I am not proud of America, but I do love America.

[dubeskin]

It is perfectly acceptable to love one's country and yet not be proud of it. Think of the things that have happened since Bush took office:
* invaded two innocent countries, possibly three before he leaves office
* taken away the civil liberties of all Americans
* denied health care to over 40 million citizens
* allowed the corporate takeover of America
* allowed two of the worst natural disasters to devastate the South and Midwest with little aid
* been given virtually total executive control and privilege
* ignored warnings for a terrorist attack on innocent citizens on September 11th
* allow oil companies to over speculate prices of gasoline so that prices rise nearly $3.50

These are just some of the atrocities committed by the Bush administration. However, while I may not be proud of what America stands for, I love my country.
I love my country so much that I will work tirelessly and endlessly for the Democratic Nominee for President, Barrack Obama, until he IS the 44th President of the United States.
I love my country so much that I will press the politicians to vote against detrimental legislation.
I love my country so much that I will not allow the Fundamental Christians and religious right to intertwine religion into my secular government.
I love my country so much that I will join forces with those of every other political party to fight the effects of the climate crisis so that the environment we enjoy today can be admired by every generation to come after us.
I love my country so much that I will do my part to pressure the government to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and investigate alternative, green energy sources.
I love my country so much that I adamantly oppose any war without reason.
I love my country so much that I refuse to see over 4000 innocent American soldiers killed for profit.
I love my country so much that I respect and cherish my Constitutionally granted rights to privacy and free speech, as well as freedom of religion.

I love my country so much, that even though I may not be proud of the actions of it's leaders, I love it so much that I CANNOT and WILL NOT watch it slip away. I was born and raised in America, on the promises of freedom and prosperity, and while the American Dream may have disappeared while corporate American reigns supreme, I will not stand by and watch as the country I love disappears as well.

Yes We Can.

[stellanoir]

1. As a 13th generational American

on my mum's side, I couldn't agree with you more.

K & R'd

[Suich]

2. Well said, dubeskin!

K & R!

[Two Americas]

3. that is not "the country"

You are calling the wealthy and powerful few and their actions "the country." They are the ruling class, not "the country."

"The country" is not doing terrible things, "America" is not evil. A relatively small handful of wealthy and powerful people are committing crimes against the country and the rest of the world.

The country is the people. That is always true. In the United States, even the government is supposed to be the people, not the ruling class.

Will we resist, or will we comply with the ravages and crimes of the wealthy and powerful few? The answer to that question will tell us what kind of country we are, and whether or not we should be proud of that country.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

4. "I love [America] my country." YOUR country!?

[SemperParatus]

5. I understand

I feel like I can understand your sentiments, but I don't say that I can agree with them.

Every person, and by extension every country makes mistakes, don't let those be the deciding factor in whether or not you take pride in the place you call home.

Every day of my life I act as an ambassador for the United States Coast Guard and the United States of America. I stand with a high head and a sense of honor and purpose greater than I could have imagined just a few years ago.

I live every for the United States, for the Coast Guard, and for the people that I took an oath to serve. And when I die I want my casket wrapped in the flag so the world to see that I was a patriot.

[ldr65]

6. Very well said

America, with all its faults is still the greatest country on earth. It is my country and I am pround to call it home.

[madokie]

7. Sure we can be both, I am

I just hope we've learned the lessons of these last 7 plus years. We'll know in just a very short time if we have too.

[lebkuchen]

8. I love the planet, and the opportunity to live on it with dignity

I wish everyone on the planet had the same opportunity to live a life that doesn't necessitate child labor, prostituting one's self out of need, living in filth and squalor, foraging in garbage dumps to eat, lacking access to modern medicine, living in fear of being raped or bombed or burned or tortured...

Unfortunately, the U.S. does little if anything to combat all of the above. Americans many think they give "charitably," but in reality their "giving" can only be measured in terms of the amount of ammo that is manufactured and used against poor working stiffs without a pot to piss in, much like Americans, in other countries.