tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310464.post7243755216694151705..comments2024-02-26T13:34:55.746-06:00Comments on Comrade Kevin's Chrestomathy: Patriotism, and Why It's Often in Short SupplyComrade Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393718048145784837noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310464.post-83549698517081848422008-07-21T09:05:00.000-05:002008-07-21T09:05:00.000-05:00I like your writing style and substance. Thank you...I like your writing style and substance. Thank you.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16167043840787049344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310464.post-87936472413975427122008-07-06T13:42:00.000-05:002008-07-06T13:42:00.000-05:00Patriotism is like religion in that the people who...Patriotism is like religion in that the people who make the most ostentatious fuss about their virtue due to their patriotism or religion are usually largely full of crap. The real thing isn't merely a tool for social bullying or political advantage.Batocchiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02193752396025012825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310464.post-23212356635640727322008-07-03T19:02:00.000-05:002008-07-03T19:02:00.000-05:00Great post Kevin.In our screwed up culture, we hav...Great post Kevin.<BR/><BR/>In our screwed up culture, we have come as a nation, to confuse patriotism and nationalism.<BR/><BR/>And it is that unchecked nationalism that is terrifying. <BR/><BR/>Patriotism actually calls out for dissent and correction.<BR/><BR/>Which is something that you, for example - are great at, you patriot you!<BR/><BR/>Seriously.<BR/><BR/>Nationalism you do not do well. Thank God. As you have both a conscience and a brain, and that you employ critical thinking skills regularly, you frankly make a lousy nationalist.Franhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07181529277715646835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310464.post-45733695025941681612008-07-03T15:48:00.000-05:002008-07-03T15:48:00.000-05:00My Dad is a black man who worked as a demolitions ...My Dad is a black man who worked as a demolitions expert for the army in the Korean War; he fought and defused munitions in some of the war's bloodiest battles. He returned to racism and segregation. He never understood Viet Nam vets and he always put the flag out for the 4th. He always sings the national anthom at games he attends and sees no reason to travel outside the country because this one is the best there is.<BR/><BR/>He's also a Proud Left Wing Democrat who fought for civil rights, knew Martin Luther King and RFK was an advisor for Johnson, Carter, and Clinton as well as many other politicians. <BR/><BR/>He taught me that in a land of free thought, Patriotism is what you want it to be. It's your love of your country, you define it and letting anyone else do so is just shame on you. <BR/><BR/>My Ultra Lefty chest will swell with pride this July 4th, because no matter what is being done in my country's name now, I know I have the power to try and change it. <BR/><BR/>I've seen the evil of racism beaten back. I've lived to see a rainbow of people support a black man for President. <BR/><BR/>I also know that inspite of how I may be treated by the racists still out there, this country is still one to be very proud of. Part of that pride is knowing that we can fix it and make it better and our very constitution demands that we do so. <BR/><BR/>Our country could elect its first Black president. How many black Prime ministers have there been in England? France? Italy? Holland? Switzerland? Has there been one in Austrailia? <BR/><BR/>Are we perfect? Heck no, even our religion has some racists who are masquerading as conservatives in it.<BR/><BR/>Should we party? Yes. Because that's part of our are culture. We are the culture of work hard, play hard. I don't know about others, but kicking back and relaxing is a pretty good way to celebrate the efforts of that group of Rabble rousers (particularly Franklin bless his horny heart). <BR/><BR/>I would even be so boorish as to say tht part of our contemplation of democracy is that we can take a day off. I think the ability to be relieved of unremitting toil has a certain democratic feel to it. Remember, the pursuit of Happiness?<BR/><BR/>Am I exaggerating? A little, but this nation stood up and fought back Evil in a world war, it openly wrestles with its demons: vanity, lust, ignorance and prejudice and still manages to look good enough that thousands want to life here. <BR/><BR/>LA, a US city, was the first city to make a profit hosting an Olympics. Now that's something to fire a rocket off of right there!<BR/><BR/>Oh I know we've got a lot to change, and on the 5th I'll be as disappointed as any lefty, but I think there are enough things to feel pride about for one day.<BR/><BR/>And if Obama gets elected, I for one hope to have a party playing Charlie Daniels "God Bless America, Again".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com