Mr Maher added, "Another, I think big gap between generations...is that the older generations just have a more positive idea of this country.... And kids today, I don’t know what they’re teaching them in school, it doesn’t seem like a hell of a lot, but they have this idea, that they live...in a bad country that has only done bad things and is probably the worst place in the world, if they could only find a way to get out."
Ms Noonan responded that while America is "not perfect. To say the least, it’s had an uneven history. But it is a great country, and, historically, has been a good country." To which her host responded, "And it does self-correct. It does correct more than other places."
"Self-criticism is good," the WSJ columnist agreed. "Self-hatred is sick. Self-criticism could get you to a good place. Self-hatred is going to stop you dead."
On reading this, I immediately rememberted George Carlin's special "Life Is Worth Losing", made for HBO in 2005. In the video, the stand-up comedian covers the downfall of America from our "inheritance" of "this beautiful country" to consumerism and today's politicians, "It's a big club and you ain't in it!"
As you watch this clip, ask yourself: Is this self-hatred, self-loating, or self-correction?
Mr Carlin isn't alive (RIP) to answer my question. I doubt that he intended it to be a recipe for self-correction, since his cynicism -- he was the ultimate kitchen cynic (geddit?) -- would suggest that self-correction is impossible for today's Americans. QED. This clip has had over 31 million views over the 19 years since it was made. I don't see anything or anybody changing. Do you?
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