God Bless America--The Patriotism Rant

We've seen this bumper sticker. Blatantly patriotic mess of a bumper sticker.

I just can't comprehend it. First of all I'm going through a period of extreme faith questioning. It's not the first, but it's definately the most intense.

If God is benevolent in wonderful, why would he want to endow his goodness exclusively to the U.S.A.? First of all, our country may be one of the most sucessful ones, but is it really that wonderful of a model? I suppose that depends on what you're seeking. If you're into material sucess and advancing yourself, then yes, it is the right choice for you. Also, we really do have a great deal of freedoms and I will acknowledge this in order to keep things in perspective.

But back to my point. I just find those bumper stickers and that type of patriotic music and the whole mess of that sentiment to be so ethnocentric. I suppose I don't really have a problem with wanting your home to be prosperous--but seriously, we are not the center of the world.

My friend Kate knows my standings on patriotism and told me of a bumper sticker that reminded her of me-- "God Bless the World, No exceptions"
When I actually get around to taking the blasted driver's test this is something I'll have to consider.

On to patriotism in general...
While I can be prideful of some things, I find it hard to be patriotic. I mean...
Why would you want to have extreme pride in something just because you were associated with it by default? I was born in Arkansas, but am I supposed to be proud that we rank nearly last in many categories?

No, I'm not going to have pride in the south just because I am from the south. I physically can't. Show me a reason to be prideful in the south.

I'll save my confederate flag and "fighting for our freedom rants" for another time.