Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Let's Talk About Our Feelings!!! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: epicure who wrote (42374)	6/28/1999 12:49:00 AM
From: The Philosopher	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 108807

I suppose it depends on your definition of "destroying" the country and of "betterment." It's hard for me to scope out who in your definition would NOT be a patriot except the person who intentionally set out to sell either information or services to an enemy nation which wanted to take over the country. Even the radical militias in Idaho and Montana claim to love their country, and want to better it by getting rid of blacks, jews, atheists, etc. In their minds this will make it a better country. They would seem to be top notch patriots by your definition, even thought many of them belong in jail and they are trashing much of what our Constitution stands for. If love of country and a desire for its betterment as the "patriot" defines betterment is all it takes to be a patriot, who isn't one? Was Hitler a patriot? He had a vision for "improving" Germany; undoubtedly he loved Germany and wanted to better it, as he saw betterment. And how about those who say they hate this country but still work to make it better? Some of my friends in the civil rights movement are prime examples -- they claimed to hate what the US stood for, but they worked very hard to make it a freer society. Although at this time of night I'm not even going to try to define it, I think there has to be some objective content to patriotism. Some reference to the Constitution and its values. Some reference to basic freedoms for all citizens. Some stuff like that. But as I say, it's late and I'm going to bed. I warned Joan that this was an endless topic. I was right. Again! <g>