The Demonstration's Patriotism

What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility ... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime--Adlai Stevenson

Indeed, the responsibility of each Lebanese is the protection and uplifting of his/her country so that the sense of self-reward grows. On the contrary, what we are seeing these days are tribal emotions conquering patriotism. The lust after the "presidency" or the paranoia of arms are leading the masses towards a fearful path while all the while Lebanon is the scapegoat.

Barbara Ehrenreich said, " No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots." This couldn't have been said in a better way to suit the present context. The warning to raise the demonstration's tempo up is an alarming sign for if the death of a demonstrator and sectarianism highlighting was a lesser level of the Sunday's level, then we have to brace ourselves to face more difficulties.

I do not want to be a pessimist but this veil of faith that is the umbrella of this movement is making it hard to beat. And (I acknowledge I am quoting a lot today, but the quotes are fitting this jigsaw puzzle perfectly) "The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny; flattery to treachery; standing armies to arbitrary government; and the glory of God to the temporal interest of the clergy." David Hume