In my opinion, being patriotic is being supportive towards your country and always willing to serve it. Soldiers are probably the most patriotic out of anyone in the world; being willing to sacrifice their home, family, friends, and life in order to perform a duty to protect their country and save the lives of their fellow citizens. Because of my view of what patriotic means, I think it is truly a wonderful thing to be patriotic.

I'm copy-pasting this comment from somewhere else, so forgive me if it makes reference to something that is not included.

Why does it do harm? Blind patriotism doesn't do anyone any favors, that's true, but a general and genuine love of your country can create bonds between strangers, unite communities, and keep morale up during difficult economic, political or military times - which, let's face it, the US has had a lot of in the past ten years. Besides, it's a genuine love of my country that causes me to constantly question its policies, and the opinions and goals of the politician running for office, and how they see America.

I don't believe that I, as an American, am any better than anyone else just because I am American, nor do I believe my country matters more than any other country, or that it deserves more, or should be more respected by people outside of it. But it does matter more to me than many other countries, because it's my home, in the same way that Seattle matters more to me than Los Angeles of New York, because it's where I live. And it's this love of my home that spurs me to work in my community, make it a better place, and think "globally" and act "locally."

People express this in many different ways. Just because they love their country, and want to be proud of it, doesn't mean they hate everyone else's, or have no criticisms. I should hope everyone has pride in his or her own home country, and its rich history and culture (for it is my solid belief that every country has both rich history and rich culture), and accept it for the black spots on its past and present (for, similarly, every country has its shames). Certainly, I'm proud of the United States, with its rich history and culture, and accept it for its black, ugly spots, as I would a family member.

No one's perfect, but pride in your home country - regardless of what that country is - is natural, healthy and socially beneficial. After all, if the Egyptians didn't love their country as much as they did, they wouldn't have cared enough to rip it out of the clutches of a dictator.

You can be happy for your country. Just don't go waving flags around shouting "Australians first! Australia, Australia!" or "USA, USA!"

It's annoying as hell.
But there's nothing wrong with it.

Because sometimes it can depend on the circumstances...

It's fine, as long as you're not over-the-top and think that your country is perfect while the other countries are scum. You can be proud of your country but not be an egotistical louse.

I am patriotic, but for many countries. I root for a lot of people, not just myself and my own country.

well its better "to be" then "not to be", plus I do think it is "okay"

I think it's okay to appreciate local politics, but nationalism tends to lessen empathy and the perception of foreigners as fellow human beings deserving of the same rights you would want for your own circle.

As long as you're not preaching "#1 we are so much better than everyone else!"
That gets very annoying, especially here in America.

Well I am a muslim and we believe that love for the homeland is a part of faith ;) i really love my coutnry alot.

Yes, as long as you aren't going around telling people from other countries that your one is superior. I don't think that is classified as patriotic, anyway... I believe that is just idiots taking things too far. As far as I'm concerned, I love my country, even if I hate it sometimes, too...

As long as it's not used to further hate on another country.

^This. I'm okay with a certain amount of it, generally, as long as "love of country" doesn't become "hate of uncountry".

I feel like in general terms, because it so often does make this transition, patriotism/nationalism does more harm than good. Literally was just reading link by a veteran, which describes how ANZAC Day in my country has become less of a solemn time to reflect on the sacrifice and service of soldiers, and more of a celebration of nationalistic identity, with flag-waving galore and emotional anthem singing. It's disturbing to see.

It's also so often used to hate on that which people perceive to be "un-Australian". Anti-Muslim sentiment is largely driven by self-perceived "patriots", who do real damage with hateful anti-immigration rhetoric, anti-halal campaigns and general bigotry in the name of "preserving Australian culture". (Joke's on them, Australian culture itself is to be multicultural, and has been for most of its modern existence). Patriotism and the fixation on "national sovereignty" is very largely to blame for our horrendous human rights abuses against asylum seekers.
And before Muslims, it was the same with Asians and Asian immigration. Before that, it was Greeks and Italians. Every decade goes past, and "patriots" find another minority group to blame their problems on while asserting the superiority of "Anglo culture". Same story in the USA with Muslims and Mexicans, which Trump is relying upon to stir up the populace. And within Europe too, nationalism is directly to blame for the advent of far-right wing parties with worryingly fascist tendencies, like Front National in France, Golden Dawn in Greece (literally, neo-Nazis), and UKIP in Britain. Nationalism/ultra-patriotism has directly caused the rise of the populist bigot- in society, in media, in politics. And it's a very, very worrying turn for the Western world to take.

I think that there's nothing wrong with being patriotic or proud of the country you live in as it is the society you work in, contribute to and depend on. When it comes to American patriotism, I especially don't see anything wrong with it because as an American citizen I am proud of the history that my country was founded on liberty and freedom. I'm not pretending there weren't struggles along the way but I think all countries have some negative history and I think patriotism can be manipulated towards war and other things but I don't see anything wrong with patriotism in itself.

I disagree with the notion though that "Anglo cultures" assert their superiority over minority groups and blame them for their problems. Plenty of non-Anglo cultures assert their superiority over 'minorities' in their society with and without blaming them and it's in no way exclusive to Anglo cultures at all. Additionally, I think it's a very unfair distortion to claim that American culture blames "Muslims and Mexicans, which Trump is relying upon to stir up the populace.". Trump doesn't blame Muslims or Mexicans for American problems and neither does the USA. That's unfairly prejudicial and exaggerated. Trump and many US citizens blame the US government for incidents that just so happen to involve Muslims and Mexicans because of 9/11 and illegal immigration related concerns.

I never said it was exclusive to Anglo cultures. But as developed, educated nations with liberal democracies, we should be able to overcome it. And you'd think the fact it was a driving force behind dark parts of our history- colonialism (Australia was literally classified as "uninhabited" because natives weren't 'sophisticated' enough to be called a culture or even a people, apparently), Aborigine-killing, and slavery- would be enough to make us wary of the "cultural superiority" idea. Sure, non-Western countries blame problems on their own minorities too, but does it mean we should? It doesn't justify it at all and I think we can rise above it.

American culture does not blame Muslims and Mexicans. I think American culture is actually very receptive to immigrants, who literally made the country what it is and contribute to it still. I was saying that unfortunately, there are segments of American society (and this is true of all the other countries I mentioned like Australia, France, Britain, etc) who somewhat ironically, considering the aforementioned actual American ethos, label themselves as "patriots" and blame immigrants. Of course, not all (or even most, I believe) patriotic people do this. But many people that do so, do use "patriotism" as grounds on which to base their dislike of immigrants. This is the same the world over and it's why patriotism can be so damaging- because it often transcends from "love of country" to "hate of things foreign to country".

Lol. Trump wrongfully blames Mexicans for many problems. In his link, he blames them for pushing down wages of native workers (when economists have consistently found link), forcing Americans out of jobs (again,link), increasing healthcare/education/housing costs (nope, studies show that the typical immigrant pays more into the systemlink), and violent crime (link, the last 30 years have seen a boom in Mexican immigration together with a precipitous drop in violent crime. Contrary to what his rhetoric would have you think, the border city of eg. El Paso teems with Mexican immigrants and has one of the lowest murder rates in the country for cities over half a million). He blames Muslims... for well, a lot of things, including link potential terrorist attacks and thus purposefully ignoring/allowing them, when in reality link involve tips from the Muslim-American community. In short, his policy positions are heavy on populist xenophobia, nationalism and protectionism and exceedingly light on intellectual credibility. I am not prejudicial or exaggerating at all in regards to his 'stirring up the pot' in pursuit of his own political ambition.

^ Well I would think you would be praising Anglo cultures more then, since they are more "developed, educated nations with liberal democracies" that have overcome many civil struggles that most other countries haven't? (link) I don't see how colonialism is being portrayed as synonymous with racism when colonialism had nothing to do with race and everything to do with power? The longest held slaves of the British were the Irish, both of those groups being of the same race. I don't see how it's appropriate to link the obsession of power with 'cultural superiority'.

Anglo-cultures were the first to ban slavery, give women more rights and accept and give rights to LGBT communities.

"Sure, non-Western countries blame problems on their own minorities too, but does it mean we should? It doesn't justify it at all and I think we can rise above it."

^ We don't for the most part and I think we have risen above it more than most other places in the world. Why can't we get celebrate how far we have come and use the positive energy to progress rather than trying to shame ourselves for things we have largely overcome?

"I was saying that unfortunately, there are segments of American society (and this is true of all the other countries I mentioned like Australia, France, Britain, etc) who somewhat ironically, considering the aforementioned actual American ethos, label themselves as "patriots" and blame immigrants."

^ Do you have proof of this? I recognize that some people who are racist or bigoted against immigrants might also happen to be 'patriots' but could you provide examples of a group in America or Anglo society that cites patriotism as their right or reason to racism or being anti-immigration? I ask this because when Trump supporters for example say they care about jobs and economy, Trump protesters ignore that and insist that it's actually racism or bigoted anti-immigration. That is clearly an attack to not legitimately debate as it is just labeling.

"Of course, not all (or even most, I believe) patriotic people do this. But many people that do so, do use "patriotism" as grounds on which to base their dislike of immigrants. This is the same the world over and it's why patriotism can be so damaging- because it often transcends from "love of country" to "hate of things foreign to country"."

^ This "hate of things foreign to country" is most prominent in non-Anglo cultures though, specifically tribal ones. There are tribes today that refuse contact with outside civilization and physically attack immediately upon contact. (link) Should we force them to go against their cultures or do they get a pass because they are not Anglo which would in fact, be racism?

"Literally was just reading this article by a veteran, which describes how ANZAC Day in my country has become less of a solemn time to reflect on the sacrifice and service of soldiers, and more of a celebration of nationalistic identity, with flag-waving galore and emotional anthem singing. It's disturbing to see."

^ So what do you think about the illegal and legal immigrants in America waving their Mexican flags and dancing around, cursing in Spanish and attacking Americans in a violent bigoted fashion just because they are at or near a specific rally to hear a specific person (Trump) speak, and labeling them as racists for it (even though they're not even a race but upset about the offense at their nationality) because of their patriotism to a foreign country? Is that equally disturbing to you? I posted videos of it in the video section so you can see for yourself. They also blocked traffic, attacked police officers and destroyed a police car while waving their Mexican flag and shouting in Spanish. Do you think the illegal and legal immigrants here should drop their patriotism for their home countries, especially if it entices them to illegal activity as found in the videos?

Perhaps you didn’t understand what I wrote or missed it when reading: Donald Trump does not blame Mexicans for any problems nor any Muslims, he blames the US government for not handling issues properly that just so happen to involve Mexicans and Muslims. He blames our immigration system for allowing illegal immigrants - who happen to mostly be Mexicans since they geographically border us - to take advantage of it. It has nothing to do with actually being from Mexico itself but rather that Mexico borders us and therefore is able to take advantage of us more than other countries.

Do illegal immigrants push down wages of native workers? Of course, that is because illegals do not have to get paid the legal minimum wage and it hurts lower income citizens the most.
“One of the reasons lower-income workers have taken such a hit over the past few decades is because of illegal immigration. But how much of a hit is a matter of great debate among economists.” (link)

Do illegal immigrants force Americans out of jobs? Of course they do, I was one of them. Graduated from high school and I couldn’t get a job at McDonald’s or any other fast food place because I don’t speak a foreign language (Spanish) in my own country to work with the illegal and legal immigrants who get that job that they didn’t earn over me. This is because I live in one of the states in America that has the most illegal immigrants, especially Mexicans. I tend to think you don't live in one of these states based on your opinions or at the very least have never lived in a largely immigrant community. I know many people who cannot get jobs who are qualified, even overqualified compared to those already hired who can’t even speak English and constantly have problems communicating. Can you honestly tell me that a foreigner who can’t speak English (and refuses to learn) should get a job over US citizens here trying to work an honest and humbling job? (link)
Again, it is the people who come from legal immigrant backgrounds and/or low income backgrounds (as I did with a single mother on welfare) that end up losing our jobs to illegals. That is why Donald Trump has a surprising amount of support among "Latinos/Hispanics/etc." who are legal.

Please stop interchanging illegal immigrant with legal immigrant because they are not the same by any means and Donald Trump has never said anything against legal immigration or immigrants. Donald Trump never said legal immigrants “increasing healthcare/education/housing costs” as you said.

Violent Crime:

"In FY 2014, CBP officers at ports of entry arrested 8,013 people wanted for serious crimes, including murder, rape, assault, and robbery." says Department of Homeland Security. (link)

"The Violent Crimes Institute conducted a 12 month in-depth study of illegal immigrants who committed sex crimes and murders for the time period of January 1999 through April 2006. This study makes it clear that the U.S. faces a dangerous threat from sexual predators that cross the U.S. borders illegally... The Institute analyzed 1,500 cases in depth, including serial rapes, serial murders, sexual homicides, and child molestation committed by illegal immigrants... Offenders were located in thirty-six states, with the most of the offenders were located in States with the highest numbers of illegal immigrants." says the Border Report by The House Committee On Homeland Security, Subcommittee On Investigations. (link)

"“The women passing through here know that they’re going to be raped,” said Father Pedraza, director of a shelter for migrants in Altar." says Latino Fox News. (link)

"“If I gave him my daughter, then he’d wait for me,” Salinas said. Meaning, if she let him have sex with her daughter. She refused, and he abandoned them. They only survived because they found Border Patrol.... And when a woman is raped in remote stretches of the border region, it almost always goes unpunished. Almost always... Border Patrol agents found a group of nine migrants in a remote spot east of Arivaca, Ariz. last winter and learned that a 14-year-old girl in the group had been raped." are some examples of rape at the US-Mexico border, courtesy of PBS. (link)

“According to ICE records, as of October 2014 there were 276 such jurisdictions in the United States. Over an eight-month period in 2014, more than 8,100 criminal aliens who were the subject of detainers were instead released back to the streets as a result of local non-cooperation policies. Approximately two-thirds of these individuals had a serious criminal history at the time of their release. Nearly 1,900 have subsequently re-offended. Only 28 percent have been re-apprehended by ICE.”

"The report describes six instances of very serious crimes committed by criminal alien felons who were sought by ICE with a detainer, but nevertheless released by a local law enforcement agency with sanctuary policies.”

• Santa Clara County, Calif.: On April 14, 2014 an individual with nine previous convictions (including 7 felonies) and a prior removal was arrested for “first degree burglary” and “felony resisting an officer causing death or significant bodily injury.” Following release, the individual was arrested for a controlled substance crime.

• Los Angeles, Calif.: On April 6, 2014 an alien was arrested for “felony continuous sexual abuse of a child.” After release, the alien was arrested for “felony sodomy of a victim under 10 years old.”

• San Francisco, Calif.: On March 19, 2014 an illegal alien with two prior deportations was arrested for “felony second degree robbery, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, and felony possession of a narcotic controlled substance.” After release, the alien was again arrested for “felony rape with force or fear,” “felony sexual penetration with force,” “felony false imprisonment,” witness intimidation, and other charges.

• San Mateo County, Calif.: On February 16, 2014 an individual was arrested for “felony lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.” In addition, the alien had a prior DUI conviction. Following release by the local agency, the individual was arrested for three counts of “felony oral copulation with a victim under 10” and two counts of “felony lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.”

• Miami Beach, Fla.: On December 19, 2013 the police department arrested an alien for felony grand theft. This alien had been ordered removed (and presumably absconded) in 2009. The alien also had prior convictions for strong-arm robbery, cocaine possession, larceny, trespassing, theft, marijuana possession, and resisting an officer. After release by the local agency, the alien was arrested on two separate occasions; once for “aggravated assault with a weapon and larceny” and once for “under the influence of a controlled substance.”

• Santa Clara County, Calif.: On November 7, 2013 an alien was arrested (and later convicted) for “felony grand theft and felony dealing with stolen property.” This alien had been ordered removed in 2010 (again, a likely absconder). The alien also had prior felony and misdemeanor convictions for narcotic possession, theft, receiving stolen property, illegal entry and other crimes. After release by local authorities the alien was arrested for “felony resisting and officer causing death or severe bodily injury” and “felony first degree burglary.”

(link)

These aren’t violent crimes? Is your best argument that the rate is decreasing? If an illegal immigrant is committing violent crimes then why are we letting them stay here to continue committing more crimes?

“Victims Of Illegal Aliens Memorial In honor of the thousands of American citizens killed each year by Illegal Aliens. Deaths that could have been prevented if Congress and the President would have secured our border and enforced existing U.S. immigration laws.” (link)

I hope you are not suggesting that my opinion is simply based on Trump's rhetoric when it is actually based on personal experience and research.

El Paso:

“When dealing with border communities, the report also doesn’t look at drug trafficking offenses, human trafficking, extortion, racketeering and other activities that have become synonymous with Mexican drug cartel activity.” (link)

“The year-to-year variability was as high as a 220 percent increase in murder in El Paso, Texas, a city of 679,700, going from five murders in 2010 to 16 the following year to a 57 percent decline in murder in El Paso in 2013, as number of murders there subsided to 10 from 23 in 2012.” (link)

How does Trump blame Muslims for “a lot of things” yet you only named one, which wasn't really "blaming" but more criticizing?

Here are 2 Muslims who think it was good that Trump said what he did as they believe Muslim-Americans should be more involved with helping intelligence. This isn’t blaming Muslims and I think you are falsely portraying this by saying Trump is blaming Muslims as he isn’t blaming them but urging them to be more involved. There is no reason to believe this is coming from being anti-Muslim and isn’t coming from a place of positive intent.
1: (link)
2: (link)

“In short, his policy positions are heavy on populist xenophobia, nationalism and protectionism and exceedingly light on intellectual credibility. I am not prejudicial or exaggerating at all in regards to his 'stirring up the pot' in pursuit of his own political ambition.”

^ I am sorry but I have to say that I think you are absolutely being prejudicial and exaggerating this. His policy positions are not based on xenophobia though they are based on nationalism. None of his policies are in any way “exceedingly light on intellectual credibility”. How can you even say that? Just because you don’t like him or don’t agree with his policies doesn’t mean you should just call him or his policies stupid. You may think his policies are wrong or misguided but they are by no means lacking in intellectual credibility and no one who is an expert on policy would say that. That is a completely biased and prejudicial opinion that holds absolutely no weight. Donald Trump is an ivy league graduate from Wharton Business school and he had to earn his degree. Again, you may not agree with him personally but that doesn’t make him stupid.

Furthermore, I believe it’s this exact kind of attitude you are displaying that hurts Americans and divides us because instead of respectfully debating and trying to understand differences, you resort to name calling and presumptions. Just because someone has an opposite opinion of you doesn't mean they are wrong, bad, stupid, incompetent, etc. At the very least I wish you and others would at least show the compassion and consideration of giving someone the benefit of the doubt of being misguided or misinformed before insulting and/or attacking them.

I'll reply to this one day lol. But I got law exams in 3 weeks *dead*

^ Take your time. Priorities are more important, good luck with your exams. :)

Thank you! :)