Sometimes, Nora, I try to imagine myself trying to answer the questions a presidential candidate has to answer.

"Nope, I don't go to church. Actually, I think most religions are harmful institutions. Some are flat out evil. I do believe teenagers should have sex and birth control and easy access to abortions. I wouldn't care if they legalized marijuana. Probably a good idea. Are we the greatest country in the world? I don't even know how to measure that but I do know that I dislike the inequities of our economic structure, the power of corporations to overrun democracy and lack of commitment to education. We should tax the fuck out of rich people. I don't really understand people that want to get a false, puffed up sense of pride out of being America. A lot of our values as a country seem completely fucked up to me. We're extremely hypocritical and seem to be actively hostile towards women, gays, children and immigrants. And education."

So nice to have a lazy morning on what is normally a work day.

Nora - I've been considering my thoughts on patriotism also. Though I'm coming from a different direction. I wasn't born in the US. My parents had moved to Iran to live. Forever. But after I was born they decided to move back to the US.

So, despite all the stuff you noted, I'm still proud to be an American. Cause I know I may not have ever had the chance to speak up against those issues. I may not have ever gotten an education.

It is just a matter of perspective and I'm not trying to say you should change your mind or anything.

a country that seems to believe that being poor and sick is a moral failing and unworthy of care, concern, or compassion.

Well, that's what Jesus taught us about the poor and sick, right?

Oh, wait...

I am currently spending my last day at the beach assembling 80 baby shower favors for my cousin's shower. While cutting 240 lengths of ribbon the exact same size I remember that the reason I used to find this fun was because I used to get paid to do this.

I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week so can't assemble my complicated views on patriotism.

I struggle with the whole "proud to be an AmerIcan". Most of my clients chose to be here. It's the best place they've found to raise their kids and work and that's huge. But this country also discriminates against them in so many ways. Not just because they are immigrant - undocumented or otherwise- but because of skin color, religion, poverty, and lack of education. That said, I will share one story:

A Kenyan client came here to seek asylum for herself and her children. She told me that her son used to shake and cry when he heard a siren because in Kenya, sirens meant police coming to hurt you. She said that after two years here, she knew she and her family were safe because her son now knew that in the US, if you called, the sirens meant the police were coming to help you.

Squee! And so begins home ownership!

Squee! Isn't it great? I'm about to go paint my bathroom a difficult shade of green, AIFG!

Do people define AIFG as "and it feels good" or "and it's fucking great"? I use the latter definition, myself.

There are a lot of things about America that disappoint and anger me (things already noted by others), but I actually do love my country, so I guess that makes me a patriot.

I guess I should note that I don't feel anti-American either. I certainly recognize that things are often worse in other countries and there are still many freedoms and possibilities here.

But my heart doesn't swell with pride when I see the flag, you know? I'm just too conscious of how that kind of patriotism, that sense of nationalism is a way to cover over deeper issues and manipulate people.

Stephanie, that story made me tear up a little. I'm so glad she and her family feel safe now.

Aww, Stephanie, that's awesome!

I am perfectly okay with myself and others having a nuanced view of America. Best country? Eh, maybe. Mine? Yes.

That said, I am ouchy today because I ran in the "firecracker 5k" last night. Ow. But new personal record, 38:10!

The height of my patriotism extended to being a marshal at the neighborhood parade. I ended up working so much that I did not have a chance to walk with the group I levered into line up yesterday.

I did, however, create a hat that was Ascot inspired.

Side view

Front view

I'm a float!

It was hot, hot, hot but a lot of fun. I love how homey and Go Team Capitol Hill it is.

We even had a group of Greyhounds parade.

The final group was a fan favorite...Princesses! Loads of neighborhood toddlers in sparkly dresses.

They FAR outshone the Miss USA contingent.