America ranked as "most patriotic"

[The Persnickety Platypus]

When it comes to national pride, Americans are No. 1, according to a survey of 34 countries’ patriotism.

In a related story, The senate is closer than ever to passing a flag burning ban, which would join America with the ranks of Saudi Arabia, Afganistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and former Communist Cambodia as the only countries to ban flag desecration.

Now, I have never personally burned the American flag. But I'll tell you what, the day Congress bans it is the day I do.

Patriotism: how much is too much?

To gauge America's patriotism, I will compare our current administration/society to fascist Italy:

A large percentage of citizens with the physical inability to see any flaws in their nation's policy- Check

Centralization of authority under a dictator- We're getting there. I keep waiting for George to vye for an illicit third term.

Suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship- Flag burning ban

A policy of belligerent nationalism- Do you know what some people would do to me if I came out of the closet as being anti-American?

Corporate control over ecomony- Wal-Mart wages, Oil Companies supressing alternative energy industries and raking in record profits while the consumer suffers, single-source campaign contributer's deciding elections, tax breaks for the rich, overhaul of estate tax, ect.

Self-centered economic policies indifferent of other nation's needs- Definetly.

International attitude of arrogance and assertivness- No sh*t.

Invading foriegn countries simply power, influence, and economic assets- Iraq, Afganistan, soon to be Iran (in addition to the many secret wars and invasions that us normal folk may never know about)





Americans today are completely disconnected. I wish to delve deeper into this, but first, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Is America too partriotic?
How much is too patriotic?

[juliod]

Is it really true that it is illegal to burn the US flag?

No, It's not illegal. But many rabid fascists want to make it illegal.

It is well established that a ban of flag desecration is unconstitutional. So the movement is to amend the Constitution to allow it. That's appaling.

What's remarkably ironic is that most of these people are christians, who have a specific prohibition on idolatry.

DanZ

[The Persnickety Platypus]

What if I drew it in different colours or the wrong number of stars?

You would be burned at the stake. If you're lucky.



They are one vote away from passing it in the senate. It is oh-so-conveniently brought up for vote every election year- it's the Republican's favored method of firing up their conservative base just before elections.