As 2026 gets underway, it’s no secret that a broad swath of Americans will do anything but cheer for their country. This happens even among those individuals who one might presume would otherwise do so: At an international gathering held in Israel, a large contingent of college-age students, when introduced as Americans, were rather sheepish.
The sight of this was puzzling to many other attendees, who thought that American students would be proud and enthusiastic when introduced. After all, other contingencies in attendance cheered loudly for their respective nations when introduced.
From Cradle to Grave?
If young Americans are hesitant to celebrate their own nationality, more than likely they’ve been indoctrinated early on by a zealous faction of Americans who despise their homeland and, likely, despise themselves. The American Left is keenly focused on accenting every dark stain in American history while ignoring all that is good. In so many ways, domestic Leftists are among the few groups that do not realize that major nations on Earth have their share of historical misgivings. Meanwhile, in the present day, no nation has acted so magnanimously as the USA.
For years, we saw groups such as the U.S. women's national soccer team, poisoned by the self-enraptured, constantly annoying Megan Rapinoe, fail to honor America as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. Unfortunately, it only takes an extremely rotten apple – and the now-retired Ms. Rapinoe qualifies here – to putrefy an entire locker room, team bus, and on-field maneuvers.
Fortunately, the stench of her political views is dissipating. Nevertheless, two gargantuan sports domains, including the National Basketball Association and the National Football League, manage to intermittently dishonor America through slogans, half-time entertainment bookings, and player interviews, among other ploys.
American Pride Lives Here
Unbeknownst to many, vigorous national pride prevails on cruise ships!
As happens on every voyage, from the atrium of a Princess Cruise ship, to hundreds upon hundreds of passengers, the ship’s cruise director announced passenger nationalities on board. These included 78 Spaniards, to whom the Spaniards in attendance applauded. Another 125 passengers were from France, 420 from Canada, and 815 from the United Kingdom. The passenger in attendance representing each of the groups applauded the respective announcements. Last, to boisterous and prolonged applause, came the announcement that 1,700 Americans were on board.
Who are these cheering Americans? They certainly are not Zohran Mamdani supporters. They average probably age 70 or better. They likely are affluent because who else could afford a long cruise, on top of international airfare and a variety of other travel-related expenses?
These notably proud Americans tend to be well-educated, well-read, and well-fed. They have visited more of the world and, to a greater degree, have remained more attuned to politics than others who are endlessly upset about being an American.
Not a Splinter Group
One must not surmise that these American sojourners are in some way an anomaly. They are, instead, well-entrenched in American life: they pay taxes, own homes, have children and perhaps have grandchildren. They run businesses, serve on zoning committees and school boards, and volunteer with social, civic, and charitable organizations. In short, they are an integral part of the nation.
These people, when cited for their numbers on board, reflexively respond with glee and without reservation. In part due to their travels, might cruise ship passengers comprehend how magnanimous the U.S. is compared to the rest of the world? Could it be that they're far more knowledgeable than a Megan Rapinoe or a Colin Kaepernick? Is it likely that they understand American and world history better than those who are perpetually discontent? Yes, it is likely.
American history, similar to the history of all other nations, is replete with unfairness and injustice. Leftists do not accept this truism of world history and don’t wish to be further enlightened. Their endless discontent fuels them.
Made My Day and My Cruise
As an audience member myself, it was gratifying to witness the spontaneous outburst of these fellow Americans. They were not boastful or acting as if they were superior. Their spontaneous outburst was merely one of pride, originating from the country that has given them, as well as the world, so much.
Research the numbers and you’ll find that Americans are among the world’s most generous people, providing aid and resources to a large number of other nations, swiftly, frequently, and evermore.
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