Originally Posted by Rabs

And a question to non-Americans, were I live about 1 out of every 4 houses has some sort of US flag displayed is this similar to way things are in other countries?

Haha NEVER!

However, A LOT of cars are flying the German flag nowadays. You sometimes also see flags of other countries still in the World Cup.

Circumstances of birth are nothing to be proud or ashamed of.

Originally Posted by Mohmar Deathstrike

Circumstances of birth are nothing to be proud or ashamed of.

I was born in Cuba, yet I am a proud American. I am both proud of the fact that I am Cuban but I'm also ashamed of the fact that Cuba is a communist cesspool.

America is my country.

'Nuff Said...

Originally Posted by jequirity

I have to admit that i'm proud to be scottish but you wouldn't catch too many waving flags about hereunless scotland are playing football.

I'm definitely not a patriot though, the word scares me because its too close to being a fanatic. I do find it very unnerving when people start waving flags about, i don't see the point.

I find that politicians that are failing usually use patriotism as a tool and tend to wrap themselves up in the flag as a last resort. I'm a human first and foremost and i value the lives of all citizens as equal.

Its good to have a wee bit of pride for your country but just don't become blinded by it, be rational first.

I agree 100% I am always reminded of two quotes
1) Samuel Johnson’s definition of patriotism in his dictionary of the English language, published in the eighteenth century. “Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.".
2) "Patriots dont ask questions", my highschool history teacher during a discussion on propaganda usage in Pre-WW2 Germany.

It is natural for people to worldwide to want and show pride in their nation and I fully support that however I have never understood the need for flags or national symbols while at home (government buildings excluded) I have always felt that it came across more like an indoctrination than a sign of patriotism.

I have always felt that it came across more like an indoctrination than a sign of patriotism.

Diffrence in culture i guess.

Originally Posted by Rabs

Diffrence in culture i guess.

Very much so, at its root there is much to be encouraged in patriotic action but at its extreme it is just as dangerous as fanaticism the key is to find the happy medium.

Originally Posted by Rabs

Diffrence in culture i guess.

Now that's using tact. Well put Rabs.

Everyone is patriotic, the difference is that some are more outwardly patriotic than others. (Flag waving, starting a USA! USA! USA! chant at Six Flags completely at random BEFORE 9/11, fireworks on the fourth.)

(Flag waving, starting a USA! USA! USA! chant at Six Flags completely at random BEFORE 9/11, fireworks on the fourth.)

Im not sure what you ment by that but if anyone did that at Six flags for no aparent reason, I'd be kinda worried. Theres a fine line between being patriotic and being crazy. Im glad I see the flag at six flags and places it should be there but im not going to join in a USA chant for no reason.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with patriotism. On the other hand, it's blind patriotism a la Nazi Germany that you have to worry about.

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

I was born in Cuba, yet I am a proud American. I am both proud of the fact that I am Cuban but I'm also ashamed of the fact that Cuba is a communist cesspool.

America is my country.

'Nuff Said...

Fair enuff, but most of the other Americans were born in the USA.