I see no problem with being proud of this accomplishment as an American. Mr Rutan was certainly a born and reared American with his education coming from American schools. It does seem to be quite an accomplishment. If we can't be proud of this, can we be proud if an AMerican wins a Nobel Prize? an Olympic medal? I sort of see your point, Don, but what is wrong with being proud of an American accomplishment? I know I sometimes hang my head in shame at some of the non-accomplishmants of Americans.