Patriotism goes too far when it becomes mindless fanatical support, also known as nationalism.
Independence Day approaches, and we're in the danger zone of overinflated patriotism. Can one be too patriotic? This post and comment exchange at Peach Pundit lead me to conclude that indeed, one can love one's country too much.…
Article comments
26 - JP
Dave, re #9: To deny that Israel plays a part--along with our need for oil, of course--in our activities in the Middle East is the ultimate in naivete.
Also, basing our decisions on his idea of right and wrong is totally independent of the question of whether we take his words seriously--to write it off as "words of a madman" and ignore it completely is the ultimate in stupidity. We can evaluate his writing without ignoring it, and still act based upon our own principles. They're not interdependent.
Gonzo, well said: "again...this vague possibility is justification to depose a legally elected government in order to install a monarch for the financial benefits fo foreign corporations?" I fail to see how anyone can deny (given this incident and many others) that the USA manipulates the Middle East for its own interests. It baffles me.
Victor, I echo Gonzo's appreciation for your rational contributions. I do recognize that World War 2 was similar to our involvement in the "terror" war right now, in terms of combatting a perceived growing threat--even to the point that our internal propaganda engenders fear of terrorism in much the same way that it engendered fear of communism 50 years ago.
Interesting how that earlier campaign corresponds to the beginning of our increased interest in Middle Eastern politics, and how that interest is paying its dividends now...
27 - gonzo marx
it appears the real root Question is not that we(the US) are Responsible for "cleaning it up"...
but the true Question is "How"
and that is where it gets sticky...
currently it appears the Administration is not as concerned with cleaning up messes we are responsible for, but instead utilizes a pre-emptive concept
in some cases this can be understood...no one has any argument with busting a group in a warehouse full of explosives the day before they blow up a building...
but it can get VERY dangerous in thoughtpolice style, and bypass our societal Concept of "innocent until proven guilty"
and that is just when it comes to domestic crime
but we are seeing, in Iraq, this pre-emptive policy being used as foreign policy for military invasion...and still using Iraq as an example, the real possibility of faulty Intelligence makes such actions ludicrous at best...and horrendous at worst
as i have stated numerous times...in the realms of military Logic and sheer common sense....Afghanistan must be dealt with first...the same "pottery barn" argument is completely valid here...we invaded (justifiably so) and helped create a new government...but before the Task was completed and on sheer political timing, Resources were pulled from that Operation for Iraq
we see now the Consequences begin to unfold
bin Laden and Mullah Omar are still on the loose, with both the Taliban and al Qaeda regrowing, opium production in Afghanistan is skyrocketing, giving our foes a huge cash flow influx...all the whil ewe have far too little in he way of military personnel and Intelligence resources aimed at this Theatre due to so much being used for Iraq
on and on
but i'll not bore you folks any further with this right now, i think the Points have been made
our historical actions have shaped current Events quite a lot more than contemporary politicians are willing to admit..or even worse...might even be Aware of
coming into the Election season, this and topics like it , should be deeply contemplated by an informed Electorate...
much beter to understand and swim in the deep waters rather than beign distracted by the shallow bleatings of Fear and the rallying cries of the simple minded shouting "god, gays, guns and abortion" as scapegoats
Solutions rather than Blame or Fear
nuff said...
Excelsior?