PATRIOTISM-A definition?

[scintlgst]

PATRIOTISM: Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.

I do not believe "dissenting" or "assenting" to the actions or policies of one's government constitute "patriotism".

Blind dissension and blind assention are in fact, UNpatriotic. IMHO.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

1. The willingness to criticize your government when it is not doing

what is best for the country. That is patriotism. Lock-step agreement with an amoral government is nationalism.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. Bravo!

Excellent response! :toast:

[scintlgst]

7. As is lockstep dissension

Do you not agree?

[mmm]

18. Sadly, there is no lockstep dissension...

this is why the US is heading down the toilet.
The lockstep of blind Nationalism is not the same
as the well thought lockstep of public outrage.
(But then, you already know this, do you not?)

[auntpattywatty]

2. Patriotism means you must 100% behind Bush, or you are not patriotic:(

:(

[scintlgst]

8. To you maybe

[JaySherman]

4. I view "patriotism" as

like having a loved one addicted to drugs or alcohol. I'm not going to stand by and let them destroy themselves. I'm going to help them as best I can. Because I love them and I want what's best for them.

[scintlgst]

19. Then is also means you would stand by a family member

When they were doing something you disagree with wouldn't it? You don't stop loving them because they have a different idea.

[Individualist]

5. Teddy Roosevelt explained it very well

TR (a republican president since you don't seem to know history very well) said: "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

[scintlgst]

9. My definition comes nowhere near that

[ProfessorGAC]

11. Then It Should

The Professor

[Individualist]

12. You dare to disagree

with a republican president? Quickly, someone call Ashcroft!!

[DS1]

13. We've established that already

You're still wrong.

[janx]

22. This comes as no surprise.

.

[Selwynn]

6. Webster Dictionary Defintion: Patriotism <> Nationalism

In case you missed this the last time I posted it, Merriam-Websters Dictionary has the following definitions:

Patriotism
Main Entry: pa·tri·ot·ism
Pronunciation: 'pA-trE-&-"ti-z&m, chiefly British 'pa-
Function: noun
Date: circa 1726
: love for or devotion to one's country

Nationalism
Pronunciation: 'nash-n&-"li-z&m, 'na-sh&-n&l-"i-z&m
Function: noun
Date: 1844
: loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups

Basically the difference between Patriotism and Nationalism is like the difference between an Episcopal protestant and a extreme right wing fundamentalist Christian. Maybe nationalism should be called "extreme" patriotism. But by the dictionary definition of these terms it is radically unfair to act as though anyone who uses the term "patriotism" is de fecto embracing nationalism.

Just because I love chocolate doesn't mean I want to place it above all others and promote chocolate over all other foods. It just means I love chocolate - I can still appreciate and enjoy other foods too.

Loving something does not necessary mean seeking to make it superior to everything else. The two terms are different.

I do love my country. God bless America, man. That doesn't mean I want to see us take over the world or be superior to all other countries. I just love the country I live in and desire to make the most of it.

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mmm]

14. you are deliberately portraying 'nationalism' as 'patriotism'

If you did not desire edification why did you
start the thread?

(I can't wait for your rant on how Bush's judicial nominees
are being unfairly denied ((right after you start a thread
on how Walmart should be allowed to do business as they see fit
and all Unions are the spawn of Satan Himself!)).

[scintlgst]

17. No, I am not.

I found the defintion off an internet dictionary. Please don't make baseless accusations against me. Thank you.

[DS1]

15. oh ok, I get it not

This is your weekend comedy special, thx for the laugh!

Your sig is overy long and divisive.

[bicentennial_baby]

16. LOL

:thumbsup:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

21. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Thanks for the laugh, Martin.

[proud patriot]

20. PATRIOTISM: Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.

Indeed . I sacrifice everyday for my
Country .

In these Dark days , Supporting the Constitution
and being willing to stand up for it puts ones
life in the crosshairs of controversy .

I do it though speaking my mind , whether it assents
or dissents is meaningless .

However being a patriot right now in history is
standing tall in opposition to bushco's assaults
upon our nation and it's founding principals .

[Moderator]

23. Flamebait - locking