8 Comments
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Helene S's avatar

Incredible piece, Mike. My little purple and mint green hippie witch lair is getting a flag, color coordination be damned. But seriously, I really needed this essay today. Thank you.

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Mike Brock's avatar

It is your flag. Don't let them take it from you.

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Ken Kovar's avatar

Very thoughtful essay I think the patriot is moral but the nationalist is amoral. Patriotic dissent seems to come from a lack of morality in the current system, like the dissent that MLK brought when he crusaded for civil rights

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Schnauzermom's avatar

Thank you! I’m really sad that the far right has co-opted the American flag; you make it clearer why they have done so.

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JW Mansour's avatar

Patriotism is sacrificial. I love my country, how may I serve?

Nationalism is transactional. My nation reflects my interests, what’s in it for me?

Patriotism is to love as Nationalism is to lust.

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Mary's avatar

Beautiful.

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Marick Payton's avatar

Another home run, Mike. The perfect essay for these extremely perilous days. It would be the perfect text for the high school civics class we so badly need.

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Trystan's avatar

I've been flying the Ft Sumter flag for a couple months now. They can't have all the historic flags either.

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