Some Food For Thought

Everyone has spoken to people who have claimed that even though our system in the U.S. is flawed, "its the best one out there" or "it's the only one that works". While on the internet, I cam across this and thought that I would share it, considering the voyage that I am about to partake in.

Where our country leads:
-highest number of billionares (371)-2004
-olympic medals (102)
-military abroad (460,000)
-total miles of roads (3.98 million)
-largest number of airports (14,858)
-gold reserves ($157.88 Billion)

Where we lag:
-Doctors (43 countries have more physicians per capita than we do)
-Infant deaths (33 countries have lower rates)
-Male life expectancy (residents of 27 countries live longer)
-Murders (15th highest murder rate)
-Prisoners (highest per capita rate of people in prison)
-Women in national legislatures (71 countries do better)
-Voting (of eligible citizens who vote, U.S. is 139th of 172 nations)
-Health care and maternity leave

Clearly, there are other systems out there that are working as well, if not better than that of the U.S. Maybe while on the Semester at Sea I will learn a few things to take back with me to this country:)