AlterNet: Environment: How to Really Love Your Country: Five Objectives for True Patriots

AlterNet: Environment: How to Really Love Your Country: Five Objectives for True Patriots

Throughout history, some of the most respected defenders of liberty felt that patriotism implies thoughtfulness over blind acceptance of the norm.

1. How we spend our money
2. What we give to the world
3. The people we ignore
4. Our lifestyles
5. The growing income disparity

But what can we do? Find a presidential candidate who has the guts to stand up to the military and the arms exporters; who will ensure that multinational companies respect human rights laws; and who will cancel the tax cuts and capital gains breaks for the wealthy. And while we're complaining about government, we need to take a good look at our own unceasing demand for the consumer goods and comforts that make us many times better off than the great majority of people in the world.