Aug 25, 2017 · 1 min read
In an otherwise insightful and beautifully reasoned essay, this is the only false statement. There is nothing good about patriotism and flag waving. These are ALWAYS about (1) justifying the pointless loss of friends, neighbors and loved ones in predatory wars of aggression and conquest, and/or (2) manufacturing consent for future violence of this sort. Patriotism is ALWAYS about “us vs. them”. It’s a rotten, corrupt concept all the way down. “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel,” said Samuel Johnson way back when. Indeed.