I served my country. I defended with life and limb your right to spew your idiotic nonsense. You think you'd be able to have free speech if this country were run like many others where telephones, internet, radio, television are controlled as they are in Iran, Russia, China, etc? I do volunteer work with mentally and physically handicapped. I do volunteer work with seniors, and with kids.
So, to repeat myself, just what is it you have done or do to make America a better place?
You can fool some of the people all of the time. You can fool all of the people some of the time. But, Brent, you make a fool of yourself anytime :0)
You complain about the problems with the United States and it's freedom, speed traps, etc. Here are some quotes which seem appropriate to how bad this nation is....
"First, we should remain the closest ally of the US, and as allies influence them to continue broadening their agenda. We are the ally of the US not because they are powerful, but because we share their values. I am not surprised by anti-Americanism; but it is a foolish indulgence. For all their faults and all nations have them, the US are a force for good; they have liberal and democratic traditions of which any nation can be proud. I sometimes think it is a good rule of thumb to ask of a country: are people trying to get into it or out of it? It's not a bad guide to what sort of country it is.
ambassadors in London," The Guardian, 7 January 2003.]
Actually, I now see that U.S. Conservative pundit George Will was referring to a "gate test" indicator by the spring of 1992. To an audience in Columbus, Ohio, he remarked, "Most of all, America passes the critical gate test," Will said to applause. "Open the gate and see where people go -- in or out. This is still the country people flock to."
The Columbus Dispatch, 29 April 1992, Pg. 4B.]
The third dimension of power has to do with the overall attractiveness of a particular society, culture and way of life. Its crudest measure is the number of people inside a country who want to get out compared to the number outside who want to get in. (One might call this the Statue of Liberty test.)
Don't go away mad Brent.... just go away. I'd like to help you out... which door did you come in? Don't think it hasn't been pleasant... because it hasn't.