If you're like me, you consider yourself to be a Patriot. If
you're not like me you might still consider yourself to be a Patriot, but maybe
you're not. Maybe you're just a Nationalist.
A patriot is like a good parent. Good parents love their
children unconditionally, but they have no illusions that their children are
perfect. They have no problem with disciplining their children or having others
to appropriately call their children to account when they've done wrong.
Because good parents want their children to be the best people
they can be.
A nationalist is like a bad parent. Bad parents love their
children unconditionally. And they may have no illusions that their children
are perfect or have a problem with disciplining them. But they go ape shit if
anyone calls their children to account when they've done wrong. Because
"What? Not my Child!" Unevolved and Totally Tribal!
I saw this when I had to take one of my kids to the police
station over a stupid prank for which, thankfully, they were caught. The
officer laid out the charges and then asked if he had the right party, to which
we both answered "yes". The officer was clearly surprised at this. I
thought that was a shame and very revealing.
Nationalism is Racism's just as dangerous, but surficially less
revolting cousin. Subjects dared not criticize Nazi Germany. Subjects dare not
criticize China or Russia or North Korea! But Citizens of America should never
feel subjugated! Oh, and by the way, there are many patriots who suffered for
our freedom. But only a fool would die for an F’ing Flag.
So Colin Kaepernick, in a way that hurts no one (even Packer fans),
calls out America for its racist wrongs. Wrongs that it has made great progress
on and should be proud of, but on which it OBVIOUSLY still has a long way to
go. Like good parents, Patriots understand / tolerate that. Like bad parents,
Nationalists go ape shit on the interwebs!
Be a patriot, don't go FaceFook Apie!
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