Many nations seem to think that we're a bunch of stuck up snobs because we created the single most industrialized world power in the would
because of a yearning for individual freedom and the belief that hard work will get you somewhere in the world.


I don't think that 'nationalism' is the issue here. I think that it has more to do with youthful fervor. (no age bashing here, as far as I can tell, I'm the second youngest among us.) Idealism was something which affected me until I had the opportunity to 'grow up' a little bit. After I was bitten by reality a few times I realized my views of the world were a bit too simplistic. Perhaps they still are. (I am speaking of myself here, not Jazz) My point is that I don't think self-righteousnes or nationalism is the issue here, but intense idealism. I find it to be an admirable quality that I miss in myself.