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Being AGAINST the Government DOESN’T Make You Unpatriotic

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Be Careful – Do not Confuse Patriotism with Nationalism!

Adolf Hitler and Nelson Mandela
Be careful of accusing someone of NOT being Patriotic… At one stage Adolf Hitler was a Patriot, and at one stage Nelson Mandela was accused of not being a Patriot. History can be a tough task master.

What is the definition of a Patriot?

Most definitions of patriotism are variations on these themes:

  • A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
  • Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
  • A person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the government.
  • A true patriot, who loves his/her country, works at heart and soul for the progress of his country and countrymen. Patriotism inspires a patriot to rise in revolt and fight for the freedom of his country.
  • The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does: the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility while the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to a war.
  • A patriot loves the country of his birth, vocally, visibly and in a forever biased manner.
  • A real patriot is someone who loves their country enough to speak up when they see something that needs to be changed and not someone who blindly assumes that their government knows best and is always right no matter what.

Too often on Social Media we see people who question the government and it’s decision on our behalf being called out as being UNPATRIOTIC.

Lest we forget the lessons from our past: One man’s Mandela is another man’s Freedom Fighter.

Patriotism is a love for one’s country and fellow citizens AND NOT blindly believing what the government in power tells us – that is called Nationalism – and that is what happened with Adolf Hitler and the National Party.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.