by F.M. Luder

Created on: February 21, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

I think that nationalism is a misnomer in this context. Nationalism is defined as blind obedience to a government entity or administration. A democracy leaves no room for Nationalist Ideals, as nationalism is the first step in fascism. I think patriotism was more the word people were looking for here.
But Patriotism does not mean undue concern for leaders, or keeping observances on certain days. Patriotism is best served by protection of the constitution and democracy itself. While it might be a nice idea to insist on closing stores, etc in observance of someones death, such a show of concern would in no way benefit the American people. Poeple too often forget that our founding fathers designed our government as a tool for the people, and made no bones about the idea that the government was meant to SERVE the people, not the other way around.
I don't know when people got that concept turned around in their head, maybe it was Kennedy's ask not what your country can do speech. However, your country and your government officials are two seperate entities, people often confuse refusal to do for the administration as refusal to help the country, and it is often in fact, the exact opposite.

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