America the beautiful?

For my first blog post I have decided to pose a question. While it may seem like a no-brainer for some, I think it should be evaluated on a much deeper level. Does America live up to its self appointed "greatest nation in the world" moniker? No doubt we (Americans) live in a prosperous country. Even in the most economically difficult time in any of our lifetimes the U.S. still maintains a standard of living far beyond what the majority of the world can experience. For this I am truly grateful, as should every person who has had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy, developed, democratic nation. But in 2011 America is still a bastion of hypocrites, religious and political intolerance, extreme socio-economic imbalance, prejudicial views that should have long been outdated, and inferior education amongst the masses. This is highlighted by the recent public outrage (or at least it should be) over highly inflammatory, even outright violent, remarks and implications made my politicians, talking heads, news outlets, and the like. One of our representatives was recently shot in the head by a would-be assailant along with many other innocent bystanders. As politicians begin the delicate dance of avoiding blame while still attempting to use the horrible situation for political leverage, I can't help but wonder....why are people who subtly incite violence tolerated in our society at all? Sarah Palin made very minor news with her list of 20 Democratic politicians whose views on healthcare reform were different than hers and whose names were accompanied by crosshairs. "Don't retreat, reload" she has cried many times as a slogan of sorts. Anyone who denies that the vast majority of this type of rhetoric is coming from the right is simply mistaken or lying. I could write a book about the "tea party" but I won't address it in this post. When atheist, agnostic, or otherwise non-believing groups post ads in Texas, Alabama, New Jersey, etc. there is public outrage by the religious organizations in the area. Are their views really so much better? So superior that others shouldn't be allowed to voice their beliefs, despite the fact that this right is what America was built on? Not to mention the fact that no one seems to care about these religious organizations wielding the incredible amount of power that they do. They directly and indirectly influence everyone's lives on a daily basis, even those like myself who do not practice any religion. All of this despite the fact they are allowed to exert this influence on a tax free basis. If a group can influence public policy shouldn't they also be held responsible for paying for the policies they so strongly advocate? I would love any comments/discussions on these or any related matters. Just keep it honest, intelligent, and classy.