So... You Look Down on American Patriots, Do you?

[OneAngryDemocrat]

That's why we're in the mess we're in.

Patriotism is love of country and pride in our Democratic Principles.

Nationalism is ethnic or cultural arrogance in spite of them.

Know the difference, and wave that flag!

[nomorenomore08]

1. It may be hard for me to "love" this country knowing what I do of its history - conquest, slavery

etc. - but that certainly doesn't invalidate the basic ideals of freedom and democracy. I may avoid jingoistic 4th of July celebrations and the like, but there's no reason not to celebrate the ideals aforementioned.

[OneAngryDemocrat]

2. Fair ENough...

In my view, any sanctimonious right-wing SOB can plant Old Glory into a steaming pile of conservative horseshit and claim the pile of dung in the name of American nationalism - but all they've really done is desecrate the flag.

We need to take our country back.

Those symbols of Americana are OURS.

The blood that has been spilled in the name of liberty and freedom (as opposed to oppression and slavery) was OUR blood.

From Bunker Hill to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, from the J.P Stevens Textile mill to the beaches of Normandy, and from Haymarket Square to the Jimani Lounge Massacre.

Pick that flag up out of the dirt where the radical right has pitched it, Americans, and CLAIM IT AS YOURS!

[nomorenomore08]

3. No disagreement here at all! I'm with you all the way!

[Nitram]

4. well said, nomo

[OneAngryDemocrat]

5. :)

TY