Peace, Man!Samuel Johnson famously said that, “Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.” Patriotism should be a uniting force. Political opportunists use it to divide instead. Mr. Johnson’s words ring true to this day, but we might be moving away from the virtually sacrosanct petty nationalism of the 00’sThe Hard Core punk movement of the early ’80’s made an impression on me. The music and images of the scene spoke to people like myself who didn’t feel like they fit in. It was truly a subculture where like minded people associated through music events and Do-It-Yourself media.It wasn’t only about the style of music. Many of the bands espoused radical politics. The Anarchy A symbol was prevalent in the graphics of album covers and punk literature. This reflected a movement that was decentralized and self-sustaining. There was underlying theme of anti-authority and explicit opposition to the Reagan administration. Confronting society and a government corrupted by big business was central in the aggressive, hard styled music that tore unabashedly into mainstream society.Of course Hard Core punk mocked nationalism. The presumption was easy. If America is about freedom, why do people subjugate themselves with mainstream conformity?I can’t say that I used to be an America hater. I’ve voted in every presidential election since I turned 18. I was more America ignorant. We can choose what we make of symbols. I once mistook an American flag for a curtain and used it as a towel. Some folks witnessed this and got mad. I couldn’t understand their reaction and I blew them off as petty nationalists. So what? It’s only a curtain! Over the years, my perspective has changed and that incident has grown into something that I’m ashamed of. The flag does mean something and it took me practical experience to understand why.As I became active in our democratic system, I started to recognize the opportunities to make change.With the democratic process it’s important to get involved in a face to face way. I regularly attend public meetings. At many of these we perform the Pledge of Allegiance. I salute the flag because it’s an acknowledgment of the freedom and democracy that make up the American ideal. It’s a long held right in this nation to be able to hold meetings. Many died or were injured in a good faith defense of these ideals. I live with the benefits so I can give a moment of respect.I’ve seen people choose to not salute: and that’s alright be me. What is the value of a coerced act anyway?At a recent town hall meeting, Sen. John McCain said that it can be tough to be proud of the USA. He also said we need to have a humble and inclusive foreign policy. Indeed, these statements can be seen as creating a distance from the “Bring ‘Em On” posturing of the current Republican administration. The Senator’s words also mark a refreshing departure from the nationalist hysteria that gripped the nation for most of this decade. Imagine, six years ago the reaction if any candidate for public office made that kind of statement ?Or perhaps there’s a double standard? If Sen. Obama said such a thing, he’d be attacked by pompous scoundrels so wrapped with the flag, you’d think they were wearing red, white and blue burkhas!Using nationalism for partisan gain or self aggrandizing denigrates the hard won ideals that make up the notion of America. Humility and inclusion are universal and a good basis for policies to meet the realities of a developing world in the 21st century.