Wednesday, July 05, 2006  On progressive patriotism.  As part of
my Fourth of July festivities yesterday, I went with some family
and friends to Long Beach to watch the fireworks display on the
Harbor next to the Queen Mary. As we arrived at the parking lot
for the event, I noticed some familiar bumper stickers.  I saw
"America: love it or leave it" more than a few times. There were
other jingoistic decals expressing similar sentiments, as well
as the more common associations of our country with a dominant
religious creed--crosses in the colors of the American flag, and
various other items.  It got me to thinking: what is the nature
of patriotism? What is the nature of progressive patriotism?
These are all questions that have been asked before--but I'm
going to throw my hat into the ring nonetheless.  Every July
4th, we gather by custom to celebrate the birthday of our
nation. But when we do, we're not merely celebrating the
existence of our country because it's our country and we live
here. We are, in fact,