>that your government has an optional pledge that mentions a being you do not believe in

Don't confuse the issue. A religious belief is written into law.

>you don't know how lucky you are

Actually, I do. I also know that if I settle for nothing now, I'm going to settle for nothing latter. Lets take something like this:

http://news.com.com/2003-12-0.html?tag=top_week
By a 385-3 vote, the House approved a computer crime bill that also expands police ability to conduct Internet or telephone eavesdropping without first obtaining a court order.

Now, there are some really great things about America. But that doesn't mean I'm going to forget about everything that really really sucks about America just because I am "lucky". Bad shit happens, and if people let it happen silently, it smells even worse.