[valkyrie]

I'm a little bothered by talk of America being the greatest nation in the world. It's not that I have a problem with people being proud of their country, but I think it comes off as arrogant and is unnecessary. Why is it so important to consider a country the greatest ever? I think it's a silly thing to say, kind of like saying "I'm in the greatest sorority ever." Every country is different, and there are good and bad aspects of each and every one of them. Why must we pass judgment on what is the best? Why can't we just appreciate the differences and be proud of our country if we want without sounding like snobs? Saying that America is the greatest is, to me, a slap in the face to other countries.

I also am not so sure about the respect that other countries have for America. Yes, of course we are well respected by many, but we are also disliked by many, hated by many, and many view us as a big bully overstepping our bounds. I think that instead of folding our arms and saying "We're the greatest ever, nyah nyah," we may learn as a nation from listening to what others have to say about us, positive and negative -- especially negative.

Although I probably felt compelled to post because I agree with librasoul, I don't think that it is "traitorous to stand in opposition to your president in wartime." Librasoul is voicing an opinion, and I for one think that the freedom to voice an opinion is one of the most important freedoms we as Americans have. I would much rather hear people speak out against the government than have everyone standing behind it without thinking or questioning anything.

As for affirmative action, I think that it is only fair because it serves as an equalizing mechanism for people who were disadvantaged their whole lives through poverty or a substandard educational system. I remember reading a quote somewhere, but I can't remember who said it. It was something along the lines of affirmative action is just putting everyone on a level playing field -- just like you wouldn't expect someone to run a race with no shoes, how can you expect someone from a poor neighborhood with crappy schools to go to college and compete on equal footing with people who grew up in rich areas with excellent schools and many opportunities not afforded to many in poorer areas? Affirmative action is just giving those people shoes so they can compete. I think that it is our duty as a country to provide those shoes.