>> It may not surprise you to learn that many Americans (US variety)
>>believe nationalism can be a positive force for progress.
It probably won't surprise anybody. US nationalism has been an
embarrassment for years, whether we're cringing at the boorish displays at
the Olympics or horrified by the latest bombings, covert drug-dealing
operations, or president-by-decree. Makes upholding the honor of the native
sod a tough job.
>> If one has a healthy attitude towards one's self, it is only
natural and sane to primarily identify with those who share the same
passions and prejudices.
Sane? That's what's had us teetering at the brink. Glen is right: we need
cooperation far more than competition. It has been in short supply.
<<and if we think that intelligence applied to societal problems is
helpful, how can anyone of even moderate intelligence condemn the
mechanism of group selection as irrational. Pat
Au contraire, nationalistic group Selekzion has been hugely destructive.
Nothing intelligent about wiping out indigenous peoples, or headbutting
that causes armies of hapless draftees to get pointlessly killed off.
Oh well. Back to linguistics?
Max Dashu