Smart. Insightful. I’m a bit older than you are, a Vietnam Era Vet. I met two sitting presidents: Carter and Clinton. I am no patriot in the traditional sense. These days I’m a world citizen instead, my politics driven far more by extensive world travel, immersing myself in myriad cultures and back- breaking poverty. America in some ways is desperately more ignorant than many people they deem beneath them or stupid because of culture, color or creed. I stood for my flag, but these days there are horrific red flags on how we as Americans have chosen to show up in the world. That’s a long, slow, decline. We are a declining country. All we have to do is look at the current White House for proof. Good food for thought. You’re an excellent writer and observer.