America is not perfect (as AIG, etc was mentioned), but the lifestyle we are afforded is much better than the alternatives.
Regardless of how much money Howard makes, nobody knows what he's had to go through in his childhood, and maybe his experiences aren't that great. Other countries treating some race or group of people badly or the fact that the lifestyle in America is better than most absolutely does not excuse it happening in America. As well it doesn't mean just because it happens everywhere else that people (minorities) should just accept it and be proud of the country they live in.
And as a matter of fact, in most other countries, granted discrimination is more severe, you see minority groups rebelling against the government or you see small infighting between groups of citizens. I think not respecting the national anthem is a very small offense.