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Patriotism or Nationalism

11/10/2017

14 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
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​​Today is Veterans Day, and to all the veterans, my heartfelt thank you for your service. Though I did not serve, my dad, my husband, my brother, many cousins all served or are currently serving in the military. During WWII, my mom and her twin joined thousands of other young women to work as a Rosie the Riveter. It was the “patriotic thing to do,” my mom explained.

Her comment came alive for me a few days ago, when I read this statement by Dr. Ronald Tiersky, distinguished professor of political science at Amherst College. He wrote:

        Patriotism is fundamental to liberty because pride in one’s nation-state, and a willingness to defend it if necessary, is the basis of national independence. Patriotism is the courage of national self-determination.
     
By contrast, nationalism is patriotism transformed into a sentiment of superiority and aggression toward other countries. Nationalism is the poisonous idea that one’s country is superior to somebody else’s. Nationalism is intrinsically a cause of war and imperialism.

This day, this week is always tearful for me. The friends who did not return and the friends who still carry the weight of war, bring me to a place of sorrow and yet profound gratitude. I wish I could repair the hearts of mourners, the minds of the traumatized, the bodies of the broken. But, I can’t. I can only honor their courage and their efforts by how I live.

When our National Anthem is played, my thoughts are always focused on the courageous masses who have offered me the gift of freedom. For them I stand, for them I sing. The hope, the dream is liberty and justice for all – not just me, or you, for all. It is a weighty dream, but collectively, there is the possibility that it can become a reality, don't you agree? 
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Perhaps our collective hope depends on you and me. The veterans have created a path for us; but, we need to embrace the dream.

If there is to be liberty and justice for all, I suspect you and I must summon the courage of patriotism and do our part to make the dream a reality through the everyday choices we make.   
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14 Comments
john howell link
11/11/2017 06:39:19

This is the finest tribute to those who have given so much, Gwen. I share your feelings about the national Anthem and can't help but be moved by it and our flag which represents their sacrifice. You have said it so well, "liberty and justice for all – not just me, or you, for all. It is a weighty dream, but collectively, there is the possibility that it can become a reality," and yes, I agree.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/11/2017 07:53:50

Thank you so much, John. The selflessness of those who wore or wear the uniform is personal, isn't it, for they marched (or march) for each of us. Have a glorious day.

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Jan Sikes link
11/11/2017 08:12:22

Oh, Gwen dear, this is such a beautiful tribute. I've never seen the contrast between Patriotism and Nationalism shown so clearly. Hugs, dear friend.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/11/2017 08:27:53

Thank you, Jan. When I read Tiersky's definition, it clarified a lot for me. We tend to blend the two and that's how the arguments begin. :) Hugs to you as well, my friend.

Reply
Kathleen Pooler link
11/11/2017 08:52:41

Thank you, Gwen for this beautiful tribute.

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Gwen Plano
11/11/2017 10:38:45

Thank you, Kathy. Have a wonderful day. ♥

Reply
John Fioravanti
11/11/2017 09:46:13

Thanks for this truly excellent tribute, Gwen. I especially appreciated the distinguishing of the two terms, Patriotism and Nationalism. Again, thank you!

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/11/2017 10:40:33

Thank you, John. Like you, I really appreciated the separate definitions of Patriotism and Nationalism. It really clarified a lot for me. All the best!

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D.L. Finn
11/11/2017 10:17:35

I never gave much thought to what Nationalism was. I've heard the word thrown around a lot, especially lately, and have mainly associated it as an ego term. Thanks for writing such an educating post showing the difference between Patriotism and Nationalism. I will always feel proud and thankful for everyone who has sacrificed so much for all of us.

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/11/2017 10:46:19

Thank you, D. L. You are right about Nationalism being an ego term, and when a group is involved, it can cause so much pain. Thank you again. Have a wonderful day my friend.

Reply
Davy D link
11/13/2017 03:13:40

A beautiful and fitting tribute Gwen to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you.

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Gwen Plano
11/14/2017 03:51:27

Thank you, Davy. Have a wonderful day.

Reply
Natalie Ducey link
11/13/2017 10:58:41

Oh my, Gwen, this brought tears. Big (((hugs))) for my grateful heart. XO

Reply
Gwen Plano
11/14/2017 03:52:57

Thank you so much, Natalie. We have much to be grateful for... Big hugs to you as well. ♥

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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