I take no pride in "being an American," because it was not by choice I was born in this country any more than it was a Muslim terrorist's choice that he was born in his. What matters is that I live life in such a way that I can enjoy it unapologetically. Being an American has dick to do with that, and it's silly to think otherwise. The "Love it or leave it" attitude is depressing to hear, because it's such an antithesis to what this nation stands for. And why should I leave such a beautiful landscape just because I disagree with the PEOPLE in power? Why should I give up a chance to see the Grand Canyon, or Mt. Rainier, or the Okefenokee Swamp just because I don't like our government?

Why should anyone else?

I don't care about the US as a 'nation,' but I do respect what matters -- the land and the people in it. Sadly, few others do, especially those in power.

Proud to be American, no. Happy to be alive, yes.
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