Patriotism and the Left

Indeed, patriotism is far preferable to mere unity. (Mafia syndicates and terrorist cells are unified, after all.) Patriotism is a species of unity that has some redeeming moral and philosophical substance to it. In America, patriotism — as opposed to, say, nationalism — is a love for a creed, a dedication to what is best about the “American way.” Nationalism, a romantic sensibility, says, “My country is always right.” Patriots hope that their nation will make the right choice. When Democrats do speak of patriotism, it is usually as a means of finding fault with Republicans, corporations, or America itself. Hence the irony that questioning the patriotism of liberals is a grievous sin, but doing likewise to conservatives is fine. - Jonah Goldberg

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