Finally, it's cool to be an American

If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know that I love basketball and the US.  (While at the same time choosing to be fat, eat chocolate and live in China.  Go figure.)  Mixed in with numerous Jazz home games over the years, I saw the US Olympic team play in Guangzhou in '06 and the Orlando Magic play in Macao in '07 and the "Redeem Team" play against Spain last weekend in Beijing.  It's corny, but I love this game and I love my country.That's why, when I heard about Kobe's comments about America I was honestly excited--could it be that a superstar was actually going to take a positive (political) stand on the USA?!  Yes, indeed.WSJ supporting opinion on the Kobe interview here.  Videos are all over the net.While I love that someone famous is taking this position, I'm disheartened that the current state of affairs is such that hating America is the default assumption and being patriotic is so "uncool."  Other people can love their home country, why won't Americans?  Would it hurt so much to fight for the positions you believe in, fight against the politicians and issues you dislike and still admit that your country is great or at least likable?I love the US--worts and all.  My great grand parents immigrated from England and Denmark to the US; one leaving money and family and living in a grass lean-to on the Central Plains for her first years in the US.  My Grandpa was a Air Force Colonel who served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  My grandmother graduated from college when she was 55 and coordinate a July 4th pageant at her church every year for decades.  My mother is a state senator for Utah.  I have an uncle and 4 cousins who have before or are now serving in Iraq.  I thank God for all of their sacrifices for me.Everyone, Chinese, American, and all others have the right to love their country.  Kudos to those who stand up for it in public.  While doing business over here, I can both be grateful for the countries that I work in and respect the people while still loving my own heritage and country at the same time.PS-since I'm waving the flag already, here is a list of some great books about the US (sure, there are others too).1776, David McCulloughAlexander Hamilton, Ron ChernowTeam of Rivals, Doris Kearns GoodwinFlags of our Fathers, James BradlyFounding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Joseph J. Ellis