The people that got us through

I decided to move Coffee Talk to Tuesdays to give you more time before I post the Weekly Update.

Today's topic is not the threatened politically charged debate, but happens to fall very close to this realm.

From my view the 9/11 attacks cause an uprising of American patriotism. People mounting gigantic flags to their cars, grown men and women spontaneously signing up for military duty and a general sense of lets go kick that skinny, kidney failing psyco's ass.

As the years have worn on since the attacks I see patriotism beginning to wane. Long gone are the high flying flags and the sense of American pride. Here are the days of the endless yellow ribbons and the sound of nails on the chalkboard when bobo the clown opens his big fat trap.

I feel as if I am embarrassed somedays to actually be an American. We are not well received in other countries. Many of us personify the stereotype of "Ugly American."

I almost miss the days of saying I was proud to be an American. Don't get me wrong. The United States has more to offer than almost any other country in the world. We are given so many freedoms. That is what once made this country great and respected.

I see Americans as these depressed people. Reminiscent of the days of the soup line or the gas line.

There in lies the point. Think back. (To your history books or the days when you were younger) Imagine men clamoring at a fence for the opportunity to work. Standing in line for public assistance because your children are freezing and hungry. Watching your family slowly die due to untreated illness. But in all that pain and suffering comes someone to give you hope. A simple man. A washed up boxer who comes back to take the heavyweight title. James Braddock gave millions of Americans hope. He showed them that no matter how bad of a hand life deals you there is the ability to come back.

Take the example of the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team. In a time when our country was fighting a war we couldn't see a group of remarkable young men beat all the odds by winning gold for our country. Again, giving Americans a renewed hope.

Could this happen again? Could the simple act of a sports victory bring about a renewed sense of American pride? Or will it take something much more profound?

today's topic is not to discuss the finer points of Bobo and Uncle Dicky, but rather to wheedle out your thoughts on what kind of act would bring around your American spirit. Has your country's pride faded in the last 6 years? If so, why and what would give it a boost?