Is Patriotism Irrational? This article makes a compelling point.
"According to Aristotle, humanity in full flourishing requires the goods that a political community affords—the materials goods of sustenance, shelter, protection by an organized defense, and the less quantifiable goods of education, the bonds of friendship, the opportunity for contemplation. Patriotism is the recognition of a debt.”
"Thus, patriotism is an expression of gratitude toward the country that provides these goods, much like the filial affection one should have toward one’s parents."
"Now, that said, Deneen is most assuredly an advocate of what might be called a “prudential patriotism.” He warns against an unreflective loyalty to one’s country that can result in support for “ignoble acts… at odds with virtue.” Patriotism certainly does not require that U.S. students should be taught to turn a blind eye to the evils that flow from their country with a shrug and a drawl of “Murica.”"
"The other extreme, however, is the ungrateful cosmopolitan—from the Greek for “citizen of nowhere”—who enjoys the benefits of a political community while returning the favors with only hostility and mistrust."
Does the above paragraph sound familiar?
I think in America, we definitely owe a debt to our forefathers, the idea and ideal inwhich created this country and we owe a debt to those that have stayed true to these principles; but, in no way, should we patronize those in government, in our name, that do unlawful harm to us and others...it is they that have betrayed our founding principles and therefore owe US a debt in the commission of their crimes...but, in spite of them, I still will gladly pay allegiance to our flag and to that which it stands.
"Thus, patriotism is an expression of gratitude toward the country that provides these goods, much like the filial affection one should have toward one’s parents."
"Now, that said, Deneen is most assuredly an advocate of what might be called a “prudential patriotism.” He warns against an unreflective loyalty to one’s country that can result in support for “ignoble acts… at odds with virtue.” Patriotism certainly does not require that U.S. students should be taught to turn a blind eye to the evils that flow from their country with a shrug and a drawl of “Murica.”"
"The other extreme, however, is the ungrateful cosmopolitan—from the Greek for “citizen of nowhere”—who enjoys the benefits of a political community while returning the favors with only hostility and mistrust."
Does the above paragraph sound familiar?
I think in America, we definitely owe a debt to our forefathers, the idea and ideal inwhich created this country and we owe a debt to those that have stayed true to these principles; but, in no way, should we patronize those in government, in our name, that do unlawful harm to us and others...it is they that have betrayed our founding principles and therefore owe US a debt in the commission of their crimes...but, in spite of them, I still will gladly pay allegiance to our flag and to that which it stands.
Where does the country get anything to provide except by looting?
Those words ("Thus, patriotism...") are translations from Aristotle. In his time that was also more true, just as it was for us in 1776. Aristotle could not have imagined the government largess... I am with you. I honor the founding principles and those fighters and Founders that gave their all, so that they might be made manifest and govern. That is patriotism to me. There is a point where excessive patriotism turns to jingoistic nationalism.
Respectfully,
O.A.
Some may disagree with this premise, but I am still of the type who believes in a glass being half full, rather than half empty.
Very Funny and good to see you back.
Loyalty, perhaps, would include the practice of those ideas, concepts and principles.
The wonder of the USA is that all of the missteps and mistakes are generally correctable and out for the world to see (for the most part).
No other country has the same freedoms secured by a fragile set of pages.
Patriotism may be old fashioned and our country may be worse than I think, but even at it's worst, it is far better than any other on the tired old world.
Just my two cents.
BTW +12
What people don't get is that it's Not the Country that's the problem, it's the Government! and it hasn't been the "Countries" government in a long time.
The other extreme, however, is the ungrateful cosmopolitan—from the Greek for “citizen of nowhere”—who enjoys the benefits of a political community while returning the favors with only hostility and mistrust.
KOSMOS means "order". Cosmetics are how a woman gives order to her face. The universe is the Cosmos because the universe is ordered, knowable, predictable. The word "cosmopolitan" was invented about 300 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, home of the great library. It drew scholars from all over Hellenike, all over the Koinon or "union." They even quickly evolved their own new dialect of Koinon Greek, which is, in fact, the dialect of the New Testament. They were not citizens of some polis but citizens of the world, with a global understanding of their universal culture. About that time, the Athenian orator Isocrates noted: "The name Hellene refers not a race but to a mind." In other words, you could be born a barbarian, but learn and adopt Greek values of reason, inquiry, knowledge, and self-awareness.
Once we get that part right, we can look at what it means to be an American.
The older I get, the less patriotic I become.