Redefining Patriotism without Merica

          Is there a way to redefine patriotism without involving war or simply limiting it to “America”?

   With the article in mind, it is hard to say whether we can really talk about patriotism without mentioning war. Patriotism seems to bring a sense of war with it; those who are patriotic are those who support the war and believe in it. However, that is not always the case. There are those who are patriotic or believe in America who absolutely reject the ideas of war or violence. Yet because of the standing connotation behind patriotism, or the word patriotic, it is hard to include those individuals. So, can we define patriotism and make it a term less about war? If we were to do so it would have to be something like "a strong support for where one resides." For anything more extreme we could wander into more of a nationalistic perspective, which could end up being very dangerous. Also, what about just simply opening it up to more than America? It would seem the word patriot almost always refers to just one nation and it would be hard to sneak away from that. However, as I said before, we could make the term more encompassing and allow it to be more than war and violence. There is nothing wrong with pride in one's residency - however, it is wrong when there are people left out of that definition because of their world-views. So yes, I do believe there is a way to redefine patriotism while leaving out war and nationalism. Defining it as "a strong support for where one resides," where support entails things like buying products made in the nation (or other area) where one resides, but not saying that area is better than any other area would probably allow people to feel proud of an area without slipping toward nationalism.

It's not unusual to be natural

 Is it okay or “natural” for one to be partial about government and congress in an impartial setting?

This question is rather simple. I believe that it is more or less human nature for someone to be partial or biased, especially in situations dealing with politics and government. When the setting itself is neutral it seems to open up more possibilities of being one sided. I think it is natural for someone to find themselves leaning towards one side or one party. With government being so based on sides and choosing one it is natural for someone to find themselves choosing a side.

I do believe it is an interesting concept, though, in relation to patriotism. When we talk about patriotism we often mention government and sides, like people who are left-winged and right-winged. It just seems to come naturally to people, and it is often expected of them. When it comes to impartial government and congress settings I do believe it is natural for someone to be partial.