The Billiken's Bluff

(It was charged in the previous post below that patriotism is "idiotic," and further that it is especially harmful in countries that are powerful. I pointed out that this suggestion would be vigorously refuted by historical figures from Pericles through Daniel Webster. But for a defense of patriotism in more modern times, below are the words of Democratic presidential nominee Adlai Stevenson when he spoke at the Democratic convention in 1952, presented in a blogging style pioneered by the Billiken's own Got.)

"What do we mean by 'patriotism' in the context of our times?





I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power



- to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self respect and the respect of all mankind;





a patriotism that puts country ahead of self;



a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outburts of emotion,



but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.





When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea.



He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw a the breath of self-respect.













Men who have offered their lives for their country know that patriotism is not the fear of something, it is the love of something. Patriotism with us is not the hatred of Russia; it is the love of the Republic and of the ideal of liberty of man and mind in which it was born, and to which this Republic is dedicated.



With this patriotism, patriotism in its large and wholesome meaning - America can master its power



and turn it to the noble cause of peace.



-Adlai Stevenson, 1952