According the most recent article in the Economist, our presidential approval ratings are at a historic low, our nation's unemployment rate is rising at 5.5%, energy costs are through the roof and the housing crisis has resulted in bank foreclosures and bankruptcies. Somehow, we became France's chew toy with that arrogant statement made by French swimmer, Alain Bernard, "The Americans? We will smash them. That's what we came here for."
Let the games begin.
And after all of that, the USA swim team broke the world record for the 4x100 relay. Watching the US excel in almost every event from gymnastics to volleyball has inspired a ferocious pride for a nation with a very low morale. I'm ashamed to admit it, but when I saw George W. Bush being interviewed by Bob Costas, I was almost proud to see him there supporting our nation in these games.
I've never considered myself a very patriotic person, but since our nation is in such an economic slump, and we are pretty much hated by the world for our policies, its nice to be good at something. If even if it is to stroke our ego for the next two weeks.
