Ray Buursma: What is patriotism?

As we recently celebrated our nation’s independence, please consider the thoughts of others concerning patriotism.

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” — Bob Dylan

“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” — Alexis de Tocqueville

“We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.” — Barack Obama

"Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.” — James Bryce

“Driving a pickup truck with an American flag on one side and a flag with a politician’s name on the other side makes neither you, nor him, a patriot.” — Ray Buursma

“Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism — how passionately I hate them!” — Albert Einstein

“Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” — Adlai Stevenson II

“I think my patriotism is strong enough to not be offended when somebody takes a knee during the anthem.” — Sean Doolittle

“I feel, if I criticize my country, it's not because I don't like my country. I love my country. That is my patriotism. I want to make it a better place for my children, for everyone. And if we don't look at what's in front of us, and we allow things to get out of hand because of other vested interests, then as citizens are not doing a good job.” — Soni Razdan

“Patriotism is often the cry extolled when morally questionable acts are advocated by those in power.” — Charles Manning

“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, 'How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.” — Donald Trump

“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” — Samuel Johnson

"The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Fredrick Douglas

“Unfortunately, religion, like patriotism, is easy to misuse for political purposes.” — Kjell Magne Bondevik

“There is a fuzzy but real distinction that can and I believe should be made, between patriotism, which is attachment to a way of life, and nationalism, which is the insistence that your way of life deserves to rule over other ways of life.” — Todd Gitlin

“You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.” — Malcolm X

“America is not static. America is striving. And sometimes, America requires critique. Jingoism is an avoidance of realism. You can simultaneously love and be disappointed in the object of your love, wanting it to be better than it is. In fact, that is a measure of love. Honest critique is a pillar of patriotism.” — Charles M. Blow

“Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.” — Henry Steele Commager

“Patriotism has served, at different times, as widely different ends as a razor, which ought to be used in keeping your face clean and yet may be used to cut your own throat or that of an innocent person.” — Charles Edward Montague

“Unfortunately, our history has abundant examples of patriotism being used to hurt those who express views in disagreement with that of the majority.” — Vic Snyder

“There are others who aim at popularity under the disguise of patriotism.” — Jonathan Mayhew

“Patriotism is honor and love of your country and your brothers and sisters. With politics I get the impression that it's all about what's good for the party and not necessarily what's good for the country.” — Ricardo Montalban

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain

Please enjoy and respect the form of government granted to you by our founding fathers. Do not support or condone those who would usurp our democratic republic.

— Community Columnist Ray Buursma is a resident of Holland. Contact him at writetoraybuursma@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ray Buursma: What is patriotism?