“Denounce the government and embrace the flag. Hope to live in that free nation for which it stands.”

Sums up Patriotism in a Democracy rather well, I think.

I appreciate your concerns. But it’s always been my feeling that the flag (and indeed this nation) are bigger than any one administration. There is so much good out there going on in the USA that has nothing to do with our government but rather with spirited and caring individuals trying to make better lives for everyone.

That having been said, if I were traveling to Europe, I would probably wear a Canadian flag patch on my jean jacket. After all, I wouldn’t want to invite an argument (or worse).

I think in the long term, the only solution is for us to be more humble as a country. It’ll take a long time to undo the damage that the current administration has done.

On the other hand I did go out and buy a flag after 9/11. In the immediate aftermath it did feel like the right thing to do to fly the flag in solidarity. But by now, with the way the Shrub has completely bastardized our reaction to that event in order to occupy Iraq, I no longer feel compelled (or even proud enough) to want to display an American flag at my home. I do have a cousin who’s spent a lot of time in the Middle East in the service of our country and besides being immensely proud of him, I support all the military personnel who are serving there or anywhere else. But at this point publicly displaying an American flag has (for me) connotations that I’m not interesting in advertising. That is to say, I don’t want to lump myself in with the people who are taking this country in the wrong direction. Others will obviously feel differently, but hopefully this gives my perspective for you to mull over.

“Support the troops” now has the connnotation of being a right wing, neocon-supporting catch phrase which does a disservice to a wide variety of– and diametrically opposed politically– people. In it’s literal sense, the most ardent progressive can support the dignity of people who are engaged in the US armed services and still be totally opposed to the war in Iraq….but it hasn’t worked out that way.

Part of the problem is that people just don’t think; nuance is too difficult.

Four legs good, two legs baaaaaaaad.”

“There’s a flag wrapped around a score of men
A gag, a plastic bag on a monument”

And it’s the plastic bag thing that catches me… covering up the statue of sadam hussein.. a bit symbolic.

If I hear the word “Flag WAving” I automatically think of the Republican “Redneck” or “Country Music” stereo type….. that put out songs about blowing up a country “like it’s the 4th of july” and kicking someone’s ass is “the american way”