Nolan Finley, the editorial page editor for the Detroit News, has defended America's exceptionalism and the goodness of its people, despite setbacks and disappointments throughout his life. He argues that it's OK to hate what America is doing, but it's not acceptable to hate it and work to tear it down. He credits his heroics to his teacher who encouraged him to read "Johnny Tremain," a fictional story about a young apprentice silversmith who overcame a physical disfigurement to aid Paul Revere in his midnight ride. Despite these setbacks, Finley remains a patriot and believes that America is still the greatest country in history. He also criticizes the education system's obsession with America's faults and believes in the creation of a democracy.