patriotism

Love and devotion toward one’s country of origin, concern for the welfare of that nation.

It does seem that patriotism is concern for community and the citizenry of particular nations. The welfare of the nation includes its public health, not waving flags of any sort. Having rallies that defy public health, not caring about your neighbors’ welfare, the general welfare of the nation, its public health during a pandemic, is not patriotism.

Patriotism is not a belief in the infallibility of a leader, it’s loyalty to a nation state. If the nation state you are a citizen of is a democracy and has elections, having free and fair elections is patriotic.

Suppressing the vote, taking the vote to court, refusing to recognize the results of an election is not patriotic, no matter how many flags you wave.

11/17/20