Ties in with a thread I posted last night,
Notes on Nationalism. I think I actually was born in the greatest country on Earth, America, but I still think I'm a patriot in the sense he means because if I had been born Danish I would love Denmark, military might or no. But then, it's doubtful that "greatest" necessarily has anything to do with the military. I'd say the greatest country is the one with the most freedom (which, I suppose, is a very American thing to say). In that case, America is still at or near the top(it's a little more subjective than who can kill more people and break more stuff). He's right that confusion between nationalism and patriotism are easy, but he passes one of the reasons over. An American patriot must love America partly because of abstract ideals, because those ideals form an important part of our particular identity and history.
An American patriot must love America partly because of abstract ideals, because those ideals form an important part of our particular identity and history.Couldn't have said it better. America is more than dirt and trees, it is ideas and believes. I love America because it is good and right and it is my home. It is the greatest nation on earth because patriots are willing to sacrifice to make it so.
Just skimmed the replies. Guess I should have known you'd beat me in posting a link.
LOL