How can each group be defined by any value, unless it is willing to exclude those inside the group who don't share the value, and include anyone outside the group who don't share the value?

In his convocation speech on Sept. 6, President Marx claimed fairness and compassion as values that supposedly define the American nation. In that case, I know a lot of Americans who are eligible for exile and a list of non-Americans who qualify for inclusion.

The explanation for such absurdity is that invariably hyperbolic values are used to glorify us and demonize them for the purpose of justifying events like the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Both the historical record and common sense show that nations are best defined as competitors, with war (the ultimate forum of competition) being their most important business.