You mean we're not all patriots together?

I pulled just one bit of your post out...
One thing I have noticed in discussions with Americans is that they think that their patriotism is the same as patriotism in other nations and that other nationalities feel as patriotic about their countries as they do
You mean you're not as fond of Canada as I am of America? Or perhaps not "you" specifically, since you think patriotism is sinful, but Canadians in general? I'd like you to expand on that particular thought, please. You went on about the sins of Western Imperial Civilization (which I partially agree and partially disagree with) and the comparison of both Britain and America to Rome... but that doesn't tell me about patriotism outside the U.S.

I would entirely be up for a discussion of each of the 95 Theses. Perhaps we could bring them in 3-5 at a time? Otherwise we'll be here through June, just on those.

Minor bit about America = Rome. I agree that we are headed for a nasty fall, very similar to what Rome endured. But I'd disagree that it's because of super-patriotism. In fact, I'd theorize that it's due to moral decay, which includes an unthinking drift *away* from patriotism and towards individualism and "bread and circuses". Patriotism is a sign of a healthy culture - when it's true patriotism, supporting what is best about a country and trying to fix what is wrong, not just with lipservice, but with hands on the wheel. Patriotism does not necessarily equal militarism.

I am not looking forward to peace in this world, in this flesh. I have a very cynical view of government as a whole. Some Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door this morning and asked if I thought there would ever be peace... I stand by my answer, "Not until Jesus reigns". Civilizations will come and go, wars will come and go (mostly come) and the law of entropy will rule ... until our Lord returns. Countries are groups - people have to have groups - we don't DO well just tossed together, we separate out as quickly as may be. We NEED to be governed. We need to have a sense of common identity. Until our Lord comes and unites us without tangles of languages, without different rules for what's right and what's wrong, without different interpretations of everything... we need our divisions. Each part necessary, none better than the other. (Heavens, we can't even agree denominationally on things!)

Is my first membership as a citizen of the US? No. In fact, should she ask me to do something against my Lord, I am commanded to oppose her. If we're not Raptured first, soon it will be time to show our true allegiance and pay the price. I think many here in the States are preparing for that day - at least subconsciuosly.

But enough for fractured thoughts in the midst of dusting... :) This line of discussion should surely get us through Christmas and I've not even gotten to the other points in your last post, much less the other points in the two posts prior to my last post! Feel free to drag anything up to the surface that you want to hear me babble about as a higher priority.