Doug responded: > Russell Chapman wrote: > >> Maybe its greatness is in part due to the citizen's faith and belief >> in their country and the precepts listed in the pledge.... > > Hmmm, do you mean its greatness is due to us drumming it into our > children at a young age that we are great? > Who believes that turning a critical eye inward is far more important > than boasting in the matter of said greatness.
Dunno... Maybe... I've only been there a couple of times - not quite two months in total so apart from being swamped with US TV, US News stories, and other sources (like this list) I'm no expert. But it seems to me, at this distance, that the weaknesses come from the critical eye... The obsession with the slippery slope, distrust of the government (in one of the most democratic countries around?), and generally airing dirty laundry all maintain your freedoms and rights, but also make you weaker than your enemies. In contrast, your inordinate pride in your country, its accomplishments and its power is a huge strength. It shows in things like the reaction to 9/11 (and 12/7/41), the level of private charity, the professionalism of your armed forces and a whole range of little things (or big things, like building 2x110 story buildings, the internet and Apollo XI). Americans achieved these things were others couldn't, because they believed they could. Australia has as much natural resources as USA, just as diverse and multi-cultural a society, and a model democratic/judicial system, but we are no world power in anything but sport. (Admittedly we are only 101 years old, but you get the idea...) In short, being an American is a bigger deal to an American than being an Armenian is to an Armenian, (averaged between individuals of course), and that starts in preschool. Cheers Russell C. BTW, I see that Michael Newdow's daughter attends Sunday School, and has reportedly said that even if it is illegal she would continue to say "under God" at school. Her mother is even getting involved in the court action, opposing Newdow's suit.
