There is a quieter type of patriotism that is patriotism. When government calls you to rally behind it, and praise it, beware. That is not patriotism, it is the beginning of monarchy. The Soviet Union had its military parades, and Germany with Hitler had its, as well. With such rah-rah parades come, indeed, a form of patriotism. But, it is often misplaced patriotism. It is often the mark of a democracy on the verge of kneeling to a dictator.
Often, that is. I do not know that that is where we are headed. I only say, Look at history and you will see our footfalls are much the same.
True patriotism is of a quieter touch. It is proud of its values, yes, but when the suggestion comes that that nation should be grateful to the leader for giving it those values, beware. When the suggestion comes that those virtues of the nation are due to the leader who is leading the cheers, beware. That nation may fall. Freedom is won not so much with guns as by our choice of whom we follow.
Look at our nation. Consider on how when our president visits the military, he turns those visits into a political rallies. Consider on how this is how it is with almost everything he does, and every event he is in. He cries out his virtues and desires that you respond with the clapping of hands. He dismisses those in his administration perceived as not being loyal. He rallies hatred against those who oppose him, and seeks out those who will blindly serve him.
Government by rah-rah can be a sign the good times are about to end. Patriotism comes not in being loyal to the leader, but in being loyal to the land. When the leader of the nation requires that the loyalty be shifted to him, beware. And, has not President Trump done as much by firing those who do not fall in line?
We may not be on the verge of being toppled by a dictator. But, yes, what is happening has much the same markings as what has happened elsewhere.
(Note: Column added and to and edited 4/22/19)
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