do you think patriotism is a defense against insults of nation, culture,colour or political standing, religion or such simple things like protecting family or friends?
200512
Patriotism obviously represents many things to many people.  To me, it is the understanding of our historical roots in the context of the our political system and supporting it as the best approach for mankind.
396411
Patriotism is ONLY the love for one's country.  It has nothing to do with what you believe in politically.  People have turned the word patriot into something that means that if you are a patriot then you are always right.\n\nDo you love America?  The country, not necessarily the government.  Do you love America?  If the answer is yes then, congrats, you're a patriot.  It's that simple.  Don't let politically inclined fools tell you you're not a patriot because you believe in anything else.  All patriotism deals with is love for one's country, ok?
477901
If I understand the core of your question, you are specifically asking if the average U.S. citizen would take up arms to defend and protect our country.\n\nThinking back to the initial wave of unity in this country immediately following 9/11, I would say, yes, we as a nation do have the patriotic drive within us to band together and fight.\n\nIt is my firm belief that no matter how politically polarized we might be at the moment,  we still all share and feel a common bond to this country.  In the event of a serious crisis, I believe we would all set our political differences aside and rise to the occasion.\n\nI'll admit that at times I look at everything that's going on and think, wow, our Founding Fathers must be rolling in their graves; sometimes it seems to me like we've strayed off their intended course.  But then you come along and ask your question, and I think, yeah, we've still got what it takes to make those wise old guys proud of us.\n\nIn any event ... I'm locked and loaded.\n\nThanks for the good question.
406609
My USA citizen countrymen/women. The USA is a melting pot of many colors and nationalities. I hope all of us would defend each other against outside forces or entities. We should not allow other people to divide us by bringing up issues in the past that they use to stir up past ills. The past is and should remain there, in the past. Issues of today are issues of today. We all had our good and bad pasts, they are over with. Today we should look at each other as AMERICAN compatriots.
601314
We are a nation of ethics and moral.... just ask the ACLU. Just don't ask them to defend this country.... they don't have the stomach for it. And please don't waste your time asking Doctors Without Borders, the International Red Cross, Human Rights Watch or the UN Special Council on Human Rights.  Murderers on death row.... sure.... Child molesters.... why not.... terrorist... of course, they deserve a good defense and lots of understanding. But a Soldier... the very person that enforces thier right to defend burners of the Flag of the United States.... they won't even give it a thought. And the funny thing is that US Soldiers are expected to protect these same folks when they travel abroad.\n\nIt is I the Soldier, not the politician, who gave you the right to vote..... it is I the Soldier, not the lawyer, who gave you the right to competant legal representation.... it is I the Soldier, not the pastor, who gave you the right to worship as you see fit.... it is I the Soldier, not the news reporter, who gave you the right to free speech. And it is I the Soldier who will gladly give my life so you can burn the Flag of this great nation in protest, no matter how much I may disagree with you. I give my life defending human rights... I do not recieve the pay, benefits or notoriety of those "other people".... and I may be ridiculed in public because you do not like the politics of the government I have sworn to protect. But without me... you have nothing guaranteed.... you have no legitimate right to anything... But when people with no morals, ethics or scrupples disregard human dignity, we procecute them.... they celebrate them.  So just who is that is being accurately portrayed here.... the vilianous US Military or the cowardly terrorist and insurgents??\n\nBut remember that when my comrades fall, are captured, tortured and mistreated at the hands of those who would see your freedoms and liberty destroyed... I mourn for them. I loose my brother or sister. Thier burden is transfered to me. I am the sworn protector of thier dream, thier honor.\n\nI am the United States Military... there is no other military on this planet that can do what we can.
17033
Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.\n- George Bernard Shaw\n\nThat being said, I still consider myself patriotic... you can't help but be proud of the country you belong to.
504047
Patriotism and war don't have to go together. Flying a flag out on your front door or porch is a sign of patriotism. Wearing red white and blue on fridays is patriotism. Taking your hats off at a baseball / football game at any level of game during the National anthem is patriotism. Patriotism is something that the US will NEVER lack there are supporters EVERYWHERE. Even if they may or may not support the "war" itself, they support the troops, and thats what matters. Because civilians don't fight the war, soldiers do. \n\nThe war, I can't say much. Its against my job to say anything. All I can say is, we're there for a reason, and just because people can't understand it, doesn't mean the reason isn't there for understanding. \n\nIf asked to go to Iraq would I? Yes, I have already served 4 tours of Iraq since March of 2001. Its been a long five years, but the rewards and the feeling inside will never be gone. \n\nThe war in Iraq is for a cause. There is a cause for everything and there is a consequence and a reward for everything you do. Dont forget there are two sides to a coin, and there are always two sides to every action this nation goes into. Yes some people may think it is a bad thing, but you know, its not all about the war. \n\nTake into consideration the 5000 men and women and children from the United States, soldiers, brothers, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons daughters, and friends and newphew, and neices, and cousins that have died since 9/11. Their lives can not go in vain. I know my guys and I believe when we're over there we're making a difference in SOMEONE's life, and thats all that matters. when a soldier / sailor / airmen signs up to go into the military we take an oath that says we shall protect this nation, and the civilians that live here. And each day that is what 400000 troops do. Protect this nation. The innocent men women and children who died in the world trade centers that day, and on the airplanes, their lives is what we fight for. The war represents their names on our hearts when we go out in battle. And its in their names that we will end this war. Whether its today, tomorrow, next month, next year or twenty years from now. The reason we fight is not for the government, but because its our moral duties to protect this nation, and two, to make sure those victims did not die in vain.
34848
As a child, I remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on a daily basis up to a certain point - exactly what year we stopped escapes me at the moment, however. I don't have a problem with that - as a United States citizen, I don't mind the occasional exercise in patriotism.\n\nHowever, before it can be taught in schools (if ever), there needs to be a consensus on how the concept is presented. The last thing I'd want is some stereotypical militant white supremacist or some disenchanted cynic teaching the course or devising the curriculum.\n\nHow's *that* for a somewhat-less-than-concrete answer? Truthfully, I hate any type of mind control methods, but we have the choice of whether or not to stay here - if we choose to stay, then we should exercise some loyalty and respect for the Constitution and the laws of the land. However, recognizing our freedoms includes speaking up when things are going wrong and need to be changed - being a true patriot means you want the bad things changed and not for anyone to be stuck with the "America: love it or leave it" idiocy.
113604
Are national flags simply signs serving some utilitarian function? What do they symbolize? “Nationalism’s chief symbol of faith and central object of worship is the flag,” stated author J. Paul Williams. The Encyclopedia Americana says: “The flag, like the cross, is sacred.” The flag is the symbol of the State. Therefore, bowing down to it or saluting it is a religious ceremony that gives reverence to the State. Such an act ascribes salvation to the State and does not harmonize with what the Bible says about idolatry.\n\nThe Scriptures clearly state: “Salvation belongs to Jehovah.” (Psalm 3:8) Salvation is not to be ascribed to human institutions or their symbols. The apostle Paul admonished fellow Christians: “My beloved ones, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14) The early Christians did not participate in acts of worship of the State. In the book Those About to Die, Daniel P. Mannix observes: “Christians refused to . . . sacrifice to the [Roman] emperor’s genius—roughly equivalent today to refusing to salute the flag.” So it is with true Christians today. In order to render Jehovah exclusive devotion, they refrain from saluting the flag of any nation. By doing so, they put God first while maintaining respect for governments and their rulers. Indeed, they recognize their responsibility to be in subjection to the governmental “superior authorities.” (Romans 13:1-7)\n\nDo such patriotic symbols and ceremonies really have religious significance?\n\n“[Historian] Carlton Hayes pointed out long ago that the ritual of flag-worship and oath-taking in an American school is a religious observance. . . . And that these daily rituals are religious has been at last affirmed by the Supreme Court in a series of cases.”\n\nWith reference to patriotic ceremonies, what does secular history say about the attitude of those known as early Christians?\n\n“Christians refused to . . . sacrifice to the emperor’s genius—roughly equivalent today to refusing to salute the flag or repeat the oath of allegiance. . . . Very few of the Christians recanted, although an altar with a fire burning on it was generally kept in the arena for their convenience. All a prisoner had to do was scatter a pinch of incense on the flame and he was given a Certificate of Sacrifice and turned free. It was also carefully explained to him that he was not worshiping the emperor; merely acknowledging the divine character of the emperor as head of the Roman state. Still, almost no Christians availed themselves of the chance to escape.”\n\nHas the neutrality of Christians meant that they are not interested in the welfare of their neighbors?\n\nCertainly not. They know well and conscientiously endeavor to apply the command repeated by Jesus: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) Also the counsel recorded by the apostle Paul: “Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10) They have been convinced that the greatest good that they can do for their neighbors is to share with them the good news of God’s Kingdom, which will lastingly solve the problems facing mankind and which opens up to those who embrace it the marvelous prospect of eternal life.
294872
I think patriotism is about a lot more than a sticker and a flag... those things are nice... don't get me wrong, but it comes down to a love for the country and not wanting any wrong to come to the country, regardless of who may be wronging the country...
342171
As a sign of national allegiance and patriotism.
563440
One of the great things about the USA is our tolerance of dissent.  If people disapprove of something the US is doing, be it war or raising the age for social security, the people are free to protest, to clearly and loudly express their displeasure.  If they want to hang the prez in effigy, they are free to do so.  \nThe problem with the flag burning amendment is that it confuses the United States with the symbol of the United States.  The flag is only a symbol.  Factories produce them by the thousands and an attack on a symbol is itself symbolic.  Furthermore, the proposed laws would be impractical and unenforceable.  How would you distinguish between the protester that you want to stop and the careless person who simply doesn't show the respect for the symbol?\nAs for me, I have proudly served in the U.S. military and I like to think that I contributed to protecting the rights of all Americans, including those I despise.  Still, when it comes time to pledge allegiance to the flag, I stand silent.  I have and will again pledge my allegiance to the United States but I find it stupid and dangerous to pledge my allegiance to the flag of the United States.
508417
I hear that.  I find it ironic that our country was founded by people who spoke out against the establishment, and yet now we are faced with an administration that claims that if we don't think, speak and act like them we are against them and giving comfort and safe harbor to the terrorists.  BS!  I love this country - if I didn't I wouldn't be so concerned about its current direction.  I am a Patriot.  I'm also a huge fan of thinking for myself.   Bottom line - you are not a traitor.
653363
No, it's called patriotism. We elect officials, it's fair that we evaluate the job they're doing.
588234
Whoa there nighthawk! Innocent till proven guilty huh?\nMight I mention Guantanamo?\n\nDissenting is unpatriotic, huh? Sorry your time machine screwed up and landed you in 2006 USA instead of 1938 Germany. Patriotism is NOT just flag waving and supporting your troops. There are lots of angles to patriotism. Let's see. Have you taken care of your poor needy fellow citizens recently? The clothes you wear, the appliances you use, were they made in the USA by US labor or did your money feed someone else? The "support our troops" ribbon you have on your car? Did you turn it over and notice that it says "made in china"?\n\nAnd to the person who asked the question, yes we are allowed to disagree. I disagree with you. :-p
415988
IMMIGRANTS, NOT BRITON'S, MUST ADAPT.  Take It Or Leave It.  I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture.  Since the terrorist attacks on London, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Brits.  However, the dust from the attacks has barely settled and the "politically correct" crowd begin complaining about the possibility that our patriotism is offending others.  I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone\nwho is seeking a better life by coming to Britain. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.  This idea of London being a multicultural\ncommunity has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.  As Britons, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.  This culture has been developed over centuries of wars, struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and\nwomen who have sought freedom.  We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language.  Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!\n\n"In God We Trust" is our National Motto.  This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan.  We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly\ndocumented.  It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.  If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.\n\nIf the union Flag offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then You should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.  We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from.\n\nThis is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.  But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great British freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE".  If you aren't happy here then b*gger off!  We didn't force you to come here.  You asked to be here.  So accept the country YOU accepted.  Pretty easy really, when you think about it.\nI figure if we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it Will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.
181058
The possibility that patriotism can be bad is real. The idea that it is always and inevitable bad is very narrow minded thinking. \nSome, like myself, where not raised to be patriotic or even respectful of the country we where born. As an adult I am patriotic because I love my country. It is out of the respect for my countries most beloved beliefs that this patriotism was born out of. \nThe idiocy you spoke of is not entirely because of patriotism, much of the insanity is from just that, insanity. To lump up the crazed actions of many and put one label on it is again, narrow minded thinking. I don't mean this in a critical way, I think patriotism can be looked at from several perspectives and not only the one you speak of.