July 4th makes me sick

[Jake]

I disagree with the degree Tweed goes to, but the general sentiment I agree with. I don't see any significance in the fact I was born American over anywhere else. I'm thankful I was born in the first world, specifically one of the most wealthy countries in the world, because I've been able to have great health care, education, clean public areas, plentiful food, and all the oppurtunity I can ask for. But I don't have all those things because America is so much 'better' than all those other countries. We've just gotten lucky for a myriad of socio-geopolitical reasons to come out nearly on top.

I strongly dislike the blind patriotism that it's de riguer to show off. Open your minds and think about why you're waving a flag or proclaiming that your nation is The Greatest. Maybe actually see if it really is.

[Jake]

No one is forcing you to stay here. I'd pay for your one-way ticket if you want to move to some other country. Wake up and travel around and see how the rest of the world is before you try to piss all over America on the 4th of July.

I have. Mindless worship of nation symbols is not endemic to the United States, nor is the danger posed by it. See Thailand and the god worship of the Royals and the coups they endorse. No one in this thread is pissing on the blessings America provides to even the least of its citizens. We're just voicing our displeasure with the attitude that America has to be the best, case closed. Like it's not even up for discussion that things elsewhere could actually be superior.

[Jake]

Sorry Jake, the USA remains the beacon of freedom for the world. I didn't even think their was a serious argument to that?

You must not interact with people outside the country then.