Reply to Did saying the Pledge of Allegiance in school mean anything to you?

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[quote=Anonymous]As an expat who has lived in DMV for decades, I have noticed that Americans are much less emotional about it now than when we first arrived. Even when playing the national anthem at sports events, fewer people get choked up and place their hands over their Hearts. I do feel like there is more ambivalence around the pledge of allegiance and national anthem in our area.

On the other hand, bizarre forms of hyper Christian Right wing nationalism are on the rise around the country - perhaps that is what many are having pause about.

The famous Samuel Johnson quote “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel” (1775) was not about patriotism in general (as widely believed) but about what the British conservative intellectual perceived to be the false use of patriotism by William Pitt, 1 st earl of Chatham and his followers. Johnson opposed self professed patriots but valued true patriotism that demonstrated a generous and genuine love of country.

Although times have obviously changed a great deal since 1775, the distinction remains valid. I would place people who fight for the integrity of US democratic values and elections or who serve in the military without brandishing US flags on every available surface if their cars/ yards/swim towels/ mailboxes etc. as true patriots.[/quote]

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