From the second link:
"Foreign observers used to chuckle at that very distinctly American political rhetoric of exceptionalism -- the assertions of our God-granted preeminence and predestination. But beneath that laughter, there was usually grudging respect, and even envy for a country whose citizens were so ready to express such national pride."
I think it remains easy to respect the US.
But this weird need to compare America and have it be number 1 or to be mad that it isn't is strangely childish.
It can be a perfectly decent country. It doesn't have to be better or worse. Just its own thing. Like other countries in being distinct. In having its own interests, like baseball and hot dogs. In choosing more market forces and less government if it wishes. And not excoriating anyone for striking their own balance.
Of course it can learn from other countries. But everyone is making choices and most choices have benefits and costs. The French choose more vacation time for themselves. Arguably, this may make them both less productive and also happier. It's a kind of freedom to make that choice. Americans are neither better nor worse for making their own choice. Just different.
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