evil starts when you put things ahead of people

Here in the U.S. we experienced several years where, if you did not agree with the conservative values and the policies of the then-president, people would say you were not patriotic. It was a "if you're not with us you're against us" attitude that was quite painful to the rest of us, who loved our country but just disagreed with policy. I am not a fan of nationalism. Every country has their own identity. It's great to appreciate your country for what it offers but it is never a good thing to think you reign superior over others.

jb....I consider myself a patriotic American. I hope you know me well enough to say that I do not support my government blindly, nor do I unquestionably defend all of it's practices and policies. It is not the government that is the country. My patriotism is based on my love of the people, the land, and the ideal that was America. Sadly, as you well know, I believe that all that is being destroyed and taken from us by our government. Perhaps this is why you are seeing such strong emotion from many Americans. Many of us here on myLot feel we are being betrayed by our leaders in a most profound way. We do not want to loose what has given us life, liberty and the ability to pursue our happiness. We are in a most tumultuous period in our country. And our emotions are high. Let's not foget too, that we have been painted - as individuals, with a very black brush by some in the larger world, for things our government is responsible for, not us as individuals. YOu know, the 'ugly American' picture some have been sold. Often times our responses to 'foreigners' are just a defensive reaction to this misconception some hold of us.

Patriotism goes too far when we are blindly defending things our country has done (is doing) that are clearly wrong.

My daughter has read a whole score of Terry Pratchett books. She really enjoyed them. Mindless unquestioning patriotism is much like religion and early indoctrination into those. I don't think patriotism really does every go too far. I think when it is forced on people that doen't care to go there then it is too much. I was taught patriotism going up. I accepted it for the most part and adopted into my adult life. If I hadn't agreed with it all I would not have.

Hi Jb...patriotism goes to far when people are blinded and rendered stupidfied by it. It's gone too far when one is willing to sacrifice decency, morals, and common sense to blindly support a political party or a government who has anything but the true welfare of its citizens at heart. Karen