Thank you, Dan Cooper, for your thoughtful and insightful commentary.  I feel blessed to be an American, but I am sure not proud. We have proved ourselves to be thugs and bullies all over the planet with armed attacks, invasions, occupations and exploitation, resulting in the murder and impoverishment of millions.  Here at home, over 15 million children suffer from food insecurity and outright hunger; veterans who have served this country with sacrifice and distinction are suffering with unmet medical needs and homelessness; minorities are demonized for the color of their skin and too many folks think that "freedom and justice for all" only applies to them.  We are all brothers and sisters on this planet.  Working together works.