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Defining Patriotism
Nowhere in Peter Beinart's article, "Patriot Games," did I see mention of the word nationalism, which is what much of far-right patriotism really is [July 14]. It is not healthy to say, "I love my country, right or wrong." This leads to the delusion that our way of life is the right way for all the world and that we should impose it on people if they are unwilling. I love my country too — and I am not ashamed to acknowledge all of its mistakes, as well as all of its accomplishments.
Mark Fagerburg,
Richmond, Va., U.S.

It is our actions and accomplishments, not our rhetoric — and certainly not our jewelry — that define us as patriots. The flag pin on your cover has been a lightning rod for controversy during the presidential campaign, but it is not a litmus test for patriotism. Francis Scott Key wrote of the Stars and Stripes waving "o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave," not o'er the Brooks Brothers lapel.
Tracy Leverton,
Vienna, Va., U.S.

I found Beinart's article informative and accurate but also ironic. He says liberals don't like symbolic patriotism, and yet much of the support for the liberal candidate, Barack Obama, is symbolic. They are concerned more with what his mere election would mean than with what he would or could accomplish as President. Rather than finding this inspiring, I feel it smacks of American narcissism and naiveté. For the country's sake, I hope people — and the press — will evaluate the candidates on their qualifications, not their pop-culture IQ.
Carrie Wolfe,
Sterling, Va., U.S.

Sadly, the real meaning of patriotism for too many Americans has become a brand of arrogance toward and ignorance of other nations. Fueled by years of vengeful post – Sept. 11 rhetoric, this combination distorts America's real values and harms our standing in the world. Many countries far surpass the U.S. in areas such as environmental stewardship, public transportation and health care. My admiration of these countries is not a lack of patriotism but simply a confession that my homeland still has much to learn.
Brad A. Hoffman,
Solon, Ohio, U.S.

The issue is not how patriotism should be expressed. The issue is whether it is a positive force in the world. I don't think it is. Patriotism is what kept the media from questioning plans for invading Iraq before the war started. Fear of being labeled unpatriotic is what kept more legislators from voting against authorizing the invasion. The U.S. has a long history of not living up to its ideals. That's because more importance is placed on shallow expressions of honor and love of country than on making sure that all people are being treated equitably and that the values we cherish — and preach — are actually being upheld. We tend to excuse our past mistakes and continue to make them over and over.
Mary Brewerton,
Denver