joespaniel
Unescorted Settler
I do.
Mikoyan, congratulations on proving once again that you are a fool.
Patroism and flags.
- Thread starter CornMaster
- Start date
I do.
Mikoyan, congratulations on proving once again that you are a fool.
allan
Cabrón
Actually, although I don't remember much about flag protocols (that stuff never interested me too much for some reason when it was taught in military training), it seems to me that the "upside-down" American flag is actually properly flown in times of extreme distress, and is not disrespectful at all toward the US when displayed under those circumstances--BY Americans. Someone else here could perhaps further elaborate, if they know more about this (Starlifter?).
Mikoyan was however just being a "troll" with that I suspect. And it doesn't faze me in the least bit either. Go on, WE know who we are in spite of any mudslinging--and that just seems to drive some people nuts, that they can never break our pride....
SO GO NUTS if you will, or live and let live--the choice is yours. I couldn't care less which choice you make either (so long as you don't do like the terrorists did)....
So THERE! I am an American, with American defiance! :midfinger
Mikoyan was however just being a "troll" with that I suspect. And it doesn't faze me in the least bit either. Go on, WE know who we are in spite of any mudslinging--and that just seems to drive some people nuts, that they can never break our pride....
SO GO NUTS if you will, or live and let live--the choice is yours. I couldn't care less which choice you make either (so long as you don't do like the terrorists did)....
So THERE! I am an American, with American defiance! :midfinger
andycapp
Grumpy Old Griper
According to Sammuel Johnson patriotism was 'the last refuge of a scoundrel' - good to see there are alot of 'scoundrels' flying their flags with pride. 
allan
Cabrón
"According to Sammuel Johnson patriotism was 'the last refuge of a scoundrel' - good to see there are alot of 'scoundrels' flying their flags with pride."
While there are certainly cases where this is true, I suspect most people simply have a healthy love of their homeland--since that is also the home of those they care most dearly about, family and friends and such.
I'd say a country is healthy when, among other things, its people have a healthy respect for its integrity and care for its future, and will help defend it if attacked. Most if not all countries have that, including the US.
When patriotism becomes "the last refuge of the scoundrel" is when it becomes a buzzword for power seekers and demagogues to use in answering criticism--TRUE patriotism requires people to continually evaluate the state of affairs of their country and supply input when they feel it necessary, out of love and genuine concern for the country's well being. Leaders who do not understand this are NOT truly "patriotic". Have we had leaders like this before? Sometimes. True patriotism requires the guts to stand up to such leaders when they are recognized, too.
While there are certainly cases where this is true, I suspect most people simply have a healthy love of their homeland--since that is also the home of those they care most dearly about, family and friends and such.
I'd say a country is healthy when, among other things, its people have a healthy respect for its integrity and care for its future, and will help defend it if attacked. Most if not all countries have that, including the US.
When patriotism becomes "the last refuge of the scoundrel" is when it becomes a buzzword for power seekers and demagogues to use in answering criticism--TRUE patriotism requires people to continually evaluate the state of affairs of their country and supply input when they feel it necessary, out of love and genuine concern for the country's well being. Leaders who do not understand this are NOT truly "patriotic". Have we had leaders like this before? Sometimes. True patriotism requires the guts to stand up to such leaders when they are recognized, too.
I am patriotic but I don't wave flags. I don't have one either. I think it's enough to be patriotic w/o needing to show it off to the world by waving flags or something. Or kicking up a fuss over it.
andycapp
Grumpy Old Griper
What you say is true Allan, although the line between 'patriotism' and 'nationalism' can be very fine. That line is usually crossed when a person's 'patriotism' becomes chauvinistic.
Of course a judgement on that will always be subjective as was the case with Sammuel Johnson - for those who are not familar - a contemporary of Edward Gibbon and an English critic of the American Rebellion. He was also the author of 'Taxation no Tyranny, An Answer to the Resolution and Address of the American Congress'.
Ironically, this essay attacking the American Declaration of Independence advocated the arming (and freeing) of American 'Indians' and 'black slaves' as a means of opposing the American 'Patriots'.
Of course a judgement on that will always be subjective as was the case with Sammuel Johnson - for those who are not familar - a contemporary of Edward Gibbon and an English critic of the American Rebellion. He was also the author of 'Taxation no Tyranny, An Answer to the Resolution and Address of the American Congress'.
Ironically, this essay attacking the American Declaration of Independence advocated the arming (and freeing) of American 'Indians' and 'black slaves' as a means of opposing the American 'Patriots'.
joespaniel
Unescorted Settler
Well said, Allan.
gogog
Chieftain
I am A kiwi
(New Zealander)
(New Zealander)The Balrog
***Not Perm Banned***
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Denmark!! Vi er røde, vi er hvide, vi står sammen, side om sideeee.
Here are some questions for all the patriots amongst you:
* What is that makes you patriotic?
* What is it that you love about your country?
* Why are you proud?
This is a serious question - I'm genuinely interested.
(And please, no stupid answers like "my country is the best".)
And another question: who knows how to fly a flag at half-mast, and why is it flown that way? I ask this because I've seen many flags that were supposed to have been flown at half-mast and most of them were incorrectly flown - even on military establishments.
* What is that makes you patriotic?
* What is it that you love about your country?
* Why are you proud?
This is a serious question - I'm genuinely interested.
(And please, no stupid answers like "my country is the best".)
And another question: who knows how to fly a flag at half-mast, and why is it flown that way? I ask this because I've seen many flags that were supposed to have been flown at half-mast and most of them were incorrectly flown - even on military establishments.
Magnus
Diplocat
(answer to stormerne)
1. I am patriotic because it is the duty of every citizen to support their nation.
2. I love america because the government interferes relatively little with individuals, and the tax rate is lower than almost all other western nations, leaving more wealth in the hands of the individual than the state.
3. I am proud because America has risen to become the most powerful nation on the globe, and that is no small undertaking.
This is not to say I think my country is perfect - far from it - but it suits me just fine. What other world power has been so remarkably stable without being overly oppressive over the last 100 years?
1. I am patriotic because it is the duty of every citizen to support their nation.
2. I love america because the government interferes relatively little with individuals, and the tax rate is lower than almost all other western nations, leaving more wealth in the hands of the individual than the state.
3. I am proud because America has risen to become the most powerful nation on the globe, and that is no small undertaking.
This is not to say I think my country is perfect - far from it - but it suits me just fine. What other world power has been so remarkably stable without being overly oppressive over the last 100 years?
gogog
Chieftain
(answer to stormerne)I like my country because they let us drive at fifteen. (well you get your learners at fifteen anyway)
allan
Cabrón
1--I am patriotic because this country is my home. All my family lives here, and most of my friends. Plus the land itself is familiar. If I were born somewhere else, and my family and friends were also living in that somewhere else, I think I'd feel the same way about that country. So it's not just a "duty"--it's a genuine love and concern for the well being of the place I call my home.
2 & 3--Same pretty much as what Magnus said. There are MANY ways we can improve upon what we have, and we need to be more assertive in keeping our government at bay against our individual rights (all governments can become oppressive if people don't pay attention), and roll back some of the excesses they're already doing (the War on Drugs comes to mind), but overall we're still in pretty good shape freedom-wise, although we certainly can't afford to be complacent. One thing that REALLY concerns me out of love for my country are entities like the CIA and NSA that are virtually unaccountable to anyone--without accountability, you only invite abuse.
Overall, we're still a damned good country to live in--but that certainly doesn't mean we should sit on our asses and let it stagnate or worse....
2 & 3--Same pretty much as what Magnus said. There are MANY ways we can improve upon what we have, and we need to be more assertive in keeping our government at bay against our individual rights (all governments can become oppressive if people don't pay attention), and roll back some of the excesses they're already doing (the War on Drugs comes to mind), but overall we're still in pretty good shape freedom-wise, although we certainly can't afford to be complacent. One thing that REALLY concerns me out of love for my country are entities like the CIA and NSA that are virtually unaccountable to anyone--without accountability, you only invite abuse.
Overall, we're still a damned good country to live in--but that certainly doesn't mean we should sit on our asses and let it stagnate or worse....
The Balrog
***Not Perm Banned***
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Okay, my last post didnt show the picture so i am gonna make a new picture.
WARNING: Focus on the FLAG not the rest!!
WARNING: Focus on the FLAG not the rest!!
The Balrog
***Not Perm Banned***
- Joined
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- 713
Maybe America's got the lowest rate but you have to pay money if you somehow have to go to the hospital and you have to pay EVEN if nothing is wrong, and you have to put the money in your pension manually.
This is why us here in Denmark have one of the worlds biggest Tax rates: We automaticlly pay for everything, so we do not need to pay money if we go to the hospital. Well i just thought i would brag.
drake
Bring it
* What is that makes you patriotic?
Easy. This country provides an incredible amount of priviledge, freedom and opportunity for it's citizens, and these things are things worth fighting for. People that aren't willing to fight for their rights (either physically or verbally), don't deserve them.
* What is it that you love about your country?
The virtually limitless opportunities. The incredible diversity of people. The resilence. The innovation. The ability to get a good education and a job one enjoys.
* Why are you proud?
I am proud because America is a great country to live in. Whether it's the best is irrelevent. If one loves their country and loves living in it, they should be proud to be a part of it.
Easy. This country provides an incredible amount of priviledge, freedom and opportunity for it's citizens, and these things are things worth fighting for. People that aren't willing to fight for their rights (either physically or verbally), don't deserve them.
* What is it that you love about your country?
The virtually limitless opportunities. The incredible diversity of people. The resilence. The innovation. The ability to get a good education and a job one enjoys.
* Why are you proud?
I am proud because America is a great country to live in. Whether it's the best is irrelevent. If one loves their country and loves living in it, they should be proud to be a part of it.
Oh, so you are saying you are prepaying first for govt services for which you may never use..... That makes sense ..... sort of. :crazyeyes
drake
Bring it
You don't have to pay money to go to the hospital? What is the tax money? Monopoly cash?
As SKM points out, yeah, its great to be able to go to the hospital and use it whenever, since it's already paid for.......but what if you never go to the hospital and are an either very lucky or healthy person? You're paying for nothing! That sort of system has no value.
Magnus
Diplocat
Additionally - with 'free' healthcare, there is a disturbing trend that hypochondriacs waste the hospital's time and resources, robbing patients who really need care. The wait for medical services in Canada, for example, is deplorable.
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