Misguided patriotism

Ironically, a few days ago I saw the late Gore Vidal say on “Hardtalk” that patriotism is the cause of wars.

I remember when Americans who spoke out against American involvement in Vietnam and Iraq were called unpatriotic and worse. In fact, a writer at another newspaper referred to us as “pro-Saddam”. Yet in both situations we who questioned those wars turned out to be right. But because patriotism prevents people from thinking clearly, many Americans died for nothing before America came to its senses.

But if we define patriotism as merely loving certain aspects of our country’s culture, I have no problem with that. For example, here in Thailand I miss going to good American movies or going to major-league baseball games. But if patriotism means supporting my government whose leaders are nothing but prostitutes for the special interest groups, then I am proud to be called “unpatriotic”.

Eric Bahrt

Pattaya