Gratuitous Nationalism, Part 1

I'm not one to ruminate too much on American/Canadian differences, partly because it's really hard to generalize either country (do I really know what the "average" Canadian is like? Um, not really). However, it is hard to miss one difference: the levels of nationalistic displays are way higher South of the border.

Now, I have yet to meet anyone here who raves in person about their country, but flags are everywhere, as well as bumper stickers, posters, lawn signs, etc.--to a degree unheard of in Canada (except maybe around about July 1; I'm bracing myself for July 4).

Having been here for over half a year, all the flags have kind of faded into the background; occasionally, though, there are nationalistic displays that cross the line deep into Ameri-kitch. When I see 'em (and have a camera nearby), I'll post 'em as part of a "gratuitous nationalism" photo-series.

Here's one to get started, fresh from Colorado Springs:

It's not just a snowball, it's an American snowball