The USA may have it challenges, but we are still the greatest place in the world today. Amjad Masad ⠕@amasad I landed in the United States 10 years ago with nothing but credit card debt. After one startup exit, one big tech job, and one unicorn, I genuinely believe that it wouldn't have been possible anywhere else in the world. Here are 10 things I love about this country: December 28th 2021 2,829 Retweets14,913 Likes “I landed in the United States 10 years ago with nothing but credit card debt. After one startup exit, one big tech job, and one unicorn, I genuinely believe that it wouldn't have been possible anywhere else in the world. Here are 10 things I love about this country: 1. Work Ethic First thing I noticed was that everyone regardless of occupation took pride in doing a bang-up job, even when no one looked. I asked people: "why do you pour everything into a job even when it is seemingly thankless?" And it was like asking fish "what is water?" 2. Lack of corruption In the 10 years in the US, I've never been asked for a bribe, and that's surprising. When you know that you predictably get to keep a sizeable portion of the value you create and that no one will arbitrarily stop you, it makes it easier to be ambitious. 3. Win-win mindset People don't try to screw you on deals, they play the long game, and align incentives in such a way that everyone wins. This is especially apparent in Silicon Valley where you can't underestimate anyone because one day you might be working for them. 4. Rewarding talent From sports to engineering, America is obsessed with properly rewarding talent. If you're good, you'll get recognized. The market for talent is dynamic -- if you don't feel valued today, you can find a better place tomorrow. 5. Open to weirdos Because you never know where the next tech, sports, or arts innovation will come from, America had to be open to weirdness. Weirdos thrive without being crushed. We employ people with the most interesting backgrounds -- dropouts to artists -- they're awesome! 6. Forgiveness Weird and innovative people have to put themselves out there, and as part of that, they're going to make mistakes in public. The culture here values authenticity, and if you're authentic and open about your failures, you'll get a second and a third chance. Subscribe now 7. Basic infrastructure Americans take care of their public spaces. Parks are clean, subways and buses run on time, and utilities & services just work. Because life can be livable for a time without income, it was possible for us to quit our jobs and bootstrap our business. 8. Optimism When you step foot in the US there is a palpable sense of optimism. People believe that tomorrow will be better than today. They don't know where progress will come from, but that's why they're open to differences. When we started up even unbelievers encouraged us. 9. Freedom Clearly a cliche, but it's totally true. None of the above works if you're not free to explore & tinker, to build companies, and to move freely. I still find it amazing that if I respect the law and others, I can do whatever I want without being compelled/restricted. 10. Access to capital It's a lot harder to innovate & try to change the world without capital. If you have a good idea & track record, then someone will be willing to bet on you. The respect for entrepreneurship in this country is inspiring. And it makes the whole thing tick. Because of the character limit, I couldn't caveat the generalities that I made. It's hard to talk about an entire nation without making those. And my experience can be very different from yours. Also, we can do a lot better, and make sure everyone has equal access to opportunity. Finally, many of the things that I talked about are under threat, largely from people who don't know how special they have it. America is worth protecting, and realizing that progress can be made without destroying the things that made it special.” Let’s grow! Marc
It varies. In NY its almost impossible to get a carry permit. In Texas, any legal gun owner can carry open or concealed without any permit or registration.
As much as I despise social media and their censorship, you are always free to not use it or start your own, it is on a different level to government censorship. Be proud of your free speech standard. <Mod Edit>
A good read. Why would anyone want to worship or support an individual whose sole purpose is to destroy what it stands for?
It never was. It was and is a constitutional republic based upon democratic principles. Our founders did not choose a democracy ON PURPOSE.
I want you to think long and hard about your post and think about my post. A republic is a form of a democracy. If it’s not democratic than it’s not even fair to say it’s not a democratic republic. Which is what you’re trying to say.
No a republic is not a democracy, it is a representative democracy which is a FORM of democracy. It means we choose our representatives. Which we still do.
So what I’m saying, minus the very reductive definition of a democracy plus realizing the US lacks elements of a democracy?
Democracy is an EXTREMELY dangerous structure. Democracy is the EPITOME of might makes right. That’s not what our country ever was nor ever should be. And I promise you, you don’t want it to be.
in pre ides of march rome, which everyone considers a republic, senators were the hereditary heads of the equestrian families. is that the form of democracy the founders were aiming for? franklin would have blown a bifocal.
I'd say there is a distinct difference between a republic and mob rule. The French found that out the hard way. They are still trying to recover. By your definition, China is a democracy too. Look how that's worked out for them....
China has elections and replaces leaders. So good thing I'm not using that as my definition of democracy.
A very wonderful read. Its a shame a lot people that were born here don't have the same thankfulness you do. And you are exactly right. Even with our own list of problems, American is still the best place on earth. Most here don't realize just how fortunate they are or the opportunities that abound. And you are right. With the proper attitude and work ethic, there are people willing to bet on you. Thanks for reminding everyone from your point of view, how great this country is.
Truly, it is hard to tell what you're using as your definition. It changes, morphs, depending I suppose on moon placement...
Actually a simple reading would show I haven't even offered a definition of democracy yet. The only thing I've done is criticize the idea that it's just about the election of officials. It's more than that.
Yeah, it wasn't asked for. So I didn't elaborate on it. Because it's common knowledge the US isn't a democracy anymore.
