Well written post with a very clear and honest message (my opinion).
Sadly patriotism (as well as politics, Trump, governments, vaccines-health-pharmaceutical mega industry, the flag, the concept of freedom..) always open a big can of worms that shows people ready to hate others for not being part of their own (or brainwashed) indoctrination.

"Americans are the most free people in history" (talanhorne).
I respect your opinion and I am happy for you if you genuinely believes it. I did too had the concept America=Freedom. Until around 20 years ago. Truth is no country, no governments wants you free. "Free" people are problems to politicians as free thinking ships are dog's worst nightmares. The only difference is some countries believe it is better to show it, other believe it is even better to hide it.
It seems you know North Korea. Please tell us about it. I never visited that country. As far as Saudi Arabia I have my own opinion as I did visit.

Dive-diva, you been "disgusted" of this person's post is quite scary. I have read the post again after reading your comment and I did not see anything about an intention to disrespect the people in the military and their families. To the contrary, he wrote:" but that it dupes well-intentioned, decent human beings into accepting, condoning, or even committing evil themselves, without even noticing that they are doing so."
I have many friends among the military. My father was a Navy officer for many years. Many Veterans... great sweet people...all of them not very happy the way the gov treats them now...after they killed so many (and in a way killed themselves in the process) to protect someone's agenda.
I can't agree more with you saying leave if you don't like it, as I did. Except, thanks to the indoctrination-brain-washed school system-cult western society programming, it is believed so difficult to even think of having a chance for a change.

But I am very optimistic about the future. This time we are living is so special.
We have currencies and ways to transfer assets that have nothing to do with central banks.
A parasite greedy enough to kill it's pray die as well. And this is what is happening. Enough is enough. Millions and millions are awakening. We are fed up with the lies. 6% of Americans believes in the mainstream fake news? It never happened before. What was the % only few years ago?
When someone post these kind of posts...we should be united and thankful. Not separated and intolerant. All we want is what we deserve: a better future for us and our children.