“If we were so bad, why is everybody trying to get in here and nobody is trying to escape?”

That statement made me think of our fellow gulchers who would like to construct an actual Atlantis. Heck, if I could see how to actually do it I might be one of them. Maybe they are not clamoring to escape, but I've talked to a few here that would leave if given the chance.

Other than that quibble, I agree with most of the rest of what Dr. Carson said in his speech.

I actually do think there is something to American exceptionalism.

And even if there isn't, it really chaps the hides of European collectivists, so I am all in favor that we keep bringing the topic up!

The country, because of the mechanisms put in place by the Founding Fathers, is not beyond redemption. The only question remains is what means will be necessary to remove the stranglehold of the federal government from our throats - how much, if any, patriots blood will have to be shed to oust the tyrant.

Again last night my wife and I were discussing leaving. America surely has a lot to offer. It also has a growing dark side. We've really had a good deal here, but we're blowing it. I'm certainly way beyond the patriotic chest pounding.