[Jemian]

Ya' know that is something that I encounter all the time. Other nationals feel the right to say things like, "In Switzerland we...." or "That's the way we do it in Australia..." or "I'm Dutch and that's the way we are..." But if an American says anything in the remotest way about the US or anything complimentary about this country, we are immediately accused of snobbery and insulting the other countries, etc.

I'm tired of it. I AM proud to be an American and I'm tired of listening to those whiners from other countires who try to denigrate us. I have decided that they are really ashamed of their countries and feel that the only way to lift themselves up is by putting us down. If they had more pride in their countries perhaps they wouldn't feel so threathened by us.

As John says, "my two cents worth."

[kassie]

What's worse than the people from other countries putting us down for being proud, are the ones here, the Blame America First crowd. Where do they think they'd be if it weren't for American pride, American know how and American Grit. (grit not grits) :)

[Molly Pitcher]

That is so true, Jemian. Or arrogance...that's another thing we're not supposed to be.

I do think, tho, that the world had a shock last Sept. 11, when for a short while the U.S. looked so vulnerable and in such danger.

It was a frightening sight, if they could admit it, and maybe some did, as they realized how much the world depends on our strength and goodness.

[Chairman_December_19th_Society]

I'm tired of it. I AM proud to be an American

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A., There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.

[Lee Greenwood]

[Bitwhacker]

I have acute experience with this phenomenon also, particularly the argument of envy ('The US is only 2% of the world's population but consumes 20% of it's resources...blah blah blah').

There are 2 things I have noticed particularly from the Europeans:

1. EVERY European is an absolute EXPERT on what it means to be an American and is not reticent about saying how we should act (the corollary is that NO American could possibly know what it means to be European and shout shut up); and

2. They ALL want to be us. Without exception. They complain about our culture infiltrating theirs, and yet I see them willingly trying to be us at every turn.

I am tired of it, too, and I politely argue right back whenever I encounter it.

Which is very difficult for me, because I am so impossibly shy and have a hard time expressing my opinion and....

[Bitwhacker]

Also, have you noticed that Canada is the New Jersey of nations???

[habs4ever]

Well said, and from my Canadian perspective, I've heard it all my life.It's envy, no more than that:-)