Should we keep a closer eye on "patriotic people"?

Question

Patriotic Russians adored Joseph Stalin, and over 20 million people starved to death.

Patriotic Germans worshiped Adolph Hitler, and approximately 6 million Jews died.

Patriotic Chinese fawned over Mao Tse Tung, and that turned into a huge catastrophe.

True patriots love Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jong Il, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, etc.

Let's keep a close eye on patriots. Sometimes they are blinded by emotion and can't think clearly.

Patriotism can be quite a scary thing.

Answer 1

Yes anyone that is overly patriotic is dangerous.

Answer 2

You make some good points, but be careful how you define patriotism, lest you get grouped in with all of the "USA #1" zealots.

George Bernard Shaw shared your cynical take on it, saying that "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it."

I prefer Mark Twain's view that "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it."

Loving your country and loving your government aren't always the same thing.  Sometimes, it's the opposite.

Answer 3

Sure?

They patriotic?

Decode this lyrics " Ben"

Not " the mouse love the rice"

Caught themselves on mickey mouse trap.

Stuck with the super glue on the trap board.

Shrieking and squeaking in trying to get off the board.

The more they roll and turn.

The more stickier it become.

Exodus 20.1-7

Leviticus 26.1

Exodus 23.24,32

Luke 6.39-40,41-45,46-49

What do you think?

Answer 4

To quote Samuel Johnson "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel."

It's when patriotism slips into rampant nationalism that the alarm bells really have to start ringing; and of all the western countries at the moment the US is the one teetering precariously on the edge. Over the last 7 years this change has crept across certain parts of America and certain members of it's population whereby any comment made that is even slightly critical, or even just presumed as such, of the US government, instantly results in the spewing forth of such vitriol and accusationary finger-pointing.

You only need to keep a closer eye on those whom are whipping up this patriotism to the point of near hysteria for it's more for their benefit than the country, as it keeps everyone looking the other way giving them carte blanche to do as they wish. As Sinclair Lewis said " When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross."

Answer 5

Very interesting, all the patriots you mention had the "My Country right or wrong" attitude.

We have the Declaration of Independence.

I suggest we all read it again.

Answer 6

They didn't have the constitution and bill of rights and a free country like ours.Us American patriots are less interested in being followers and more into being individuals.