It think it is ridiculous being Anti- America is portrayed as seemingly hip rebellious stance, a couterculture act. Money is motivation no matter where you go. One in which you make money for your neighbor and his family, or one in which you make it for youself.
Capitalism is competition, it forces people to compete to make the best product possible.
Honestly i guess it depends on the type of person you are and what you find valuable in life, but honestly i love living in a place where education and intelligence and creativity are the means of survival, social mobility. Freedom does exist but you seem to think that freedom means equality even for people who do not make the effort.