Patriotism

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Patriotism means love or devotion and duty to one's country or homeland. The word patriot comes from Latin; the root is the same as that of "father": pater; also French patrie.

The Roman poet Horace wrote "Dulce et decorum est pro Patria mori", which means "It is sweet and seemly to die for one's country."[1] Later, American satirist Ambrose Bierce would write "In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit that it is the first."[2] Later still, World War I British infantryman and poet Wilfred Owen would mock Horace's words by describing a soldier dying a particularly gory death on the battlefield, and saying "My friend, you would not tell with such high zest / To children ardent for some desperate glory, / The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro patria mori."[3]

According to a 2017 Barna Group poll, between 70–90% of Americans agreed with six different aspects of American patriotism analyzed.[4] However, liberals are the most likely to lack patriotism.[5] Some liberal politicians have made explicitly unpatriotic comments in public,[6] and they have even criticized patriotic designs on police cars for not being "inclusive" enough or "representing" of them.[7][8] A 2019 WalletHub survey found that the three most unpatriotic states were completely controlled by liberal Democrats.[9] Liberals also frequently, and falsely, claim that patriotism is synonymous with racism.[10]

Patriotism is effectively synonymous with nationalism, though Marxists, communists, and globalists all have tried to redefine the terms as opposites.[11] While globalists sometimes claim otherwise, globalism stands in opposition to patriotism.[12]

Conflicts With Pacifism

In rare cases patriotism has been a source of conflict for Christians in wartime. While their nation may call on them to do their patriotic duty, many Western pacifists believe that New Testament advocates nonviolence.

Many western conservative Christians feel that patriotism does not conflict with Christianity as in their view their countries' political systems are based upon Christian principles. However, this argument is dubious. With the possible exception of Vatican City, no nation can truly be labeled "Christian", and given that people of other religious dispositions are allowed to vote - and these are numerous - it is unreasonable to expect a "Christian" outcome.

Quotes

  • "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave — hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him. For then it costs them nothing to be a patriot." – Mark Twain
  • "It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace–but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

See also

External links

References

  1. Horace, Odes (iii 2.13)
  2. Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
  3. Wilfred Owen, Dulce Et Decorum Est
  4. Adelmann, Bob (December 26, 2017). Heartening Results From Latest Poll on Patriotism. The New American. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  5. Multiple references: See also:
  6. Shaw, Adam (August 18, 2018). Top 2020 Democrats under fire for 'collective bashing of America' after Cuomo gaffe. Fox News. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  7. Huston, Warner Todd (April 14, 2019). Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Police Car Lettering Sparks Backlash in California. Breitbart News. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  8. Ernst, Douglas (April 15, 2019). Patriotic police vehicles too 'aggressive' for Laguna Beach critics; city council to hold vote. The Washington Times. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  9. Rodriguez, Katherine (June 26, 2019). Study: 3 Least-Patriotic States Run by Democrats. Breitbart News. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  10. Fajardo, Hector (July 6, 2019). Patriotism Is Not Racism. Human Events. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  11. Gregor, A. James (November 18, 2018). Gregor: The False Dichotomy of Nationalism Versus Patriotism. Breitbart News. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  12. Wright, Morgan (November 28, 2018). High tech’s globalism is slowly killing patriotism. The Hill. Retrieved November 28, 2018.