RANKING THE UNITED STATES

The United States: Far From the Greatest Country in the World

The notion that the United States is the greatest country in the world has been a longstanding belief among many Americans. However, when examining various metrics such as income distribution, happiness, and overall well-being, it becomes evident that the U.S. often lags behind other nations. This gap is poised to widen further, thanks to the policies and priorities of MAGAs, Trump, and the ominous Project 2025, which threaten to exacerbate the nation’s challenges—potentially with disastrous consequences.

Income and Economic Disparities

While the United States boasts a high GDP per capita, indicating substantial national wealth, this figure does not reflect the significant income inequality present within the country. The wealth gap between the richest and poorest citizens is among the widest in developed nations, leading to disparities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for upward mobility. In contrast, countries like Denmark and Norway exhibit more equitable income distribution, contributing to their populations' higher living standards.

Under Project 2025, Efforts to dismantle federal agencies and roll back regulations will almost certainly deepen these inequalities, favoring the wealthiest Americans while leaving middle- and lower-income citizens further behind.

Happiness and Life Satisfaction

The World Happiness Report, which assesses social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, and perceptions of corruption, provides insight into nations' well-being. In recent years, the United States has seen a decline in its rankings. For instance, in 2024, the U.S. fell out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time, indicating a downward trend in national well-being.

Under MAGA Policies: The erosion of civil liberties increased political polarization, and neglect of social safety nets will only exacerbate dissatisfaction and unrest, further dragging down America’s happiness index.

Quality of Life and Social Support

The OECD Better Life Index evaluates countries based on various dimensions of well-being, including housing, income, jobs, community, education, environment, and health. While the United States performs well in areas like income and employment, it falls short in others, particularly in work-life balance and social support. Nations like Finland and Switzerland consistently outperform the U.S. in these categories, offering more comprehensive social safety nets and higher-quality public services.

With Trump’s Agenda: Dismantling government programs and prioritizing corporate interests will decimate social support systems, leaving millions without the resources they need to thrive.

Healthcare and Life Expectancy

Despite spending more per capita on healthcare than any other country, the United States does not achieve commensurate health outcomes. Life expectancy in the U.S. is lower compared to other developed nations, and there are higher rates of chronic diseases and infant mortality. Countries with universal healthcare systems, like Japan and Sweden, enjoy longer life expectancies and better overall health among their populations.

Future Under MAGAs: Efforts to privatize healthcare and eliminate federal oversight will likely lead to higher costs, reduced access, and worsening outcomes, placing the U.S. even farther behind global leaders in healthcare.

Education and Social Mobility

Educational attainment and social mobility are critical indicators of a country's potential for future prosperity. The United States faces challenges in its education system, including disparities in quality and access, which hinder social mobility. In contrast, countries like Canada and Germany provide more equitable education systems, resulting in higher rates of social mobility and a more skilled workforce.

Project 2025: Proposals to eliminate the Department of Education and cut funding for public schools will devastate the already fragile system, widening educational disparities and eroding the workforce of the future.

The Widening Gap

While the United States has notable strengths and has achieved significant accomplishments, it is not the global leader in several key areas that contribute to the well-being and happiness of its citizens. Thanks to the regressive policies of MAGAs, Trump, and Project 2025, the U.S. will fall even farther behind—disastrously so.

These policies, driven by theocratic and authoritarian priorities, will weaken the nation’s foundations in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, leaving the majority of Americans to suffer the consequences. By acknowledging these shortcomings and rejecting these destructive agendas, the U.S. can strive to address its challenges and improve the quality of life for all its residents. The time to act is now before the damage becomes irreparable.

William James Spriggs