Five things that aren't really that bad in the U.S. -- Part 1
As an unofficial ambassador of the United States, I frequently find myself on the receiving end of some distinctly anti-American opinions. As most of them comes from people who have never been to the United States, or have only visited briefly, it's fair to say that the reflect fairly widespread (and mild) stereotypes about the United States and its fine citizens. In the interest of providing a cultural defense of my occasionally indefensible country, I present here what I consider to be the 5 most under-rated (or unfairly beleaguered, at least) things about the red, white, and blue. 1. Politics Yes, we elected W. Twice. No one is proud of this, but it happened. Blame the media for his initial victory in 2000, blame the culture of post-9/11 fear mongering for his re-election in 2004. Or, just blame the electorate for being so easily bought and sold (most people got "rebate" checks for about $600 after his first election). The two terms of George W Bush will no dou...