Patriotism

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel!, to quote Samuel Johnson

How do you define patriotism? It is one of those emotional sentiments (which I never had very strongly! and which I feel is good) and politicians have always exploited to their benefit.

Recent examples that come to mind are George Bush invoking the name of patriotism to push for the case of war in iraq, his so called "war on terror", Slobodan Milosovic used it great effect in the war against Bosnia.

Within the family, the lady wife feels that I have no right to criticize Venezuela (as I'm not Venezuelan!!) This is feel as utter nonsense. It has the same logic that religion can't be questioned. But why not?

I've close ties to that country principal being the lady wife is Venezuelan and my kid half and have visited it more than 5 times and probably more during the course of my life-time.

Criticism if given well serves a purpose. It helps in improvement.