The fellow was following his dream, walking his own walk, doing his own thing, and coloring outside the lines. He defined reality in his own unique way. He was not being judgemental like the right-wing Christians are. He had the courage of his own convictions. He just did it. America brought this own herself by oppressing third world countries and by turning her back on the needy and homeless. He knew there are no such thing as absolutes, especially when it comes to "right" or "wrong". To me, it was wrong but if you think it was OK, then you're OK, and so am I.
Now I've just saved you the trouble of reading the New York Times editorial page.
That was very good indeed. It was so good I want to steal it. Only one small detail troubles me ... You wrote
" ... America brought this on herself ..." I'm afraid that the official liberal style book does not use the feminine pronoun when evildoers are being referred to. America, the Great Satan, is of course evil. Therefore
herself really should be
itself.
Sorry to be so pedantic. That was otherwise excellent.