re: Do you think many Americans understand how bad the rest of the world actually is

I am always surprised at how much cheaper life is (as in how much easier it is to die, whether crossing the road or in traffic or just other mundane ways) in countries outside the US.

But I agree that the danger is being overstated in this thread. After all, the majority of people aren't going to fight as mercenaries or to work in an oil rig off the coast of Angola.

Compared to any Western European country and many other countries that are far less desirable, the US crime rate is through the roof and no number of down votes will change that. Really, the only exceptions to the rule are Brazil, South Africa, Central America, several conflict nations like Afghanistan, Syria, etc, and possibly Russia. Of course the murder rates in the places I have lived are probably close to Monaco and Norway.