It hurts me to say this ... [View all]

... but I will say it nonetheless.

I moved to Canada in 1974, when my then-husband was offered a lucrative, career-advancing job. When we split-up three years later, I chose to stay here. Neither decision had anything to do with politics - in fact, I was rather apolitical at the time.

But I always took pride in the fact that I was an American. Over the years, I amassed a sizeable collection of American flag pins and brooches, which I always wore. I owned an over-sized American flag, which I displayed on my front porch on every US holiday. My place became known as 'the house with the flag' among neighbours and fast-food delivery people alike.

I always made it known that I was a US citizen, because I took pride in the place I came from and its people. I took pride in the fact that my country - for all its faults and mis-steps - was always striving to form "a more perfect union".

I was proud when my countrymen united after the attacks of 9/11. I was proud when my nation elected its first black president. I was proud when same-sex marriage became the law of the land.

But now my pride has turned to shame - shame that so many of my fellow citizens have chosen bigotry over inclusiveness, hatred over love of country, violence over the peaceful resolution of our differences.

I am ashamed of self-proclaimed "Christians" who have abandoned the teachings of Christ, of politicians who have abandoned their oaths of office, and of citizens who have abandoned every principle my country was founded upon.

Above all else, I am ashamed of my own gratitude that I live in a country that isn't the United States, but in a country where my lesbian daughter is safe, a country where school children are not gunned-down by assault-weapon-wielding murderers, a place where bigotry is not welcomed nor accepted, no less openly encouraged.

My giant American flag is safely packed away, along with my collection of "I'm a proud American" jewelry.

I hope for the day when I will not be ashamed to display them as proudly as I once did.