Come on guest, relax a bit. Nobody claimed that the U.S. was the SOLE country with the right of free speech so don't start putting words in people's mouths. If someone asks you if the glass is half full or half empty, you would reply the glass is simply dirty.

Of course there are problems here in the U.S., don't be ignorant to the fact that we are all aware of it. Many of us are trying to do something about it too.

Patriotism is overdone? I can't disagree, it isn't necessary to stick a flag on anything that moves. Still have no problem with those that choose to do so. If you think the U.S. is the ONLY country that promotes patriotism, you must be living in a cave.   Look at all the flag waving and displays of patriotism that goes on at soccer matches. Should we put a stop to international sporting events?

Get it through your head that there is nothing wrong with having pride in ones self or ones country. The problem arises when that feeling is the excuse for war. The problem exists when people ignore the suffering that goes on around them.   You can't promote diversity by blocking expressions of patriotisim or you will be doomed to fail. If the left waves a few more flags the message might get across more easily than the flag burners of the 1960's. You can't create change by showing others how different you are from them.

Stop displays of patriotism? What is next?   Do you stop people from celebrating their culture next? Perhaps Sunday church worship is abit over the top and should be banned. Do we really need houses of worship? Perhaps we should burn a few books while we are at it? You don't create change by stopping displays of pride.

Instead of working to create negative change, perhaps you should devote your energies to making a change that creates some good.

Ron