Is patriotism a desirable emotion?

[senz]

11. Depends on what it's based on.

If it's comparative and competitive with other nations -- IOW, if it's based in clannishness, tribalism, or sports team analogies -- then it's nationalistic and leads to a degradation of life here and abroad.

But if it's based in a reverence for shared ideals and the desire to collectively uphold and exemplify them, then it can be very positive.

I consider myself patriotic because I cherish the ideals on which this country was founded and believe that if we as a people can get the usurpers -- the concentrations of private wealth and influence, AKA the oligarchy -- out of government and restore the rule of the people, AKA democracy, this country will again be very livable and we will again be a positive force in the world.

And that, btw, is why I support Bernie Sanders for president.