In the words of Samuel L Jackson...allow me to retort...
I am a conservative. I believe enough in my personal values and principles that I left the GOP in 2003. 'Proud' of America? Ive never stopped being proud of my country. Ive never stopped being proud of the promise it offers, the hope and opportunity it provides. Hell, I'm proud of the 20-30 million immigrants, illegal and otherwise, that leave their country and risk life to have the opportunities available only here. Im proud of those that dig down deep, work two and three jobs and provide for a better future for their families. Im proud of the entrepreneurs, the small businessmen, the single mom working her ass off and attending night school to better herself. Im proud of those that live within their means, save a bit, take care of their families, and work hard to provide for them. Im proud of a whole lot of people.
good for you.
Proud of the federal government? Are you serious? Proud of two major political parties that sit their best and brightest at a table and cant come up with so much as a handful of deficit cuts over 10 year? Proud of two major parties and their zombielike supporters that care more for party than country?
Yes I'm serious about hte federal government. Those dreaded bureaucrats that work day in and day out. those soldiers who defend the country. The security people who keep the citizens relatively safe. The diplomats that work to further democracy and represent the nation to the world. The secret service that safeguards the president et.al. The guys/girls that inspect america's food and water, the clerks who ensure that little old ladies get their pensions checks and the destitute get fed. ALL THOSE are the federal government.
You want to be disgusted with politicians? Who isn't with the ridiculous parody of the democratic process that washington has become. But to condemn the federal government for the sins of partisan politics is misdirecting the disgust.
Proud of 16 trillion in debt and a mindset that finds it acceptable to dump the cost of todays irresponsibility on future generations?
A wise man once said to me (paraphrase it was a while ago), "lots of people complain about paying taxes, but every year when I write out my 6 figure check, I am thankful that this country enables me to make enough that I can send the damn check to washington."
Now, perhaps you have failed to notice, but nearly every president has presided over the making of new debt that burdens future generations. Not all of that debt is irresponsibly generated. Be thankful that America can owe $16T and the world STILL DOESN"T HAVE A PROBLEM LENDING IT MORE MONEY. Consider exactly what that means wrt Americas economic prowess and the confidence the world has about its future.
Proud of 47% of this country that pay no income tax and contribute nothing to the success of this country?
You're kidding right? Do you know how many of that 47% are simply working stiffs? Do you realize they are not to blame for the tax structure as it stands? Do you realize that there are an enormous number of working poor and underemployed? Do you realize that of the 47% a fair chunk of them are either in school or retired? This constant refrain from the right demonstrates a profound ignorance of the lives that of huge swaths of their fellow citizens live. Its a bumpersticker meme of malicious mendaciousness. You should arm yourself with facts before determining if you are proud.
Proud of the ever increasing lines of crippled and dependent pet begging for the government to toss them a few more handfuls of crumbs? Proud of states that cant manage their own budgets? Proud of people that overobligated themselves in debt and want someone else to blame it on and bail them out?
I take it you'd rather put those lines of crippled pets down. Have you examined who makes up those "pets"? Even the terminology you use is hateful, dismissive and destructive. Interesting that you condemn those that "overobligated" themselves but for some reason feel comfortable that the financial predators who facilitated that "overobligations" are people you are proud of.
Proud of people that refuse to work, meanwhile those immigrants we mentioned are driving Americans out of jobs markets? Proud of much of what passes for 'citizens' these days? Proud of the crippled and dependent pets that pollute our society-not those that CANT succeed but those that wont...those that reek of failure, those that didnt prepare for a future and now blame everyone else or their 'disability' for their own miserable existence?
Again the "crippled and dependent pets". Such hatred such distain. There are those that you discribe in every society, always have and always will, but it seems as though you colour your world with single broad brushstrokes, generating disproportionate condemnation of so many more people than your described group actually consists of. Wow you are full of vitriol and hatred for those you have absolutely no understanding of. YOu have essentially erased your compassion and empathy because of a small odious and unrepresentative sample of your fellow citizens.
Proud of a government that panders to people for votes and doesnt have the character and will to expect people to stand on their own two feet and fight? Proud of ****heads in skinny jeans that protest evil Wall Street then vote for politicians that have their pockets stuffed with banker and broker cash? Proud of people that claim they cant afford health care but have no problem affording their cable bills, cellphone bills, internet bills, Starbucks, cigarettes, etc? Proud of those people?
You have stated you are not proud of more than half of your fellow citizens. You are not proud of your government. You are not proud of the honest working people who serve their country and their fellow citizens. condemn the many for the sins of the few.
Given all this obvious dismissive disgust you have for the majority of your fellow citizens, one has to wonder what your concept of your country is? What is it if not the sum of its citizens?
No. **** no.
Doesnt mean I dont think will survive. Eventually.
Given your obvious brutally negative perspective, its a wonder.