Lack of universal healthcare is another point that is, frankly, baffling. Coupled with the gun thing, it does create the impression of the richest country in the world deliberately choosing to act like a failed state.

I don't think anyone should be lecturing Americans about the failings of their country/government/society, but I do think it's going to take some serious work before the USA is considered by European countries to be an equal, in moral terms.