I wouldn't call myself overly-patriotic. I do think America is the best country in the world to live in, but I am realistic about it. We have our problems- certainly we are far from where we should be as a Christian nation. BUT, we sure are a fertile field for progress and scholarly pursuit! I don't know if we are the epicenter for all things cultural and technological, but just read this list of inventions that have come from America. (And this is not even including medical discoveries, literary contributions, etc). It's pretty dang impressive! We have certainly made an impact on a global scale, even in the smallest of inventions.

A few interesting American inventions:

telegraph, dishwasher, computer, zipper, sewing machine, pasteurization, light bulb, artificial heart, steamboat, automobile, telephone, airplane, can opener, washing machine, refridgerator, fountain pen, clothes dryer, blue jeans, lawn mower, optical fibers, frisbee, microwave, VCR, photography, gasmask, electric lamp, television, scotch tape, typewriter, airconditioner, calculator, cottongin, and the list goes on!