Surprise! A Slanted, Negative Euro-Map of America

The Guardian posted this interactive map with statistics about the United States intended to offer a picture of the country that President-elect Barack Obama will inherit on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, the statistics highlight negative features and racial divisions, including: White, Black, Hispanic, Rich, Poor, Iraq (causalities), Uninsured and Illegal Immigrants by state.

We are left wondering why The Guardian editors selected these particular indicators. Why not include, for instance, data on quality of life, education levels, upward mobility, religion, charitable spending, trade, economics or energy? Also, why military causalities in Iraq and not Afghanistan? Why not information about the many still volunteering for military service?

The map offers no comparison between the United States and its immediate neighbors, Canada and Mexico, let alone other countries. Without a basis for comparison, most of the statistics shown on the map have little meaning. Worst of all, no sources are provided.