com