And now for something COMPLETELY Off Topic...

R Dogg 56 · July 11, 2003

The 2002 CIA World Factbook

After going through about half of the information about the countries listed here, I think it's safe to say that, even with all the problems and issues that this country has faced since July 4, 1776, we're still way better off than about 75% of the world, give or take a few percent points. And even the other 25% or so just aren't "up there" enough to take us off the top. This is just my humble opinion, but I still say that it counts, because I have a privelege to say so. Those that have fought for the security of my freedom and the freedom of all of us, the 280+ million of us, have allowed people like me to go throughout the day without having to worry about a crazed guerrilla group ransacking my hometown and killing me, my family, or my neighbors.

Even though it may not seem like it all the time, I do love this country. Yes, there are issues and discrepancies within the government that I don't necessarily agree with, but that's why we vote. We have a choice to tell our government what we want. Most countries don't have this. It's either the choice of the government in power, or jail....or worse.

I haven't had the chance to step across the borders and see what my country looks like from the outside, but maybe one day I'll get that chance. Maybe I'll see what America looks like from the Mexican view, or the Canadian view. Or, if I'm lucky enough, one day I'll be able to see what America looks like from the South American, European, Asian, or African standpoint. I know that some countries hate us with a passion, and they want us destroyed. But I think that the majority of the world that aren't on our side per se only dislike us. They dislike us like some of you dislike a ding in your rear quarter panel. It's not an earth-shaking matter, but it could always be worse.

I don't know. Maybe it's my insomnia talking, but I think I've made some kind of statement as to how much this country means to me, and what my feelings are towards it. I guess I am kind of biased when it comes to the US versus another country like, say.....Canada (No offense). I think Canada is a good neighbor to have, but I'm not sure if I would want to be a Canadian citizen instead of an American citizen.

I just wouldn't feel right to say: "Hi. I'm Ryan from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and I'm a former American."

"Former American."

Ooohh, a chill just ran through my spine when I said that...like someone put a handful of ice cubes down my shirt. Not a good feeling to have.

Going back to the neighboring countries that we have, maybe the same can be said for Mexico. Oh, but I don't want to open that can of worms right now. Not enough coffee in my dorm to do that.

I see that the clock on my laptop computer has just clicked by 4:30 AM, so I suppose it's away to bed for R Dogg.

Apologies around the board if this (very) long post is nothing more than patriotic drivel backed by insanity and/or complete ignorance. I didn't intend for it to be like that. I just wanted to talk about something that I'm interested in. Yeah, being a Political Science major with intentions of getting a Law degree has a little bit to do with it, but at least it's a thing I enjoy. And, just like being an American, I'm glad to be one.

To all those in America, our friends in different countries, our troops both here and overseas, and my fellow GM-TC'ers: Thank you, good night, stay safe, and may God bless !