What is patriotism ?

(Courtesy : The discussion on Patriotism in "The Nation")

Katrina vanden Heuvel


Editor at large, The Nation

Forty-seven years ago, as another war drew to a close, President Franklin Roosevelt called for an Economic Bill of Rights. It included "the right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation; the right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation...the right of every family to a decent home; the right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; the right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident and unemployment; the right to a good education." Try to imagine President Bush calling for such a bill.

Patriotism means that no citizen is denied these basic rights. For unless there is security here at home there cannot be lasting peace in the world.