Of Cynicism and Patriotism

Old Fogey's thoughts on the Fourth of July

Cynicism is an intellectually satisfying philosophy. After all, cynics usually have the facts on their side. The only problem with cynicism is that it never accomplished anything. Revolution, or even reform, requires some hope for the future, and my journey to DC for the antipoverty conference has inspired my hope. We had between 25 and 30 people from North Carolina, and 12 from the Research Triangle. We are already organizing in creative ways to keep poverty on the political agenda here in NC.

One source of hope from the conference was the number of politicians who wanted to speak to us. As Jim Wallis noted, they were not there for what they thought they could do for us but instead for what they perceived we could do for them. The religious right has been able to shape the debate because they never give up and are prepared to reward and punish politicians. So are we.

Which brings me to patriotism. Like religion, much evil is perpetrated in its name. Ideally, human beings should identify with all their species regardless of place of birth. However, there has to be some way to organize people for their protection and prosperity. The nation state works best if its residents are willing members. Patriotism can be the glue that holds us together, if it inspires individuals to place community above their self-interest, at least some of the time. Like optimism, it is easier to deride patriotism than to practice it. Yet it’s intellectually arrogant not only to support the nation without question but also to condemn it as beyond redemption.

In my mind, the truest patriotism seeks to see our nation as others see us, while working to create the country of which we dream.