With respect Jayto - the title of this thread is 'why is AMERICA great'.
Of course there are good people in America - almost certainly the vast majority are, but a nation is not judged on its John Does or Joe Smiths.
If the people allow themselves to be represented by the Dubyas and the Lindy Englishs and the Guantanamos and the CIAs that is who you are to the world.
More to the point, if you disassociate yourself from these people - who claim themselves to be patriots acting on behalf of your 'great' country, that is who you are - period.
The Nazi Germany that produced Hitler and Goebbels also produced Oskar Schindler - who do you remember when the subject comes up?
Some of us haven't forgotten that Lieutenant Calley, the man responsible for roasting the villagers of Mai Lia alive, returned home to a hero's welcome and a successful career in US politics.
It's not just the Augean Stable that needs cleaning out.
Jim Carroll