Junkpile said:
"IN MANY WAYS" :roll: that said it all. No we are the greatest, plain and simple. There is no need to throw in a self-doubting disclaimer like "in many ways"
Bush isn't being a bully, he's letting this generation of scum know that we won't stand for this type of thing. Hopefully through this attitude my children won't have to deal with the REAL bullies that killed 3000 of my fellow citizens a couple of years ago. Remember that? We aren't the bullies....we're the guys that got tired of the bullies picking on people and were doing what others are afraid to do.
It's funny, when I typed that, I knew someone would pick up on just that phrase. It was even a bit intentional.
Listen, we do have a great country, many say the greatest country, and I'm one of those. The "we're the greatest uncategorically" is great for a pep rally but but that's about it. I'm American...and proud of it, I've traveled to and learned enough about other countries to recognize there are areas where America can improve. While America is the greatest OVERALL, there are things we could learn from other countries. Our education system is not the greatest (many other countries are structured much better), our system of representation is squewed to a winner-take-all rather than one that represents the cross section of the country (some other countries fold that broad representation into their legislative system more effectively), and many other examples. Our foreign policy while great in many ways, is also atrocious in too many other ways...I'm not talking just Bush...I'm talking over a period of decades. Our country has done some very underhanding things overseas.
Does the fact that I say there are some components of America that are not the best mean I hate America? Get real. Though some zealots might say so, it just means I'm a bit more realistic and don't get caught up in simply symbolic, largely empty gestures of patriotism. Wanna be a real patriot? Move beyond symbolic gestures that to more substantial and meaningful forms (i.e. looking at your country with a critical eye and understanding where your country can improve, challenge it to improve, question leaders (yes, even Bush) on their direction, etc.).
Finally, yes I do remember the 3000 people killed on 9/11. But that doesn't justify every possible action that any harebrained leader can conjure up...and shouldn't be used as the first line of defense which is supposed to nullify any possible criticism of our president. When you understand the roots of 9/11, it's easy to recognize we're making matters worse right now in many ways...not better.