[Jerrek]

What you quoted was in reference to the suggestion that pledging etc solves social problems, and I pointed out that america has the same social problems as the UK, and in some cases worse problems than the UK.

Not solving, helping. And, I didn't raise the point. My point is that it helps social cohesion, and that stands. You're making a very, very broad generalization. I'm sure there is merit in it, but I'm sure there is another side too. For sure we do have social problems, but my lack of experience in England prevents me from commenting on this.

Now, sociable was saying that it can cause alienation, rather than trying to build a better world,

I am not interested in building a "better world" when we have so many problems in North America. I'm sure the world can manage without us.

it promotes the idea that your own nation is fine

How? How does it promote the idea that your own nation is fine? You really don't get the meaning of singing the national anthem or pledging allegiance, eh?

Oh and you still haven't answered my original two questions.

so you end up not giving a damn about the rest of the world (as you have expresed) and such shortsightedness eventually catches up with you, as the world is linked (never heard of the world recession?)

It isn't that I don't care about the rest of the world, it is just that there is enough problems this side to keep us busy for a long time. Anyways, the rest of the world hates us so much. Why should we care? They just want to kill us, as all liberals are keen on pointing out.