I'm not saying we should run away. I'm just wondering who this "we" ought to be. Because "we", the USA, have cocked that stuff in a pretty big way in large part because we cling to that nationalist "we". I feel a connection to American culture because I'm American and I can't really be not American, any more than I can be not-white or not-male. But if I choose to identify with a group of people, it will be with humanity and not from the arrogant position of an American who has some special, unique cultural dispensation to freedom and justice - which is simply untrue, and insulting to everyone else. I just don't see any particular use to be had in nationalism, I suppose.

I assuredly think we should all try to be clear-sighted when we fail in our ideals, though I suspect I'm a little less enchanted of both the Revolution and Enlightenment than you might be. I mean, I don't think being a racist imperialist bastard is contrary to either the US Revolution or the Enlightenment at all. I feel we've moved a good distance from 18th century ideals. Screw the Enlightenment! ;)