| Nicely said Ms. Cluney. Though, imo, you should not have been put in the position where you felt you needed to defend yourself. Love of country should be assumed, in all people, and unless they actually say they do not love their country, most people probably do. It is unfortunate that some people assume, incorrectly, that criticism of one's country, or praise of something about another country, implies anything about one's patriotism. I've always thought keeping a sharp eye on one's country was the highest form of patriotism, and an indication of stewardship. As I said on another thread, you may love your child, even love unconditionally, but when they become unruly (in your opinion), you criticize and discipline. If you do not criticize occasionally, you will have a very bad child. So it is with a country- the nice thing about love, whether of one's country or one's child, is that it can exist even where there may be some disapproval over certain actions. I wish more people understood that- but I begin to doubt that kind of understanding will ever go global. |
