Correct me if i'm wrong here...
When i see national pride in the US, its more of a we're better than you sort of a love. You know.. like in comparison. Its like we love you because our lot in life is better here than a lot of other people in different countries. I mean i have yet to come across the sort of patriotism that says i love my nation even if it were a hell hole.
Its like, when i feel patriotic, its like a love for my country, despite numerous glaring things that in themselves i detest. Love for culture and history, the people and like for the very land. Its like when i'm in some of the more beautiful, geographical areas, i feel a certain sense of pride.
Stuff like that.
Till now, all i have seen is either patriotism when in comparison/conflict with something else, and love for the country because its rich/powerful, thus enabling the individual to enjoy a good life. Maybe its because i haven't close enough interactions with too many people there, or because the people i am close to aren't particularly patriotic. I dunno...like i said, correct me if i'm missing something.
ps- somebody should start a poll on which of the two mottos is cooler/ more apt.