[Minnesota123]

I happened to come across the USA flag site today and was reminded of an incident from a 4th of July a few years ago.

I was watching the annual parade when I heard the Pledge of Allegiance being broadcast from a loudspeaker on a truck that was also flying the flag. Assuming this was the local VFW, Boy Scouts, or other similar group, we all stood up in respect; some joined in with receiting the pledge. It seemed like a nice reminder of what the holiday was really about at first.

However, once the truck got closer, I noticed that it wasn't the VFW or Scouts, and the side of the truck displayed a list of this group's particular right-wing social views, written as though they were the ideals our country was founded upon. Many people booed and hissed and sat back down. Normally I wouldn't care - after all, freedom of speech is a very important right - but I was bothered by the use of patriotism to promote their cause. After all, isn't patriotism a non-partisan thing? The Pledge of Allegiance should be a point of common ground for all Americans, not a dividing factor.

As you can probably tell, I'm politically liberal, but I think of myself as a patriot first (I know there's a famous quote along those lines but I can't remember it now). I also don't consider myself to be any more patriotic than those with different beliefs.

Anyway, I was wondering what you guys think about this. Of course, that group was within their rights (in a legal sense) to associate patriotism with their beliefs, but is it morally right to do so?

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, Minnesota -- glad to have you in the forum!

You might be interested in an earlier thread here in the "Other Patriotism" section -- it's called "Give me some help for a project: Why Patriotism?" It was started about a year ago by a person from Germany, who posed a series of questions about American patriotism. I wrote a fairly long response, which gave my views on some of the things that you raised in your post.

Again, welcome! Hope you enjoy the forum.

Best,

Peter Ansoff