Reply #94: That feeling of "danger" is more about you, though, than anyone else.

[MADem]

Just because you fear the brainwashing aspect doesn't mean that others do. And just because you regard those feelings like you do racism doesn't mean that others take the same, rather twisted, viewpoint.

I don't consider my love of country "dangerous" at all. I can look at my country on the one hand, its histories and traditions, its diverse populations, the many citizens who have contributed to bettering the world, and feel a pride of association. I can also, with the same eyes, look at, and criticize politicians and industrialists and others who are greedy assholes.

I don't have any problem at all parsing, distinguishing, or separating.

And I give most Americans credit for being able to do the same. I don't think I'm the only one by any stretch who can walk and chew gum at the same time.

I guess I simply have more faith in the essential goodness, by and large, of my fellow citizens than you do.