Col,

You say that, "...Patriotism to some degree is inherent
in all people with a healthy perspective of their
life and how it relates to their origins..."

That still doesn't quite answer my question though.
Where is a person's loyalty supposed to lie - to the
country of their ancestry, or the country in which
they are currently living?

And why?

I'm curious to hear your take on this subject.

Houellebecq,
You have waded into a comment taking it personally(?) and out of context.
As I'm sure you know anything taken out of context can be seen to be many things its not.

What you read was a mixture of psych 101 and observation by me based on years observations in the field (my opinion only. they were specific to the context we were discussing. I'm sure those involved saw it in the correct context. People are at liberty to take or ignore my views. I force them on no-one.

It seems to me that you are more than a little inconsistent. First this subject has been going for days and is close to its end...you come in and decide to lecture the ladies on what… a harmless diversion where nobody was being harmed. Talk about pompous and insulting.

Some of your posts have valid points and others don’t but I don’t leap in and attack you *personally* so why do you attack me? You are at liberty and I would welcome an informed/reasoned rebuttal of my thumb nail *generalization*.
BTW I have altered some views because of points raised on this site…and you?

The problem is I can’t ‘un-experience’ what I have (in many cases I wish I could) neither can I unlearn what I have learned in order to offer “acceptable” opinions nor should I. If I have done something then why hide it if it is apposite to the topic… as a basis/context for the opinion.
If someone else hasn’t comparable experiences/knowledge/ education that’s not my fault.

Unlike some patriots I take my pride from the good that *I * do (and the shame for what I’ve done knowingly wrong) not in of an accident of birth, the actions of others or give allegiance to some petty dictator because their ‘our petty dictator’. To me if events (taken in context are) wrong then they are (in my opinion) but that doesn’t mean be judged as b/w, life isn’t like that.

Oh examinator,

"You have waded into a comment taking it personally(?) and out of context."

I took nothing personally from the post.

"What you read was a mixture of psych 101 and observation..."

Your 'analysis' was a hell of a stretch and a massive generalisation about patriotic people, and naive pigeon holing. The ugliness of character you attempted to depict in this self defined 'other' reflected much more on your own character and you don't even recognise it.

"It seems to me that you are more than a little inconsistent."
Most people are. Which illustrates my point about your naive pigeon holing.

"...you come in and decide to lecture the ladies"
Lecture? I think you're stretching it again. It was a light hearted jibe. Foxy's reaction proves that.

"The problem is I can’t ‘un-experience’ what I have (in many cases I wish I could) neither can I unlearn what I have learned in order to offer “acceptable” opinions nor should I. If I have done something then why hide it if it is apposite to the topic… as a basis/context for the opinion.
If someone else hasn’t comparable experiences/knowledge/ education that’s not my fault."

Hahaha. That smells, nay, reeks of... 'It's such a burden being so smart and having to talk down to your level. Don't hate me because I'm so fabulous, it's really hard being so educated and intelligent you know.' Which kind of proves my original point doesn't it. Case closed.

BTW: I'm the least patriotic person you would find. I just happen to take offence at your constant high and mighty attitude.

Houellebecq,

I am disappointed that you view me in such a light.
Foxy is a unique personality I think that she sees the good in every one.
OK I am clearly less so. In hind site my initial post to you was unnecessarily suspicious (Nothing more).

The part you read as self congratulatory et al was intended to convey that I am moulded by both the good and bad that I have learned/experienced. I can be no more/less than I am. I would draw your attention to ’my regrets’ and that I said ‘comparable’ *not* better. How else can I indicate that I don’t see myself as any more than anyone else? Which begs the question how can I reasonably argue a contrary position with out giving some basis for that opinion? If cite reading/education or experience then I’m pompous or talking down.

The only ‘high horse’ (as such) I can admit to on OLO is being annoyed with the level of abuse and personal attack of some…it is so unnecessary/ inappropriate (you choose the word) and against the rules. The odd jibe is fine but when it becomes, extreme, personal, vindictive or offensive…I’m sorry but that I don’t accept. That is no more pompous than saying I don’t accept yelling and swearing at the theatre and attempting to do something about it (Simply lack of respect for others).

To me the difference between arrogance/pomposity etc is the willingness to accept other opinions and debate an issue without insult. Not simply say its trash then walk away.
I make no pretence to any concept of superiority over anyone. I guess its all in the eye of the beholder

WHAT IS PATRIOT?

1. From the first American soldiers who killed in Iraq was a latino with green cart.
Was this man an American patriot or not?
2. About 13% of American population are blacks but 33% from the American soldiers in Iraq was black. Are American blacks more patriots from whites?
3. If not can we tell that patriotism does not depends only from who fought and dieed for his country?
4. In the second war, Bill Brand, (later president of SPD, SocialDemokratic party from West Germany, Canselor(prime minister) from West Germany and President from Socialist Intrnational, an International Political organization which consist from all the socialist, socialdemocratic and labor parties worldwide) this man left the NAZI Germany and from overseas fought against Hitler and German militery forces. The German militery forces controled from NAZI but the german soldiers was not NAZI and they did not care or fought and died for the NAZI but for their country.
Bill Brand said that he loved his country and fought against Hitler and German Militery forces of cause his huge love for his country and the whole wolrd. He knew how bad for the german people and for the whole world was Adolfo Hitler.
My question is ==was Bill Brand a patriot or a bertaiyer from his country?
5. German soldiers who fought and many of them died for their country was good patriots or bad? Why they did not fight against Hitler but against the rest of the world and finaly drived the foreign forces into their country?
6 When was the race riots in Cronula Bech, Sydney, the prime minister Howard said a person who hold an Australian flag is a patriot and ask the people to calm, the premier from NSW Ienna said that it is not patriot a person who hold an Australia flag and create problems to his country and called them to calm or they will go to prison.
Who is Patriot?
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaid

Dear examinator,

I truly admire your patience, good manners, and
courtesy, in bothering to explain so nicely
your position while it should be crystal clear
to any person with even a basic capability of reason.

I congratulate you in sticking to your principles
and not stooping to any put-downs or insults but calmly
explaining your meaning to people that almost certainly
would not return the favour to you.

You have gone up even higher in my esteem. Well done!