To the editor:

Here’s some food for thought for the Americans out there who feel the need to express their nationalism with slogans depicting Americans as superior to the rest of the 96 percent of the planet’s population.

If the phrases, “these colors don’t run,” and “we’re number one,” are so true, then why do you have to shout it out to everyone? If we’re so great, then isn’t it already obvious enough without your constant pronouncements? Do we really need you to spread the word, like some form of gossip or news? “Hey Joe, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world, pass it on.” Is that the example we need to set? You don’t see Mexicans, Armenians, Cubans, Canadians, Europeans, Japanese, Chinese or any other nationality so insecure as to proclaim their superiority to the rest of the world like we Americans do. If we were indeed the greatest, then we wouldn’t have to scream these slogans. The world would know it and appreciate it and, most importantly, they would say it about us.

But they aren’t saying it. They never have. The rest of the world is on to us and always has been. If we are indeed “the greatest nation on Earth” as the jingoists assert, then maybe we should care more about integrity, honesty, intelligence and a strong sense of humanity if we truly wish to lead the world.

Chris White,

Lawrence