Apples and oranges are different. The benefits of each type of fruit are good, although they are different. Apples and oranges also require different types of care and storage. They grow in different environments.

Much like apples and oranges, patriots and nationalists are two different breeds. During this time of year when candidates bandy words, the distinctions between words are often blurred. The blurring is done to mislead and deceive the people. If not done to deceive, then the candidates are ignorant.

Let us consider George Orwell’s take on the issue (Thanks to Robert Hayes for noting this). In his “Notes on Nationalism” he cites that patriotism as “devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force it on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseperable from the desire of power”.  Orwell saw the difference clearly.

The application is that there are candidates that are out for power. They are out to export the “American way of life” to parts of the globe it will not fit in. These candidates are loyal to power, not place. John McCain is one that is more loyal to power than to place. He is more loyal to power than to his family (e.g. look at the record. He played in Washington while his family fell apart into addiction and other problems), he is more loyal to power than to preserving the borders. In times past, the way a man treated and took care of his family said more about his values than what he preached. These days if a man preaches the right message, he is seen as good and the values he lived by are ignored. Such a practice is wrong and wicked.

The candidates wrap themselves in the flag of empire calling themselves a good Americans. Just look at their websites and see how many images of the flag you see. How many of them are living a lifestyle that seeks preserving their homeland, their way of life, their families (an mean it). There are some that talk family, but look at how much they spend of others money.  Those who question them are seen as un-American. If American=Nationalistic, we do not need it.  The leading candidate according to the press, John McCain wants to weaken the borders, give amnesty to illegal aliens, and increase the severity of gun control laws . When people speak against the invasion of illegals, they are banded as ‘haters’ and are seen as un-American, yet McCain still refers to some groups as “gooks”, but he is not considered a hater. There is a double standard here don’t you think.

The patriot, on the other hand, wants to preserve their land. They want to preserve their way of life. The word itself, goes back to the root “patris”. This is the word used in fatherland, land of the fathers. It comes with a devotion to one’s homeland, love of one’s country, love on one’s way of life.

It is a mistake to mix apples and oranges. It is also a mistake to confuse nationalism with patriotism. I love Texas. I love the Texas way of life and defend it. I do think it is better than the way of life in other places. I do not want to surrender it to criminals who are trying to steal it or to a CONgress who seeks to bankrupt it away as part of the collateral to international bankers. Does this attitude make me un-American? When I see wrong in spending money the empire does not have, when there are lies, when the regime lies to the people and defaults on its required duties I speak out. Texas can be better once the invaders and carpetbaggers leave. We need a lot more patriotism and less nationalism.

Are you a patriot or a nationalist?

Free Texas!

J Murrah

bankruptcy, Congress, Culture, Current Affairs, George Orwell, gun control, illegal immigrants, John McCain, McCains hate speech, nationalism, patriot, patriotism, Political Well Being, Washington DC

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