Something to think about...(US longevity)

[SwordsMaster]

That is ridiculous. The survey is just another one used to embarrass the U.S. Compare our white population's longevity with Sweden's white population and I think you'll find a very similar number, maybe the U.S. will have a slightly lower rate.

When you have 12.8 percent of your population that is black and has third world longevity rates, come back and compare us. Or when you take another 10% from Mexico... and a further 5% from other 3rd world latin american nations. When you do both, then it is a fair comparison. Sure we need to work on it, but give me a break - we are having a different experience altogether.

America is the devil. Our racist gun culture and habitual nationally supported murder and ethnic cleansing is finally catching up to us. The Wild west supposedly ended years ago - i don't know why we are still living in it. The US is such a global disgrace. Now we are "forcing our citizens to die 10 years younger" than they naturally should! Abominable. I'm surprised we haven't started calling these times the "dark ages" in America what with all the ignorant religiosity to boot.

We're doing just fine and we need to keep going forward. The HDI lists us as #12 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...elopment_Index

Now, firstly, I don't know why you're getting so defensive. I do think a country with the highest GDP has to take care of its own citizens first, which the US is obviously not doing. France, with 8% immigrant population ranks higher than the US, and Spain, with 11% is just below with a much lower GDP. Hell, even Ireland ranks higher. So don't give me the immigration shpiel.

Your gun culture may or may not have a part in this, and isn't part of the debate, however racial divisions and attention to people's race runs much deeper in the US than in any other country I've been to, except, perhaps, Russia. Even I'm not too sure about that. Just watching CNN point out that this or that man is defending the interests of blacks or whites or latinos in his community as opposed to defending the interests of the whole community is quite appalling.

As is watching the presidential candidates go after the "white" vote or the "latino" vote. As if people didn't want jobs, safe homes, lower taxes, healthcare, education and prosperity because they're latinos or not.

There is no point in being proud of having the biggest weapons and making fun of the french, if they live longer and better.

That being said, the HDI of the UK is equally appalling if not more.