American Paranoia

[Jazzman]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

International travel doesn't do much for patriotism.

That's interesting that you say that, because my own experiences couldn't be more opposite. I've been very blessed to have been able to travel all around the world and experience many different cultures and peoples. In doing so I’ve gained a profoundly deeper understanding of the world and where and how we fit into it, yet every time I leave the country and discover a new place it not only causes me to gain a newfound respect for yet another culture but also an even deeper love for our own. When I was seventeen and had never ventured across our borders I was what I thought was patriotic (I said the pledge sincerely, looked upon the flag with deep respect, lit off a truckload of fireworks every fourth of July, etc) but it wasn't until I spent a summer living in Europe that I realized just what I had to be thankful for and proud of and why. The more I have continued to travel since then the deeper my sense of gratitude for the U.S. has grown. I admit that we are not infallible and by no means a perfect nation, but more so than anywhere I've been (with the exception of maybe Switzerland. I still can't get over how amazing they are) the U.S. constitutes a truly remarkable world of liberties, possibilities and luxuries. There is a very long list of countries where I would be more than happy to live out the remainder of my life, but the U.S. will always be planted firmly at number one, and it’s mainly because I know what a few of my other choices would be now.

Anyhow, sorry for being long winded. That quote just got me to thinking...