American?

Today was not the first time I was attacked for being American, but for some strange reason this time it is affecting more than usual. I have been attacked by Europeans and Latin Americans since i have been in Japan over many things, so many I can't count but usually I let it slide. But today I was attacked about 9/11, and it just set off an anger rage. I was so insulted because he told me that the US deserved the attack. But even though I knew it somehow, i just couldn't bear hearing all those 3000 people were killed because we had it coming. We argued for about an hour. And it ended with him telling me I should know what other people think about my country. WHAT?! He thinks I'm ignorant! But afterwards we talked about how this shouldn't affect our views on our friendship. All I can think now is how ashamed I am to be from the USA.

I mean that people hate our country that much. Even from countries we don't even bother like Japan. It is mind boggling that our country has lost ALL of its standing with the world.

And I blame Bush.

He seriously ruined it for us, and is continuing to do so. How much longer do we have to wait for Iran? When i will see Ray and Sean being sent to fight a STUPID war. This is just ridiculous. Sean is in Afghanistan, and I worry all the time that he could be hurt. Ray luckily is stationed in Japan in Okinawa, but I fear if Iran happens he will be in danger. These are two good friends, and what are they fighting for? Fighting for a country that can't agree that a woman has the right to choose? Fighting for a country that deny's two loving citizens the right to marry because the are the same sex? A country where the poor are treated like their lives don't count?

I just need to shake off this, because it is just one of many, and many more to come. Proud to be an American? I am not sure.....