OK, add patriotism...no...pride in nationality to the list of heated debates no one can win...
Pride in Nationality is very different than Patriotism.
Ethiopians will argue thier country is the best, we all wave our flags.
Like it or not, we (Americans) are currently the World Power (meaning economic and military, not defined as best).
England and even Canada have superior points to America. America has superiority over others as well. Lump all of the inferior and superior in one big heap and we are all about on the same level.
For those who don't like America or Americans...You are part of the problem...you get lumped into the same catagory as hate organizations, so in reality you are no different from them redneck Ku Klux Klan members, congratulations, here's your card.
If you don't like America dominating world politics, then stop crying out about how much other countries need help and send your own military out to deal with it, we will more than gladly return home. Maybe isolationism as it was prior to WWI and again before WWII would be a better policy for us, remember the 400,000 graves of Americans throughout Europe??? Wasn't our war, but we ended up in it and the combined efforts of many nations produced coalitions that still stand to this day. Which in turn have provided the freedoms for the ungreatful of Europe, particularly France, to voice how much they hate us. Fine. Hate us and send us your troops so we can leave United Nations appointments Like...
Korea
Quatar
Germany
Italy
Belgium
Honduras
Phillipines
Japan (though it was through a doctrine developed after WWII which is still in effect)
Holland
Norway
Iceland
Guam (who elected to become a common wealth)
Puerto Rico (same as Guam)
Samoan Islands (Same too)
Egypt
Israel
Lithuania
Luxomberg
Why are we there...We were told by other nations in a committee we were the only ones who could maintain manpower there, and since no one else would do it. Some were post WWI, Some post WWII (deny that Korea isn't a product of the USSR and USA slicing up the world in our respective organizations NATO and Warsaw Pacts). Speaking as a soldier, I don't want to be in Korea, but here I am!
The world applauded when we liberated Afghanistan. Whom we had no dialog with for years.
The world ridiculed us for attacking Iraq who is now well on their way to self governing by the people. We had, from Iraq to the world, lies to the UN, failed dialogs and refusal to cooperate with world doctrines. Deceptions, crimes against humanity, mass killings. And now we're the bad guys. Ok, whatever, at least we stood up for those who couldn't. Unlike some, who hid behind personal agendas. The British saw what was right and joined us. So did the Auzzies.
What am I trying to say in this post...Enjoy your freedoms, but don't be the biggotted bastards that rule the minds of the feeble. If you like speaking your mind, thank a dead soldier.