Is there a difference between being a patriot for ones country and ones governmental system? (NoHN)

Is there a difference between being a patriot for ones country and ones governmental system, according to Jensen?

"I have been told often that it is fine for me to disagree with that policy, but now is not the time to disagree publicly. A patriotic person, I am told, should remain quiet and support the troops until the war is over, at which point we can all have a discussion about the finer points of policy"

This point made by Jensen shows that some people might see it as unpatriotic to vocally disagree with policies and issues that one might have with their governments actions towards an issue.  This point makes it seem as if a true patriot can be against their government as long as they don't voice their opinions. But if they don't voice their opinions then when can they social justice ever occur? But that is a different question for a different day.

 "Being a citizen in a real democracy, we have said over and over, means exercising our judgment, evaluating policies, engaging in discussion, and organizing to try to help see that the best policies are enacted. When the jingoists start throwing around terms like "anti-American" and "traitor," we point out that true patriotism means staying true to the core commitments of democracy and the obligations that democracy puts on people. There is nothing un-American, we contend, about arguing for peace."

This point causes Jensen some angst, however, I don't see the issue with it. It contradicts his previous point but it does show that it's okay to disagree with your government in an attempt to better your society.


In conclusion, there is a difference. However, the line of where the difference occurs does seemk to be blurred.

~Ama-Bemma