Let’s be proud like the Americans

FEW would disagree that our national obsession with all things American normally excludes remembrance of its war of independence and its successful armed struggle against the might of the British empire.

Surely we are obsessed with America because we lack what it offers in abundance — a fierce pride in that war and in the patriots who fought for freedom; a joyful celebration of Independence Day on July 4; a strong sense of nationhood and nationalism enobled by racial diversity; a culture of nationhood not afraid to enthuse young people about history, citizenship and respect for the national flag.

America is proud of itself and its origins.