By insulting those who have an uncomplicated patriotism, it could easily be taken as an insult of those who find their vocation in defending the country.
I just love your choice of words": "uncomplicated patriotism." It's perfect. I see that Poet caused quite a stir by using the word, patriot, in quotes, to distinguish those of uncomplicated patriotism from other patriots. I have, from time to time, used the term "flag waver" for this type of patriot. I suppose "absolutist patriot" would also be descriptive, but "uncomplicated" has a kinder, although somewhat patronizing, spin. Whatever label we apply to this subset of patriot, I recognize them by their insistence that there is only one true way to demonstrate one's patriotism and that patriotism is measured by whether or no one wears a flag pin on one's lapel rather than whether one stands up for the founding principles of one's country and defends her against all enemies, internal and external.
Webster defines patriot as "one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests." There can certainly be different understandings of just what supports or undermines the interests of one's country. For the sake of definition, here's an example of something unpatriotic.
<<Noam Chomsky, our own little Quisling, popped up in India to denounce the United States and describe the attacks on Afghanistan as "a bigger terrorist act than what happened on Sept. 11.">>
Message 16683750
Labeling "unpatriotic" those who thoughtfully consider "root causes" as part of an effort to understand and design strategy against an enemy, those who question whether the term "coward" is the best way to describe that maniac SOB, Osama, or those who don't wear flag pins is more than just "uncomplicated." It is small minded. And perhaps a bit un-patriotic.
Karen |
