Land of the Free?

[DetlefK]

The US boasts being a special place in the world, the "manifest destiny" of being the greatest country in the world.

What is left of that outstanding, miraculous shining city on a hill?
What moral authority has it left over?
Which moral high ground does it still have to stand on?

War?
Torture?
Being able to tell your opinion free from fear of repercussion?
All humans are equal?
The last place of hope for those who seek refuge?
Leaving a better world to our children?
People more important than money?

I'm no US-citizen, so I lack the inside-perspective.
Please tell me what's left of the specialty, of the unique, of the dream.
The notion that the US were the "best" country in the world is based on what?

[graham4anything]

1. Who said America was special?

When before 2008 was the American dream reached for such a major percentage of the democratic party?

The fable of the white picket fence of Norman Rockwell was not reality.

NO the 1950s were NOT a good time for so many
NO the 1930 were NOT a good time for so many
NO most periods in American history were NOT good

It is just soundbytes.

In fact, one could say 1977, 1978, and the first half of 1979 were the most happy times in American history
but then Ronald Reagan rode in, and for whatever reason, so many democrats voted for him

same with the first Reagan, Eisenhower.
Why did people vote for him and not the legendary Adlai Stevenson?

Go figure.

It was probably a travel agency that created the illusion to get visitors from overseas to see NYC, and then of course
on 9-11, the biggest tourist sightseeing place, the World Trade Center was taken down by terrorists.

Special? When?