[QUOTEhe made it OK to put the endless whining and self-hatred of the seventies behind us.][/QUOTE]

huh, I sure missed all of that, and asking around my age-group of friends and acquaintances, they don't remember it like that, either. We were sure all hyped up for the bicentennial. Glad when the war was finally over. Proud that young people had made a difference in how that war was perceived. Proud that the civil rights movement was ongoing, including the AIM and women's rights, and being implemented (abet in fits and starts). Proud of the increasing opportunities for marginalized groups. Is that the self-hatred and whining you're speaking of?