Sleepy,
The first question that comes to my mind is, "Do you understand what being considered a world power means?" In beng the leading world power, most associate certain responsibilities with that. What those responsibilities are to the US and the rest of the world is quite subjective. How our politicians handle themselves in being involved in government of the reigning world power is their own choice. Our Democracy is set up. theoretically, to hold those in our government accountable if we, as Americans(in the USA), are responsible citizens.
Part of the idea behind being "the leader of the free world" talked about in many political speeches has to do with the concept of Democracy. The Greeks in Athens so long ago were the first known government to hold a direct Democracy. The US holds a representative Democracy and CURRENTLY is the longest running Democracy in our world today. Link that fact to some of the phrases you have quoted and they don't seem so pretentious.
Because the US holds a representative Democracy, neither the public nor the government can take full responsibility for policy that is made. This country is based on a series of checks and balances that is not supposed to give any part of the government complete control and allow the public to change or reinforce policy by whom they allow to take office.
One of the MAIN reasons I do not like our current President is his arrogance. I do not believe he represents the will of the people of the US. I believe his first prioity rests on his belief that he is President, thus he has the power. I truly hope our county acts retroactively in this upcoming Presidential election.
Not to belittle anything you have said, Sleepy, because I actually do agree with some of what you have said to the point of feeling embarrassment of how my country has chosen to act in certain incidents, but while you say your thoughts here are purely inquisitive there seems to be hints of animosity in them. My suggestion to you is to actually do some research on the US government from factual literature instead of allowing newpapers and media to shape your view of the US.
Lastly, one thing to remember is that if Americans in the US believed everything they saw and heard from the media there wouldn't be such a close Presidential race that will be happening this year! I think American's take their role as the world power very seriously, and a lot of us do not like being made to look like a bully that tries to create situations to medle in simply to throw our power around. The most difficult part of everything is separating fact from fiction. The printed word travels instantly now and in so many ways it's difficult to EVER know what is truth and what is not. Not everyone will agree with that... but some of us do!
On the Flag issue: As ready as so many are to salute it, we are just as free to burn it. It's merely a representation of what some very proud and highly patriotic people feel. Does it say that no one else in the world knows freedom? Of course not.
