Happy 4th of July. Happy America-Hates-Britian Day, as Rebecca amusingly puts it. I log on, expecting the digital equivalent of enthusiastic flag-waving and a somewhat repetitive "God Bless America" mantra. However, what I find is a spate of anti-patriotic attacks. Though I enthusiastically endorse freedom of expression, it bothers me to see people attempting to bash America over its sudden flurry of patriotism. I think further jabs at our country are the last thing we need on the 4th of July. Yes, America can be overbearing and stubborn. Yes, America can be a bully. Yes, Bush's "You're Either With Us Or You're Against Us" diplomatic policy was ill-advised. However, though I may disagree with some policies and government actions, it's still my country. September 11th was on no accounts something to be taken lightly. Pearl Harbor was on the most part considered a sufficient enough excuse to join World War II. The destruction of countless lives is not something to be ignored or forgotten, whether American or the people of Afganistan killed in return. Though I find it difficult to condone any action that results in the death of innocents, I don't blame America for demanding justice. We just happened to have George W Bush handy to dish out the justice, and a Texan in charge of an army is never a good combination. America has made some frankly awful decisions in the past and it's still making them, and you can ridicule our actions any day you like, but I'd personally feel a lot better if the potshots could be eased up for July 4th. This particular day never really meant much to me in the past, but in the past, we all took America for granted. We've had a rude awakening, and we're suddenly reminded of how much America means to us. This may be very little for some people, but it means a lot to me. Hurrah, we support our country. Hurrah, we exhaust Taiwan's storehouses of American flags. Hurrah, we're united again after a devastating tragedy.

It's not that easy.

Coming to New York City made me especially aware of the resounding impact from the attacks of September 11th. On every street corner, you'll see vendors selling photographs and postcards emblazoned with the World Trade Center towers. Walking to dinner last night, I saw the multi-story DKNY mural of the Statue of Liberty and the buildings of the "Financial District" southern tip of Manhattan island. In the distance, the Trade towers were painfully visible. Coming back on the Staten Island Ferry the other day, I turned to Christa, the R.A., and asked "Which gap used to be the World Trade Center?" We see reminders everywhere. In my state of increased awareness, it sickens me to see people taking potshots at a country still recovering. If you don't care, fine. I can't make you care. I won't shove your nose in it. If you've read this far, good for you. Thanks for enduring my soapbox.

Those who orchestrated September 11th were geniuses. By attacking our country from the outside, they initiated further attack from the inside. Paradoxically, as America rushed to unite and draw together and lick its wounds through patriotism, the tide of Anti-American feelings increased dramatically. Some were opposed to Bush's reaction to the tragedy. Some were opposed to the appeals for patriotism that bordered on coersion. However, these dissenters did not realize that by supposedly standing up for their individual, negative opinions regarding the country's altered state, they were supporting the terrorists' scheme. America may be complete egotistical jerk to anyone it encounters, but it's *my* egotistical jerk and I'll defend it to the last.

Yes, the phrase "God Bless America" is outdated. It reflects the Puritanical Christian origins of a country now far more diverse. If you have the breath for it, I'll support your right to sing "Random Fluctuations in the Space-Time Continuum Work In The General Favor of America". Instead, though, I'd like to remind you all that these patriotic phrases and songs aren't meant to be taken in present context. They're not to be taken literally; they're supposed to represent a truth beyond words. They're supposed to be reassuring. They're supposed to be symbolic. They're supposed to give us hope for the future. They were meant to unite us in our love for our country, regardless of race or creed or financial standing. The addition of "under God" in the pledge of Allegiance may have been for devious McCarthian purposes, but the fact is that it was modified. Now, when we're still feeling the impact of the attack against our country, is the worst time possible to bring these traditions into question.

God Bless America. Jehova bless America. Buddha bless America. Allah Bless America. Zeus Bless America. Outmoded Belief System on a Crutch Bless America. I'll be waving my flag with the rest of them, thanks.