Ok. I'm going watch what I say here to say this in a neutral standpoint. I was born in America to Asian parents. I love my country, and have to admit that the US National Team is an improving squad. Though I think the MLS is a disgrace. They dont have the rules and regulations worldwide soccer leagues do. Though my favorite national team is still the US, my favorite club teams are in the England Primier League. It useed to be Leicester, and Manchester, now I like Arsenal, and Everton. Why Everton? One of my favorite players play there. And I respect those American players who go overseas to play in harder competition rather at home in the MLS. Yes the US were ranked 32nd out of 32 teams in France 98. But consider: that was two years ago, and since then, the US underwent many changes. I.E. managerial change, player changes. Former stars as in Lalas, Wynalda, Ramos, etc. are no longer with the team. The USA started Project 2010 which involves at least getting into the semifinals of the 2010 WC, better yet, the championship game. You have to admit that the USA are really pushing to become one of the premier teams in the world. And many youngsters here are taking up the game: in many school, including the ivy league ones (harvard, yale, stanford, princeton, etc.) there are more people playing soccer than american football. That's currently the case. And when FIFA organization decided the US would play host in 94 WC, the US became more interested in the game, and it meant that the US is becoming international soccer superiority, or at least aiming towards the goal. Though the US might not catch up with England, France, Italy, Brazil, etc., what it could do is make a big impact on the game. It defeated Brazil in the Gold Cup a couple years back. Thouhg Preki scored the lone goal, and he is Yugoslav, the USA is consisted of immigrants. It is the largest melting pot in the world. Every single US player in 98 came from immigrated parents like mine. Though I have no plans on playing professional soccer, I do enjoy playing the sport. If you say that the US government is arrogant, I wouldn't disagree, although I would say, please look on the brighter side of things. I've been to England, France, Spain, and is planning to go to Italy, and I love Europe. England and France are two of my favorite nations in the world. Though their economy might not be as strong as the US, they are great nations. Currently, I am looking at a map of the United Kingdom, trying to find a setting for a book I am composing. Even a novel from me must have a European setting to feel complete--to me at least. See I am not a racist, bigoted, sexist son of a b****. I have no tolerance for people who are. And listening to Assius, he does not sound like a racist, bigoted son of a b****. I don't understand why you people say he is. And if you insulted the US, you might contain a hint of racism in you. And for those who do not know what an Ivy League school is, it is the best colleges and universities in America, like Oxford of the UK.