Patriotism

[jeanne]

nk, it wasn't a waste of 3 minutes.

I agree with what you said. It's easy and convenient to show "patriotism" using shortcuts, but much harder to show not only patriotism and love of country, but simply respect for the human race in general. Am I not patriotic when I refuse to trash the roadsides of my country? Am I not patriotic when I question the decisions of the few for the many? Am I not patriotic when I care for my neighbor, my friend, my family? And truly, am I not patriotic when I care for the stranger - the man who cuts me off in traffic, the woman in the express line at the store with 30 items, the harried mother trying to calm 3 crying children and pick up the dry cleaning at the same time...

To me, patriotism isn't just love of the concept of "my country". It is love of all the elements, including the people, that make up my country. The United States of America truly is unique in the world - both in wonderful ways and in terrible ways. I wouldn't live anywhere else.

[nk_lion]

To me, patriotism isn't just love of the concept of "my country". It is love of all the elements, including the people, that make up my country.

I think thats the best definition I've heard yet.