This is one point where they mix up patriotism and exceptionalism.
so what? They view american patriotism as a part of american exceptionalism.

so what? They view american patriotism as a part of american exceptionalism.
That's fine. This is where our views differ. This is normal.

This is in response to Maria's Сегодня 09:03 post.
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Is this really a fact, or just your right wing paranoia, projecting your own personal bias and "partisan hate"? Referring to thosewho don't share your opinion as moonbats, idiots, narrow minded, and trash? Constantly suspecting and accusing of sinister conspiracies...What would you call that?There's literally a handful of liberals in this group, and unlike you, I neither subscribe to nor read any blog, periodical, or any other pblication on a daily basis. Usually, if I read something in one of the forums that sounds somewhat extreme to me, I just skim through a few articles and formulate my response. Unlike you, Maria, I don't subject myself to regular and systematic brainwashing of partisan propaganda. So you see, Maria, the only one full of hate here is you.

I thought that Renata's "Rubber room" was created for monologues of this sort. That goes to Gera, too. So no one accuses me in playing favorites.

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The creed combines with other aspects of the American character — especially our religiousness and our willingness to defend ourselves by force — to form the core of American exceptionalism.
This is one point where they mix up patriotism and exceptionalism.
Can you explain why and how are they mixed up here??
PS. Australia and Canada never had their revolutions.

In this particular point willingness to defend your country by force is an attribute of patriotism.
PS. Australia and Canada never had their revolutions.
No, they did not - that is true. But Russia, China, Cuba and North Korea did.
I'm curious, does this article describe American Exceptionalism so well -- and you agree with it to the word -- that we discuss the article and not your personal (Svetlana and Maria) ideas about this topic?

1. about the revolutions - that's precisely the point - the revolution based on the idea of freedom, democracy, freedom of speech, religion, limited government, etc. IS exceptional - no other country had done anything similar, on the contrary, many other colonies wanted to be loyal to the King...France's revolution was anti-religious, anti-aristocratic, as opposed to freedom of religion, capitalism.. totally different what our Founders had in mind..in this sense - we are exceptional..
2. Your point about being entitled or above the law (you interpretation) - if you refer to the American refusal or objection to join or follow various international organizations sometimes - it is also the idea of our Founders - we have separated from the old World, and don't have to follow anybody's else "rules/traditions" - we often have our way of doing things, our own Constitution...and it is unique and exceptional..

3. We can discuss the article or your/our own ideas - it's your choice...I just don't see many valid opposing views..

moreover - the reason we have a requirement for the President to be American-born is because we didn't want any foreign influence..
:-)

this American obsession with protecting self from foreign influence leads frequently to reinvention of a bicycle.... Plus, if it was historically good to preserve American identity, in the modern world going overboard with it leads to isolation and loss of competitive edge.... Nothing against national pride, it's all good.... but the reality is that "The world is flat". We all read the book, right? And many others on the subject....

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