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Originally posted by Yorick: quote: Originally posted by Link: I'm sorry Cerek, but what idiot patriotic broadcasting channel lets its employees wear American Flag pins???

One that's in a nation that just suffered it's worst attack ever. One just dealt a massive kick in the guts that needed every bit of solidarity it could get.

Would you condemn Spainish for wearing flags after the train attack? Show some sensitivity. Or is your memory deficient to the point that 9/11 holds no relevence or meaning to you?

Certainly your inability to understand little human things like grief, bonding, loyalty, pain and suffering are bewildering to say the least. [/QUOTE]

First off: my frustration (note that I never ever even used the word anger in my post) came from the fact that everywhere I look, listen and point my direction to I see American people totally glorifying their country. And I don't care a damn thing about America; I don't need to know how great it is, how rich it is, how powerful it is, or how many people in America wear white socks for the same matter. Patriotism is one thing, Yorick, fanaticism (as I described) is taking the love for your own country too far. Sure, I'll cheer for my home country when the European Championships football will start in Portugal, but [insert exquisite exaggeration] I won't walk about screaming "I love the Netherlands" like a blatant idiot constantly all day [/exquisite exaggeration]
Second: I honestly can't believe you brought 9/11 into this whole thing. It has utterly nothing to do with the discussion, and it sure as hell doesn't make the use of (in this particular example) flag pins legitimate. Once again: I was shocked when 9/11 happened, but that doesn't mean I have to think about it 24/7 anymore. Moreover, you have got to move on.
Third: you're lucky I've grown up enough to ignore your totally ignorant flame to me about being insensitive. What in the blazing hells would you know about me? Have you ever spoken to me, met me up to some point? I believe not.

What's the supposed reason for that? Because Americans feel proud for their country? You got to be kidding me! quote: I'm not trying to offend you or attack you here, but I think Americans are taking it one step too far by doing these type of things... even if it's just about a pin. American Patriotism is closer to fanaticism if you'd ask me.

Why should one culture criticise another Link? You're being bigotted. American patriotism makes perfect sense given the DIVISIONS within the nation. Divisions you clearly don't understand, or you would see American patriotism as necessary to the very fabric of the country.

In short mind your own business and leave a patriot to wear a flag if he feels so moved. It shows meanness of spirit, pedantism and bitterness to condemn or ridicule a person for have LOVE.

LOVE of country is a wonderful thing. Love is a wonderful thing. So Americans are proud of their country? Perhaps you're jealous? That's all it seems to be when you rant like this. A little jealous person who is envious that their country isn't as good.

If not, you should think about the picture you're presenting when you ridicule LOVE of country. [/QB][/QUOTE]Again: patriotism is love for your country, chivalry and fanaticism is taking things too far. I do not believe the wearing of flag pins to be something patriotic. It's something that's totally unnecessary: the flag pin cannot even begin to resemble the ('so-called') patriotism you are talking about. Patriotism is a feeling, not something that can be expressed by wearing a stupid pin: that only makes you boast about your own country.
And no, I'm not jealous. Actually I'm quite glad my country isn't the way America is. I'm glad we try to solve the problems in our own garden before tending to someone else's is what I'd say to that.