I have pride in this country. I also see its flaws and make an effort to change them. We live in a global society and holding the belief that we're somehow exceptional clouds reality to such an extent that correct decisions become increasingly difficult to adopt.

http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/3D36FEBB-F3B7-47D9-B875-C6F99BBC984F/

http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/F4AAAF1E-269A-4A4D-8339-98F58D07D70D/

Those who wish to ignore ethics as well as universally accepted moral standards will always claim that "the ends justify the means".

Again, tribal morality at its worse.

@darkduskx
Both links are very interesting. Thanks.

AtlLiberal said:

I also see its flaws and make an effort to change them.

This says a lot. Some people seem to think that, instead of always working to be the best possible nation, it's unpatriotic to acknowledge our failings. So much for pride being a deadly sin. This says it better than I can:

“I don't believe in 'My country right or wrong'. My country wrong needs my help.”

— Peter Halsten Thorkelson

P.S. to AtlLiberal: A while ago you gave me permission to quote you; I did, on the Alternet news blog, and attributed it to "AtlLiberal from clipmarks.com".