IMHO, patriotism without rabidity.
Be proud of your country and stand behind it sure, but don't defend it on principle alone. I am 100% American and VERY proud of it, but I ALSO admit that we have failings and shortcomings. I am not blind to the fact that, although we may be able to elect our leaders, we have very little, if any, say in what they do once they are elected. I also question every bit of news I hear. I know full well that my government doesn't tell everything to it's people. I'm not stupid.
I also feel there IS a fine line between patriotism and fanaticism. We have to be very careful never to cross that line. I feel that this is where most terrorist come from in the first place. That and not getting (or not wanting) the whole truth. They see only what they are taught, are not allowed to question and wouldn't question if given the chance. Basically - they are ignorant. Seeing the pictures of those Palestinians celebrating gave me chills. Especially seeing as how many of them were CHILDREN!!! But they have no other information than that which they are fed, so they believe Americans are monsters that should be wiped from the earth. Then they have children of their own and tell them the same things. Very scary!
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"Allright! We'll call it a draw."
"I'm INVINCIBLE! ... You're a LOONEY!"
Dare to dream. Be bold enough to try.
The day we stop learning is the day we start dying!(c)