Patriotism is an interesting term. Since it refers to individuals who are "patriots," I'll comment on the use of that particular term.

First, throughout history a patriot is someone who fought on the side of the winning team. For example, if the colonists had lost the war during the American Revolution, I'm sure the current history books would be using a different term to describe them (traitor, renegade, or criminal come to mind).

At the same time that some of the American colonists were fighting (on both sides), there was a distinct group of people, mostly Quakers, who chose not to fight on either side, due to their strong religious beliefs. Members of that Religious Society of Friends experienced resentment and mistreatment from both sides, who refused to understand their strong belief in, and commitment to, pacifism.

By definition, a patriot is "one who loves his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests." If this is so, then the early colonists who defied or broke MANY laws (British authority) cannot be called patriots using this definition.. On the other hand, those who chose not to fight might better fit that description.

In the current day, the term "patriot" is used rather loosely, and always when it is needed to conjure up deep feelings of positive sentiment toward whatever is being promoted at the time.

Most recently, a very scary piece of legislation, that was a tremendous blow to some of our most treasured freedoms, was given the title, The "Patriot" Act -- so that we would certainly be unpatriotic if we did not receive it with open arms.

John Quincy Adams wrote about our country: "She goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own. "

Times have changed I guess.

Hello Anonymous One! Thank you for your comment :) Ah patriotism. I like the word despite the bad rap... For myself I see it no different than a certain type of pride toward my cultural heritage, which at this point is a mixture of irish-scotch-english-and yes northamericanism. The term patriotism implies for me an appreciation and even love of being born in this country which has supplied me in this life with everything I need, at least in terms of opportunities. I know things are very very far from perfect here, but I don't see any other country as being a better place for me to live. With definite apologies to Churchill I say, "Be America what she will. With all her faults, she is my country still". Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.m-w.com/) has a simple definition of patriotism that I personally like: "love for or devotion to one's country". It is how we translate that love and devotion I think that gets people into trouble. As a pacificist myself I am horrified when I see that so-called-love of the land either here or in other countries causing us to kill each other. We appear to be like neaderthals drawing lines in the sand and clubbing each other to death when we cross them. Perhaps someday we the human beasts will globally have minds and hearts with qualities that match our physicial and technological powers... and if we are lucky before we destroy ourselves completely. Being an optimist, I believe we will reach that state.... A true patriot can love the land on which they were born *and* be able to love and care about all beings on the earth.... Post 9/11 it has been more difficult to feel warm and fuzzy toward some of our co- patriots who have used the term for mindless flag waving followed by aggressive acts, and to enact laws that would steal our liberties. Do I understand where YOU are coming from? Absolutely. I still like the word patriotism. Let it be used as President Benjamin Harrison used it. "Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and a higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and justice." ...Dakini

Gosh I love these comments and posts. And there is stil hope in the world :)