Was America ever great?

[Twilight Hue]

We hear so much banter and rhetoric about making America great again as a country, but tell me, based on past to present throughout the history of the country, was there really ever any period of "greatness" that can be pointed out as an example?

 

[Riverwolf]

Far as I can tell, it's whatever time the given speaker is most nostalgic for.

Beyond that, I don't even know what this "greatness" is even supposed to mean.

 

[Sunstone]

I think, at different times in our history, America has been great in some things, but not in other things. We've always been a mixed bag, so far as I can see. But I also think that, over the long course of history, we've tended to become increasingly more inclusive, just, and fair -- but not without setbacks.

So far as I know, though, there has never been a time in our history when we were great in all -- or perhaps even in most -- ways.

 

[Nietzsche]

We hear so much banter and rhetoric about making America great again as a country, but tell me, based on past to present throughout the history of the country, was there really ever any period of "greatness" that can be pointed out as an example?

Reconstruction, I think, was a rather noble era. At the very least something noble was being attempted.

 

[Quintessence]

My response to that rhetoric is confusion, because it seems pretty great to me right now, on the whole.

But I'm also one of those apparently rare people that knows how to count their blessings.

 

[Sabour]

We hear so much banter and rhetoric about making America great again as a country, but tell me, based on past to present throughout the history of the country, was there really ever any period of "greatness" that can be pointed out as an example?

are you by any chance referring to this video ?

 

[Palehorse]

We hear so much banter and rhetoric about making America great again as a country, but tell me, based on past to present throughout the history of the country, was there really ever any period of "greatness" that can be pointed out as an example?

Of course America is great. Just have to stop focusing on the country part, and look at it as the united STATES of AMERICA. Every state has a star on the flag, well maybe not all. But they will eventually get on there.

 

[psychoslice]

I think all countries and nations have their upper and downers, America is just going through one big downer, lets hope that Trump is not voted in, as this will probably bring them into the gutter.

 

[fantome profane]

I have usually been the first in line to bash America, but somethings have changed in the last few years. You guys have legalized Gay marriage, you have instituted universal health care. Stories about police misconduct have come to the forefront and police who commit crimes may actually get indicted for it. There is a huge fuss going on right now about where people can pee and poop, and as silly as that is I am actually very optimistic that progress will be made in civil rights and understanding.

America has never been better than it is right now.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

No. Closest I can think of is WWII to the '60s, when America had a strong industrial base.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I think all countries and nations have their upper and downers, America is just going through one big downer, lets hope that Trump is not voted in, as this will probably bring them into the gutter.

Honestly I don't think it really matters who wins.

 

[Twilight Hue]

No. Closest I can think of is WWII to the '60s, when America had a strong industrial base.

Yea. In that respect it's all been chased away out of the country. I think our greatest moments involved free thinking and innovation. These day you probably need a permit or licence to just think of new things or face a fine or go to jail.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Oh, when they went full imperial and were messing with more countries then they usually were? Those were the days

At least we didn't have slavery and people had a chance to make a living.

 

[Twilight Hue]

are you by any chance referring to this video ?

No, but I'm sure there are tons of videos like it out there. ;0)

 

[Twilight Hue]

Of course America is great. Just have to stop focusing on the country part, and look at it as the united STATES of AMERICA. Every state has a star on the flag, well maybe not all. But they will eventually get on there.

I think states individual rights are essential and ought to be preserved. It's a major reason why I'm so against unified blanket socialism.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

A video that discusses this a bit toward the end:

 

[psychoslice]

Honestly I don't think it really matters who wins.

Come to think of it, I think your right, sad isn't it ?.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Oh no, just used foreign slaves.

And?

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Just feel like pointing out America was equally ungreat as everywhere else.

If you paid attention, I answered "no" to the thread question. I hardly need anyone to tell me how awful America has always been. I was also referring to when companies had their manufacturing bases here. Now our crap is made by foreign slaves, yes.

 

[Revoltingest]

We hear so much banter and rhetoric about making America great again as a country, but tell me, based on past to present throughout the history of the country, was there really ever any period of "greatness" that can be pointed out as an example?

Yes.....WW2.