Mia's post about this week's theme of nationalism has led me to contemplate further why it is that the U.S.'s "melting pot" has always been considered one of its strengths. I agree that this country began its history with a Western European identity, which successive waves of immigrants were gradually assimilated into. But these days, the analogy of a salad bowl as been put forth as more accurate. The sheer size of the US and its ability to have space enough for everyone who wishes to come allows for more wiggle room as different groups--religious, ethnic, political--settle in. I would say that the concept of the United States is a work in progress, and that's what makes us different. Our Constitution was designed to be changed and amended according to changing needs as the country developed. It is constantly be re-worked, as we have seen with the election of our new President, and that is a process that all Americans can contribute to. We are shaped by our immigrant citizens as much by our Daughters of the American Revolution. As we said, nationalism is the love of the idea of a nation. "America" still stands for something to its citizens (if not to the rest of the world), namely democracy and rights. Call me idealistic, but I think that is something that people from all walks of life can share.