Is patriotism a desirable emotion?

[TreasonousBastard]

6. There's no real difference between patriotism and NFL fandom...

both are simply evidence of belonging to the same tribe. Sometime in the dim past we belonged to tribes for security, and the drive to belong still exists.

Now, patriotism can be great at times-- when we realize we have similar dreams and ideals and we are willing to shed blood when under attack, as in WWII. Or it can take the form of xenophobia and bigotry. Pride in our culture does not require tearing down others.