There is a difference between a great nation and a good nation. America is not only a great nation, but moreover, it is a good nation.
Russia is also a great nation. But this is simply in terms of military power and influence within the United Nations.
Likewise, China remains a great nation, in the same respect as Russia. But we know neither nation is all that good.
A good nation is not defined by its greatness, rather it is judged by what it has done to help other nations throughout this world. Yes, mistakes have been made, but in the end, those errors are far outdone by the help we’ve rendered as a people, though our military and through the spreading of democracy.
In the end, I’ll take good over great any day.
The Old Blog in the Desert 