The beginning of wisdom…* | Duly Noted

Socrates Split, Graphic by De La Vaca

Patriots want the best for their country.

Nationalists think their country is already perfect.

Patriots work to solve the problems their country faces.

Nationalists believe no problems exist, save for citizens who say otherwise.

Patriots work to improve the country for everyone.

Nationalists believe the country is only for a special few.

Patriots fight for their countrymen.

Nationalists fight for their flag.

Patriots hold elected all officials accountable for their service to the people.

Nationalists believe elected officials represent only those who voted for them.

Patriots believe in responsibility to the community we share.

Nationalists believe their community bears responsibility to themselves.

Patriots believe in the grace of service.

Nationalists believe in only the power of strength.

Patriots recognize the need for compromise in service to the greater good.

Nationalists believe only in the singularity of their own vision.

Patriots are proud of the country when it does good deeds and shame when it does not.

Nationalists are proud of the country regardless of what it does.

Patriots believe in the power of public discourse.

Nationalists think dissent is sedition.

Patriots think the flag should represent the people.

Nationalists think the people should represent the flag.

Patriots see beauty in the different cultures, religions, customs and beliefs of the populace.

Nationalists demand those differences be shed at the border.

Patriots embrace the friendship of our allies.

Nationalists embrace isolationism.

Patriots believe in a culture of shared values.

Nationalists believe in the value of a shared culture.

Patriots embrace change.

Nationalists fear it.

A patriot and a nationalist.

Which one are you?

*“The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” – Socrates