Opinions for Nothing

Madonna, the Super Bowl, and American Patriotism

I saw this tweet today, and it got me thinking about national pride and patriotism.

I hope nobody will judge America by that disgusting half time show for the Super Bowl. What was that?! #Late #ThanksYouTube

— Jenni Blockey (@MissJenniPants) February 8, 2012

I was about to reply that I liked the halftime show, but then I stopped myself. That wasn't the part of the tweet to which I really wanted to respond.

I do hope that the rest of the world judges America by that halftime show. Think about all of the elements that were in it. A powerful, self-made woman has forged a decades-long career as an artist who has constantly pushed the boundaries of tolerance and censorship. She bared her body and danced in a way that is forbidden in many parts of the world, and even punishable by death. She shared the stage with women and men of different races and, presumably, different sexual orientations and religions. Think about how much our own country has changed. Can you imagine Madonna performing the Super Bowl halftime show thirty, twenty, or even ten years ago? I can't. She wasn't ready for it then, and it wasn't ready for her. The rest of the world watches what the United States does. Others take their cues from us, for better or for worse. For the most part, though, things are better here than elsewhere, and things are better now than they have been in the past.

It is election season and, even though we are only in the primaries, partisan politics are ugly already. Each side considers itself to be the true patriots, the true Americans, but both are wrong. Patriotism is a "devoted love, support, and defense of one's country," not one's political party. There are flaws in our system. Our country has its troubles but, if you are true patriot, you love it, you support it, and you defend it. That doesn't mean you have to accept the status quo, but you do need to acknowledge the things that are great about America. Our country was founded on the principles of individualism and equality. That is what has afforded you the right to express your opinion about a middle-aged white lady and fat black man singing on a stage halfway through an inexplicably popular sporting event. And I support that.

The AIG Bonus "Scandal"

Getting mad at AIG is like getting mad at your small child for eating the entire candy bar your father-in-law gave her. Maybe you should focus your outrage on the person who gave your kid the candy bar with no instruction about how to consume it.

AIG asked for money. The government gave AIG money. AIG is spending the money. That's pretty much all there is to the story. If you're pissed about how AIG is spending the money, you should be pissed at the government for not putting any restrictions on AIG when the government handed over the money.