I am probably one of the most patriotic people you'll ever know in your life. I love America and all for which it stands (one nation, under God...). I sometimes wonder why I was so blessed to have been born here instead of some country in which, either as a woman or as a citizen, I'd be oppressed. Shit, if I'd been born in China, I wouldn't even be here to amuse and enlighten you folks. I love the idea that no matter who I am, I can be whomever I want to be. I and everyone else who lives here has the almost unlimited freedom to advance myself in America. You guys know that "Proud To Be An American" makes me cry. As many faults as this country may have, they're worth it, because I live in the greatest country in the world and I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.! That having been said, I think you may understand what I'm about to say, because it is a little extreme, even for me.

About a week ago, I was wearing my new Tommy Hilfiger sweater. It's a very cute sweater - periwinkle blue with cuffed sleeves. On one of these cuffs is a little Tommy logo that looks like a pin. A friend of mine happened to ask me if it was a pin. I said, "No, it's just my Tommy logo," and then brandished my sleeve to her, as if I were showing it off. I did this in a (naturally) sarcastic way. Another friend was sitting next to me as I did this. This friend and I have conflicting viewpoints on many things, the greatest of which involves his being "punk" and my intense dislike of that so-called "lifestyle." However, most of the time, he's a nice guy, and I ain't prejudiced, so I just deal with it. He can do his thing even if I do think it's phony, pointless, and ridiculous, because that's his right just as much as I have my right to wear my Tommy sweater. (For more on that standpoint, see this.) So what does he do but get this total look of disgust on his face and roll his eyes! Just because I'm wearing a Tommy sweater!

That set me off. I went on a rampage in my journal, tearing apart him, the "punk" lifestyle, and most of all, people who have a problem with "establishment." (Disclaimer: Before I go on, I don't hate all "punk" people. I know that there are some who don't adhere to this kind of thinking. I know that some people who do adhere to this kind of thinking aren't "punk.")

My patriotic side reared its ugly head. Here's my view: To diss Tommy Hilfiger is to diss America, and I am so not down with that. Sound crazy? Let me clear it up for you. Tommy Hilfiger (or Ralph Lauren, or Donna Karan, or any other brand name that these mofos openly scorn) is a businessman in a capitalist society. Okay, there's this little thing called supply and demand. If people were not buying $80 fur-covered halter tops, Tommy Hilfiger would not be selling them. Someone is buying them, as is their right in a capitalist society, and if they're paying $80 for them, who's to say that Tommy doesn't have the right to charge $80? No one is forcing anyone to buy them. Sure, there's no way in hell that I'm gonna pay $80 for an ugly-ass fur-covered halter top. But as much as you don't want to believe it, Mr./Ms. John or Jane Punk, Tommy Hilfiger is not wrong to charge that much. You would do the same thing in his position. I repeat, he is a businessman, just as the people who market the clothes that you're wearing are. To disrespect Tommy is to disrespect capitalism is to disrespect one of the cornerstones of this country which is to disrespect this country. Sure, if we lived in a communist society in which the government owned everything, we would be forced to pay any price for our provisions. But we're not. Tommy and Ralph and Donna are not "establishment," whatever the fuck "establishment" is supposed to mean. Yes, they've established themselves as designers; they've established themselves as businesspeople; they've established their reputations for quality clothing, whether overpriced or not; but that's part of living in America, and if you don't like it, get the hell out.

Which brings me to another point: I'm so sick of America-bashing. People in general are pretty dumb, whether they're from America or anywhere else. We all realize this. But there is nothing dumb about America. We could be living under a dictator, for God's sake! This country has a foundation built on principle and common sense. We have advantages like no other country in the world has. Quit taking your freedom for granted and start appreciating this great country. And if you don't feel like doing that, then once again, get the hell out. From what I hear, they really like your kind in Canada, and it's right across the border. You can leave any Goddamn time you want.

I hate to end this on an angry note, so I'll say that yes, I do realize that my position on this is a bit radical. But it bothers me every time I hear people bashing "the Man" or "the establishment" or whatever the hell you want to call it, because I love this country. I want everyone else to love this country, too. These anti-establishment people, whether they're punk or not, don't realize exactly what they're disrespecting when they're busting on the establishment. Please, people, start to recognize the blessing that's been laid upon you by having been born in this country.