[Aurel]

dd74,

My question was rather directed to Tabs, but your reply was interesting. I agree there are many things americans can be proud of, and I am myself very proud to have made it here and to enjoy these things. It is even ironical because I never really wanted it, it just happened...

Although, I could be sitting to this computer and replying to this thread from France too...

You are right about the fact that USA does not have the monopoly of freedom. It is funny to see how most americans beleive they are the only ones to be free.

Ultimately, I believe that patrotism and nationalism are stupid concepts, source of wars and division. Unlike immigrants form third world countries, the french do not feel like putting a big flag on their pick-up truck (which is usually not a pick-up truck), and enroll in the navy.

We also allow ourselves to be critical to the US, even if we live there. Let us say that we challenge your freedom of speech to make sure it really still works...And finally, pride comes from inside, from personal achievements, history or familly roots, not from a flag, be it french or american. I also consider myself as much home here or in France. The world is my home. Nobody owns it.

Aurel