Patriotism is overrated.

@SW-User If only more people drew that distinction there would be less aggro from nationalists who don't understand that a patriot can make valid critical comments about their own country while keeping a sense of respect for its good points and people.

@Frank52 When disagreements and criticism are perceived as personal attacks, it becomes increasingly harder to have any sort of reasonable discussion, unfortunately.

All it takes is 1 differing opinion and many are willing to write that person off entirely, as if that one held opinion was the sum of everything that makes up who they are.

@SW-User There is absolutely nothing wrong with 'nationalism'. The US and most of Europe needs a good dose of it.

@puck61 I understand your point. However, I'll never agree with any form of blind faith in anything. No country is above criticism and that is what separates patriots from nationalists.

For reference, I do support the shift in politics in Europe and US before it's too late over the last 3 years or so, it was long overdue.

@SW-User I've been telling folks that Europe is going to be shifting towards right wing nationalism for a while now! ( I hate how I sound! ) It's like a wheel that just keeps turning as longs as people live together in autonomous groups. We go left and the blacksmiths and the farmers complain. We go right and the professors and journalists complain. Each political shift is a backlash from the last one. Here's to many more! 🍻

@puck61 Though I have to admit, reading a lot of news headlines was real life stand up comedy, here's to many more 🍺

@SW-User Exactly.