John,

Of course it is your country, and you have every reason to be proud to be part of it, and of the state it is in when you hand it over to those who follow.

I can't agree with your points about France etc... remember "Freedom Fries" and "retreat monkeys"? When they refused to participate in the Iraq invasion, posters gave them hell right here in UT- a lone Frenchman tried to explain his perspective and was roundly abused. re "socialist state": they have elections and if the French people choose to elect socialist representatives, there must be a reason that makes sense to them.

re over-the-top criticism: I'm sorry, I didn't see it and respect you sufficiently that I have no intention of seeking it out. I think you guys have a lot ot be proud of- not least, your concern that you behave honorably in the eyes of other peoples, which I believe is enshrined in your constitution? Few of your detractors would worry about being noble like that.