Can't Patriotism be bad?
408584
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.
433785
I hate to admit it cause it's kinda harsh but you're right, and if we're gonna be told that we can't wear patriotic attire in our schools because it's offensive to some? Go back to your Country! We have American pride!!!
624728
Racism, for it is never justified.  One might say that being jingoistic could be justified on patriotic grounds, but racism can never be.
1163314
It is your duty as a citizen of a democracy to be questioning of your nation, and criticising when you think it is appropriate. \n\nTo be blind to the errors that your own country makes abroad is very dangerous, especially if a large number of people also do this.\n\nUnless it's during the World Cup, which is an ideal (and relatively harmless) outlet for nationalism and the dislike of other nations.
1114141
Yes. Every since the attack people are buying more flags, shirts, bumper stickers, name it and it's got a flag and God bless America on it. I can't stand it. I've always loved my country and supported our troops not just after we went to war or were attacked. They remind me of fair weather fans in sports. Only really being a fan when a teams winning or a teams popularity rises.
1133500
Because people don't like to take responsibility for their actions. And also it is an extremely rare quality of character to have to be able to say "I was mistaken." John Kerry has the backbone to say, "I made a mistake". That requires character. Instead of being able to appreciate that these people went on to call him flip-flopper, as if they never made a mistake in their life. But anyways, as I was saying these people don't like the idea that the government is not benevolent and is not looking after them. Because saying that comes with a lot of responsibility. When you say we don't want King George (irony!) as our king, you have to fight a war of independence and draft your own constitution. Now thats an enormous responsibility. The founding fathers weren't afraid of that responsibility so they went ahead and did what they had to do. The people you are talking about lack the intelligence, courage or moral backbone to do that. Instead they dig their heads in the sand and pretend the government is good and will always take care of them. And since there wasn't enough sand in America to cover all their heads, they had to go to Iraq to find more sand. And hence anyone who disturbs that fake sense of stability and peace seems to be an enemy to them. And they start crying "unpatriotic" and etc.\n\nThese people think patriotism is limited to supporting the war and supporting the president. They don't see patriotism in helping the poor and needy who are also fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism in uplifting the downtrodden who are also American. They don't see patriotism is envigorating the economy or creating new jobs for their fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism is protecting their environment although that is the American environment. Their sense of patriotism is myopic indeed.
489226
Religion and patriotism are two entirely different things, especially in America.
1148159
No, it's called patriotism. We elect officials, it's fair that we evaluate the job they're doing.
93023
No.  In a nation founded on the principles of democratic participation, it is blind allegience is, in fact, actively unpatriotic.  In arguing for the unconditional, unciritical support of government policies one undermines the philosophy of individuality and civic participation on which a democracy is founded.  Last I checked, undermining the founding principles of your country was not an act of patriotism.\n\nAlso, I think that thompj64us has a point that supporting policies that will lead to the destruction of your country is distincly unpatriotic, even when those policies are written by government officials.\n\n_______________\nTo answer Andy's question (which by the way are actually irrelevant):\nNote that the "more or less" does not make sense as there is no point of compairison, and I will ignore it.  Also note that his compulsive use of "Democrats" is idiotic and irrational, as it implies that these acts are acceptable unless the person performing the action is a Democrat.\n\n>>>Is it more or less patriotic for Democrats to oppose the war?\n\nIt is patriotic to oppose a war that is hurting our country.  What is unpatriotic is supporting a war that will devastate international relations, cost the nation billions of dollars, and cost countless American and Iraqi lives.\n\n>>>Is it more or less patriotic for Democrats to bash their country \n>>>on foreign soil?\n\nIn a country that values free speech, it is unpatriotic to sensor the speech of others.  It is not, however, unpatriotic to speak in opposition to policies or practices with which one does not agree.  In a democracy, dissent is never unpatriotic.\n\n>>>Is it more or less patriotic for Democrats to have the same \n>>>talking points as the number 2 Al Queada operative?\n\nWTF?  I have no idea what you're talking about.  However, it is not inherent unpatriotic to have something in common with Al Queada or any other organization or nation.\n\n>>>Is it more or less patriotic for Democrats to hope that \n>>>America loses the war on terror so they can score political points?\n\nI don't think anyone is hoping we will lose the war.  However, I do believe that the harm done by the current administration can and will vastly exceed the cost of the war, and in that regard it may be in our best intrest as a nation to lose the war and elect someone competent.\n\n>>>Want to lose a war? Let a Democrat run it (aka Black HAwk Down)\n\nWant to invade a soveign nation on false pretexts, start a war that costs billions of dollars and countless lives, and find yourself stuck in that war with no exit plan in sight?  Let Bush run the country.  Leaders on both sides have made bad wartime decisions.  The current war in Iraq is certainly among the worst military fiascos our nation has seen, and the travesty is expounded by the fact that the evidence on which the war was started has since been demonstrated to have been deliberately and meticulously forged.\n\n__________\n>>>If the questions are so irrelevant then why take the time to \n>>>answer them? \n\nThey're irrelevant to the question of the patriotism blind allegience, but they're still insulting, and (as per my answers), the implications are incorrect.\n\n>>>The truth hurts doesn't it?\n\nIt might if you believe what you do and actually looked around, but apparently ignoring the turth helps or you'd be writhing in pain.\n\n______________\nAndy, perhaps you should brush up on your political philosophy.  You clearly have no concept of what patriotism even is.  Nor democracy for that matter.\n\nThe exchange of political ideas is a fundimental principle of democracy.  This includes the idea that our government might be making a mess of things.  To oppose this exchange is to oppose democracy. America is a democracy, and thus an enemy of democracy is an enemy of America.  To speak out against tho
230062
Roydiez put my thoughts into words exactly.  There are better ways then commiting suicide to be humanitarian or patriotic.  Charities.  Volunteering. Raising families. Teaching others how to be decent human beings.\n\nOverblown patriotism (nationalism) does humanity more harm than good.  Both World Wars are examples of that.
1015368
It's never unpatriotic if a student (which anyone is if they're studying) is studying a different language. You might even say that it is patriotic, because the knowledge of a foreign language increases that citizen's chance to secure a high level position in a company operating in their home country or overseas. The favorable image of an intelligent, dual-language citizen (or expatriot, if the person is living in a different country) does nothing but promote the image of their country. And that is good for ALL the citizens of that country.
208542
Yes. Shouldn't we be very proud of those that defend the Homeland. Whether it's Bush or a local cop, they still put in their efforts. All of those efforts performed in a united fashion makes us safer as a nation.
789026
Don't join.  Every job from office clerk to mechanic can be sent to where the combat is.  Just because you aren't in an infantry unit doesn't mean the terrorists won't be trying to kill you.  Wearing the uniform isn't about looking good; it's about defending a way of life.  Don't feel bad if this is not for you.  There are other ways to be patriotic without fighting.  Just being a good citizen and not breaking the law shows that you want something better for your country.
877923
Because unfortunately this is what passes for political discourse for many in this country today. It is acceptable to criticize policies which you don't like. It is acceptable to dislike the man if you choose. A poster about above me stated that it is patriotic to criticize, I can accept that, but there is a difference between constructive criticism and absolute slander and many just appear to be unable to separate the two. Do not be deterred by the negative responses you have received here. If you like the President for whatever reason that is your right and speaking out about why you like him is perfectly acceptable. Your opinions are just as valid as any of the detractors. Freedom of speech is a double edged sword, while we may not like the things that are said it is still the right of people to say these things. In a perfect world people would intelligently discuss issues, but alas the world we live in is far from perfect.
1040959
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
825563
BBQs, Communities, and Baseball:\nAn Analysis of Patriotism's Relevance in Today's Children.\n\nTalk about how patriotism brings a community together and encourages kids to get along through friendly competition, sharing ideas, and making friends.\n\nAnd no plagiarizing.
653538
From my point of view, anyone who would demonstrate at the grave of a person who died defending our country is more or less a traitor, and not a patriot.\n\nThe personal acts and traits of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation may be distasteful to some of us, but they deserve the respect of a proper burial and ceremony as this nation should support.\n\nAnyone who believes otherwise not only misses the point of faith in Christ but in a soldier's duty to our country.