[dumpsterdiver]

To play devils advocate, I would posit that so-called "American values" don't actually matter much to real Americans (source: red-blooded American here). What matters is living in comfort, and wielding fiscal power.

When you speak of our "values" then you start sounding like the propaganda that quite frankly, American's are tired of hearing about. We aren't all one-trick ponies here, just like any other place, we have a wide diversity of skills, talents, and values.

[pessimizer]

You're criticizing someone's use of the term "American values" when they both put scare quotes around it and said that the CIA was not interested in them. You're ignoring the actual comment and replying to the term "American values" in isolation with a response you've probably given many times before.

[dumpsterdiver]

> You're ignoring the actual comment and replying to the term "American values" in isolation with a response you've probably given many times before.

It is fair to respond to an isolated point within an argument. If an argument contains a point that cannot withstand scrutiny, then the argument is unsound.

Furthermore, you should be ashamed of yourself for saying "with a response you've probably given many times before."

Such an accusation is easily verifiable if it were true. To make such a claim without even looking is immature and disrespectful.

[newZWhoDis]

I mean, I care about values. But you’re right most people don’t and only care about short term comfort and safety.

It’s a big problem and the only solutions I’ve come across are inherently unpopular.