Patriotism
I asked Jannean on Friday during our car trip down to Wilson Park where we observed Independence Day, "What would make you leave this country?", to which she responded "Oppression". So I elaborated my question, "What could our country do that would make you want to leave it -- to renounce your citizenship?" "Oppression, [grotesque] misuse of power, genocide."
Upon reflecting on the issue myself, I realize I am both proud and embarrassed to be an American. I'm proud of the Bill of Rights, and our constitution which has stretched and adapted to the values and mores of each successive generation. I'm proud of our innovation, our shared values of excellence, integrity, and respect. But I'm embarrassed that we so often fail to live up to these values, our leaders and and our citizenry both. I'm embarrassed that when Americans travel they carry with them a pompous attitude and a haughty disdain for all other cultures. I'm embarrassed about our war with Iraq, which we armed, and Afghanistan, which we also armed. I'm embarrassed about the conduct of our leaders, and the lack of character that is found throughout the halls of power in this country.
There are so many reasons to be proud of America, and yet so many reasons not to. It's very easy to become cynical about the embarrassing things, and I do it as much as the next guy. It's also easy to be wrapped up in blind patriotism and be proud; proud even of our darkest failings. What's truly hard, and truly worthy of citizenship, is to be so proud to be an American that one would choose to do something to remedy the embarrassing things, while championing the things about which we should be most proud.
I am proud to be an American. I hope that I become "part of the solution", and join those who have made this country such a great place to live.
Also of interest (and some inspiration): I'm Embarrassed to Be An American, But At Least I Know I'm Free