Unclear on the Concept

There's a pernicious rumor going around that the Discovery Channel is holding a poll (clearly, based on the last two presidential elections, that's the BEST way to decide anything) to find the "Greatest American." But, as my wife astutely pointed out, the whole point of being an American is that no one among us is the "greatest." In the land of freedom and democracy, we're all supposed to be the same, more or less. No kings, no rulers, no "natural aristocracy" (but apparently there ARE "smart ones" and "dumb ones," and the fact that I'm pointing this out ought to give a good indication where some of the dumb ones are working). Got it?

So what gives? Why are people like Matt Lauer and the folks at the Discovery Channel trying to undermine part of the mythology of America?

I've asked it before and I will again, now: why does the Discovery Channel hate America so much?