To The Editor:
Shavana Abruzzo, my eye was immediately drawn to your column in the July 11 issue (“Life, liberty and the pursuit of non-patriotism,” A Britisher’s View).
I was impressed by your passion for the history of this country. I am proud to have been born in a country that seeks freedom at most every turn.
However, I found your indictment of un-patriotic Americans a bit misguided. We get wrapped up in New York life and forget that across the country there are people whose views differ radically from New York.
While it may be unfashionable in certain circles in the city to show patriotism, across the country people fly the American flag proudly especially during holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day and the Fourth of July.
It is also important to have those in the country who are willing to question patriotism. Every democracy has checks and balances. It was blind patriotism which allowed free reign and executive privilege to our current administration which has sent our young men and women to lose their lives in Iraq, has allowed oil executives to enjoy record profits while we citizens pay record prices for gasoline and has worked tirelessly to limit our basic liberties in the name of “freedom.”
Also, it reduces the impact of your article on patriotism the fly the Union Jack under the title. If you’re unhappy with American patriotism, perhaps you would be happier in a more nationalistic state like Serbia. I love my country but I show my love by trying to make this the best country it can be, not by showing off my Fourth of July decorations to my neighbors.
Tim Doyle
Greenpoint
