R. Lee Wrights of Liberty For All on Patriotism versus nationalism
Is it not blind allegiance that has been the very cornerstone in the foundation of every militaristic dictatorship ever established throughout the annals of recorded history? Was not nationalism the philosophy that caused hundreds of thousands to march in goose-step behind an insane elected official who was killing millions behind the "patriot's" backs? Do we really want hundreds of thousands of highly-trained and well-armed government employees that will follow the orders, without question, of every crackpot that manages to achieve high military or civilian rank? One of the greatest living patriots I know taught me long ago that a good patriot always reserves the right to question authority. Indeed, a true patriot insists on questioning authority. A nationalist, by contrast, willing gives himself to the ruling elite and sacrifices his own soul upon the altar of the highly exalted State. How many young "patriots" have died fighting for "our freedom" in some far-away land where "our freedom" was never threatened in the first place? How many soldiers have nationalists killed by duping them into believing that they risk their lives in a patriotic cause?
Read the rest of his editorial here. I previously commented on this topic here and here.