I think a lot of people on this thread are mixing up patriotism and nationalism, they're different things. I don't see a big problem with being patriotic, to an extent. It gives people a feeling of security to support their country. But nationalism I do have a problem with. A lot of people with this attitude only have it because they are ignorant, and think that conditions in America are better than anywhere else. I forgot where it was published, but I remember reading an article that ranked countries by the amount of free speech allowed in publications. America was pretty far down in the list, but I'm sure many people will tell you America is great because it allows free speech. No, I'm not proud to be an American. I like to think of myself as English, because I was born there and my family is English, but I was mostly raised in America, so basically I am an American. Sometimes I do feel embarrassed to be an American too. I'm sure I wouldn't be too popular in very conservative places, I'm positive that I'm going to move away as soon as I can. P.S. To the last few posters, be careful not to turn this into an argument about the war.