Thread by @Noahpinion

The thing is, while I think activists, intellectuals, media figures and politicians would benefit from crafting patriotic narratives that fit the middle option in this poll, I myself am not sure which I would pick.

https://twitter.com/Noahpinion/status/1471580889414975489

Eight years ago I was very sure that America was one of the best countries in the world. I couldn't say THE best, having been to countries that were in their own way just as good. But definitely one of the best.

Now, I am not sure anymore.

Our culture has become far less gentle, tolerant, and accepting - and, possibly as a result, less creative. Our institutions haven't collapsed as much as some believe, but many are cleaely dysfunctional in a way most other rich countries' institutions are not.

The excess cost problem has a lot to do with this. And of course Trump and his whole movement, and the turn against immigration. But a big factor is that progressive culture, which was always the part of America that I loved and believed in and fit in best, has deteriorated.

Before, I could never talk to conservatives about politics without rolling my eyes and getting mad. That's even more true now. But now, unlike before, I feel like I can't talk to progressives about politics either, without rolling my eyes.

I am an optimist, and I believe in the promise of America. And I think most other Americans do to, and that they endorse the values that seemed to define this country when I was younger.

So I think we'll make a comeback, and once again become one of the world's best countries.

But as of right now, as the current situation stands I have a very hard time saying that America is a top 10 country. I would like to live outside this place for a while again, to regain some perspective.

But in the meantime, I do NOT advise anyone else to craft or advance a political message based on what I just said. If you do, you'll sound like Jimmy Carter, and when optimism comes back you'll get the boot.

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