Because less people will click on an article titled "Six Ways America Could Improve". I don't know how Rolling Stone handles it, but often journalists and people writing op-eds don't even come up with the titles.

Even on HN, you need titles that "grab" the audience to get traction. It's hypocrisy to pretend otherwise.

Edit: Um, I upvoted you and agree with you, in case that isn't totally clear.

1 - How can we improve a country without talking about its deficiencies? (You can't)

2 - The article attempts to argue that comparing the US to a third world nation is not a hyperbole by offering six points. You are trying to argue the opposite without offering any points.