From: Samantha Atkins (samantha@objectent.com)
Date: Wed Jun 18 2003 - 15:45:02 MDT
On Sunday 15 June 2003 20:39, Lee Corbin wrote:
> Ron writes
>
> > But what about Patriotism, if you will forgive me the use of
> > capital letters. Even Eisenhower soldier and fighter that he was knew
> > that Patriotism is a farce, a studied air put on by folks attempting to
> > fool us.
>
> What I mean by "patriotism" is a love of one's country, but especially
> in comparison to other countries. The emphasis is on the word "love"
> which conveys an emotional attachment that colors one's vision somewhat.
> It is parallel to the love of a woman for her husband, or of a man for
> his son. One simply does not wish to hear bad things about them, and
> will be most unlikely to pass on bad news about their character, except
> to confidants. (A separate question is the degree to which---per
> individual---this love is blind.)
I love what this country was supposed to stand for and sometimes does but to
often does not stand for in practice. Loving those things means that I
cannot affort to be dishonest about whether or not they are present and cared
for. Loving a country or a person does not allow the luxury of not seeing
what is true if one really loves them instead of loving a fantasy rather than
the reality.
>
> I think of Eisenhower as a patriot. But perhaps with your capital
> letter you meant something else. Or maybe you just know more about
> him than do I.
>
Ike certainly wasn't above telling it like it is to the best of his knowledge
and ability. His love was not at all blind.
- samantha
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