Hello Ernest,

I'm not sure we're on the same page. America is great but only when graded on a curve and when compared to the other "great" nations. I can make a case that things have gotten better over time, though it took getting past enslavement, The Black Codes, and Jim Crow, to make much progress at all. Systemic racism still infects our institutions and in many ways the country sucks, still, the question I was answering had to do with it's standing vs. other nations.

I have a reasonable hope that I can voice my opinions and criticize thi s nation without ending up like Fred Hampton. This wouldn't be true in Russia, China, or many Mideastern nations. My children are reasonably well educated and I can help teach around the shortcomings. There is so much America must change, especially when it comes to all people of color who have been marginalized by which I mean abused in different ways.

As much as I attempt to expose America's flaws, that doesn't mean i've found a place I'd rather be. I do believe America can be better, but nothing likke that comes without a fight.