*hugs you* - Steele Lawman

To my simple mind, anybody who does not think a gay, black, heavily tattooed librarian who likes to cook isn't or can't be a proud American has no business talking about who is or isn't any kind of American. The America I'm proud of is an America that values diversity. And, of course, good people like you. - Walt Crawford

Thanks Walt. I can only really speak for my experiences. I wish others would open up their minds to encompass that people in this country, despite their faith, sexuality, income, etc. are still Americans. - Derrick

Maybe I'm still damaged from W, but when I hear anybody going on about "proud Americans" in a political context, I assume that person is a racist, sexist, ignorant warmonger. - Rachel Walden

(i.e., most of the time when I hear that, it's from socially conservative Republicans who want to justify why some "other" isn't as "American" as the are) - Rachel Walden

I love Glen. :) - Derrick

I think that's where my gripe came from, Rachel. That somehow I'm not American enough because I'm not...like them. - Derrick

Well... from an outsider's viewpoint... The ones who are "like them" aren't too popular with the rest of us but we still think America is kick ass because of people like you. - Johnny