Can't be!

re: "Do you even wonder why the proposition that America has been overall a force for benevolence in the world rubs you the wrong way? Is it really just the pride that bothers you?"

Okay let me do the analysis...

1) Compared to most countries, maybe all, and averageing all our actions together (so some good things counteract bad ones) I agree with the supposition whole-heartedly. Or...

2) A lot of what is usually counted as benevolence is actually us seeking our own interests. Nothing wrong with that, but to call it benevolence is a bit of a stretch. For example: a lot of foreign aid was just competing with the USSR, for example. It was bribes to expand our influence.

3) If you were to say JPL is the most wonderful company in the world (and I really love JPL), I'd probably start looking for the exception. Absolute statements like that beg me to come up with counter-examples. I'm just built that way.

4) Back to the editorial that launched this thread... It had a very nasty tone (one that you seem to appreciate). It pissed me off.

Gotta get on the road. Talk to you on Monday.