My name is Devin. I am an American studying abroad at an MBA program in Eastern Europe. Things look different from here.
I love America. I like the flag and the pledge of allegiance alright, but what I really love is the IDEA of America. To me, America is the best evidence that humanity can pull itself up by the bootstraps. America may be the one truly successful social experiment in history. You can become drunk with love for an idea like that.

I am concerned with the direction my country has taken since it was so badly wounded on Sept 11, 2001. I spend so much of my time trying to keep in touch with my country. I spam Fray chatrooms with what all of this looks like from here. I realize that this is futile, moronic, wonkish, and pathetic.

To me the crisp line between patriotism and nationalism is the difference beween loving your country and wanting to impose it on others. We have invaded two countries in as many years. I do not defend either Afganistan or Iraq, only wonder what is next. I feel we are on the cusp. I feel if we are not careful, we could cross that line. We could cross that Rubicon.
History is litered with civilizations that lost their way. Are we so arrogant that we think it cannot happen here?
If that were the case, I can think of no clearer sign that it is beginning.
I am vexed to the point of nightmares by the still distant idea that before our grief is played out I will have wrenched from me my pride in America. My faith in America.

Should God see fit to continue to bless America, I pray that America will continue to behave in a way worthy of blessing.