Vermont is a state, and seems to be a state of cultural mind which has earned and prides itself on establishing societal standards by which others might (not must) live. Over past decades, we've attracted hundreds if not more kindred folks from afar to join us in the effort to keep our small state and it's people vibrant and active in the world's politics and processes. One example of this effort exists in the widely read and enjoyed weekly "free" paper, "Seven Days" (www.sevendaysvt.com) which hits the stands each Thursday. Contributions to the weekly are eclectic and vary from the whats and where of entertainment events and general interest stuff are happening as well as comments about the state, the nation and the world as those socio-political "parts" interact and effect all of us.

In the issue distributed the week on June, 16, 2008 on page 20, is an article describing the meaning and consequences of "patriotism" and how the concept plays itself out around the world, including in the U.S. I happen to believe the article to be a "must read" for any U.S. citizen expressing her or his patriotism. Simply, it should be read because it expands on the concept in a way we all might want to consider with regard to our personal patriotic beliefs. The title of the article is "Against Patriotism" and addresses "...public uses and abuses of emotion" framed in the name and behavior(s) of patriotic beliefs and actions by individuals, cultures and nations.
The author, Judith Levine, can be emailed at Levine@sevendaysvt.com.

I should refer also to another article which addresses the contemporary use of "Yellow Ribbons" as expressions of caring and support the troops patriotism. The article supports my occasional reference to the patriotic display of tattered, torn, filthy pennants and flags on motor vehicles such I've seen behind the radiator grill of local septic and sewage pumping trucks where they become bug-crushed, mud-spattered and road-greased symbols of the trashing of our nation's self-image.

Surely, there are far better, more honorabele and respectful uses for the flag most Americans swear allegiance to a many public events and privately in their homes.