Different people have different ways of relating to their country. It doesn't have to be a "one way is better than another way" thing.

When this topic comes up, it makes me think of Native Americans. It would be totally out of synch with their culture to do an equivalent of a pledge of allegiance to their tribe or talk about the subject, but they are generally an example of very intense clan allegiance.

On the other hand, when patriotism gets moved into politics, it always feels phoney to me. Some politician wrapped in an American flag with bible in hand spouting off about family values like Tom DeLay only suggests a political sociopath has found way to get votes.

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