Reply #25: Pride and patriotism are not synonymous. [View All]

[Cogito ergo doleo]

Pride is subjective -- it necessarily depends on one's experience - it is born from experience as "reasonable or justifiable; delight or elation arising from some act" (--Websters).

Patriotism and loyalty to one's country is like an oath or commitment. It is a love for one's country - not pride.

Michelle Obama did not say, "For the first time in my adult life I can feel loyalty to my country. She did not say, "For the first time in my adult life I can feel patriotic." No, Michelle Obama said that for the first time in her life she felt really proud about her country.

How different must Michelle's experience have been from, say, Cindy McCain's? I can't even imagine Michelle's experience, let alone judge her. Who among us is qualified to judge Michelle Obama's pride, or lack thereof, in her country?