I would point out also, though, that according to google, there are 7 Canadian teams and 25 American teams in the NHL, meaning Canada has roughly 25% representation. Exactly what it currently has in the playoffs. We’re right up there baby! (note that I have not yet assumed the Leafs are dead, although all evidence and the vast bulk of history assumes that they are).
Back on track, I did not realize that Ontario no longer pays tipped employees way less than untipped, that makes me happy!
I have no desire to leave the US. I just think there are a lot of things we could do better. Recent events in my family’s life have made that even clearer. I won’t go into it, because it will swerve this right off topic. We have a lot of great things in this country, but there is a lot we get wrong.
Agree 
Both are simultaneously true.
Can’t help myself
America is not the greatest country in the world because that statement has no meaning. It is not well-defined.
I talk a lot about this sort of thing with my students. There is no best university, for example. Indeed league tables of universities, that students pore over and parents worry frantically about, are just massive bullshit.
I think everyone should think their own country is the greatest. Have a sense of pride. Be happy to live where you live and to be who you are. But not in a sense of actually thinking you are superior to someone else or acting disrespectful of other countries. That’s being a dick.
That said I think there are some things about America that are objectively quite good relative to other countries, but on most axes there are particular countries that are better. On average across all metrics, it’s pretty good here, though.
I think the word you’re looking for is patriotism 
I have one, not so much of the other 
Well, averages are dangerous things in isolation. Measures of location need measures of spread. There are some people for whom the USA is awful. Utterly miserable. And some for whom it is absolutely fantastic.
We were taught at school (I’m not being snarky: this is what we were taught) that “patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel” (Samuel Johnson).
Fair points. Patriotism is sticky. There are two sides to every coin.
Yes! This is all I meant when I said we are the best country in the world. How could I think otherwise? I am an American, and proud to be one.
Disagree. I don’t love America just because I’m here, but on a lot of objective measures as a whole. Everyone can love their country. Nationalism and patriotism are great things in my book. But let’s be honest, there’s no way a lot of countries could claim to be the greatest. And it’s pretty obvious by the millions pouring in both legally and illegally that America is seen as much better than a lot of other places. I don’t think I’m superior as a person to non-American people, but have no problem with thinking America is superior to other nations.
I don’t necessarily disagree but I think the point is that being vocal about it toward foreigners is off putting and can even be offensive. Just like you wouldn’t tell your neighbor you are wealthier than them, even if it’s true.
I do think perhaps physically being here has something to do with it though, especially in formative years. I know a lot of expat kids that, like myself, are not particularly patriotic. I was born American, and I’m grateful for the conveniences that come with that, but I also often wish I could have had a dual nationality as well. I don’t hate America or anything, and I think there are some areas we excel in. But I don’t think we’re the greatest country in the world. I agree that’s too broad a stroke. You’d have to give me a specific category, as I think there are some things we’re great at and some things we fail completely at where other countries are great.
Most of the things I really like about the country I live in have more to do with how the government is set up and little to do with the folks currently holding officeS.
Also most of the things I really like about the country I live in have more to do with the personS I meet on the street (not meant literally) and little to do with the government.
I used to be proud to be one, but nowadays I’m not so sure. However, unfortunately it seems some of the biggest issues aren’t unique to America.
This is such an odd thing for anyone to think about any country. It’s not a competition.
There may be some criteria under which the US is ranked top, but there are many where it lags. GDP per capita, for example. And it heads, or nearly heads, some tables that are not so desirable. Prison population per capita, for example.
America often seems strangely insecure about itself. Confident people don’t constantly bang on about how great they are. It winds people up.
I think what a lot of rich, white, heterosexual men mean when they say America is the best country in the world is that it is a terrific country for them to live in. I’m sure it is.
What countries are you comparing the US with? There are around 200. On what basis are you making a judgement? What research have you done? Which ones have you visited? I’m growing increasingly interested in Japan. The more I look into it, the more impressed I am by it. Maybe it’s “better” than America.
Oh, and to keep this post on topic, there is an argument that the US doesn’t even have the best Disney park 
Yes. There is always something to be proud of.
YES 
Tipping also exists in Brazil, though it’s very different. It’s a “thing” in restaurants only and it’s 10% added to the bill. One can technically ask for the 10% to be taken out or add more, but I think most times people don’t.
It’s funny, I had the same impression before moving to the US. I think it is because how it’s portrayed in the media, their interference in international conflicts and even what we were taught in school.
But then when I moved to the US and started talking with the people here, I realized it’s not like that at all. People are well aware of the problems here, and talk about it openly. I often find myself trying to convince them that it isn’t all that bad.
Paul, your statement is ruining the argument in my previous post. Shhh 