Freedom, freedom and more freedom. The United States of America remains a beacon of liberty and an oasis of opportunity. With a population of more than 40 million immigrants, America is clearly an attraction to the world. The U.S. Constitution has survived the longest time out of any constitution in the world and has provided a blueprint to a great nation. This isn’t to say that the U.S. doesn’t have its problems, but in this chaotic world, it is certainly at the top.

The United States is an economic superpower with the highest gross domestic product on the planet, according to the World Bank, and a political superpower with the best military on Earth. But the United States is not a selfish country for it gives more money in foreign aid than any other country, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). America also accepts more immigrants than any other country.

What do Venice High students think about this? Out of 125 students surveyed, 96 said that they did not believe that the U.S. was the greatest country on Earth. Some of the reasons for their response are the following: Trump is president, the United States is involved in various wars or there are better countries.

Students frequently mentioned Scandinavian countries as being superior to the United States, and yet those countries do not have the luxuries that we have such as freedom of speech. The U.S. is the most supportive of freedom of speech. Finland, for example, says it allows freedom of speech, but it is illegal to insult certain groups. The same is the case in Denmark and Sweden. Another freedom that we have that those countries don’t is the ability to own a firearm for self-preservation and protection of our family.