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I went to the park for the 4th of July Philharmonic performance and soon realized I was in the midst of a nationalistic rally. The audience all stood up for God Bless America, God Bless the USA as well as the national anthem.
I was the only one in my group that only stood up for the national anthem. One of my very best friends said you may not feel patriotic but when I see what's happening in my parents country of Hungary I really appreciate the USA. I tried to gently tell her that I really did love my country but I felt nationalism was part of what was happening in Hungary and I could see it rising in America as well. In fact I felt that standing up for these other songs actually watered down the significance of standing for our national anthem. Of course all the God bless stuff was offensive to me.

She's a good Catholic that's accepted my atheism for many years so there were no more comments.

Lorajay 9 July 4
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5 comments

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0

Cant find a leader better for me, than myself.
Not bragging, it just fact.
Wish it was so for most people.

1

My Country first and foremost, my leaders only when they earn it. I think I heard Utah Phillips say this the first time I heard it.

2

There is a difference between the patriot and the nationalist, but it is all to easy to accuse the former of being the latter and to mistake the latter for the former to your dire cost.
The Patriot will give their own life willingly in aspiring to protect the beloved country and it's ideals
The Nationalist will take their citizens lives in defense of his own ideals and aspiration and use the love of country as an excuse.

1

At least you stood for the National anthem. I can respect that.

3

Yeah, it's pretty hard to feel patriotic when half the country is doing all they can to turn it into a fascist dictatorship, and then wrap themselves in the flag thinking they are patriotic.

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